Typology and Ifop have unveiled the first edition of the Skin Barometer, a study that combines 791,045 skin assessments conducted on www.typology.com in the first half of 2026 with an Ifop survey conducted in October 2026 among 1,000 representative French adults. It highlights the French public’s emerging skin concerns, the evolution of their skincare routines, and their expectations regarding ingredient composition. Its finding is simple: skin concerns are on the rise, particularly among young people. In response, skincare routines are becoming more complex. However, the instinct to add more products and active ingredients isn’t always the best solution.

The Quest for Perfect Skin, Shaken Confidence: The Growing Burden of Skin Concerns

In France, 63.9% of respondents to Typology’s online skin assessment reported having reactive skin in the first half of 2026, compared to 60.7% in 2023. Across all markets, this figure reached 63.7% in the countries studied (France, the United States, Germany, and Japan).

Beyond skin reactivity, wrinkles, blemishes, and visible pores rank among the top concerns for French people. These issues can also affect their self-confidence.

According to surveys conducted by Ifop:

• Wrinkles and fine lines are a major concern among 35- to 59-year-olds, an age group in which 46% of respondents say they are affected. They are also a greater source of self-consciousness in this group (37%) than among people aged 60 and older, which may indicate a gradual acceptance of the signs of aging.
• Skin imperfections are experienced as a greater source of self-consciousness among women than among men: 64% of women report feeling self-conscious about them, compared to 41% of men.
• Visible pores are emerging as a growing concern across all countries studied. This issue particularly affects young women, whose expectations regarding “perfect skin” remain high: 54% of them report feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their pores.

These results reflect a growing focus on skin appearance and quality, in a context where the ideal of smooth, flawless skin remains particularly prevalent.

The paradox: a desire for transparency, but little knowledge about active ingredients.

While value for money (61%) and product effectiveness (57%) remain top priorities, ingredients also matter: 45% of facial skincare users prefer natural ingredients.

However, 34% of facial skincare users are unaware of which active ingredients are present in their products. This paradox reveals a disconnect between transparency in product composition and understanding of the ingredients, creating a real opportunity for brands to educate consumers.

The most widely used and well-known ingredients remain vitamin C (32%), hyaluronic acid (29%), and collagen (23%).

“The French have never had greater access to information about active ingredients in cosmetics, yet one-third of them do not know which active ingredients they are using. This paradox highlights a real educational challenge for brands: transforming the abundance of information into expertise that is accessible to everyone.” Chloé Brunet, Director of Quantitative Research in the Beauty & Wellbeing division at Ifop Marketing.

More Comprehensive Skincare Routines Among Young People

The Ifop survey shows that 84% of French people use facial care products, averaging 3 to 4 products per day. Skincare routines are becoming more extensive among younger people: women under 35 use an average of 5 products. Young men are not far behind, with significant use of moisturizers (46%) and sunscreen (39%).

This generation also uses more targeted active ingredients (21% AHA / 24% BHA).

New ways of researching and purchasing, depending on the generation.

Online shopping is more common among those under 35. Supermarkets remain the primary channel for purchasing facial care products (64%). Online, the share reaches 37% among those under 35, compared to 28% for all consumers.

AI is gradually emerging as a new source of information on skincare, particularly among younger generations. Among those concerned about their pores or blemishes, 14% report using AI to find information. Social media is also frequently consulted to address these concerns, particularly regarding pores (28%).

Advice from a human professional remains the preferred option: when it comes to skin imperfections, pharmacists (38%) and dermatologists (33%) are the first points of contact.

Typology’s solution: stick to the essentials.

Faced with multiple skin concerns, the instinct is often to adapt one’s routine by adding targeted active ingredients. Each additional product increases the number of ingredients applied to the skin.

Effectiveness and skin tolerance are not mutually exclusive: having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you have to give up active ingredients. Each ingredient is selected for its function and skin tolerance. Typology has developed an approach to skin tolerance based on three principles:

• Minimalist formulations: Our essential formulas contain fewer than 20 ingredients. Our list of excluded ingredients omits substances that are otherwise authorized whenever there is any doubt about their safety for health or the environment.
• Traceability as a guiding principle: Short, transparent ingredient lists make it easier to understand the formulas and identify ingredients that may be causing a reaction.
• A thoughtfully curated routine, rather than a haphazard collection: Since 2020, the brand’s free online skin assessment has been taken nearly 9 million times. It helps guide each user toward a routine tailored to their skin type and specific skin concerns.

“For sensitive skin, the challenge is to carefully select ingredients whose inclusion is justified by the desired function. A minimalist formulation helps limit exposure to unnecessary ingredients, while retaining active ingredients whose benefits and tolerability are well-documented.” Stéphanie Soulé, researcher and head of scientificcommunications at www.typology.com, Ph.D. in Life and Health Sciences.

The full study and its methodological note are available here.

Take the Typology skin assessment online here.