L'Oréal has announced its latest innovation in the beauty tech space: Cell BioPrint, a skincare gadget designed to analyze an individual's skin and provide personalized advice on which ingredients will work best for them. Unveiled at CES 2025, the device is the result of a partnership with Korean startup NanoEntek, which specializes in chips that can read biofluids.

The Cell BioPrint works by having users take a facial tape strip, stick it on their cheek, and then put the strip in a buffer solution. This solution is then inserted into a cartridge for the device to analyze. Once the sample is processed, the device takes images of the user's face as they answer a few short questions about skin concerns and aging. From there, L'Oréal says it uses proteomics, or the analysis of protein structure and function from a biological sample, to determine how well the skin is aging.

The device then provides personalized advice on how to improve the skin's appearance, as well as predictions of how responsive the skin may be to certain skincare ingredients. This could be a game-changer in the skincare industry, where what works for one person may not work for another. The Cell BioPrint's appeal lies in its claim to use science to cut through the noise of conflicting skincare advice and product recommendations.

The rise of "skinfluencers" and the shift towards self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a surge in skincare popularity. However, this has also resulted in a confusing and expensive market, where consumers are often left to cross their fingers and hope that the latest product they've bought will actually work. The Cell BioPrint's promise of personalized skincare advice could be a welcome respite from this chaos.

However, as with most beauty tech, it's difficult to properly evaluate L'Oréal's methods without peer-reviewed studies or expert opinions. The company also claims the device can help predict future cosmetic issues before they manifest, such as hyperpigmentation or enlarged pores. While these claims are attractive, they remain to be seen.

L'Oréal says the Cell BioPrint will be easy to use, with the process taking only five minutes. The device will also allow users to repeat tests, enabling them to monitor changes and progress over time. Although the company has announced plans to pilot the device in Asia later this year, there is no concrete launch timeline or price available yet.

As the beauty tech industry continues to evolve, innovations like the Cell BioPrint could have significant implications for the way we approach skincare. If L'Oréal's claims hold true, this device could revolutionize the industry by providing consumers with personalized, science-backed advice on how to achieve their skincare goals. As the industry moves forward, it will be interesting to see how devices like the Cell BioPrint shape the future of beauty and skincare.