Clarins is bringing advanced AI and imaging into the beauty counter with the launch of its AI Skin Observer, an in store diagnosis tool designed to supercharge beauty advisor consultations rather than replace them. First introduced in 2025, the new device marks the latest milestone in the brand’s tech driven, customer centric strategy.
A mirror that sees 22 dimensions of your skin
Taking the form of a sleek mirror, the AI Skin Observer is fully integrated into existing consultation tables, so it feels like a natural extension of the classic Clarins skin check ritual. Using biophysical sensors and facial images captured under multiple lighting conditions, the system analyzes up to 22 skin parameters and translates them into clear, actionable insights for both the client and the beauty advisor.
This deeper diagnostic layer is designed to reveal what the naked eye can’t catch, helping advisors tailor routines and treatments more precisely to concerns such as texture, tone, hydration, or signs of aging. The goal is not to automate advice, but to enrich human expertise with data driven precision in real time.
Rolling out in flagship beauty destinations
The AI Skin Observer is already being deployed across 20 stores worldwide, targeting high profile retail environments where service and storytelling play a major role. Key locations include John Lewis Oxford Street in London, Printemps Haussmann in Paris, the Clarins boutique in Dubai Hills, La Rinascente in Milan, the Clarins boutique & spa in Shanghai Jing An Kerry Center, and Macy’s Herald Square in New York.
For shoppers who want a lighter, at‑home experience, a simplified web version of the tool is live on Clarins’ websites in several countries, including the U.S. (clarinsusa.com), the UK (clarins.co.uk), and France (clarins.fr). This dual approach lets the brand meet consumers both in store and online with consistent, tech enhanced skin insights.
Inside Clarins’ Beauty Tech innovation pipeline
The AI Skin Observer is the latest release from the Clarins Group Beauty Tech division and sits on years of fundamental skin analysis research by the Clarins laboratory, combined with advances in AI and imaging. Developed with an ecosystem of start ups, it continues the brand’s strategy of blending science, nature, and human expertise into every touchpoint.
It follows earlier Beauty Tech launches such as the Lip Oil Factory, which enables on demand customization of the iconic Clarins Lip Oil, and the MyBlend LED mask, built under the group’s holistic MyBlend brand. Together, these tools show how Clarins is evolving from traditional skincare house into a full scale, tech enabled beauty and wellness player.
What Clarins leaders say about AI Skin Observer
Katalin Berenyi, Clarins Brand General Manager, said, “The AI Skin Observer is designed to fit perfectly into our retail space. Through its ease of use, it allows beauty advisors to remain focused on listening to the client and her needs”. She emphasized that the device extends their expertise by revealing dimensions invisible to the eye, using algorithms built on years of Clarins research, and that by combining AI, beauty tech and human touch, consultations are meaningfully enhanced.
Laurent Malaveille, Clarins Group Chief Digital, IT & Business Support Officer, said, “We are very proud of the AI Skin Observer, the latest Beauty Tech release from our innovation lab, and excited by the enthusiastic feedback from both our beauty consultants and the first customers who tested this new service”. The positive response suggests shoppers are open to AI‑assisted services when they clearly support, rather than replace, human interaction.
A global beauty leader doubles down on responsible innovation
Founded in 1954 in Paris by Jacques Courtin, Clarins has spent more than 70 years building a reputation for plant based formulas and responsible beauty. Its products, formulated and manufactured in France, are sold in over 150 countries through around 20,000 points of sale, with nearly 95% of sales generated internationally.
Today, Clarins is the No. 1 premium skincare brand in Europe by value sales in perfumeries and department stores, and a leading global player in skincare, makeup, spa, and wellness. Guided by its raison d’être, “Making life more beautiful, passing on a more beautiful planet,” the group is committed to sustainable innovation, with over 80% of its ingredients of natural origin and wide ranging initiatives to protect nature and support people.
