The bustling halls of the 2024 AAD Annual Meeting in San Diego echoed with excitement as nearly 20,000 attendees gathered, marking a significant uptick from the previous year’s event in New Orleans. What was palpable amidst the crowd is that the dermatology skin care ecosystem is not just thriving, it’s evolving. With investments pouring in from every corner, from mass market giants to luxury stalwarts, and with dispensing brands alike spearheading innovation, the future of skin care looks brighter than ever before. According to Kline’s Professional Skin Care Global Series, sell-in sales of professional skin care products in the U.S. are projected to reach nearly $2.5 billion this year.
One of the most striking observations at the show was the strength of mass medical brands, which have seen a steady rise in consumer favor owing to their accessible pricing strategies, expansive distribution networks, and a revitalized commitment to innovation. At the heart of this wave was La Roche-Posay, unveiling its groundbreaking pigment-correcting molecule, Melasyl. Avène, on the other hand, shone a spotlight on postbiotic science, while Neutrogena stood out with its Skin Vitals campaign, a beacon of innovation centered around enhancing skin’s cellular activity and fortifying its natural barrier.
But it wasn’t just the mass market brands making waves; luxury skin care labels were also doubling down on their dermatologist-guided heritage. Clinique, a trailblazer in the beauty realm and the first brand to grace the industry show back in 1973, made a resplendent return after nearly a decade’s hiatus. Their booth, a masterpiece of design and ingenuity, showcased a curated selection of dermatology-inspired skin care and makeup products, reaffirming their timeless appeal.
Moreover, leading dispensing brands took center stage, unveiling a myriad of clinical innovations aimed at revolutionizing post-procedure skin care. Revision Skincare‘s post-procedure cream, CMT Post-Procedure Cream, promised to alleviate discomfort and minimize downtime following treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling. Meanwhile, SkinCeuticals captured attention with its new Cell Cycle Catalyst.
Changes in the professional skin care landscape were also noted. The recent acquisition of physician-dispensed Glytone brand (previously under the Pierre-Fabre umbrella) by Clinical Skin, a new player in the clinical-grade skin care arena, signaled a strategic realignment toward the professional channel. With plans to rejuvenate the Glytone brand in the U.S. and integrate its branded direct-to-consumer line, Clinical+ Skin, into medical offices and spas, Clinical Skin is one to watch.
To better understand the competitive landscape as well as the latest developments and innovations in the global professional skin care market, explore our in-depth portfolio of insights. From a holistic market view, consumer and physician behaviors to fast-growing channels like medical care providers, we cover all leading players across dynamic markets. Connect with our industry experts to refine your market strategy and stay ahead of the curve.
