The rise of at-home beauty devices: Innovation, science, and self-care
At-home beauty devices have surged from niche novelties to one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments. Once confined mainly to professional clinics or spas, technologies like LED light therapy masks, microcurrent facial toners, and even ultrasonic cavitation body-slimming gadgets are now available for personal use, and I will admit this is the cause of the article.
Last year, in one of my many trials in losing weight, I started to research how I can help my metabolism to work better; supplements and all the NADs that TikTok tries to make me buy, aside from the physical aspect of the breaking lipids made me start looking on the cavitation hence I started my research on at home tools.
The market for these DIY high-tech tools is expanding at a remarkable pace, growing four times faster than the overall skincare market and is projected to reach roughly $90 billion by the late 2020s. Analysts forecast the global home-use beauty device market will leap from about $17 billion in 2023 to nearly $92 billion by 2030, an astounding ~27% annual growth rate.
This rise reflects a perfect storm of innovation, consumer demand for at-home self-care (especially post-pandemic), and the convergence of beauty with advanced technology.
So why are we seeing this urge?
The COVID-19 pandemic was a major inflection point that catalysed the at-home beauty tech boom. In 2020, while colour cosmetics sales plunged, U.S. sales of beauty devices actually grew by 7%, according to Kline Group data, as people sought solutions for “mask” breakouts and spent hours on Zoom scrutinising their skin.
With extra time at home, consumers enthusiastically experimented with facial gadgets and electronic skincare tools. I think recession and turning back to work from the office really helped this category to grow, as instead of spending time in the salon, making a similar treatment at home is easier and quicker.
From high-tech facials to full-body treatments, a wave of innovation is making at-home beauty devices both more effective and more accessible. Today’s gadgets span a wide range of categories and technologies, often miniaturising or adapting professional equipment for safe home use. On the facial skincare front, LED light therapy masks have become ubiquitous in the premium beauty market.
The at-home beauty device market has witnessed significant investments from leading beauty giants, which is also a clue that this segment will grow further.
At CES 2024, launched innovations like , an at-home hair colouring device for salon-quality results, and AirLight Pro, a professional hair dryer using infrared technology to care for hair and reduce energy use.
Unilever invests in AI to improve consumer experiences, launching tools like for personalised product choices, resulting in a 43% increase in purchase likelihood. Additionally, Dove introduced a virtual Scalp + Hair Therapist to meet the demand for personalised scalp care.
Hailey Bieber’s endorsement of the Medicube Age-R Booster-H highlights its popularity. This Korean beauty device uses electroporation technology to create temporary micro-channels in the skin, boosting the absorption of skincare products by up to 490%. Featured in a TikTok routine, it gained over 16 million views.
The device has various modes, including microcurrent and , aimed at improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing overall radiance. Users report immediate improvements in texture and hydration, with long-term benefits for scars and fine lines.
During my recent trip to Korea, I noticed the “Medicube Effect” everywhere in beauty stores. It’s now on my Black Friday shopping list, as I’m excited to see how it enhances the products I create. In today’s “skintellectual” era, there’s a growing interest in at-home devices that bring dermatologist-recommended techniques into everyday routines.
The trend is further fuelled by celebrity endorsements and appearances in popular culture, making at-home beauty tech increasingly sought after.
With the rise of at-home beauty devices, a key question is their effectiveness. Initially met with scepticism, growing scientific validation suggests they can yield modest results with consistent use. A 2024 review found that these devices may improve (like wrinkles and elasticity) with minimal side effects, yet more comprehensive research is needed for long-term validation.
Certain categories, like at-home LED therapy for acne, have shown stronger evidence. A 2025 meta-analysis found red and blue light devices significantly reduced mild-to-moderate acne. Dermatologists now often recommend these devices as adjuncts to traditional treatments.
For anti-ageing, although data is mixed, small trials show improvements in skin tightness and wrinkles with regular use of RF and microcurrent devices. User experience is crucial; success relies on consistent, proper usage and compatible skincare products. Overall, at-home devices can be effective when science-backed and used correctly, but they typically lead to gradual improvements rather than quick fixes.
The future of at-home beauty devices is promising as beauty and technology continue to merge. More consumers are seeking professional results in the comfort of their own homes. By 2025, marketing efforts will focus on educating shoppers about how these devices work, particularly targeting tech-savvy individuals.
Additionally, these devices may lead to new methods of product delivery. Stricter regulations will support brands that invest in clinical testing and adhere to scientific standards.
Then why not visit one of the in-cosmetics events around the world?