Cosmetogenomics: A Skeptical Take on AI's Impact on Skincare

The Rise of Cosmetogenomics: A Closer Look

The integration of genomics, proteomics, and artificial intelligence (AI) in skincare has been hailed as a revolution in personalized treatments. However, a closer examination of the current state of cosmetogenomics reveals a more nuanced picture.

The Current State of Evidence

Our systematic review of 74 studies found that while AI and genomics have enhanced skincare personalization, the evidence base is limited. A significant proportion of studies were exploratory, with limited geographic diversity and underrepresentation of darker skin phototypes.

Key findings include:

• AI-powered platforms integrate insights from genomics, proteomics, and imaging to optimize interventions.
• However, the lack of quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis) due to heterogeneity in outcome measures is a significant limitation.

The Limitations of Cosmetogenomics

While cosmetogenomics holds promise, its translation into clinical practice is hindered by several limitations. These include the need for stronger validation, regulatory oversight, and ethical safeguards. Moreover, the underrepresentation of darker skin phototypes in the current evidence base raises concerns about the generalizability of these findings.

The need for regulatory oversight and stronger validation is critical to ensure the safe and effective translation of cosmetogenomics into clinical practice.

The Bottom Line

Cosmetogenomics is an emerging field that holds significant promise for enhancing treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction. However, a more critical examination of the current evidence base reveals limitations that must be addressed before its widespread adoption.