Demographic aging, particularly among women, is profoundly changing expectations regarding cosmetic care. In France, one in four women is over 60, and this proportion is steadily increasing. This phenomenon is accompanied by a rise in healthy life expectancy, but also by hormonal changes that directly impact the skin, hair, and emotional well-being.
Perimenopause and menopause represent transitional periods during which the skin evolves: it becomes drier and more reactive, loses firmness and density, and signs such as redness, hot flushes (sometimes accompanied by increased sweating), hormonal acne, and hair loss may appear. These visible symptoms reflect profound biological changes. Hormonal transitions also significantly affect psychological balance. Sleep and concentration disturbances, mood swings, and a decline in self-confidence can be experienced to varying degrees.
Cosmetic brands are now encouraged to offer targeted, effective solutions to support women’s skin health and overall confidence throughout key hormonal life stages.
Cosmetic evaluation protocols must adapt to this new reality. Panels of volunteers now include premenopausal and menopausal women presenting with specific signs. Clinical studies are designed to assess both the tolerance and efficacy of products, combining expert scoring, biometrological measurements, and self-assessment analyses. Dedicated approaches can also highlight the beneficial impact of specific cosmetics on certain emotional symptoms.
Formulators must consider the biological, emotional, and cultural specificities of women from different continents. International studies on multi-ethnic panels are essential to address the diversity of skin types and experiences worldwide.
This presentation will review several recent approaches that address cosmetic claims associated with pre-menopause and menopause.