Major brands presented innovative self-care products and gadgets at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 that married tech to beauty.
The 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) took place in Las Vegas from 9 to 12 January, showcasing the latest innovations in technology from around the world. Over 4,300 exhibitors, including over 1,400 start-ups, unveiled their newest gadgets, gizmos and services, attracting an estimated 135,000 attendees from 150 countries. Among them were beauty products and gadgets aimed at consumers that form part of the massive personal care market.
This year’s CES focused heavily on three key themes: artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and mobility.
AI was evident in everything — from Barcoda’s smart mirrors that analyse your mood and offer personalised health coaching to Ambarella’s self-driving cars that can navigate complex city streets. Not astonishingly, some companies showcased robots that can patrol rooms, climb stairs or clean windows.
Sustainability was a major focus, with many companies showcasing products designed to reduce our environmental impact. This included solar-powered gadgets, energy-efficient appliances and even battery recycling.
The highlight was, however, beauty brands. For the first time, a beauty brand, the famed L’Oréal Groupe, took centre stage for a CES keynote. Joined by partners and actress Eva Longoria, L’Oréal shared a vision of inclusive beauty tech, improving lives across the world and highlighted new products and acquisitions.
All the major tech beauty products and gadgets showcased at CES 2024
L’Oréal AirLight Pro
The L’Oréal Groupe unveiled the AirLight Pro hair dryer at the CES 2024, which can be used both at home and by professional hair stylists. The device has been developed in association with hardware technology start-up Zuvi.
According to L’Oréal, the AirLight Pro uses infrared-light technology and wind for a process that delivers visually smoother and hydrated hair. It also helps dry hair faster, using the optimised heat flow of its special 17-blade, high-speed motor and tungsten-halogen bulbs which power a patented infrared technology. The company claims that it consumes “up to 31 per cent less energy” than conventional heating processes normally employed in hair drying.
The device comes with software and an app to help customise the type of drying required based on the type of hair for each user.
“AirLight Pro, with over 150 patents filed, perfectly embodies this breakthrough in beauty by, for the first time, bringing a solution for drying while caring for the hair as well as the planet,” Barbara Lavernos, deputy CEO in charge of research, innovation and technology at L’Oréal, said in a statement.
Oclean X Ultra Wi-Fi Digital Toothbrush
This high-tech toothbrush comes with AI voice which lets the user become more aware of their technique. This is done by letting them know if they are concentrating on one side more than the other, and other tips to improve the brushing experience. It does so using a unique bone-conduction technology. An interactive touchscreen on the brush provides information on where to pay more attention to.
Powered by a Maglev motor, which is programmed by an algorithm to deliver up to 84,000 movements per minute, there are five brush modes designed according to use and time of the day. It has a 40-day battery life and is available in two colours. The product is available in Europe. Its price in the US will be USD 130 upon launch.
AmorePacific Lipcure Beam
South Korean company AmorePacific has a lip care device which can detect and provide the required moisture to your lips.
The beauty gadget works in two stages. The first stage incorporates the detection of moisture by rubbing the device on the lips. A precision sensor on the cap does the diagnosis. The second stage involves the application of required moisture, which is done by a brush-like applicator tool in the container which can be used by removing the cap.
The tool uses a light-responsive material that reinforces collagen fibres and builds a moisturising barrier on the lips, depending on the degree required as detected in the first stage. Its universal colour system can also apply the right kind of colour to the lips. The device is the size of an average lipstick.
The product received the Innovation Award at the CES 2024, which was the company’s fifth consecutive win at the tech event.
Panasonic Palm Shaver
Japanese electronics giant Panasonic unveiled a new gadget for those who love personal grooming while keeping sustainability in mind. The new Palm Shaver can be used at home or on the go.
The Palm Shaver is a compact shaving device which can easily fit the palm of your hand. It has five blades arranged in an order that delivers the smoothest and finest cut of every hair of the beard. Each shave can be customised according to the user’s needs and facial contours.
It is powered by a linear motor, ES-PV6A-W, supports USB-C charging and has a carrying case. Panasonic says that the Palm Shaver has been made using a sustainable material known as NAGORI, which is created from sea minerals.
Panasonic also launched new attachments for its MULTISHAPE gadget, a modular personal care system which evolves with the needs of the users. The company launched new attachment heads for the system, including facial exfoliation and cleansing brushes for skin care, pedicure buffer for foot care, a detail trimmer, a hair clipper and other hair grooming tools.
Kohler SpaViva
American multinational Kohler introduced the SpaViva system at CES 2024. It is designed for the finest hand shower experience.
The SpaViva has a built-in cleansing device which combines with a unique spray technology for bathing. The handshower has Kohler’s signature heat-retaining Katalyst spray alongside a new Microbubble spray which can emit bubbles 100 microns or smaller for a much deeper cleaning of the body.
The device comes with a rotating line-up of attachments that effortlessly recharge through a magnetic dock when not in use.
While the SpaViva was the highlight, Kohler also launched a series of other fittings for a complete spa-like washroom experience. These include an integrated digital control system for water delivery, light, sound and steam dubbed Anthem+ Smart Showering Valves and Controls as well as a new-to-market bathroom sink named Rista. The company also launched the voice-activated PureWash Bidet Seat, which has heated seats, adjustable water temperatures and pressure and a contactless opening among other features.
Nimble Beauty Nimble Device
Nimble Beauty’s Nimble Device is an idea that technically gave birth to the company in 2016. Its founder, Omri Moran, created the Nimble Device to help people get a manicure done properly by a machine.
Nimble Device, the machine, is just as much the size of a home printer. It has a 12-inch cube, inside which the user places their hand. There are ridges inside the cube within which the fingers need to be placed correctly and comfortably. The manicure process begins at the push of a button on the Nimble Device.
An accompanying app keeps the user informed of every step of the process, which starts with calibration. Each nail is scanned quickly, following which an AI-backed robotic arm inside the device starts to paint each nail. The machine can paint and dry all ten fingernails in around 25 minutes.
Barun Bio WE-Stim leggings
At the CES 2024, Biotech company Barun Bio unveiled a product that is meant for those who see fitness as an integral part of beauty.
The product, a pair of leggings, features the South Korean company’s patented WE-Stim (for “Wearing Electrical Stimulation”) technology.
WE-Stim converts the energy produced by the body during motion into micro-currents that help stimulate muscles to enhance performance. It is basically a conductive material which is part of the workout pants.
“We’re not just creating a product; we’re pioneering a health revolution in apparel,” CEO Jinkee Hong and CTO Patrick T. Hwang told The New York Post.
“The We-Stim leggings are a testament to our commitment to enhancing health at the most fundamental level. By integrating health benefits into daily wear, we’re championing a lifestyle where maintaining health is effortlessly woven into the fabric of everyday life.”
Barun Bio claims that its leggings are the world’s first clothing that enhances health at the cellular level. Research was conducted on the technology, including cellular, animal and human experiments, as well as academic publications and patent registrations.
(Hero and Featured images: Nimble Beauty)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the topic of CES 2024?
There was no specific topic for CES 2024, but it was centred on a wide range of subjects, including digital health, Generative AI, sustainability, gaming, vehicle tech, cybersecurity, the future of money and space tech.
– How do you get invited to CES?
Only those who are industry members, media members, or exhibitors can attend CES.