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The Tech Behind Function of Beauty Lies from Algorithms to Ingredients

Function of Beauty is at the forefront of a beauty revolution, offering personalized hair, skin, and body care products. Using data-driven technology and custom formulations, the brand tailors solutions to individual preferences, redefining beauty standards for a unique experience.

  • Function of Beauty drives the beauty industry toward personalized products, offering custom haircare, skincare, and body care solutions tailored to individual needs.
  • Using customer quizzes, algorithms, and AI-driven manufacturing, the company creates billions of unique product formulations, ensuring a personalized experience for every user.
  • Function of Beauty has scaled globally with a $247.9 million investment, offering custom beauty products at mass production levels, while maintaining a sense of individuality through personalized packaging.

Consumers in the beauty industry today are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all products. Instead, they demand customization that fits their unique needs, whether skincare, haircare, or makeup.

The rise of personalized beauty reflects a broader trend across industries where customization and data-driven solutions are becoming the norm.

According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the personalization market is growing at an annual rate of 6%, with beauty products at the forefront of this revolution.

Introducing Function of Beauty

Function of Beauty is riding the wave of personalization by offering customizable haircare, skincare, and body care solutions.

It was founded in 2015 by MIT engineers Zahir Dossa, and Hien Kaplan, and cosmetic chemist Josh Maciejewski, the company was born out of frustration with the limited choices available in the market.

They aimed to develop products that cater to the individual needs of each customer using science and technology.

Why Personalization is Key

At the heart of Function of Beauty's success is the belief that no two individuals have the same beauty needs.

Traditional beauty products, designed to meet the demands of the average consumer, often fall short for those who have unique concerns like frizzy hair, sensitive skin, or specific body care requirements.

The solution?

Tailor-made products that cater to an individual's needs through data-driven personalization.

Upon visiting the Function of Beauty website, users are invited to fill out a detailed quiz about their hair or skincare needs.

Source: Function of Beauty

This includes their preferences on hair texture, goals (such as moisturizing or curl definition), skin sensitivity, and other personal details.

Based on this information, the company's proprietary algorithm formulates products tailored to the user’s exact needs.

The Science Behind the Products

One of the most innovative aspects of Function of Beauty is how they combine cosmetic chemistry with data analytics. Each formulation is uniquely crafted, with billions of possible combinations available.

The company's manufacturing process is highly automated and uses AI-driven machinery to mix and bottle products with precision.

Scaling Personalization with Tech

With backing from investors like Y Combinator and 9 funding rounds, it has been able to receive $247.9 million. The startup has scaled its operations across multiple continents.

They’ve created a supply chain that supports the mass production of custom-made products without compromising quality.

The use of algorithms to determine product formulation and AI-driven machines ensures production efficiency. This scalability of customization allows them to keep up with increasing demand while maintaining the integrity of personalized beauty solutions.

A Shift in Consumer Expectations

Modern consumers want to feel special; they want products that fit their needs, not the other way around.

Beyond just fulfilling their personal care needs, users of Function of Beauty are engaging with a brand that understands the importance of individuality in today's world.

The company’s customizable packaging, where users can add their names and select colors and fragrances, reinforces this sense of ownership.

With the global beauty market expected to reach $758 billion by 2025, it’s clear that brands offering tailored experiences will play a major role in shaping the industry's future.

Function of Beauty’s innovative approach is a reminder that when technology and beauty intersect, the result can be both beautiful and practical.


Edited By Annette George

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