Sensitive skin: the routine paradox

Skin sensitivity remains widespread. In the first half of 2026, 63.9% of French users of Typology’s skin diagnostic described their skin as reactive, a level broadly in line with that seen since 2024. Women were more likely than men to report reactive skin, while dry skin emerged as the most reactive profile.

The 2026 Skin Barometer, produced by Typology and Ifop, combines 791,045 online skin diagnostics with a representative survey of 1,000 people in France. According to Ifop, 84% use facial skincare products, with an average of three to four products used daily. Under-35s follow more extensive routines and show greater familiarity with specific actives, notably niacinamide, BHAs and AHAs.

Yet this sophistication has its limits: 34% of facial skincare users do not know which active ingredients are present in their products, even though efficacy, naturality and transparency rank among their main expectations. The gap highlights the need for brands to provide clearer education around formulations and claimed benefits.