For this project, we want to use a generative AI program to visualize different cosmetic ingredients and suggest them for various applications, such as product detail pages or product description areas.
Consumer Interest in Cosmetic Ingredients Is Increasing Daily
Background
Social shifts such as the rise of the ‘clean beauty’ trend, the spread of ingredient-analysis content,
and stricter government regulations have significantly heightened public awareness of what goes into cosmetics.
While working on brand detail page production and related projects,
I became deeply aware of this shift in consumer perspective, which inspired the launch of this project.
With the intention of creating something genuinely useful for field professionals,
we consulted with the marketing team of the Ilyoon brand and decided to develop a total of nine key ingredients.
Ingredient Images
First, we identified visual focal points based on the functions and characteristics of each of the nine ingredients.
Using ChatGPT, we generated image prompts for each ingredient and then extracted visuals through Midjourney.
Ceramide
Ceramide has a structure composed of chain-like fatty acids and sphingosine, which we visualized through design.
A blue color tone was used to emphasize its hydrating properties.
An arrangement of stable hexagonal structures represents the ceramide layer forming a moisture barrier on the skin.
Panthenol
Panthenol’s moisturizing and protective effects were expressed through clear,
moisture-filled water droplets and a thin transparent film. The green tone symbolizes skin soothing,
while visual elements that appear to draw in surrounding moisture represent panthenol’s deep hydration function.
Madecassoside
Madecassoside was visualized as a cool aloe-like gel that soothes skin irritation and reinforces the skin barrier with a firm protective layer.
Glycerin
Its ability to attract and retain moisture was depicted as sticky, transparent threads of water stretching like fine filaments.
We also visualized the sensation of a moisture gel spreading naturally across the skin,
forming a transparent protective barrier that shields against external irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Water droplets of varying sizes layered within a clear blue sphere intuitively visualize hyaluronic acid’s moisturizing power and absorption capacity.
The tightly clustered gel-like droplets and moisture particles represent the polymeric hydrating structure of hyaluronic acid.
Vitamin C
We visualized the active energy and radiance-amplifying function of Vitamin C—working deep within the skin—through radiating beams of light,
circulating energy, and a three-dimensional luminous aura emanating from the center.
Probiotics
Soft, purple-toned jelly-like particles visualize probiotic clusters of beneficial bacteria, conveying a gentle, balanced sense of the microbiome.
Salicylic Acid
The pore-purifying and exfoliating functions of salicylic acid are expressed through
micro-particles radiating outward and subtle luminous effects, symbolizing skin clarity and renewal.
Soy Ceramide
The ring structures within transparent droplets symbolize the strong bonding structure of the skin barrier, expressing stability and protection from external factors.
A repeating pattern of transparent hexagonal molecules visualizes concepts such as the skin barrier, cell membranes, and lipid layers.
As a soybean-derived ingredient, a soft green color palette was used to reflect its natural origin.
