When Snapchat released the dog filter, no one really expected how that silly, whimsical feature would snowball into something bigger. Filters, in general, were one of social media’s most divisive features. Pre-filter days, photos would be uploaded in their raw format, or maybe slapped with a touch of Sepia on them. But now, you can augment your skin and facial features, give yourself a natural glam without wearing a lick of makeup.
It’s something the beauty tech industry has noticed and decided to implement in shopping, creating virtual try-ons so consumers can make informed purchases without leaving their homes. Specifically, Perfect Corp., founded by Alice Chang. Founded in 2015, Perfect Corp. were one of the first beauty tech companies to develop virtual try-ons, backed by machine learning, and getting closer and closer to the reality of Cher’s closet from Clueless. Now with AI and AR assistance, Perfect Corp. have partnered with over 500 brands worldwide, including Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder, and of course, Snapchat.
Alice Chang’s 2015 vision certified her as a leader and centre point in bridging beauty with technology. In our interview with her, we further explored that intersection and how Chang is leading the charge.
For those not familiar with Perfect Corp, can you give us a brief understanding of what it is about?
Perfect Corp. is a global beauty, fashion, and skin tech powerhouse I founded in 2015 with the mission to transform how consumers and brands interact through beauty and technology. We leverage advanced AI and AR to deliver hyper-personalised, interactive experiences. From virtual makeup and hair try-ons to AI skin analysis and tailored recommendations, we help brands connect with consumers in more meaningful and data-driven ways.
AI in beauty is relatively new, but as the driving force behind the intersection of beauty and technology, how is AI and Perfect Corp redefining the way people experience beauty shopping?
At Perfect Corp., we see AI as the bridge between beauty and personalisation. Our technology transforms shopping from a static process into an engaging journey, where consumers can virtually try on makeup, analyse their skin health, and receive tailored recommendations in real time. This creates both confidence and convenience, allowing shoppers to discover what truly works for them.
As Perfect Corp has been behind digital immersive experiences such as virtual makeup try-ons and AI skin analysis, how does the company ensure data privacy and ethical use of its technology?
Data privacy and ethical AI are central to how we operate at Perfect Corp. We ensure all personal data is anonymised, securely stored, and only used with clear user consent. Our AI systems are trained and validated with diverse datasets to minimise bias and deliver fair results for every skin tone and demographic. Transparency is equally important; we want users to understand how our technology works and to feel fully in control of their digital beauty journey.
AI use comes with a significant environmental impact. How does Perfect Corp manage the environmental impact? Are there any sustainable practices in place to offset its carbon footprint?
We’re deeply committed to operating sustainably. Perfect Corp. focuses on optimising our cloud infrastructure for energy efficiency, collaborating with partners who prioritise renewable energy, and continuously improving our algorithms to reduce computational load.
Beyond our internal operations, our digital try-on technology itself plays a significant role in supporting sustainability by replacing the need for physical testers and in-store samples, which often end up as waste. By enabling consumers to experiment with looks virtually, we help brands dramatically cut down on single-use packaging, product disposal, and shipping emissions tied to physical sampling. This digital-first approach not only reduces material waste but also encourages more mindful consumption, empowering consumers to make better-informed purchasing decisions while lowering the industry’s overall carbon footprint. It’s a clear example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in shaping a greener, more responsible beauty ecosystem.
As a female tech founder, what were the challenges and lessons learnt innovating and merging tech into beauty?
Being a female founder in tech and beauty presented unique challenges. I often had to bridge two very different worlds. Convincing traditional beauty brands to adopt cutting-edge technology, and showing the tech community that beauty innovation is serious business, required persistence and vision. Over time, I’ve learned that collaboration, empathy, and diversity are essential to building teams that can think creatively and execute fearlessly. It’s this blend of innovation and inclusivity that has allowed Perfect Corp. to thrive at the intersection of beauty and technology.
Similarly, do you see AI beauty tech expanding to adjacent industries?
Yes, absolutely! At Perfect Corp., we already power a wide range of AI and AR solutions that extend beyond traditional beauty, including innovations in skincare and fashion. Our AI skin analysis technology helps consumers understand their unique skin concerns and receive personalised product recommendations, while our fashion virtual try-on solutions allow users to experiment with accessories, eyewear, and full clothing looks in real time. These successes demonstrate how adaptable our technology is. The same AI engines that personalise beauty experiences can be applied to a range of sectors in very similar ways. As we continue to expand, our generative AI tools are helping clients across industries create immersive, data-driven digital experiences that inspire consumers and strengthen brand engagement across the broader lifestyle landscape.
Finally, what do you think is next for Perfect Corp and AI in beauty in terms of trends and technologies?
The next chapter for Perfect Corp. and AI in beauty will centre on intelligent, interactive experiences that bring consumers even closer to brands. We’re rolling out advanced AI agents with live chat features that combine real-time analysis with guidance, allowing consumers to receive instant product recommendations, beauty tips, and virtual consultations that feel as natural as talking to a trusted advisor.
These AI-powered assistants are able to understand users’ unique preferences, respond conversationally, and guide them seamlessly from discovery to purchase, both online and in-store. Coupled with our generative AI tools, these innovations will enable brands to deliver deeply personalised and engaging shopping experiences at scale, redefining how beauty and technology work together.
