How Panasonic Turned Beauty Devices Into a Habit—And Achieved a 94.2% Retention Rate

Using AI skin analysis as a gateway, Panasonic set out to design an experience that builds confidence, consistency, and long-term engagement.

Panasonic’s beauty devices are known for their advanced technology and high quality. But even the most sophisticated device faces a simple, stubborn challenge: people stop using it.

To put it in the company’s words: “Ultimately, the value of a beauty device depends on whether customers keep using it”

Common concerns get in the way:

• Am I using this correctly?
• I don’t see results yet—should I keep going?

To address these doubts, Panasonic developed its companion app, “with Panasonic Beauty,” which is available in Japan. At the core of the app is an AI-powered skin analysis feature, built using Perfect Corp.’s technology.

We spoke with Yoshiko Tsuji and Masahiro Tomie from Panasonic’s Beauty & Personal Care Business Division about the thinking behind the app—and how thoughtful experience design can keep users motivated over time.

Designing for Consistency: Turning Devices Into Daily Companions 

Many people buy a beauty device with good intentions—only for it to end up unused in a drawer.

Panasonic wanted to break that pattern. Rather than simply recommending how to use their products, they asked a deeper question: How can we support users in their daily lives?

What led to the development of “with Panasonic Beauty”?
Beauty devices are surprisingly hard to stick with. Some users take the time to read the manual, understand the product, and see results. But many others stop using it because they’re unsure how to use it or don’t feel immediate benefits.

As a manufacturer, we want people to use our devices correctly so they can get the best results and continue using them over time. That’s why we felt the need for an app—a kind of companion that supports users throughout their journey.

What user needs did you identify early on?
We conducted customer journey workshops to map out the experience from purchase to long-term use. Two major concerns came up repeatedly:

1. Users didn’t know which mode to use or how often
2. It was difficult to see or feel changes in their skin

High-functionality devices can be intimidating. How did you address that?
Exactly. Some of our devices have multiple modes, each with different usage frequencies. Managing that on your own can be overwhelming.

So the app acts like a concierge. Based on your skin condition and concerns that day, it recommends exactly what to do—for example, “This is the best mode for you today.”

How would you describe the value of this experience in one word?
Support. Users naturally want the fastest and best results. But unlike cosmetic procedures, beauty devices require consistent, daily use. 

Our role is to provide reassurance along the way—helping users feel confident they’re doing things right.

More Than Accuracy: Designing for Emotional Comfort

What made you choose Perfect Corp.’s AI skin analysis?
We had actually been researching mobile skin analysis technologies for several years. Perfect Corp.’s solution stood out because of its strong global track record, which gave us a high level of confidence.

What was the most important factor in your decision?
Accuracy is important, of course. But the biggest deciding factor was how the technology considers user emotions.

Looking at your bare skin up close on a smartphone can feel uncomfortable. Perfect Corp.’s solution applies a subtle, natural enhancement to the analyzed image, making the experience feel softer and more approachable. That sense of care really aligned with our vision.

How do you see this technology evolving within Panasonic’s ecosystem?
Right now, we’re focused on AI skin analysis, but we see potential to expand into areas like AR-based makeup simulation and hairstyle recommendations. Considering both flexibility and scalability, we felt Perfect Corp. was the right partner for us.

From Awareness to Action: Exceptionally High Engagement

Many apps struggle to convert awareness into actual usage. Panasonic’s app tells a different story.

How widely is the skin analysis feature used?
Among active users, awareness is at 94%, and 86% of those users actually use the feature.

That’s a very small gap between awareness and usage. Why do you think that is?
In most apps, there’s a big drop-off between knowing about a feature and actually using it. But with this feature, that gap is minimal.

We believe it’s because the experience is designed in a way that makes users feel it’s both useful and necessary—not just something that exists, but something they genuinely want to engage with.

The Results: A 94.2% Intent to Continue

The app has had a clear impact on user satisfaction and retention.

How has user satisfaction changed since introducing the app?
About 70% of users report being satisfied with the app. What’s especially notable is the continuation rate—94.2% of users say they want to keep using it.

The experience of understanding your own skin has become a strong motivator. It’s not just a feature—it encourages users to keep using their beauty devices over time.

UI That Fits Into Real Life

A key part of the app’s success lies in its subtle, thoughtful design.

What did you focus on when designing the UI/UX?
The most important thing was not creating pressure. Many beauty apps try to enforce strict routines by filling up future schedules with tasks. We deliberately avoided that approach.

Why avoid structured scheduling? Wouldn’t that help consistency?
In reality, people are busy. If it starts to feel like an obligation, it can lead to burnout.

Instead, we provide simple, daily suggestions—like “This mode is recommended for you today.” Missing a day is okay. That sense of flexibility helps create a more comfortable experience.

The calendar design is quite unique. Can you tell us more?
Most apps place today at the top. We intentionally placed it at the bottom.

When users open the app, they first see their past efforts. It helps them feel, “I’ve been consistent,” which reinforces motivation.

The way skin scores are presented also feels different.
Yes. We try to highlight positive changes rather than making users overly focused on fluctuations. It’s about encouraging progress without creating unnecessary stress.

What Comes Next: Data, Personalization, and Challenges

Panasonic is already looking ahead to the next phase.

How are you planning to use the growing amount of user data?
There are still challenges in using skin analysis scores as direct evidence for product effectiveness. Skin condition varies due to many external factors like seasons, hormones, and lighting.

So how will you move forward?
We’re focusing on broader trends—such as how different age groups use the devices and which combinations lead to higher satisfaction. By analyzing these patterns, we aim to deliver more personalized recommendations in the future.

The Future of Beauty: AI as Your Personal Advisor

How do you see generative AI and AI agents being used?
We’re very interested in this area. One idea is to go beyond the device itself and look at how it interacts with skincare products.

For example, analyzing ingredients in the products you’re using and recommending the best way to combine them with device modes.

That sounds like a personal beauty advisor.
Exactly. Imagine having a natural conversation where the system says, “Your skin feels dry today—use this serum, then this mode.”

Rather than one-way advice, it would be an interactive experience that evolves through dialogue. We believe that future is not far away.

Editor’s Note

What stood out most in this conversation is how Panasonic approaches digital technology—not as a tool for efficiency, but as a way to support people emotionally.

Even something as data-driven as AI skin analysis is ultimately designed to provide reassurance, not just insight.

From the tone of messages to the layout of a calendar, every detail is crafted to help users feel supported. That attention to human experience is what drives the app’s remarkable retention rate.

About Perfect Corp.

Perfect Corp. (NYSE: PERF) is a global leader in AI and AR technology, redefining creativity across beauty, fashion, skincare, and digital content creation. Its YouCam suite of apps has been downloaded over 1.1 billion times globally, empowering users to create, edit, and express themselves through photo, video, and generative AI tools. The YouCam platform also includes a powerful web-based editor and a suite of developer APIs, providing creators, brands, and technology partners with seamless access to content creation capabilities across platforms.

For brands and professionals, Perfect Corp. offers an award-winning portfolio of enterprise technologies, including virtual try-on experiences for makeup, hair, jewelry, watches, and fashion accessories, as well as AI-powered skin and hair analysis.

With a brand portfolio that includes YouCam and Skincare Pro, and a network of over 800 global brand partners, Perfect Corp. is transforming the beauty experience through personalized, immersive, and intelligent innovation.

For more information, visit perfectcorp.com and follow @Perfect-Corp.