Business Wire·Jun 18, 2026, 8:00 AM ET

Ulta Beauty Launches New NielsenIQ Study on Gen Alpha and AI-Powered Beauty Discovery

Ulta Beauty commissioned NielsenIQ to conduct the "Smart Beauty" study in April-May 2026, focusing on Gen Alpha consumer behavior regarding AI & personalization.
78% of Gen Alpha discover beauty products online while 77% rely on real-world validation, resulting in a hybrid shopping default.
73% of fragrance users, 70% of makeup users, & 66% of skincare/hair/nail users prefer shopping in-store for instant gratification & product exploration.
Gen Alpha AI users visit stores to browse or try products at a rate of 57%, significantly higher than the 36% rate for non-AI users.
73% of Gen Alpha consumers utilize personalization tools, including tailored recommendations, AI-powered search, & interest-based content.
Teen boys lead AI adoption with 26% using AI shopping assistants, nearly double the rate of other Gen Alpha groups.
AI users report higher confidence in product choices, citing increased relevance, engagement, & efficiency compared to non-users.
Parents remain the top influence at 41%, with 98% playing an active role in purchasing decisions & 33% prioritizing safe, welcoming retail environments.
Ulta Beauty plans to expand education-first experiences & AI partnerships to foster responsible innovation & trust.
The study surveyed 522 Gen Alpha consumers & 500 parents/guardians across the U.S.