As temperatures drop and cold weather begins to dry out the skin, shoppers are on the hunt for the best moisturizing creams to keep their skin healthy and hydrated. With skincare spending set to reach an impressive $185 billion in 2024, according to McKinsey & Co., brands must understand what catches consumers' attention online. Our AI-powered insights from the Vizit platform reveal what works—and what doesn’t—for online personal care shoppers on the top-searched moisturizing cream PDP images on Ulta.

Here are five visual content trends brands should consider to stand out and convert winter skincare shoppers.

‍

Trend 1: Keep It Simple with Standout Hero Images

When shoppers are scrolling through dozens of moisturizers, simple, uncluttered visuals are what draw them in. A clean, straightforward hero image can instantly elevate your brand and set your product apart from the crowd.

• Insight: Consumers gravitate toward simplicity—plain white backgrounds with products in full focus convey a premium, no-nonsense vibe.
• What Works: Hero images that feature tubs or jars centered with minimal margins, or bottles with wider side margins, are visually impactful and attention-grabbing.
• Tip for Brands: Keep the shot frontal and centered to give shoppers a clear, unambiguous view of the product, creating a strong first impression.

‍

Trend 2: Before-and-After Shots Showing the Product in Action

For skincare shoppers, it’s not just about how a product looks in the packaging—it’s about what it can do. Showcasing your product in action through carousel images can help consumers visualize results, making them more likely to click “Add to Cart.”

• Insight: Before and after images serve as powerful testimonials, allowing consumers to see the direct impact your product can have on their skin.
• What Works: High-quality images that clearly illustrate the transformation can dramatically increase trust and engagement. Shoppers are more likely to be convinced when they see visible results.
• Tip for Brands: Ensure your before-and-after shots are consistent in lighting and angles to highlight the product’s effectiveness. Consider featuring diverse skin types to resonate with a broader audience and make your product relatable.

‍

Trend 3: Infographic-Style Carousels for Key Ingredients and Stats

Today’s skincare shoppers are savvy—they know their hyaluronic acid from their ceramides. Ingredient-focused infographics are a great way to give consumers the information they want at a glance.

• Insight: Ingredient-conscious shoppers appreciate transparency and quick access to product details, making infographics an effective way to convey this information.
• What Works: Incorporating visuals of ingredients or moisturizer swabs, both alone and on a model's skin, can help communicate texture and application, while the surrounding infographic elements highlight key benefits, ingredients, and statistics.
• Tip for Brands: Use a combination of compelling images and informative graphics to create engaging infographics that showcase standout ingredients and their benefits. Make sure to use colorful backgrounds with clear, blocky white text to ensure readability and visual appeal.

‍

Trend 4: Lifestyle Images Showcasing Real-World Use

Lifestyle images are key to potential shoppers. Close-up visuals of the moisturizer on a model’s face or hands were popular with online personal care buyers. 

• Insight: Shoppers are more inclined to purchase products that resonate with their daily experiences. Lifestyle imagery creates a relatable connection.
• What Works: High-quality images of models dispensing the moisturizer onto their hands effectively convey the product’s texture and application process. These visuals enhance the perception of a luxurious self-care experience, encouraging buyers to imagine themselves using the product.
• Tip for Brands: Choose imagery that highlights diverse skin types and showcases the product on the skin. Bright, inviting settings can elevate visual appeal.

‍

Trend 5: Bold and Colorful Backgrounds in Product Imagery

While clean, white backgrounds work wonders for hero shots, adding a splash of color in carousel images can be a game-changer. It’s an effective way to capture attention, communicate brand personality, and make product information pop.

• Insight: Vibrant colors not only draw the eye but also create a strong visual identity for the product, helping it stand out in a crowded market.
• What Works: Carousel images featuring colorful backgrounds across various categories—lifestyle, infographics, and product shots—effectively showcase the moisturizer in a lively and engaging way. These visuals often align with the product packaging, reinforcing brand identity and recognition.
• Tip for Brands: Don’t shy away from using bright colors that complement your product. Experiment with different color schemes to create eye-catching imagery that resonates with consumers and enhances the product's appeal.

‍

Don’t Leave Your Visual Content Strategy Out in the Cold‍

Winter is prime time for skincare, and with these trends, brands can catch the eyes—and wallets—of personal care shoppers looking for the perfect moisturizer to get them through the season. By focusing on these winning visual content styles and trends, brands can create images that stand out, engage, and convert more effectively. 

Ready to learn how Vizit’s AI insights can help your brand create the perfect visuals? Request a demo here.