On-Skin Wearable Health Monitoring Devices: Recent Trends and Perspectives

On-skin non-invasive Wearable Health-Monitoring Devices (WHMDs) have rapidly evolved from laboratory prototypes into commercially viable systems capable of continuously tracking physiological and biochemical signals. By integrating epidermal temperature sensors, electrophysiological electrodes, biochemical sensing platforms, low-power electronics, and wireless communication technologies, these systems are emerging as key enablers of personalized and decentralized healthcare through the continuous acquisition of clinically relevant information directly from the skin surface. In this Perspective, we present our view on the state-of-the-art across the key technological pillars that define modern on-skin WHMDs, including non-invasive sensing strategies, advanced materials, processing and wireless communication units, energy-storage solutions, energy-harvesting techniques, and power-management architectures, with a particular focus on technologies that have already reached high Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). We highlight how the next-generation of on-skin WHMDs must balance performance with sustainability and long-term reliability. This includes the adoption of biodegradable and recyclable materials, low-power and reconfigurable electronics, solid-state batteries, and hybrid energy-harvesting systems. By aligning technological innovation with human-centric and eco-friendly design principles, on-skin WHMDs can evolve into scalable, equitable, and environmentally responsible tools for future digital healthcare.