Top Skincare Trends of 2022 & 2023
Pimple Patches
Pimple patches are adhesive patches that are meant to be applied to pimples to help them heal and disappear more quickly. The patches are often made of hydrocolloid, which helps to absorb the sebum and pus from the pimple.
NMN
NMN is a compound that is being studied for its potential anti-aging effects. The compound is believed to help improve energy levels, protect cells from damage, and boost metabolism.
Snail Mucin
Snail mucin is a type of skincare ingredient that is derived from snail slime. The slime is said to be rich in nutrients and proteins that are beneficial for the skin, and is often used in anti-aging and moisturizing products.
Glowing Sunscreen
Glowing Sunscreen is a type of sunscreen that is meant to make the skin look glowy and dewy. The sunscreen is formulated with light-reflecting particles that create a luminous finish on the skin.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a natural enzyme that is found in pineapples. The enzyme is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and is often used in supplements and beauty products.
Acretin
Acretin is a medication that is used to treat acne. The medication is a retinoid, which is a type of vitamin A derivative. Acretin is available in both a cream and a gel formulation.
Silymarin
Silymarin is a compound that is found in milk thistle. It is said to have a variety of benefits, including liver protection, cancer prevention, and reduction of inflammation.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a prescription medication that is used to treat acne. It is a form of vitamin A that helps to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a natural extract that is derived from the babchi plant. The extract is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is being used in skincare products as a natural alternative to retinol.
Adapalene Gel
Adapalene Gel is a topical medication that is used to treat acne. It is a retinoid that helps to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Tacrolimus Ointment
Tacrolimus ointment is a medication that is used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The ointment is applied to the skin to help reduce inflammation and itching.
Efudix Cream
Efudix Cream is a topical cream that is used to treat skin cancer. The cream contains the active ingredient 5-fluorouracil, which is a chemotherapy drug. Efudix Cream is used to treat actinic keratoses, a type of pre-cancerous skin lesion.
Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral Sunscreen is sunscreen that contains physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as opposed to chemical blockers. Mineral sunscreens are said to be more effective in protecting against the sun’s harmful rays and are also less likely to cause irritation.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a molecule that is found in all human cells and is responsible for protecting cells from damage and helping to detoxify the body. Glutathione is also said to have anti-aging properties and has been used as a treatment for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and cancer.
Caffeine Eye Cream
A caffeine eye cream is a cream applied around the eyes to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. The cream is said to work by constricting the blood vessels and reducing inflammation.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipid molecules found in the uppermost layer of the skin, keeping it hydrated and protecting it from the environment. Skincare products containing ceramides are often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema.
Argireline
Argireline is a peptide that is used in anti-aging skincare products. The peptide works by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters in order to prevent the formation of wrinkles and skin lines.
Salicylic Acid Ointment
Salicylic acid ointment is a medication that is used to treat acne. The ointment is a type of beta hydroxy acid that works by breaking down the keratin that clogs pores.
Nicotinamide
Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is often used in skin care products. It is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to improve the appearance of skin.
The Rise of Caffeine Eye Cream
As demand for ingredient transparency is on the rise, some companies are leaning into ingredients they know consumers are already comfortable with, rather than seeking out new obscure ones.
The health and beauty industry enjoys a multiplicative proliferation of potential products: every combination of an ingredient and a form factor can lead to a new kind of skin or hair care product. Caffeine eye cream is a recent example of this. In eye cream, caffeine isn't meant to be a stimulant; the goal is to take advantage of its other effects: constricting blood vessels makes eyes look less puffy. In fact, this product is self-reinforcing: high caffeine consumption can degrade sleep quality, leading to baggy eyes. So caffeine is part of the solution as well as part of the problem.
The internet’s wealth of information on beauty increasingly makes it easier for consumers to become skincare experts. This means that, in some ways, beauty jargon is less and less effective at wooing customers. More brands are consequently leaning into ingredient transparency.
For any new ingredient, part of the sale process involves convincing customers that it's safe to use. This is easier when a known ingredient is being added to a new product. This also explains why so many beauty products use foods, or essential oils, as a key component. Consumers increasingly want to know exactly what they’re putting on their faces, and caffeine is a popular choice because it’s something they already put in their bodies.
Given this trend toward ingredient transparency, brands started differentiating from their competitors by naming specific ingredients on their product listings. This inadvertently created an SEO opportunity for smaller brands to enter the space since many customers were then searching Google for ingredients rather than brands. In the caffeine eye cream business, some sellers have doubled back, by highlighting the origin of the caffeine (organic coffee beans, or green tea), not just the chemical compound. Since caffeine itself is cheap, a more natural and more upscale source is a unique selling point.
Water Filters & Skincare
Shower head water filters are seeing a growth of interest among a surprising demographic: beauty aficionados. While chlorine is part of more than 98% of the US supply for drinking water, it’s a chemical that’s religiously avoided by those that color their hair. And though there are many products for protecting colored hair while at a pool, the easiest way for this demographic to do so at home is with a shower head water filter.
