As the skincare industry evolves, several ingredients are taking the spotlight for their powerful benefits – some classic and some new.

These ingredients not only address the most common skin concerns like dryness, acne, and ageing, but also cater to the growing demand for effective, natural, and sustainable skincare solutions.

From hydration heroes like hyaluronic acid to plant-based alternatives like bakuchiol, these trends reflect the changing needs and preferences of skincare consumers.

In this blog article, we want to highlight 10 trending skincare ingredients of 2025, selected based on their growth and global popularity across sites like Google and Instagram, as well as scientific breakthroughs. So, let’s get to it!

Hyaluronic acid

Despite a decline in searches over the past year, hyaluronic acid remains highly sought-after, with over 368K searches on Google and 108K posts on Instagram, showing that it's still the trusted hydration hero among skincare enthusiasts.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, found primarily in the skin, eyes, and joints. It can hold up to 1,000 times its water weight, reaching into the top layer of the epidermis to attract and maintain moisture.

With a projected jump from USD 3.26 billion in 2023 to USD 7.36 billion by 2033, products with hyaluronic acid are set to see impressive revenue growth, expanding at a steady annual rate of 8.5%. This surge highlights just how in-demand hydration-focused skincare has become, as more consumers recognize the value of moisture-boosting products for their skin.

Here are some benefits of including hyaluronic acid in your skincare:

Hydration: Hydrates and retains the moisture level of the skin.
Skin elasticity: Enhances skin elasticity, making the skin look firmer and more youthful.
Soothing: Calms irritated skin, giving the skin an overall smooth appearance.
Reduces acne scars: Promotes faster healing of acne and helps reduce scarring.
Anti-ageing: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity.

Selfnamed also offers a wide range of products with hyaluronic acid such as the Hydrating Toner, Hyaluronic Face Cream, Hydrating Serum, etc.

Retinol and retinoids

Retinol and retinoids have earned their reputation as transformative skincare ingredients, and it’s no surprise why. From reducing signs of ageing to improving skin texture, they offer a variety of benefits backed by science.

Retinoids are the umbrella term for Vitamin A derivatives, encompassing both prescription-strength (like tretinoin and adapalene) and over-the-counter alternatives. Prescription retinoids are more potent, and often used for severe skin concerns, while gentler forms like retinol are widely available in cosmetic formulations

Retinol, a type of retinoid, is a milder, over-the-counter option ideal for gradual skin improvement. It needs to convert into its active form (retinoic acid) within the skin, making it less intense but still highly effective for long-term use.

They both work by accelerating skin cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and reducing melanin synthesis. And because of this, they address various skin concerns, making them a favourite among dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts alike.

Key benefits of adding retinol and retinoids to your skincare routine:

Improves texture: Smoothens uneven skin texture by boosting the shedding of dead skin cells and stimulating fresh cell growth.
Treats acne: Retinoids unclog pores and reduce inflammation, making them highly effective in managing acne.
Brightens complexion: Helps lighten dark spots, sun damage, and, hyperpigmentation.
Anti-ageing: By promoting collagen production and skin renewal, retinoids reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Refines pores: Over time, retinoids can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.

To achieve the best results, retinol should be introduced slowly into a routine, starting with lower concentrations and used alongside sunscreen to protect the skin.

Bakuchiol

While retinol and retinoids remain staples in advanced skincare formulations, bakuchiol has emerged as a plant-based alternative that offers similar benefits with a gentler touch.

Derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, bakuchiol mimics retinol’s effects without causing irritation, dryness, or increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Even though it has not been long since bakuchiol made its way into the hearts of skincare enthusiasts, it already has 129K posts under #bakuchiol on Instagram. Furthermore, a year-over-year search growth of +49% for the term “bakuchiol serum” highlights its rising popularity as a skincare favourite.

Bakuchiol’s growing popularity lies in its ability to cater to those with sensitive skin or individuals seeking natural skincare solutions. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly versatile and effective across various skin types.

Here’s how bakuchiol compares to retinol in skincare products:

Anti-ageing: Like retinol, bakuchiol stimulates collagen production and enhances skin cell turnover, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Brightening: Both ingredients improve skin tone and diminish dark spots, but bakuchiol achieves this with less risk of irritation.
Acne care: Bakuchiol shares retinol’s ability to combat acne but does so with added anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a gentler option for breakout-prone skin.
Antioxidant protection: Fights free radical damage, protecting the skin from premature ageing caused by environmental stress factors.
Gentle on skin: Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is well-tolerated by sensitive skin, with minimal risk of redness or peeling.

Since our goal is to provide effective skincare solutions for those seeking natural and organic options without compromising on quality or results – we offer you our Natural Retinol-Alternative Oil Serum.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide a.k.a Vitamin B3, is a multi-functional ingredient known for its ability to address a wide range of skin concerns regardless of skin type. It's water-soluble and works together with other active ingredients, making it a popular ingredient for skincare products.

And over the past year, niacinamide has gained over 450K searches through Google platforms, showing its evergreen prominence in the skincare industry.

While searches for "niacinamide" saw a decline in 2024, it still amassed over 450K searches – a figure that cannot be overlooked. This slight drop doesn’t change its popularity or importance in the skincare industry.

Here are some reasons why niacinamide continues to be a trusted ingredient in skincare products:

Improves skin barrier: Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier by increasing the production of ceramides, reducing moisture loss, and protecting against environmental damage.
Reduces redness and inflammation: It helps calm irritated skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Controls oil production: Regulates sebum production and minimizes excess oil reducing the clogged pores.
Minimizes the appearance of pores: Regular use can visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, resulting in a smoother complexion.
Brightens skin tone: Effectively fades hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and redness, giving a more even and radiant complexion.

That's why we incorporate this multi-functional ingredient into our products as well. Check out Selfnamed’s Niacinamide Gel Moisturiser, which is formulated with 5% niacinamide.

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as the foundation for proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin—key components that keep skin firm, smooth, and resilient. Think of them as the messengers that tell your skin to repair, rejuvenate, and thrive.

Unlike certain active ingredients that address a single concern, peptides enhance skin health at a foundational level, making them the perfect ingredients for advanced skincare formulas.

Their versatility and proven effectiveness have fueled growing demand across the cosmetics market, particularly in the anti-ageing sector. Which is why peptides are one of the emerging ingredients in the skincare industry this year.

Over the past year, Google searches for “peptide skincare” have grown by +23%, confirming the increasing consumer interest in this trending ingredient.

Here’s why peptides are worth the hype:

Collagen boosters: As natural collagen production declines with age, peptides step in to stimulate its synthesis, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Barrier repair: Strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, locking in moisture and shielding against environmental stressors.
Improved elasticity: Helps skin maintain its bounce and firmness by promoting elastin production.
Targeted treatment: Peptides can be tailored for specific functions, from calming inflammation to reducing dark circles, making them versatile in skincare.
Gentle and compatible: They are non-irritating and work effectively alongside actives like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

Add our Botox-Like Peptide Serum to your skincare line to deliver your customers results that feel as good as they look.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), has long been a go-to ingredient in skincare for its powerful exfoliating and acne-fighting properties.

It works by penetrating deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells, which usually leads to clogged pores and breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.

As of 2024, the global salicylic acid market was valued at $547.5 million and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.2% from 2025 to 2030.

With more consumers learning about salicylic acid and its benefits for acne and blemish care, searches for terms like "salicylic acid body cleanser" and "salicylic acid shower gel" have grown by +23% on Google since last year. This has led to a rise in skincare brands incorporating salicylic acid into not just face care but body care products as well.

Key Benefits of salicylic acid:

Acne treatment: Effectively unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, and prevents new breakouts.
Exfoliation: Gently removes dead skin cells, promoting smoother, clearer skin.
Oil control: Reduces excess oil production, helping to balance skin and prevent further clogging of pores.
Soothing: Calms inflamed skin and reduces the appearance of redness.

Salicylic acid is widely used in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments due to its ability to target acne and skin texture issues.

Probiotics and prebiotics

As the skincare industry evolves, probiotics and prebiotics are gaining the spotlight.

Probiotics, derived from live beneficial bacteria, support and balance the skin’s microbiome, helping it stay healthy and glowing. It strengthens the skin’s natural defences, reduces inflammation, and creates a balanced environment for good bacteria to thrive, making them ideal for soothing irritation, improving hydration, and preventing breakouts.

Keep in mind, probiotics alone doesn’t get the job well done. That’s where prebiotics come to light. Prebiotics are plant-derived compounds that feed beneficial bacteria, a.k.a probiotics. They contribute to healthier, more resilient skin by supporting a strong, balanced environment for probiotics to work, ensuring better overall skin health.

Here are some key benefits of having probiotics in your skincare products:

Stronger skin barrier: Enhances the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and external irritants.
Brightening effect: Inhibits melanin production – controlling tyrosinase activity – leading to a more even and luminous skin tone.
Moisturized skin: Probiotics support moisture retention, leaving your skin soft and smooth.
Anti-photoaging: Reduces signs of ageing by promoting collagen production and preventing wrinkles.

With increasing demand for microbiome-friendly skincare, prebiotics and probiotics are becoming key ingredients for achieving healthy, balanced skin. "Prebiotics" alone has seen a significant surge, reaching 49K monthly searches with a 22% year-over-year growth.

This trend gives companies the chance to offer consumers products that support a balanced, resilient skin ecosystem—making it a strategic way to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerhouse antioxidant widely popular among skincare enthusiasts. Known for its brightening effects, it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out skin tone.

As of 2025, vitamin C continues to shine on Instagram with over 5.9 million posts under #vitaminc and 856K posts for #vitamincserum, showing its huge popularity among skincare lovers.

More reasons why you need to add vitamin C to your skincare routine:

Brightens skin: Reduces dark spots and evens out skin tone.
Boosts collagen: Improves skin elasticity and firmness.
Protects from free radicals: Defends against environmental damage.
Reduces fine lines: Helps minimize wrinkles for smoother skin.

Vitamin C can usually be found in a variety of skincare products like face masks, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, etc., making it a perfect addition to your skincare brand

Kojic Acid

Derived from fungi, kojic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare for its ability to brighten the skin and reduce dark spots. It works its magic by inhibiting melanin production, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and promote a more even skin tone.

With growing consumer awareness of its effectiveness in brightening and targeting discolouration, the term “kojic acid” has maintained steady interest over the past year, gaining over 60K searches in the last 12 months.

Still not sure if you need kojic acid in your skincare? Here are some more reasons:

Skin brightening: Reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Evens out skin tone: Inhibits melanin production for a smoother complexion.
Anti-ageing: Helps reduce the appearance of age spots.

Keep an eye out for Selfnamed's upcoming product launches as we will be introducing our first Kojic acid-infused products this year.

Urea

Urea is a powerful hydrating agent that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft. It also gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells to reveal smoother, more refreshed skin. It is beneficial, especially for those with dry or rough skin.

Just over the past year, “urea cream” has seen a dramatic 173% increase in searches, showing how quickly this ingredient has proven its effect. This growing interest highlights its effectiveness in hydrating and repairing dry skin. And as more consumers discover its benefits, urea is quickly taking its place in skincare routines for dry skin.

Some key benefits of urea as a skincare ingredient:

Hydration: Draws moisture to the skin, preventing dryness.
Exfoliation: Gently removes dead skin cells for smoother skin.
Skin barrier repair: Supports the skin’s natural barrier function.

Selfnamed recently introduced its Urea Body Cream with 5% urea to cater to those with dry, rough skin types. So take advantage of this trend and add this product to your skincare line to meet the growing demand for high-performance moisturizers.

Stay updated, stay ahead

To stay competitive in the skincare market, it's crucial to stay on top of trending ingredients and use these insights to keep your brand innovative. By incorporating these in-demand ingredients into your product lineup, you'll meet consumer expectations and position yourself as a forward-thinking brand.

Whether targeting hydration, acne, or ageing concerns, these ingredients allow you to cater to your customers' diverse needs, ensuring your skincare brand remains fresh and relevant in this dynamic market.

Trending Skincare Ingredients You Need to Know in 2025