The Skinny on Skin

As skincare slowly evolves into selfcare, here are some of the trending ingredients and bioactives.

- KHAYL REIS

In 2020, the skincare market expanded more in size and impact than it has in the last decade. Some called it the “lipstick effect,” and with a worldwide pandemic that ensured everyone stayed at home, skincare slowly transformed into self-care with an apparent focus on wellness. Reflecting on trends in the industry, it is noticeable that as our hygiene evolved and became more stringent so did consumer-buying habits. Gravitating towards products that allow us to replicate the salon experience in the comfort of our homes with aesthetically pleasing skincare that not only makes promises but also delivers serious results.

Defense makes the most sense

Brands with insight have quickly become aware of consumer needs during this phase of change and have taken quick action. For example, in 2021, products will increasingly be centered around skin health, ensuring that major vitamins A,B,C and E are within formulations for better skin immunity and strength. Another trend that seems prevalent and is set to prevail is a focus on skin hydration as a response to the harsh and drying effect of skin sanitisation. With brands offering barrier-boosting formulas containing ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid, one of the most trending active ingredients of 2020. Around the corner are new cutting-edge developments such as ‘super-hydrators’ like Pentavitin, which lock in moisture into skin; an ingredient used by very few brands, which unlike Hyaluronic Acid, can’t be washed away!