When I think of the hottest skincare trends throughout this year of 2021, a few words come to mind: niacinamide, ice rollers, and minimalism. I thoroughly enjoyed these hot trends but I am ready for new launches and new hype! Let’s look at the biggest skincare trends 2022 from an esthetician and skincare content creator’s perspective.
1. Bakuchiol – trending skincare ingredients 2022
This ingredient is already popping onto people’s radar. Bakuchiol is a natural extract touted for its ability to be a possible alternative to retinol. As we have learned in my retinol for beginners post, there is no real ingredient that replaces retinol (and its derivatives) when it comes to anti aging abilities. But- bakuchiol shows promising work on fine lines and wrinkles, improves collagen production, soothing properties, and serves as an antioxidant. It also may be a better option for your skin than retinol depending on how dry or sensitive you are!
I have used Bakuchiol serums before, but recently I have seen this ingredient make its way into so many other skincare formulas. This moisturizer (pictured above) from Keys Soul Care includes Bakuchiol to help with anti aging and evening the skin tone. But it is gentle enough for all skin types to use. There is also a popular Inkey List Bakuchiol moisturizer that I have on my skincare shelf.
2. Tranexamic Acid – trending skincare ingredients 2022
Even as a skincare professional, tranexamic acid is new to me! So, I did a deep dive into its properties and benefits and also started using a couple of serums spotlighting it. No doubt this will be in many treatment serums due to its ability to lighten dark spots, improve melasma, and its anti-inflammatory properties (source). And unlike many other skin brightening ingredients, this one works for all skin types, tones and is even safe during pregnancy!
The Topicals Faded Serum (pictured above) is one of my favorite skincare finds in 2021. It was my introduction to tranexamic acid skincare causing me to be totally sold on this powerful ingredient. The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment has also been on my skincare shelf for a bit, just have not gotten around to testing it. But I have heard rave reviews all over Instagram.
3. Calming Face Masks
A lot of us still only think of harsh, clay masks when it’s time for a self care masking moment. I have never been a fan of most exfoliating masks just because of my skin type. Next year, I predict that every single skincare brand will have a hydrating, calming, soothing, repairing, etc. facial mask if they don’t already.
I love sheet masks for extra hydration and a quick soothing moment. But, recently the Inkey List came out with the Madecassoside Mask claiming to provide instant relief to stressed skin. It is a creamy texture that comes in a tube. This may be setting the stage for upcoming facial mask launches in 2022!
4. Barrier Love
Piggybacking off the calming sheet mask trend, let’s talk barrier love serums. We have already made huge strides when it comes to protecting the skin’s moisture barrier. I think that most brands have already hopped on the bandwagon by creating a barrier repair serum to fit in with their line. I think that skincare brands will incorporate skin soothing ingredients into all of their products and make that a fore front of the product lines! Atleast, that is one of my ~hopeful~ predictions for skincare trends 2022.
A great drugstore barrier serum option is the Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum. Check out more serums for sensitive skin here.
5. Less Greenwashing & More Science + Sustainability
Hear me out….a gal can dream, can’t she? I know that I tend to live in a bubble of science lovers on my Instagram community, but it does seem like a lot of consumers are done with the “clean beauty” trends. I am hoping to see more science backed, sustainable skincare brands in 2022.
Not only do we care more about skincare formulations now, but also how our ingredients are sourced and sustainability efforts. I like to look at companies’ websites and read about how they source their ingredients, the philosophy of the brand, and if their products are recyclable! Many brands such as Youth to the People and Naturium have made strides to improve the sustainability of their product packaging and sourcing.
Sources for science based information but from different perspectives: Lab Muffin, Derm Doctor (Dr. Shah Dermatologist), Renee Roulee Blog
6. Cleansing Balms
Double cleansing really started to blow up in 2021 after more western brands realized the importance of this Korean/Japanese beauty trend. An essential step that helps to remove dirt, impurities, and makeup by using an oil cleanser followed by a water based cleanser. Many skincare brands noticed the popularity of double cleansing in the skincare space and started to slow down on micellar waters and launched cleansing balms for those drool-worthy texture shots!
My favorite luxury cleansing balm is Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm (pictured above in blue tub). So creamy, smells delicious, and lasts a long time! For a more affordable option that is still a favorite of mine, try out the Banila & Co Clean it Zero Original Cleasning Balm.
7. Higher Prices? Definitely.
Look, we all know prices of goods go up. But due to the rising popularity of skincare products, even the most affordable brands have shot up in price! I used to be able to pick up my favorite drugstore products for less than $10. Now, you’re lucky finding any step of your routine under $15-$20. The way that I combat high prices is by shopping lots of different brands, and hunting down sales and coupon codes. Also, Korean and Japanese beauty brands tend to be offer affordable options in amazing formulas!
Check out Yesstyle and Wishtrend for some k-beauty favorites
*some links are affiliate links which means I make a small commission from any sales through them. Thank you for your continued support!*
Trending Skincare 2022 Wrap-up
Skincare is more than just a trend to me- it is basically my life. So following the new ingredients and products that become popular is super exciting to me! But even if you aren’t a total skincare enthusiast like me, a new product on the shelf still sparks some curiosity. Like why is it popular? Who made it so trendy? And do I need to use this?!
Which of these skincare trends are you most excited about for 2022? Thanks so much for reading!
I love your skincare shots! They make me want to try them just because they almost look like food!! Very informative blog as always. Thank you for always share your knowledge!
Aw, thank you so much! I am glad you like them as much as me. Thanks for reading 🙂