The Future of Skincare: Trending Ingredients and Outbreak Sourcing Hotspots

Author- Revathy Nair, Speciality Chemicals

The beauty world is changing minute by minute—skincare trends faster than any other. No longer are anti-aging concerns top of mind. Modern consumers are looking for a much more holistic approach to beauty: healthy skin for a longer period of time, and welcome natural and sustainable ingredients into their routine.

A New Wave of Skincare Heroes

Five essential ingredients, which form the vanguard of this revolution, are ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, snail mucin, and microalgae. Each of these has very unique functions accorded to the skin, thus availing a diverse array of needs in a much more balanced skin care approach.

• Ceramides: These key lipids reinforce the skin barrier, preventing water loss and damage from elements. In skin cells, ceramides are endogenously found; however, with age, this concentration fades. Topical ceramides restore this important layer and leave skin smoother and more resistant.
• Peptides: These power molecules stimulate the production of collagen, a compound that plays a big role in skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and increasing overall feelings of youth. They also support skin repair and regeneration, returning years to your complexion.
• Niacinamide: This is a real workhorse for skincare and is such a strong multitasker. It brightens the skin, minimizes pores, regulates oil output, and reinforces the skin barrier. Gentle enough even for sensitive skin, niacinamide is loved by all for its usage in a host of skincare concerns.
• Snail Mucin: More famous as an ingredient in K-beauty, the craze for snail mucin, because of its intense hydrating and soothing properties, has reached far and wide across continents. It also helps to reduce the visibility of scars, blemishes, and wrinkles and leaves the skin soft and supple.
• Microalgae: These little sea microorganisms are rich in antioxidants and various other nutrients. As stated earlier, microalgae protect skin against environmental aggressors, restore skin texture and tone, and are even known for their anti-wrinkling properties.

Next Gen Biotech-Led Beauty

With increasing pressure on sustainability and demand for more potent ingredients, biotech innovation is leading in beauty.

• Collagen Hybridizing Peptide: BASF, a global chemical giant has invested in US tech startup 3Helix Inc., which is developing collagen hybridizing peptide technology. CHP produces collagens like peptides that bind with denatured collagen to help in anti-aging. BASF looks to commercialize this product by 2025.
• Biomimetic Natural Ceramides: In yet another breakthrough, Syensqo, an innovative company, launched Cerafy Pure NPo, a product that renews the natural levels of ceramides in the skin.
• Upcycled Peptides: Algaktiv, a Spanish biotechnology company, harnesses microalgae by-products resulting during extraction processing for astaxanthin to create vegan and up-cycled peptides for a more sustainable and ethical alternative.
• Korean biotech companies have been in the forefront of these ingredient innovations. Major specialty chemical suppliers including Syensqo and Croda have acquired Korean suppliers with biotechnology expertise, paving the way for innovative product launches. This move reinforces the role of such acquisitions in driving product innovation, as seen with Syensqo's launch of Cerafy Pure NPo.

Sourcing Hotspots

These trends have been driving the emergence of some key sourcing hotspots for these popular ingredients:

• Europe, South Korea, and North America: With advanced manufacturing technology and innovation, these countries are developing into key sites for the production of ceramides, peptides, microalgae, and snail extracts.
• Asia (China and India): Niacinamide is finding its largest sourcing location in the Asian region, where there is easy access to low-cost raw materials and ample supply.

The Future of Beauty

The companies, big industry players like L’Oreal, realize potential in the achievements and actively form a partnership or acquire some of the specialized biotech innovators leading this charge of transformation. This trend goes to prove that in times to come, most of the biotech-driven innovations in the personal care industry are going to redo the beauty landscape and set new beauty standards.

Partner with Beroe

Beroe is a global leader in procurement intelligence and analytics, providing insights that enable companies to make smarter sourcing decisions. We are closely tracking these evolving trends and can help you navigate them effectively.