Skin care trends to watch

Consumer interest in premium brands is propelling an increase in the size of the global skin care market, which is projected to increase by $45bn by 2023. To remain competitive, businesses should pay attention to the latest trends and adapt their product ranges accordingly.

Cannabidiol

With preliminary studies looking at the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) oil in treating conditions like anxiety, pain and insomnia, and even assisting with acne and wrinkles, this active ingredient has gained widespread exposure. CBD is a naturally occurring plant compound derived from the cannabis plant, which is non-psychoactive and legal to buy. CBD is more richly concentrated in cannabidiol than hemp seed oil, which only contains trace amounts.

CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which have helped fuel its popularity in the skin care market. For example, people with acne may use it to help keep their skin calm ― research indicates that CBD’s soothing properties can help diminish breakouts and reduce redness. Another reason for its popularity is its antioxidant properties, linked with reducing signs of ageing skin, such as wrinkles.

Encapsulation

Another skin care trend is microencapsulation, which involves formulating ingredients into tiny capsules to make sure that the encased ingredient is protected and delivered properly into the skin.

The skin acts as a physical barrier and can prevent ingredients such as antioxidants and vitamins from being absorbed. The active ingredient must have a small enough molecular structure to cross the skin barrier effectively. In addition, some ingredients such as vitamin C are unstable and may change if exposed to air.

The capsules can be made from many materials, such as sugars or synthetic polymers.

Cosmetics companies are developing new encapsulation methods, such as the addition of amino acid-based markers that aid attachment, to help the active ingredient reach the correct part of the skin. Encapsulation can be a complex chemical process, so to tap into this trend, businesses will require the skills of a formulation chemist, either in-house or freelance.