Experience Instant Radiance and 24-Hour Hydration with New Olay Regenerist Hyaluronic + Peptide 24.

How about a little coffee in your skin cream? The recent entry of Illy into the skin care arena highlights a growing trend towards incorporating unconventional ingredients in personal care products. This shift has led to the addition of innovative components like Zylorma and snail mucin alongside established favorites such as hyaluronic acid and retinol. Today’s savvy consumers are more discerning than ever, often scrutinizing skin care product labels and leveraging social media and online resources to enhance their understanding of product efficacy and ingredient functionality for better skin health.

According to renowned Dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell, since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have gravitated towards skin care solutions that offer simplicity, comfort, and effective sun protection. They are increasingly aware of the need for protective measures to guard against future skin damage while also addressing existing concerns.

“They are definitely understanding the importance of ‘protecting what you are correcting’ or simply shielding the skin from further harm,” said Dr. Mitchell. This evolving mindset reflects a broader trend in consumer behavior, with many now prioritizing comprehensive skin protection in their skin care regimens.

Dr. Mitchell has noted a significant surge in consumer interest in skin care products since the pandemic, with many individuals creating at-home spa experiences and actively seeking out protective formulations. This newfound focus not only highlights a shift in consumer priorities but also signifies a deeper appreciation for the science behind skin care.

“With more time to explore various topics online, consumers are now more informed about the ingredients in their products and their respective roles in addressing skin care concerns,” she observed.

Identify and Address Your Skin Care Concerns for Optimal Results

More knowledge, yes, but when it comes to skin care woes, consumers’ complaints are ageless. Dryness (44%) and anti-aging (37%) are the top skin care concerns, according to Provoke Insights, a New York research company. Other areas of concern cited by survey participants include fine lines/wrinkles (31%), acne (27%), dark spots (19%), pores (18%) and dullness (7%), according to Provoke Insight’s recent Beauty & Skincare Trends report.

Dr. Mitchell reports that her patients are increasingly focused on the signs of aging. She has experienced a notable increase in appointments from individuals seeking solutions for issues such as loss of elasticity or volume, fine lines, sagging, dryness, redness, rough texture, and uneven skin tone. These concerns are common across various demographics, underscoring the universal desire for youthful, vibrant skin.

“The ‘Zoom Effect’ has made many pay closer attention to their face and additionally their neck, décolletage, and backs of hands,” Mitchell explained. “Prior to COVID, patients were more likely to pursue fewer procedures. Now, many are opting for combined regimens that include treatments such as peels, injectables, and laser therapies alongside comprehensive skin care routines that focus on hydration, exfoliation, collagen stimulation, antioxidant protection, and diligent sun protection.”

People of all ages are increasingly concerned about their skin health, but those concerns can vary significantly based on age. For instance, patients in their 20s and 30s are often focused on preventative anti-aging strategies, selecting “appropriate skin care” solutions and treatments to minimize the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.

As patients reach their 40s, their concerns may shift to issues related to firmness and volume, including etched lines on the forehead and around the eyes as well as conditions like melasma.

“The most successful patients are the ones who combine in-office treatments with their daily skin care routine,” said Dr. Mitchell.

By the time individuals reach their 50s, they often express worry about further loss of elasticity and volume, fragile skin, and the development of wrinkles, particularly in the neck area.

“Patients are becoming increasingly aware of the significant impact that dryness and hormonal changes, such as menopause, can have on their skin,” she noted. “Many report experiencing unexpected acne and signs of sun damage, like excessive pigmentation and uneven skin tone, due to these hormonal shifts.”

Finally, there is a growing number of patients in their 60s and 70s seeking skin care solutions.

“They understand it is never too late to begin an anti-aging regimen,” she added.

Provoke data indicates that as of spring 2022, moisturizers and cleansers are the most sought-after skin care products, with cleansers particularly popular among younger demographics.

“As one might expect, Gen Z is especially concerned about acne,” noted Matt Silverman, a researcher and strategist with Provoke.

Regardless of the format, ingredient integrity is paramount when consumers evaluate skin care products.

“Over half of consumers (53%) actively seek specific ingredients when purchasing skin care products,” stated Silverman. “This trend is especially prevalent among Millennials, parents, and those interested in sustainably-sourced products.”

Innovative Ingredients Transforming Skin Care: Tretinoin, Snail Mucus, and More

One Lip Wonder is said to work wonders on dry, chapped lips.

What do tretinoin and snail mucus have in common? Interest in these ingredients has skyrocketed, as evidenced by rising Google searches, according to Spate, a New York research firm. Spate Co-Founder and CEO Yarden Horwitz observed that during the early stages of the pandemic, as consumers were quarantining, they invested time in experimenting with and educating themselves about various skin care ingredients.

“This led to greater comfort with targeted clinical actives, and we are witnessing a surge in searches for ingredients like tretinoin,” she shared with Happi.

However, not all of that self-education yielded positive outcomes. Despite thorough research, many consumers overused active ingredients, resulting in an increased demand for skin barrier repair and supportive ingredients.

“With ingredients like snail mucin and ceramides, consumers are demonstrating a preference for soothing hydration and moisture retention,” said Horwitz. While skin care searches may have decreased recently, Spate anticipates ongoing interest in simplified routines that incorporate a curated selection of clinical and skin-supporting ingredients.

“It’s crucial for brands to stay attuned to consumer interests, especially as budgets tighten. Consumers will not hesitate to cut products that fail to deliver visible results,” she emphasized.

Vitamins remain top-of-mind for consumers when considering supplementation. In August, The Benchmarking Company surveyed women regarding their interest in supplements. When asked about the ingredients they look for, vitamins topped the list, showcasing the continued importance of nutritional support for skin health.

Epionce founder Dr. Carl Thornfeldt recognizes the substantial benefits of ceramides, another essential ingredient in skin care. These have been integral to the Epionce product line, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in October. Notably, when cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides are combined in a specific 3:1:1 ratio, they optimize the skin’s repair processes.

“Applying a single ingredient may offer some benefits, but it’s essential to utilize all three components in the correct ratio to effectively enhance barrier repair,” Thornfeldt explained. “We were pioneers in this approach!”

All three crucial ingredients can be found in Epionce Renewal Facial Cream, which was launched in 2002. Thornfeldt asserts that this formula delivers results comparable to those of gold-standard prescription offerings.

In a media briefing, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman emphasized the vital role of the skin barrier in overall health.

“The skin barrier is our first line of defense, protecting the body from countless threats,” she noted. “Our goal is to support the skin so it functions optimally. There are numerous actives that inherently affect the barrier, and we want to strengthen it, not compromise it.”

Epionce is committed to enhancing this barrier without disruption, with plans to launch a multifunctional sun care product in 2023 and beyond.

“Moving forward, we will continue to innovate with barrier-first, science-driven products,” Thornfeldt stated.

He is currently exploring a variety of promising botanicals and herbs, emphasizing there are approximately 250,000 botanicals, yet only about 50,000 have been thoroughly studied. Regardless of the chosen natural ingredients, their extraction methods will be cutting-edge.

“The quality of the extraction method is crucial,” he explained. “Many methods degrade a significant percentage of active compounds, which is why we manage our own manufacturing processes.”

Hydration and Innovation: Olay’s New Formula and Its Impact

This collagen’s story is 600 million years old.

Procter & Gamble has seamlessly combined two powerful ingredients in its new Olay Regenerist Hyaluronic + Peptide 24. The company asserts that this new formula provides up to 24 hours of hydration and promotes instantly radiant skin. Research from Olay indicates that hydration is the top priority among consumers, yet 25% of women report difficulty finding a product that delivers long-lasting hydration in a lightweight gel format. This line features the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid found in any Olay Regenerist product, skillfully blended with vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and peptides across a range that includes gel moisturizer, eye gel, hydrating serum, hydrating moisturizer with SPF, and a facial cleanser.

After two weeks of using the gel moisturizer, 92% of women reported experiencing long-lasting hydration, effectively addressing a key skin concern that resonates with various generations and skin types.

Moreover, this range is engineered to retain moisture for twice as long as a $400 cream, showcasing its superior effectiveness.

With a plethora of new formulations entering the market, it’s evident that active ingredients are at the forefront of consumer interest… literally! The new One Lip Wonder from Fleur & Bee boasts a botanical-based formula enriched with peptides, plant stem cells, and coconut oil, designed to visibly hydrate, smooth, and plump lips. A consumer study revealed that 90% of participants noted smoother lip texture after using One Lip Wonder for just two weeks. This clean, cruelty-free, and 100% vegan product retails for $24.

According to company representatives, the formula comprises 22 active ingredients. Notably absent are typical lip balm ingredients like petroleum and beeswax, replaced with organic coconut oil for hydration, organic castor seed oil for nourishment, and candelilla wax for moisture and soothing properties. Additionally, One Lip Wonder includes glycerin and vitamin E, both recognized for their hydrating and soothing effects on the skin.

To elevate One Lip Wonder, it is enhanced with anti-aging components such as peptides for skin plumping and antioxidant-rich plant stem cells to protect and nurture the skin.

“Many of these ingredients were selected based on their proven effectiveness in our other anti-aging products,” shared Fleur & Bee Customer Support Manager and Esthetician Jasmine Rose.

Interestingly, the only new ingredient in One Lip Wonder is candelilla wax, chosen as a sustainable alternative to non-vegan beeswax and petroleum-derived substances typically found in lip treatments.

“Candelilla wax absorbs more readily into the skin, applies smoothly, and avoids the ‘film’ sensation that some lip products can leave behind,” Rose added.

There are numerous other new launches as well. Cashmere Moon’s Moisturizing Trio Box ($75) includes Whipped Body Cream, Vitamin C Whipped Hand Lotion, and Lavender Rose Glow Oil. Together, these products are said to provide comprehensive hydration, soften skin, and promote a healthy, radiant appearance.

LouLoudi Microneedle Eye Patches are designed with over 400 micro-needles infused with active compounds. These tiny needles promise to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles while repairing, replenishing, and plumping the skin, with patches starting at just $7.

Vitamin C is the standout ingredient in Trixsent’s Forever Young Collection, featuring a Vitamin C Serum that delivers deep moisture to combat aging signs; a Vitamin C Eye Cream that diminishes dark circles and puffiness; a Vitamin C Cleanser that effectively removes oils while soothing the skin; and a Vitamin C Cream that firms, brightens, evens, and moisturizes the skin.

Illy’s Bold Move: Coffee in Skin Care and Its Benefits

DBH’s Foxfire Serum

Renowned coffee producer Illycaffé has ventured into the skin care market with its new Amarey line, which features regenerated Arabica coffee extract, coffee flowers, and coffee powder. This collection includes a cleanser, serum, and face cream.

With approximately 2.25 billion cups of coffee consumed daily, it’s noteworthy that only about 10% of the coffee cherries are utilized in making this beloved beverage. Illy aims to change this with the Amarey line, which derives its name from the African-Yoruban language, meaning “possessing great strength.”

Amarey asserts that coffee’s antioxidant properties help combat cellular skin damage, reduce inflammation and puffiness, and counteract signs of photoaging, including wrinkles and discoloration. The intersection of coffee and cosmetics is not new; formulators understand that caffeine can constrict blood vessels, leading to a brighter and tighter appearance of the skin, according to various experts.

The Amarey formulas encompass more than just coffee, as the Antioxidant Lift Serum contains niacinamide, while the Hydrating Face Cream is enriched with vitamin E. Pricing ranges from approximately $24 for the cleanser to $52 for the serum, making these products accessible for a wide consumer base.

Biologique Recherche has introduced Collagene Originel, a product based on Type-0 Collagen, which is derived from marine biotechnology and has remained unchanged for over 600 million years. Executives at the company assert that this ingredient is foundational to all collagen types and is therefore referred to as “the mother of all collagens.”

“Our Collagene Originel serum serves as a revolutionary anti-aging treatment that targets the four main types of collagen (I, III, IV, VII) to enhance skin density in three dimensions,” stated Philipe Allouche, head of creation at Biologique Recherche. “It stimulates the collagen that naturally exists in the skin at both the gene and protein levels to reduce the length of wrinkles and revitalize the dermal-epidermal junction, which is crucial for maintaining skin plumpness and youthfulness.”

After four applications on ex-vivo human skin explants over a week, collagen type I increased by 13%, and type III collagen rose by 34%. The company also reported a 45% increase in collagen type IV and a 62% increase in collagen type VII at the DEJ structure. In an X-Polar analysis, Biologique Recherche noted a 28% enhancement in the integrity of the collagen fibers.

“We recorded a 22% increase in the dermal-epidermal junction index, indicating that the DEJ has lengthened and its surface has become more wavelike, suggesting improved mechanical resistance, resulting in greater firmness, reduced sagging, fewer wrinkles, and enhanced tissue healing and regeneration capabilities,” Allouche recalled. “We conducted in-vivo tests involving 20 volunteers aged 51 to 68, who applied Collagene Originel twice daily for 56 days, resulting in a 21% reduction in wrinkle length.”

Dermaesthetics Beverly Hills launched two innovative products last month. The Foxfire Serum ($95/1oz) is designed to work with the body’s natural production of adenosine, providing protection and healing from within the skin. When used consistently, this serum is said to create a protective barrier against environmental pollutants, support the healing of the epidermal layers, and deliver a radiant glow as adenosine interacts with the skin’s natural processes.

“While there’s no actual ‘Fox Fire’ inside, the bioluminescent green hue of our Foxfire serum is derived from Matcha Green Tea Extract, combined with a synergistic blend of other ingredients,” explained Dermaesthetics Director Lincoln Lee. “These components stimulate ATP production and promote increased cell rejuvenation.”

DBH’s Copper Peptide Serum ($119/1oz) contains 500mg of GHK-CU, a human copper-binding peptide, alongside a proprietary mix of plant stem cells, vitamins, antioxidants, moisturizing agents, and skin-firming amino acids. This synergistic blend is designed to collectively tighten, thicken, repair, and rejuvenate skin, effectively reversing signs of biological aging. After consistent morning and night use for two weeks, this formula has demonstrated reductions in fine lines, wrinkle depth, and overall skin structure; it also addresses photodamage, mottled hyperpigmentation, skin spots, and lesions while enhancing barrier function, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production.

The New Era of Skin Care: Personalized Treatments and Innovations

The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online shopping, moving it five years into the future. Although in-person shopping is making a comeback, many individuals prefer to avoid spending time in a doctor’s office—especially during cold and flu season. Since its launch in May 2019, Musely has been providing specialized treatments tailored to a range of skin and hair concerns, including dark spots, melasma, rosacea, anti-aging, and even hair loss. The Musely team includes Chief Medical Officer Marie Jhin, MD, and Skincare Advisor Kimber Maderazzo, former EVP/GM at The Proactiv Company.

Raf Five skincare products even work after hours, according to the brand.

To become part of the Musely community, users complete a brief three-minute online consultation by uploading three photos and filling out a medical questionnaire for a dermatologist to review, resulting in a personalized and effective treatment plan.

Products are medically customized to meet individual needs, ensuring timely delivery right to the customer’s door.

Consumers seem satisfied with the results, as revenue growth surged by 50 times, alongside a remarkable 400% increase in new patient revenue growth during the first half of 2022. As of the latest reports, Musely has successfully served over 400,000 customers.

Founder and CEO Jack Jia shared with Happi that Musely’s treatments utilize ingredients that are supported by clinical research, guaranteeing their safety and efficacy for addressing specific medical conditions. He emphasized the drawbacks of over-the-counter products, which may sit on shelves for extended periods, causing them to lose potency and expire faster.

“Even factory-made medications typically prescribed by doctors and obtained from pharmacies may have been packaged nine months or more ago, resulting in them being largely oxidized and less effective by the time they reach consumers,” he noted. “In contrast, we compound our medications fresh, tailoring them to our patients’ needs just days before they arrive at their doorstep.”

Musely’s most sought-after product is The Spot Cream, designed to target stubborn hyperpigmentation like melasma, which affects approximately five million people in the United States alone.

“Many melasma sufferers have mismanaged their condition due to misinformation and myths circulating online,” Jia explained. “In fact, many of our patients have been told by dermatologists that their melasma is untreatable. The Spot Cream is expertly formulated with high-quality, prescription-strength ingredients, including hydroquinone, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and tretinoin, to effectively combat challenging dark spots.”

Musely relies on unique combinations of clinically validated ingredients tailored for conditions such as dark spots, hair loss, aging, and rosacea.

“Some of our go-to ingredients include hydroquinone, tretinoin, minoxidil, azelaic acid, metronidazole, tranexamic acid, and ivermectin, to name a few,” he added.

Dr. Mitchell recommends a variety of actives for her patients, highlighting the effectiveness of BHA, salicylic acid, AHA, PHA, retinol, niacinamide, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid in addressing and preventing numerous dermatological concerns.

Clearly, there has been a significant investment in skin care active research to date, but much more is anticipated in the future.

“There is always a demand for new ingredients that can safely and effectively make a noticeable impact on skin concerns,” Dr. Mitchell commented. “Despite the consistent efficacy of retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid, there remains a thirst for innovation.”

And these three ingredients continue to be staples in a wide array of skin care formulations!

Explore the Latest Innovations in Skin Care Ingredients

Below is a list of new ingredients introduced by industry suppliers in the past 12 months. To learn more about the products listed here, contact the supplier directly using the contact information provided.

973-439-1417

[email protected]

www.botanicalsplus.com