The skincare world never rests, and activity is particularly dynamic at the start of a new year. New innovations and ingredients give way to trendy formulas and phenomena, attracting us all to the buzzy trends that are slated to rule the year ahead. Join us as we break down our 2025 skincare trend predictions to get a head start on the crowd and take your skincare game to new heights. Just keep scrolling to begin.

Exosomes are making their big debut

Exosomes are the buzziest new ingredient that’s making waves in the skincare world. Previously they were more commonly used by dermatologists when administering treatments; these days we’re seeing exosomes enter the stream of topical skincare that can be applied at home. But what exactly are Exosomes and what do they do?

Exosomes are an ingredient that bind to skin cells to support regeneration. They offer a wide variety of benefits, from delivering deep hydration and healing skin wounds to reducing fine lines and banishing dullness, and are suitable for all skin types to use. Pair them with other skincare ingredients like Retinol or antioxidants to boost the effectiveness of each.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube

The star ingredient of the medicube Exosome Cica Ampoule is right in its name: Exosomes are combined with Centella Asiatica to form Exsome Cica that penetrates deeper into the skin for a more powerful soothing effect. Tea Tree Leaf Water further contributes relieving benefits for textured and troubled skin.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - MEDIPEEL+

Rose Exosome is combined with Lotus Leaf PDRN to form the MEDIPEEL+ PDRN Water Tox Exosome Ampoule, a calming and plumping ampoule that repairs skin elasticity. Its active ingredients sink into the dermis to offer intense nutrition and maintain skin moisture levels.

Barrier repair climbs to the top

A damaged skin barrier is the root cause of many skin concerns, such as breakouts, dryness or sensitivity, and as this becomes more common knowledge, we anticipate barrier repair and maintenance to be at the forefront of 2025’s skincare trends. In comes Ceramides, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica and more skin-loving ingredients to heal and protect the skin barrier, fortifying it in the long run to resist irritation and environmental aggressors.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - haruharu wonder

The haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence quickly rose to the top of the bestseller charts not long after launch for its dreamy texture and benefits. This milky essence touts Black Rice, Probiotics, Ceramides and Fatty Acids that protect the skin barrier and plump up dull complexions.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Biodance

Moisture is key to maintaining a healthy barrier, and the Biodance Cera-Nol Gel Toner Padsmore than deliver with 10 types of Hyaluronic Acid, Glacial Water, Ceramides and Panthenol. These hydro-gel toner pads minimize skin irritation when you swipe them across the skin, in addition to cooling and calming any inflammation.

*Gen Alpha skincare has entered the chat*

From 2024 stemmed the phenomenon of Gen Alpha skincare, as buyers of the younger generation were storming the shelves to build their beauty repertoires. We think it’s great that the importance of skincare is being embedded into tweens and teens earlier, but it’s also crucial that what they’re using is actually suitable for their skin. Younger skin may experience fewer skin concerns, and so many active ingredients can actually come across as harsh instead of effective.

In our eyes, Gen Alpha skincare is bright and fun to reflect the youthfulness of the generation, but the formulas are gentle and soothing so as to not incur irritation. Of course, Gen Alpha skincare isn’t just limited to Gen Alpha users; consider it the foundation of a typical routine of which you can build upon according to your specific skin needs.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TOCOBO

The TOCOBO Cica Calming Gel Cream is chock-full of nourishing ingredients to calm an irritated complexion, including balancing Tea Tree Extract, soothing Centella Asiatica and barrier-reinforcing Ceramide NP.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ETUDE

Soft and gentle on all complexions, the ETUDE Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser uses Panthenol and Madecassoside to cleanse and soothe skin while minimizing flareups. This pH-balanced formula skips out on harmful additives to nurse irritated complexions back to health.

Lifting masks become all the rage

Saggy skin is out and firm, lifted skin is in. We’re all for the lifting masks being released that enhance skin elasticity and prevent skin from sagging, revitalizing aging and fatigued complexions. They’re a great way to supercharge your routine on a weekly basis and tighten up your skin over time. So far we’ve got sheet, peel-off and hydro-gel masks on our rotation, but we think lifting masks that have ingredient-based AND physical benefits will be all the rage as more brands catch on.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SUNGBOON EDITOR

Wake up from your beauty sleep firmed and rejuvenated with the SUNGBOON EDITOR Deep Collagen Anti Wrinkle Lifting Mask. The hydro-gel mask features Collagen and 9 types of Peptides to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, at the same time increasing Collagen production.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - numbuzin

Your next Holy Grail multi-tasking mask, the numbuzin No.9 NAD Bio Lifting-sil Full Cover Facial Mask targets enlarged pores, wrinkles, sagginess and puffiness all in one. Come for the unique mask shape that physically lifts the skin, stay for the visibly restored skin post-treatment.

Glow > matte

While matte skin had its moment in the year prior, glowy skin is making a huge comeback. Between strengthening the skin barrier, replenishing hydration and treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation, glowy skin is the ideal end result that portrays a healthy, fortified appearance. The ingredient trends seem to point us in that direction; PDRN, Noni extract and Collagen have been topping the charts since 2024 and there’s no slowing down for these glass skin boosters.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - TirTir

TirTir’s fan-fave Ceramic Cream now comes in a lighter but no less nourishing formula: the TirTir Ceramic Cream Light. All skin types will enjoy this Ceramide, Hyaluronic Acid and Meadowfoam Seed Oil-infused moisturizer that supports the skin’s moisture barrier while making the complexion glowy and radiant.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube

The medicube Collagen Glow Booster Serum boasts an impressive lineup of ingredients to ramp up skin glow and volume, including low-molecular Collagen, Elastin, Milk Protein and Peptides. Insider tip: its luminous effects are multiplied tenfold when you pair it with the brand’s Age-R Booster Pro device in the PM.

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