‘Active’ skincare

Abhay Mayer, Vice President -Global Sales & Marketing at Asia Research Partners LLP, discusses the top five active ingredients in skincare products that are changing trends both globally and in India.

The global skincare ingredients market is predicted to be worth US$39.97 billion by 2032. The above statistics show that some key ingredients continue to be in high demand, making it essential for companies to keep up-to-date with these changing trends. The global skincare market is constantly evolving as new ingredients are introduced and old ones become obsolete.

The ever-changing landscape of the skincare ingredients market means that it is crucial for manufacturers must know the latest trends to stay ahead of the competition. These powerful ingredients include hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, glycolic acid and vitamin C. Each of them has unique benefits that can help improve the appearance of the skin.

Some of the most active ingredients found in skincare products are those that help with hydration, collagen production and cell turnover. Let us understand the importance of of these ingredients in skincare and why it makes good business sense for beauty brands to keep an eye on them.

HYALURONIC ACID

The global hyaluronic acid market is projected to reach US$20 billion by 2030. Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar that occurs naturally in the human body. It is often used as a moisturising agent in skincare products such as moisturisers, serums and facial masks because it has the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water.

It is also used in injectable fillers to plump up the skin. Studies have also shown that hyaluronic acid can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, and keep the skin hydrated.

NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that is known to even out the skin tone and improve the appearance of pores.

Niacinamide is found in different skincare products, including serums, creams, and moisturisers. It works well with other active ingredients, such as retinoids or vitamin C. When used together, these ingredients can provide better results.

One thing to keep in mind when you’re looking for a skincare product that contains niacinamide is to the label to see if it’s listed as an active ingredient.

GLYCOLIC ACID

A recent study has shown that the sales of glycolic acid is projected to reach US$500 million by 2022. The rising popularity of glycolic acid can be attributed to its efficacy in treating several skin concerns, including acne, fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that is derived from sugar cane. It is often used in exfoliating products because it can help to soften the skin and improve its texture. The concentration of glycolic acid varies between products, so you must choose the one that is right for your skin type.

Glycolic acid can be irritating to the skin, so it is important to start with a lower concentration and increase it gradually as your skin gets used to it.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help brighten the skin and protect it from the damage caused by free radicals.

Apart from providing protection against free radical damage, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in preventing wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

RETINOL

Retinol is a type of vitamin A that is commonly used in acne treatments and anti-aging products. It works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. Both over-the-counter and prescription skincare products contain retinol.

Increasing cell turnover helps exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles. It also helps to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the elasticity of the skin.

Retinol is often lauded for its anti-aging properties, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re thinking of trying a retinol product, it’s important to build up your tolerance slowly by starting with a lower concentration.

Additionally, those using retinol should be extra diligent about applying sunscreen during the day as the ingredient can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

RISK CHECK

There are a few potential risks associated with using skincare products that contain active ingredients.

• First, some of these ingredients can cause skin irritation. This is especially true if the product is not used as directed. It is important to read the instructions on the product label carefully and to only use the product as directed.

• Second, some of these ingredients can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. This means that you may need to use sunscreen more often when using products with these ingredients.

• Third, some of these ingredients can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you have any concerns about using a product with these ingredients, it is best to speak with a doctor or dermatologist first.

As the beauty market evolves, it’s becoming increasingly important for beauty brands to be on the cutting edge when it comes to new ingredients and trends. Market research is essential in launching a new product, as it helps you understand consumer needs and buying behaviour.

For consumers, it’s important to read product labels carefully and pay attention to the active ingredients in each product.

With several skincare products on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is right for you. But by taking the time to understand what active ingredients are in each product, you can make an informed decision about which product is right for your needs. PBHJ