Another year has gone and a new one is quickly on its way. Whether you feel like 2024 flew by or went painstakingly slow, chances are, you learned a lot along the way. And that’s exactly how we feel when it comes to new beauty and skincare innovations.
In 2024, we saw beef tallow enter the chat in conjunction with a rise of plant-based skincare in general. We also saw skincare technology like LED light therapy masks and cryotherapy tools becoming more accessible than ever. But the best thing about a new year that’s just around the corner is that we get to keep all of last year’s major skincare advancements—plus welcome in a few more as well. To find out what’s brewing for the new year, we grabbed our crystal ball! Just kidding—we turned to the pros and tapped dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, to find out more.
Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is an NYC- and New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist.
Brands like SHANI DARDEN and MAELYS both came out with body serums that include ingredients you typically only find in facial skincare, like retinoids. It seems now that many of us have mastered skincare on our faces, it’s time to extend the TLC to the rest of our body.
“We are now seeing multi-step routines for the body to address specific skincare concerns such as brightening and tightening,” explains Dr. Garshick. “Serums are now being formulated for body care as alternatives to lightweight lotions or as a step prior to applying a thicker moisturizing cream. These body serums may incorporate ingredients like antioxidants or active ingredients like exfoliating acids or retinol.”
Taking care of the skin on your body is just as important as your face, and brands are taking note. You’ll see body serums take center stage in 2025 as more brands jump on the bandwagon and add accessible product lineups for skincare fans.
Chances are, you’re already familiar with skincare mainstays like retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. But you’re about to hear a new skincare buzzword in 2025: ectoin.
“Ectoin is a compound also known as an extremolyte, which offers protection against external stressors,” says Dr. Garshick. “It can also help moisturize the skin as well as support the skin barrier.” Essentially, Dr. Garshick says ectoin works to create a protective shield on the skin’s surface and helps support the barrier and prevent water loss. Even better? “By protecting against external stressors, it also offers protection against blue light and pollution. It can be used one to two times daily and may be found in serums and moisturizers,” says Dr. Garshick.
You can thank Christina Aguilera and Lindsay Lohan for the return of more natural-looking skin enhancements. “People are still looking to filler as a cosmetic treatment option, but are opting for more of a natural and not overdone look,” says Dr. Garshick. “People still want to look and feel like themselves and are seeking options that keep them feeling natural.”
As the FDA continues to clear new ways to use both fillers and Botox in the body, expect a more natural look all around.
Hair-care brands like VERB and OUAI added dandruff-focused shampoos to their lineups in recent years, but overall scalp care will be a bigger focus in 2025, says Dr. Garshick. Why? Because experts and consumers are realizing that a healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair. “Many companies are targeting the scalp with leave-in products and serums to help calm scalp inflammation and nourish the scalp,” Dr. Garshick explains. “Additionally, products may incorporate ingredients such as peptides to help strengthen and support the hair follicle and improve hair strength and density.”
Want to get ahead of the trend? We love the UNDEFINED BEAUTY R&R Scalp Serum, which has niacinamide, rosemary, and mushroom to help condition and moisturize the scalp.
The consumers have spoken, and more eco-friendly products are in demand. “From the packaging to refillable products, skincare brands continue to place an emphasis on keeping their manufacturing and production environmentally friendly and sustainable,” says Dr. Garshick. We love the FIRST AID BEAUTY Facial Radiant Pads that are single use but now fully compostable. You never have to feel guilty about using these glycolic and lactic acid pads to help gently exfoliate dead skin cells.
SECRET launched whole-body deodorant earlier this year, and Dr. Garshick says the trend will continue with other major brands.
“Whole body deodorants are designed to address odor in all areas of the body and are often formulated to spread and absorb easily in areas such as the buttocks, under the breasts, back, and neck,” she explains. “They are often formulated with nourishing ingredients to minimize potential irritation. As we approach 2025, more companies are creating these products to help address a common, but underrecognized, concern of body odor, which is also helping to draw awareness.”