Skincare has been around since the beginning of time; from rituals done by Queen Nefertiti of Egypt to all the products that Queen Elizabeth I used every day, up to the modern era where the options for skincare products are endless. The year 2020 brought about increased interest in products and ingredients pertaining to the skin. The state of the world and people having more free time has sparked an interest in skincare overall. What are some of the most searched for beauty ingredients of 2020?
I am a medical doctor with a major in aesthetic medicine. I love learning about new products and their ingredients and benefits. Last year, I got questions from friends, family, and patients about skincare products, ingredients, and trends. Using those questions and google trends, I put together a list of the most searched-for beauty ingredients of 2020. The last two are my favorites.
During the first half of 2020, the most searched ingredients were natural ingredients. Here is the compiled list of 11.
11 Most Searched Ingredients Of 2020
- Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a plant found on moisturizers that target inflammatory conditions like acne and eczema. Besides its anti-inflammatory properties, hazel acts as an occlusive ingredient. Occlusive ingredients avoid the loss of water on the skin, keeping it hydrated for longer. A study comparing hazel preparations concludes that this plant also has properties that increase the production of collagen.
- Vitamin C
Our skin contains high levels of vitamin C, which is key to the many undergoing processes that happen on the skin. Including collagen production, antioxidant effects, and protection against UV rays. Studies show a positive benefit for vitamin C to treat sunburns, wrinkles, lack of elasticity, hyperpigmentation (darker spots) due to solar exposure, skin dryness, loss of color, the roughness of the skin, and sagging skin. I have had good experiences treating hyperpigmentation in my patients utilizing products with a vitamin C base to break down the pigment. Vitamin C has been used for years, and it will continue to be one of the favorite ingredients in skin care.
- Squalene
Squalene is a natural ingredient obtained from fish oils, especially shark liver, but also in vegetable oils. Squalene has antioxidant, detoxifying, and skin hydrating activities. Squalene works as an occlusive, avoiding the skin from losing its moisture. Squalene is a common ingredient of moisturizers that target acne-prone skin.
- Ceramides
Ceramides are one of the components of the skin barrier. Helping maintain the water permeability of the skin. As we age, the levels of ceramides deplete, creating dry skin as fine wrinkles. Many skincare products use ceramides to treat conditions like atopic dermatitis. Ceramides keep the skin firm and hydrated and help to diminish the look of fine lines.
- Castor Oil
Castor oil is a popular ingredient in hair products. You will most likely find it on hair and eyelash serums since it moisturizes and encourages hair growth. On the skin, castor oil still is relatively new. Studies show that it is a powerful emollient. Emollients are substances that smooth the skin by filling the space between skin flakes. More research is necessary to establish the properties of castor oil on the skin.
The second half of 2020 focus was mostly on peeling treatments to help brighten discoloration areas on the skin, these included:
- Niacinamide
Niacinamide is vitamin B3. Studies have shown that topic niacinamide preparations, improves the appearance of aging facial skin, mostly on hyperpigmentation, and red blotchiness. Niacinamide also works against fine lines and wrinkles as improving the elasticity of the skin.
- Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the most common used acid in cosmetics. It will exfoliate the dead skin cells promoting a smoother appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends it to promote a younger look on the skin. Studies have shown that glycolic acid increases in skin elasticity and hydration. Reduces hyperpigmentation and erythema (red coloration of the skin). With it’s impressive abilities, glycolic acid is definitely one of the favorite ingredients in skin care that is here to stay.
- Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble molecule that has gained popularity in the past year when it went viral as one of the main ingredients in chemical exfoliators. Studies have shown fantastic results treating melasma (deep brown coloration of the skin on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose). Other studies show positive results when using salicylic acid to treat acne. I have had fantastic results using salicylic acid, for chemical peelings on my patients and as a chemical exfoliator.
- Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a protein that helps keep the structure of the skin, maintain volume, and attract moisture. In the last couple of years, hyaluronic acid in cosmetic products has become extremely popular. You will mostly find hyaluronic acid in moisturizers and anti-aging wrinkle creams and serums. A study done in 2019 split two groups of women. Each group used a wrinkle cream half with hyaluronic acid and a half without it. The creams were from popular commercial brands like Nivea and Lancôme. The result showed positive effects on wrinkle depth, especially around the mouth, and improved skin tightness. As a physician, I have a lot of experience with hyaluronic acid, both for skin care and skin enhancement procedures like dermal fillers. I swear by hyaluronic acid. The results I have seen are incredible. I would encourage you to try products with hyaluronic acid. They are game-changers.
- Retinol
Retinol is the precursor of retinol acid, a common ingredient used in chemical peels, facials, and acne treatments. Retinol is an effective anti-aging treatment widely used on cosmetic products. My experience with retinol with patients has been incredible. Studies show the effects of retinol on the molecular and cellular structure of the skin. The results improve aged appearing skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increasing the elasticity of the skin. This is why retinol is also falls under the list for most searched beauty ingredients.
Ingredient To Look Out For In 2021
So now that you know of the most searched beauty ingredients in 2020, what can you expect to look out for in 2021? To start, CBD Oil. Cannabis has been a popular topic for some time. Particularly cannabis oil has shown anti-inflammatory properties and benefits. The American Academy of Dermatology reported the possible benefits of CBD oil for inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Google trends show an increased interest in this ingredient with a peak on searches since November of 2020.
Skin care in general is a very vast subject. New ingredients come into the market very frequently and it can make it hard to keep up. Learning how the products work will help you choose the best ones for your concerns. However, I always recommend getting the opinion of a professional.
