11 Key Trends Facing The Advanced Cosmetics Industry In 2021

The beauty industry is always constantly evolving, learning, and making permanent changes from year to year. Some trends become obsolete while others grow, becoming widely accepted over time. So, what are some of the industry's latest Advanced Cosmetics innovations and the key trends to watch in 2021?

Here are 11 of them:

1. Microbiome-related Products

There's no better place to start than highlighting the reason for one of the most significant trends in the industry, Microbiome-related Products. The microbiome is a top trigger for the Advanced Cosmetics industry.

The human skin microbiome, the collection of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) that live on the skin, is exposed to nothing less than 100 different chemicals, including dangerous compounds like parabens on average in the form of makeup and skincare products. The adverse effects of using "classic" skincare products include cancer risk, systemic disorders, and allergic reactions.

The goal of microbiome-related products is to protect the skin and not affect it. Cosmetic companies develop prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics products, with Ren Clean Skincare leading the line in 2021.

2. Anti-Aging Products

Women aged 65 and older will be the fastest-growing female age section by 2025 and upwards. As one of the critical trends of the Advanced Cosmetics industry, anti-aging cosmetics intend to limit signs of skin aging and, in turn, lengthen youthful appearance.

Lubrizol Life Science Beauty’s all-in-one peptide, Argireline® Amplified peptide, serves as an upgraded Argireline ® peptide. This product has an intense anti-aging power that visibly transforms aging skin into a more youthful and healthy complexion, making it a notable advancement in the cosmetic industry.

3. Anti-Pollution Agents

Pollution is one of the main factors that cause early aging of the skin. Pollution represents a heterogeneous combination of chemicals and solid particles that affect skin structure and health. With this view, more skincare brands are developing solutions to resist these agents.

For example, Unilever has filed a patent on using resin-based film formers to prevent pollution-triggered skin damage and has also outlined a method involving fluorescence-based assays.

4. CBD Usage

Cannabinoids have excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consequently, the demand for CBD cosmetics is increasing. Google Trends showed over 295% increase in search interest for “CBD skincare” at the beginning of 2020.

Jinjoo Labs, Inc., like a couple of companies, responded to this shift in interest by announcing a new skincare line that combines Korean skincare ingredients and cosmetics technology with cannabidiol.

5. Sustainability

Sustainability in the advanced cosmetic industry involves implementing eco-friendly technologies in the production of cosmetics, cruelty-free product testing, and the use of packaging made from biodegradable organic materials.

Liz Earle Beauty Co., in particular, actively incorporates the sustainability trend. The company only uses responsibly sourced ingredients, focusing on “naturally active” components that have been naturally sourced from plant, marine, or mineral sources, using recyclable packaging, supporting the local community.

6. Organic

The trend towards using organic ingredients in cosmetics has persisted in recent years, being on the top. Manufacturers offer products using organic herbs, essences, oils.

A pioneer in organic skincare is True Botanicals, a company that has won several awards for its sustainable and safe skincare products. The company uses organic botanical extracts in its product development, and its partnership with Carnegie Mellon and Cornell universities guarantees its effectiveness.

7. Suncare

“Healthy tan” is the most common delusion about tanning. Consumers have become more educated regarding sun damage – indicating the potential for growth within the subcategories of sun protection.

Furthermore, several scientific publications have confirmed the beneficial properties of polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid in reducing the effects of wrinkles and aging.

The latest launch from Kylie Skin is a Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Facial Sunscreen, a unique product due to its crystal-clear formula with Shea Butter, Vitamin A, C, and E, which protects from UVA rays that cause aging, and UVB rays that burn the skin.

8. Stem Cells in Cosmetics

Stem cells, derived mainly from plants, work similarly to human stem cells and may offer anti-aging benefits for the skin while combating wrinkles and improving skin cell turnover. Plant stem cells include ingredients such as antioxidant vitamin C, collagen-building peptides, and nourishing plant oils, which are beneficial to the skin.

9. Technologies for Advanced Cosmetics

One of the common technological trends in the industry is the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence), usually deployed in the creation of personalized skincare regimens and product recommendations. AI analyzes the data behind shopping habits that can help to create virtual retail experiences.

Other modern technological concepts and tools that are increasingly popular are Augmented Reality Apps Personalization-apps, 3D printers, Smart Mirrors, and DNA-Based Skincare.

10. Brand Collaborations

One of the main trends in the Advanced Cosmetics industry is companies’ collaboration. Collaboration and partnership are outstanding opportunities for beauty brands to develop new products, incorporate new technologies, enhance cooperation within the industry and scale up eCommerce capabilities.

Collaboration between L’Oreal and Station F is one of the latest goal-driven partnerships in the industry. The goal of the partnership is to accelerate 20 high-potential early-stage startups in the beauty sphere.

11. Initiatives and Program

Programs and initiatives enable the industry to grow, incorporate new technologies from other sectors and involve startups in the development of innovative cosmetic products. Several ongoing trends are leading to increasing entrepreneurial and innovative programs for young companies in the industry.

FORMA, an example of such setups, serves as an incubator, accelerator, and curator of young beauty brands. FORMA supports startups founders by providing consultations, resources, and practical knowledge.