I’ve been a beauty editor for over 10 years now, and skincare has always been the most exciting area of my job. Combining cutting-edge science with evolving consumer demands, it’s an area that moves fast – and each year brings new trends, ingredients, and technologies to the forefront.

And let’s be honest – today’s consumers are more educated than ever before. We want evidence-backed formulations that deliver tangible results. But, as this knowledge grows, so does the challenge of navigating a skincare landscape increasingly influenced by viral social media trends and unverified advice – misinformation is rife, and it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. 

With this in mind, we asked some of the UK’s leading dermatologists and skincare experts to explore the key trends set to dominate 2025. From the rise of streamlined but supercharged routines to game-changing developments in ingredients like retinol, these insights offer a glimpse into what’s next for your skincare shelf…

“Skin reactivity, including conditions such as perioral dermatitis, is definitely on the rise and I see this among many of my patients,” explains Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd. “As we learn more about the skin barrier and the importance of maintaining this delicate outermost layer of skin, I predict a paring down of routines to include very targeted actives and skin-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in 2025. Brands like CeraVe, La Roche Posay and Bioderma will continue to be leaders in creating streamlined routines suitable for all skin types.”

This simplification within routines means that consumers are looking toward a renewed focus on efficacy – demanding hard-working products that address a number of different skincare concerns. “At Dermatica, we’re seeing a growing preference for multifunctional ingredients that simplify routines without compromising effectiveness, such as those that hydrate, brighten and combat wrinkles all at once,” says Dr Shendy Engelina, consultant dermatologist at Dermatica.

“Skin boosters are going to be very popular in 2025, with polynucleotides becoming more popular as we have more awareness of the product and wider education on its benefits, impact and downtime,” explains Dr Elizabeth Hawkes. “I predict Sculptra and Profhilo will continue to remain popular treatment options for those who want longer-lasting skin benefits.”

Nicky Wright, celebrity facialist and founder of Niksskin clinic agrees, telling Stylist: “A major innovation gaining traction for 2025 is the use of exosomes – tiny vesicles essential for cellular communication and regeneration. They’re incredible for promoting healing and boosting collagen production and exome-based therapies are leading the way in skin rejuvenation.” 

“Longevity is the new buzzword in the wellness space and it’s only a matter of time before it makes its way into skincare in 2025,” says Dr Granite. “Thinking about the longevity of skin cells and taking a proactive, pro-ageing approach to skin health will have real benefits in terms of improving not only the appearance of our skin, but also hopefully in reducing the incidence of skin cancers and driving innovation in the treatment of skin disease.”

Dr Jason Thomson, consultant dermatologist and head of medical at Skin + Me, agrees. “Next year will be a transformative year for skin longevity as advances in longevity research moves into mainstream skincare. I expect we’ll see a rise in formulations that incorporate senotherapeutics, compounds designed to eliminate or rejuvenate senescent (so-called zombie) cells – alongside ingredients that boost mitochondrial energy such as NAD+, which restore cellular energy production and protect against oxidative damage.”

There’s been a lot of talk about retinol this year – in part because of the EU retinol ban being put into place. “In 2025, I predict we’ll see more products leveraging innovations in cosmetic-grade retinoids, particularly hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), also known as granactive retinoid,” explains Dr Thomson. “HPR is a standout among traditional retinoids like retinol and retinal because it’s a ‘direct’ retinoid, meaning it acts directly on the skin’s retinoid receptors without requiring enzymatic conversion to become active. This makes it both highly effective and better tolerated.”

Dr Beibei Du-Harpur, expert dermatologist at Simple, agrees that brands will look at using ingredient alternatives, offering the benefits of retinoids without the regulatory constraints or irritation often associated with retinol. “Retinaldehyde is increasingly popular as an ingredient to boost collagen and smooth skin. Consumers are more aware of it and looking for it as an ingredient. I think more brands will launch retinaldehyde products (especially since the EU has introduced additional regulations around retinol).”

“Single-ingredient layering has been made fashionable over the last few years, but now the trend has shifted back towards multi-tasking products aimed at addressing skin goals,” says Dr Du-Harpur. “For example, the Simple Ceramide Boosters and Omegas Complex serum combines three barrier-supporting ingredients: the ceramide boosters, omegas and niacinamide, which all work together with one goal in mind – healthy, supported, hydrated skin.”

Georgie Cleeve, skincare formulator and founder of Oskia, agrees, telling Stylist: “There’s been a real trend for single-ingredient or ‘hero’ ingredient formulations, but the reality is that one single ingredient is not going to change your skin. Your skin needs a variety of different ingredients that all work together in order to see results.” In 2025, expect to see fewer formulas championing one hero ingredient and more active blends – which work together to provide full-spectrum support. 

“In the realm of beauty and wellness, sleep is often heralded as the closest thing to the fountain of youth, a fundamental but often overlooked component of skincare regimes,” explains Cleeve. “While the quiet hours of the night offer a much-needed reprieve from the day and its environmental stressors, they kick start a host of vital biological processes that renew and repair our skin, which can be cleverly supported by the right skincare.”

“One of the most important chemicals involved in these magical processes of midnight rejuvenation are growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), melatonin and a cadre of essential nutrients that synergistically enhance skin’s natural resilience and vitality. I predict seeing brands focusing on products that support this much-needed process, harnessing ingredients that support and assist our own circadian rhythm.”

“Despite using them in clinics for many years, devices like LED masks have recently really gained popularity, with clients asking about them for at-home use,” explains expert facialist Kate Kerr. “Major brands are entering the market, and I see the rise of ‘tech-enhanced beauty’ continuing as advanced skincare becomes accessible from home.” From radio-frequency devices to LED treatments, 2025 might just be the year that tech becomes mainstream – and more accessible to the masses. 

Images: Getty