We love to stay on top of the future of beauty, so we hopped over to Amsterdam to check out the European Conference of Dermatology and Venerology Congress with Kenvue (aka the brains behind some of our fav brands like Aveeno and Neutrogena) to get the inside scoop on what’s poppin’ up in 2025 in the skincare space.
With expert chats featuring Kenvue’s skin science genius Menas Kizoulis, formula mastermind Meena Golhar, and A-lister dermatologist Dr. Roy Moutran, we’ve covered the top trends. Since we never, ever gatekeep, we’re spilling the deets with you.
Trend 1: Bank that collagen, sis
Collagen banking is gearing up to be a major movement in the region. Kenvue is leading the charge with a micropeptide formulas that boosts collagen in the long game. Think of them as pre-ageing treatments.
Even if you’re in your twenties with no signs of aging yet, this technology works beneath the surface of the skin to keep it firm for the future. Kinda like saving up your money now for next year’s Galentine’s to the Maldives. Great news GCC girlies, Neutrogena’s Collagen Bank products will be coming to the region.
Trend 2: SPF for deeper skin tones
We’ll leave SPF with a ghostly cast for Halloween only. Expect to see more products like Neutrogena’s Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 going mainstream.
They’re designed to absorb UV radiation better and cut down filters by 20% for an invisible, makeup-friendly finish. They’re ideal for all skin tones, including deeper ones.
Trend 3: Ingredients spotlight
These days, everyone’s checking labels for buzzworthy ingredients, but Kenvue’s team is here to maximise their punch. Elevated formulations aren’t just a trend, they’re the new norm.
Think Neutrogena’s Hydroboost Water Gel (Dhs39, myaster.com) with electrolytes to supercharge hyaluronic acid. The aim? Boost bioactivity so ingredients work harder, giving you more skin-loving benefits in every drop.
B is for Bakuchiol
A gentler, natural retinol alternative with powerful antioxidant benefits, bakuchiol has been around for a while, but next year we’ll see brands pushing it hard. It reduces signs of aging without irritating skin, as well as smooths and brightens complexions without the harsh effects of traditional retinoids.
T is for Tranexamic Acid
This ingredient is going to be your new go-to for brightening and calming redness. Perfect for post-summer skin in the Middle East, it gently fades dark spots and minimises inflammation.
O is for Oatmeal
Kenvue’s research shows oatmeal’s prebiotic power feeds only the healthy bacteria in the skin’s microbiome, supporting your skin’s defenses without disrupting its barrier. Harsh cleansers are a thing of the past and microbiome-respecting formulas that nurture skin are taking their place.
Trend 4: Less injecting
In the aesthetics world, the focus is shifting from fillers to boosting skin’s natural vitality. With skin-boosting products and a trend toward consumers wanting natural results, more people will be opting to enhance skin with skincare and skin-boosters rather than overusing Botox and fillers.
Consumers are starting to take a less is more apporach in the region for lips and facial volume, favouring a hydrated, glowing look over dramatic plumping. Plus, with the news that fillers don’t completely dissolve? More patients will be saying, (no) thank you, next.
Fresh Faced and future-focused
As for what we’re leaving behind? Keep in mind that skincare should be simple but intentional.
That means, wave goodbye to the 10-step Korean routines and say get ready to go back to basics with four-step routines consisting of double cleansing, treating, moisturising, and sun protection. While skincare marathons were fun during covid, we don’t have time for it anymore and, truthfully, they’re not proven to be anymore effective.
TikTok DIY skincare recipes have always been questionable at best and can cause some serious drama to the skin. Lastly, stop being your own chemist and mixing too many actives together.
This can be bad news to your skin barrier, causing burns and hard-to-cover-up redness. As a final piece of advice, Dr. Moutran suggests we quit going to TikTok for our skin concers and take a U-turn to the derm instead.