Last year, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab declared the "30 Best Skin Care Products of All Time."1 The winning formulas were determined by consumer feedback, dermatologist recommendations and internal lab testing for skin hydration levels, firmness and the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and pores before/after using the products. Just scanning the eight top-rated products (see sidebars) reveals patterns in ingredients, claims and sensory profiles.
Glycerin, for example, fell within the first three ingredients for all eight products (not surprisingly). Niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate played key roles in three of the products as well. The most common claims across products were:
- hydration/moisture with lasting effects;
- gentle, non-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits;
- cleansing without over-drying or tightness;
- firming skin, improving dark spots and increasing radiance; and
- leaving skin feeling silky and soft.
This sampling confirms consumers' pursuit of healthy skin from both tactile and visual perspectives. It highlights that products addressing skin dryness and dehydration are highly sought, as are those that soothe and calm sensitivity. Regarding the latter, per the Biocodex Microbiota Institute, this could mean targeting a hyperreactive cutaneous nervous system, the skin barrier itself or skin microbiota, all of which may be linked to skin sensitivity.2
These top product observations also align with Euromonitor data showing that in 2024, 46% of U.S. consumers cite moderate or extreme concerns over their skin health; up from 38% in 2023.3 To support product developers targeting these concerns, our latest issue of C&T is heavily focused on solutions for healthy skin care.
The Industry Insight interview looks to CeraVe's market success for answers, uncovering its derm-backed, 360-degree focus. Lionetti and Deola outline formulating considerations for oily, acne-prone and seborrheic skin as well as scalp, while our crowd-sourced Expert Opinions feature presents insiders' takes on current and future trends in compromised skin care; including dermocosmetics, microbiome, barrier function, sensitive skin, e-skin and more.
Verzeaux, et al., describe a natural meadowfoam-derived extract to control the enzymatic activity of Staphylococcus hominis as an approach to prevent axillary malodor — without disturbing the overall skin microbiome balance. Also, Leignadier, et al., consider scalp skin and its microbiome, presenting a red clover + peptide regimen to shift the microbial balance in a direction that favors hair growth and mitigates hair loss.
Lastly, Steventon extends skin health into the psyche with an exploration of beauty and wellness connections. We hope our latest edition inspires answers to consumers' pursuit of skin healthiness and happiness.
References
1. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g28135730/best-skincare-products/
2. https://www.biocodexmicrobiotainstitute.com/en/pro/non-pathological-skin-conditions-associated-dysbiosis
3. https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/skin-care/article/22916851
Ingredient Disclosures for Top 8 Skin Care Products (see above sidebar)
*Ingredient information is presented as it appeared on retail and company websites on Aug. 7, 2024
