The Naughty and The Nice of 2025 Trends
Wouldn’t you say we’re all a little naughty and a little nice? The same is true of most things related to skin. According to AI and our calculations, these are the top “trends” of 2025. Find out why they may be both a little naughty and a little nice!
Skinimalism
A move toward simpler routines with fewer, multi-functional products that deliver results without overwhelming the skin.
The nice list: We have always been fans of a simple, functional routine. Sometimes mo’ ingredients mean mo’ problems, you know what we mean. Many of the ingredients we love are at least dual-purpose, and many of our products are too. We’ll always opt for results-driven over fluff.
The naughty list: Don’t confuse “skinimalism” with just doing the bare minimum. To be a minimalist means intentionally living with only the things you truly need or love, enabling you to focus on what truly adds value. Simply cleansing and moisturizing is a start, but to see bigger changes in your skin, you’ll need to use targeted serums and treatment products. Even a minimal routine should include at least three steps in the morning and at night.
Biohacking
We covered this topic earlier this year. Essentially, biohacking is using science and technology to “hack” skin health and reverse aging.
The nice list: Anti-aging is finally recognized as an antiquated term! Instead, biohacking promotes the concept of healthy aging.
The naughty list: We aren’t all tech billionaires, and while simple, healthier lifestyle changes are a great idea, supplements and technology can be expensive and overwhelming. Always prioritize the basics like nutritious food, sun protection, sleep, and proper skincare before falling for marketing “biohacks.”
Barrier Repair
Prioritizing the skin's protective barrier is a major focus, with an emphasis on hydration and moisture while avoiding over-exfoliation.
The nice list: Our skin cannot heal unless our skin barrier is protected or repaired. A compromised skin barrier will leave you red and sensitized, so it’s important to show your barrier some love.
The naughty list: Yes, you need a healthy barrier, but who is the judge of a healthy barrier? It’s okay to be a little bit dry and flaky from time to time, in pursuit of exfoliation. The long and short of it is that if you want to see serious changes in your skin, it will likely require some form of exfoliation. Plus, exfoliation can contribute to barrier repair.
AI Skincare
Asking AI to create your regimen or recommend products or treatments based on the information that you feed it.
The nice list: There is so much education on the internet about skin, skincare, skin conditions, and diseases. AI can help provide a concise breakdown and offer helpful suggestions.
The naughty list: There is a lot more “feel” in skin than just science. It’s not black and white. Most people searching for answers don’t really know their skin. AI is only as good as the data you feed it. Blindly buying a regimen may offer slight improvement to your skin, but it’s not the best option. Think of getting healthier teeth without going to the dentist; professional skin treatments get you much closer to your goals.
Microbiome Health
Products are increasingly designed to nurture the skin's natural ecosystem, leading to a greater focus on probiotics and balancing the skin's microbiome.
The nice list: There is more certainty that the gut and skin are mirrors for each other, meaning your gut may be the missing link in your skin concerns. Products that help support the good bacteria are an exciting development.
The naughty list: Just because your products contain probiotics or claim to help your biome doesn’t mean they will work. Internal gut health is necessary to execute this trend. Still look for products that exfoliate and hydrate the skin, in addition to microme-balancing products, like SIV Biome Balancing Serum.
At-home Devices
Professional-level treatments are becoming more accessible with user-friendly at-home devices like microcurrent tools and LED masks.
The nice list: More time and more energy (literally) on your skin, what’s not to love? Also, tools like LED and microcurrent have no downsides except the upfront cost of the devices and the need to use them to make them work.
The naughty list: If you are on a budget, always prioritize your regimen, then facial treatments, then tools. For some, tools can be like toys on Christmas morning. Fun for a few days, then left to rot under the bed. Use tools to enhance your skin, but use an aesthetician to fix it.
Sustainability and Transparency
The "clean beauty" movement is evolving to emphasize full ingredient transparency and eco-friendly, sustainable practices.
The nice list: We are finally phasing out the word “clean.” After industry pressure, almost every brand has removed trendy “toxic” ingredients, leveling the “clean beauty” playing field.
The naughty list: There will always be new marketing terms, though. And just because something isn’t “bad” according to whatever trend is popping, doesn’t mean that it’s good or works for your skin. Stick with professional skincare that educated professionals are willing to use on their skin!
Holistic and Internal Health
There is growing recognition of the link between whole-body health and skin health, promoting a more holistic approach to skincare.
The nice list: Not talking about health and wellness, as it affects the skin, is a mistake. There’s always going to be a quick fix in a product or treatment that pairs best with a long fix, like focusing on your health and wellness as a whole.
The naughty list: Aestheticans are not doctors, personal trainers, or nutritionists, so it’s not in our scope to dig too deep into holistic wellness. However, we share experiences of things that have worked for ourselves and other clients. Just the same, your health experts shouldn’t dig too deep into your skin concerns.
There you have it! The top trends of 2025 and why they are multifaceted. As you can see, these days, holistic health is trending, and instead of looking young, we are trying to look healthy. More and more, we hear people say they don’t want to look younger than their age, but rather look good for their age. AI will continue to step on the toes of aestheticians (as well as every other industry’s professionals), and while some will embrace it by using AI to analyze and recommend skin treatments, we will stick with our intuition, experience, and feeling for the skin. Home devices will continue to be a big trend, but be wary of a quick fix over committed plans for real change. Finally, 15-step regimens might be a thing of the past. That means investing in a few better products will be the way to go! Here we come, 2026!