1. Embracing Retinol
Retinol claims the spotlight as the biggest beauty trend of 2022, with over 9.2 million Google searches and 1.2 billion TikTok views. Research by retail discount site Hey Discount reveals it as the most popular ingredient this year, based on TikTok views, Google searches, and 635,767 Instagram #tags. Retinol isn't the only ingredient on the list, with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide also making the top 10, gathering 6.84 and 6.4 million Google searches respectively.
We've all heard about retinol in skincare, a common term in the beauty care of the decade. It sits on the top shelf of every dermatologist and even finds its way into every type of skin serum on the market, being considered one of the most effective in-place skin treatments available. However, there's still much confusion about retinol. There are several different types of retinoids, varying in strength and used for different skin conditions.
All the different types of retinol stem from Vitamin A, differing in concentration. Retinoic acid (also known as Retin-A or Tretinoin) is the strongest prescription-grade retinoid typically used to treat acne and aging. All other retinoids from strongest to weakest include retinaldehyde, retinol, and then retinyl esters (such as retinyl palmitate). One important fact is that you can't just slap on a retinol product; you need to build tolerance and gradually incorporate it into your skincare routine to avoid unwanted side effects like sensitivity and irritation.


2. Gua Sha Facial Massage
Discover the fascinating beauty trend of Gua Sha, which has recently exploded in popularity, experiencing a significant surge in Google searches worldwide last year. Dubbed inaccurately by The New York Times as 'a traditional Chinese medical technique involving gliding a flat crystal over meridian lines on your face with gentle pressure,' this trend has taken TikTok by storm with over 1 billion views under the hashtag #guasha. Most videos showcase young women elegantly sliding heart-shaped tools across their faces.
The Gua Sha tool has become a staple in facial massage accessories, adding the allure of ancient authenticity with a purpose. Despite limited scientific evidence, this technique is associated with numerous benefits: smoother skin, sculpted jawlines, reduced acne, and wrinkle prevention. Perhaps more surprising than the limited evidence of effectiveness is the origin of the trend: In traditional Chinese medicine, Gua Sha is not performed on the face. Instead, it involves vigorous scraping of the back and shoulders, a practice resulting in bruising.


3. Creative Eyeliner
While you can never go wrong with the classic eyeliner look, it's sometimes worth exploring modern makeup techniques to appear more innovative. The trend of Graphic Liner allows you to change up your appearance in a fresh way, using vibrant colors and various eyeliner shapes to enhance the prominence of your eyes. Eyeliner pens have been making waves in the beauty world, offering us exciting ways to make our eye makeup more interesting.
Instead of using a single black color, try using two different eyeliner colors for an intriguing and depth-enhancing eyeliner. For a step-by-step guide to achieving the graphic eyeliner look, a trend in 2022, read an article on creating a block-colored eyeliner. Graphic eyeliner doesn't just limit itself to sharp lines; you can also elevate your makeup with bold graphic elements. An impressive graphic eyeliner look doesn't have to be complicated; it's all about the details, especially in the case of this graphic eyeliner trend, where the focus is on the corners. This style is perfect for those looking to easily embrace the graphic eyeliner trend or for those still honing their eyeliner drawing skills.


4. At-Home Beauty
Dr. Nava Greenfield, a dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York, notes that DIY Skincare methods such as facial oil treatments, clean beauty, and the do-it-yourself regimen are becoming a trend in 2022. However, she advises skincare enthusiasts to be cautious about the products they try. While facial oils and clean beauty products can be great for sensitive skin, engaging in DIY procedures seen on TikTok may harm your skin, Greenfield says.
Greenfield predicts that facial oils will replace popular moisturizers this year, suggesting those with sensitive skin substitute moisturizers with oil as it can effectively keep the skin hydrated for a longer time and reduce irritation. Dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell believes chemical peels will become more popular this year. If you want to blur wrinkles without the impact of surgery, a regular chemical peel can gently exfoliate the skin. According to Greenfield, clean beauty products from DIY Skincare methods, those free of harmful chemicals, have become popular in recent years as consumers express more concern about what goes into their skincare products.


5. Sun Protection (SPF)
Sunscreen has become increasingly crucial, not just as a pre-sunbathing application but also as a step in your daily skincare routine. Consumers are growing more concerned about using anti-aging and anti-pollution products for their skin, and SPF is a key factor in this consideration. Over the past five years, searches for SPF as a skincare product have risen, and particularly in the last 12 months, the beauty industry has witnessed a surge in search volume.
There are several reasons why more and more beauty enthusiasts are focusing on SPF. Notably, with more information about skin damage and changing attitudes towards skin complexion, attention has shifted towards anti-aging and the role of SPF in the beauty industry is on the rise. Brands are increasingly vocal about the importance of protecting the skin from the potential harms of UV rays and the impact of pollution on the skin. Both environmental risks have become focal points for beauty brands, with common terms like anti-pollution and anti-aging maintaining consistent interest in skincare searches over the past 12 months.


6. Lip Ombre
This fantastic beauty trend makes your lips look fuller. At first glance, lip ombre might seem quirky. After all, we've been taught since childhood that lipstick means a single, solid color across your entire lips - perhaps with a coordinating lip liner underneath for longevity. But once you've seen a few professionally done lip ombres, you'll be ready to try this vibrant trend immediately.
Lip ombre is a style in which two or more shades are applied to the lips. Typically, the first color will go around the edges of the lips, then another color is brought into the inner parts of the lips and blended outward with a lip brush. Similar to hair ombre, the transition between colors is smooth and seamless, making this a bit challenging. If you're new to beauty, don't worry - with a little practice, you can master it, and it can create an almost stunning effect.


7. Lip Scrub
The global lip care product market is projected to reach $3.1 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.9%. The demand for lip care products is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing concerns related to personal care and appearance. More and more consumers are interested in health and beauty, favoring vegan and organic lip care products, leading to the increased adoption of these products.
Products such as lip balm, lip scrub, and masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and essential oils such as coconut and olive oil are becoming widely popular. The presence of essential oils aims to provide nourishment and protect the lips from dust, UV rays, and cold weather, driving their regular application in beauty routines. Lip balm seeks to provide instant moisturizing and hydrating benefits, promoting its use as an essential lip care product. The growing availability of lip balms with various scents, flavors, ingredients, sizes, and plant-derived shapes is fueling market growth.


8. Hyaluronic Acid
The global market for hyaluronic acid was valued at $8.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.19% from 2021 to 2028. The market is predicted to experience high growth due to an aging population and the introduction of advanced technology products. The increasing preference for minimally invasive procedures and quick results is expected to drive the market in the coming years.
Rising aesthetic awareness, the emergence of effective and cost-efficient treatment methods, as well as technological advancements, are also key factors driving market growth. The increasing number of aesthetic surgeons and clinics is contributing to the rise in the number of aesthetic procedures performed. The growing adoption of non-surgical aesthetic procedures, including Botox injections and hyaluronic acid, is boosting the market. The development of new products and the increasing business strategies of market participants, including mergers and acquisitions, are expected to fuel market growth in the forecast period.


9. Glass Skin
TikTok always brings forth new, creative ideas. We've witnessed the 'booty-enhancing' leggings, innovative alternatives to botox, and lately, the glass skin trend. Originating from K-beauty, it describes a smooth, radiant skin resembling glass. However, achieving the glass skin trend requires more than a simple three-step skincare routine. It demands a healthy lifestyle, a curated product line, and time.
K-Beauty has become a renowned skincare term in recent years, adopted by beauty editors, influencers, and models alike. Essentially, it refers to any beauty trend emerging in South Korea, often involving moisturizing and brightening products. 'Glass Skin,' as the name suggests, is skin that looks like glass. It means it appears flawlessly perfect, poreless, smooth, and blurred without a hint of imperfection. The skin looks radiant and ethereal in a peculiar way, focusing on moisturizing and brightening products.


10. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is the latest sensation in the skincare realm. With myriad benefits for all skin types, it leaves behind flawless, blemish-free skin. Too good to be true? We're providing you with the full scoop on what this magical ingredient truly brings to the table. Everyone knows, everyone wants – niacinamide is the new kid on the block when you glance at drugstore shelves and beauty magazines globally. From niacinamide serums to various cream formulations to concentrated spot treatments – the options are vast.
Admittedly, it's not entirely accurate to label niacinamide as a new breakthrough. Call it the comeback of a powerhouse ingredient that can finally showcase its stellar talents. Because truth be told, niacinamide isn't exactly new. Many might recognize it as vitamin B3, utilized as a skincare ingredient for quite some time. However, recent scientific discoveries only reveal the fantastic cosmetic properties that niacinamide possesses. Its positive qualities and versatile applications in skincare have largely remained untapped for a considerable period.

