

Organic Skin Care 2021 Trends and Predictions
Organic skin care continues to grow as a market. However, 2021 is sure to continue changing the field. The products we use will continue to improve and adapt to the current climate. After all, 2020 changed a lot about our lives, and 2021 is sure to do the same.
Organic Skincare Products for 2021
Cleansers
Facial cleansers are a necessity for anyone’s routine. These products take off the dead skin cells, makeup, excess oils, and more. Generally, people should use cleanser twice a day, even with the anonymity of video conferencing.
For 2021, we’re expecting more focus on this important step. We’re expecting more focus on gentle options. This change will be especially prominent for people whose skin dries out easily since many are spending more time indoors.
Toners
Toner is one of many skincare products that started in a different time. It’s designed to do the final cleanup of skin before adding our moisturizers.
As part of 2021, alcohol toners will likely go further out of the mainstream. Generally, this type of toner is bad for all skin types. Instead, we’re looking for more hydrating and organic alternatives in 2021.

Serum
Serums are generally a personal choice that matches individual skin conditions. These concentrated skin nutrient boosts help even out skin tone and supply necessary vitamins.
Vitamins C and E are always popular choices for toner, since they help combat uneven skin tone. We’re expecting them to remain so.
We are also expecting to see more plant active ingredients, like turmeric or aloe vera. These offer a unique combination of benefits. With more people aiming for a natural approach, those ingredients will see a rise.
Additionally, we expect retinol and glycolic acid to retain their popularity since they work for many people. However, alternatives like bakuchiol will become more popular. These offer the same antiaging and firming effects with reduced chances for inflammation.
Moisturizer
Moisturizer is an essential for every routine since it helps give skin the water it needs for all the other functions. Most people taking care of their skin use a lightweight one in the morning and a heavier one at night.
Generally, we’re expecting more focus on lightweight moisturizers. People do not want to sit all day feeling like their pores are clogged or their skin is greasy. Additionally, we’re expecting to see more SPF rated moisturizers.
Eye moisturizer is a slightly different category. We’re expecting retinol to keep its popularity here. However, vitamin combos promoting skin elasticity are also expected to gain followers.
Masks
Masks offer a unique opportunity to help skin with specific problems. Masks work best when part of a weekly routine, just like deep exfoliation.
With the increased stress of 2021, we’re expecting mask use to increase. While those just getting into masks may prefer sheet masks, we’re also expecting an increase in special formulations to counter specific problems.
Most of all, we’re expecting mask use to focus on calming skin down after it is irritated. That makes ingredients like clay and mud popular. After all, wearing face coverings can cause some irritation.

Organic Skin Care Ingredients to Look for in 2021
Anti-aging
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a useful ingredient for organic skin care. This alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) loosens up the glue holding on dead skin cells and debris. That means smoother and younger looking skin.
Glycolic acid is a popular ingredient in serums and moisturizers. We’re expecting it to retain that popularity and gain new fans.
Retinol
Retinol is one of the most popular skincare ingredients around due to its powerful antiaging effect. This ingredient is known to prevent wrinkles and generally even out skin tone. Retinol is the most popular among retinoids since it works for most skin types.
We’re expecting retinol to maintain its popularity and continue as a go-to ingredient.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a newer ingredient to the market, but it has the potential to unseat retinol at the top. Made from the Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) plant, this extract promotes the same benefits of retinol without the irritation it causes some.
With recent hype and studies, this organically available and vegan skincare ingredient is sure to become more popular in 2021.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs within the human body. Its primary function involves retaining moisture which is incredibly useful. Adding more hyaluronic acid helps keep skin plump and in good repair.
Hyaluronic acid is a top choice for skin care experts, and it’s likely to remain so. The immense benefits to the skin are simply too overwhelming to ignore.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a wonderful ingredient for skin since it is used in the repair process. It can also assist the barrier, so our skin picks up fewer free radicals and other debris. It’s so potent, some dermatologists recommend twice a day application.
Vitamin C may be already popular, but we expect it to become more so. Indoor air tends to be less clean than outdoor, so there are more opportunities for irritation. Vitamin C is one solution.
Squalane
Squalane is a derivative of squalene, which is part of the sebum on the human skin. This substance is renowned for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It is also an emollient, which means skin becomes softer and more flexible.
For 2021, we expect squalene to trend further into mainstream skincare. It’s a highly beneficial moisturizer ingredient, but we also expect to see more serums made with it.
Mushroom
Mushrooms carry many beneficial properties, many of which can help people look younger. Mushrooms are potent antioxidants, and that helps the skin’s appearance. That means fewer fine lines and wrinkles overall.
In 2021, we’re expecting more people to overcome fear of the fungus. With over a half dozen useful compounds, these little fungi could revolutionize how people think about aging.
Collagen
Collagen is a highly useful ingredient within the skincare industry, and it’s been in use for years. Applying collagen encourages cell renewal, which means younger cells at the top of the skin. Overall, collagen also promotes skin tightness and evenness.
We expect in 2021 that collagen will once again become a buzzword. The beneficial properties not only help people look younger, but they also combat some of the items people notice during video conferencing like chin sagging.
acne“>Acne
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a wonderful discovery from Australia. The oil has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it’s perfect for combating acne on most skin types. Tea tree oil also has many other uses that are not cosmetic.
With the increasing shift towards noninvasive remedies, tea tree oil is likely to continue growing in popularity. It is also likely to appear in more over the counter remedies.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a specific form of vitamin B3, and it’s been around a while. It offers diverse benefits, from calming acne to reducing wrinkles. Generally, it’s in moisturizers and serums.
While niacinamide has been a rising star in the beauty industry for some time, we expect 2021 to be a solid year for this ingredient. It helps with many current concerns, including acne arising from inflammation.
Green Tea
Green tea is a real multitasker in skin care. It’s an antioxidant rich material that also has anti-inflammatory properties. That makes it perfect for tackling acne.
Green tea has been used many ways in the past, and in 2021, we expect to see it in even more products. This will increase the efficacy of the products and encourage more users to try this awesome option.
Dry Skin
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly has been around for decades. However, it was relegated to a back seat early on, so many people do not know how beneficial it can be. Petroleum jelly is an intense moisturizer, capable of even rehydrating nails.
We expect petroleum jelly will have more prominence in 2021, especially as people examine their budgets. The intense moisture will benefit many.
Shea Butter
The big things shea butter does are hydrate and calm skin, which makes it a popular lotion ingredient. It also has some antioxidant ingredients and can help fade scars for some people. Plus, it should not clog pores for most people.
Shea butter has been a popular ingredient for a while in skincare. We expect to see it hold its prominence through the year.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is technically a wax, but that does not stop it from being amazing. Jojoba works for both skin and hair. The big features of this oil include moisturizing, antibacterial properties, and soothing eczema prone areas.
Jojoba oil has been becoming more common, and we expect that trend to continue through 2021. Since it is newer, we also expect to see more research on it.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a by product of making chocolate. It’s rich in both fatty acids and phytochemicals. It forms a barrier over the skin when applied, which helps seal in moisture and nutrients.
Cocoa butter has been around for a while and is a common moisturizing ingredient, particularly in indulgent lotions. We expect it to keep that spot through 2021, especially considering the push towards selfcare in the pandemic.
Combination Skin
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is familiar to most people for sunburns. However, this powerful plant can also moisturize without causing issues for most skin types. That includes both oily and dry skin, making it a perfect choice for combination.
Aloe has only been gaining prominence for a few years. However, we’re expecting it to continue showing up in the coming year’s most promising products.
Hyperpigmentation and Age Spots
PHA
PHA is short for polyhydroxy acids, which are used as a chemical exfoliator. PHAs help release dead skin cells for a more even skin tone overall. That helps everyone look younger too.
PHAs are relatively new to the skincare scene. However, we expect to see more of them in 2021 as people trade in their AHAs.
Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is another multitasker that can be used in skincare, and some folks do cook with it. While it’s labelled an oil, it does still have some exfoliation properties to help keep skin looking radiant.
In recent years, grapeseed oil has become more popular and widely recognized. We expect to see this ingredient more in 2021 and the years to come.
Inflammation
CBD
CBD has become more prominent as marijuana has been decriminalized. CBD contains many of the beneficial cannabinoids without the THC that makes people high. CBD is currently undergoing research but has so far demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.
We expect CBD to become an even hotter item in 2021 as more people try it out for themselves. Since CBD is newer, we recommend people try a small test spot before applying all over.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This yellow powder may stain the skin as applied. However, it’s currently under research to treat a wide variety of dermatological conditions.
As with the food spice, turmeric is gaining popularity. We expect that to continue through 2021 as more information becomes available.
Organic Skin Care Market Trends
Blue Light
Blue light has been in the news over the past several years. Every screen gives it off. However, little was understood about its long-term effects on skin.
Right now, there are solutions for the eye strain caused by blue light. There are a plethora of screen time management tools. That does not stop it from being a worthwhile discussion issue.
In 2020, many people started working from home. That trend is expected to continue through 2021 and meant every work hour became an opportunity for blue light exposure.
Unfortunately, many sunscreens do not account for blue light and do nothing to stop blue light damage. With the increased demand, we’re expecting new sunscreen types to hit the market and become successful quickly.

According to Technavio analysts, the global organic personal care products market will grow at a CAGR of almost 10% during the forecast period. The variety in product range is a major factor driving the market’s growth.
More than half of the organic personal care products available across the globe are liquids, whereas the remaining are either semi-solids, solids, powders, or in other forms. Vendors have the option to choose from different packaging formats for their goods. They are coming up with convenient packaging designs such as small and portable packages and travel-sized products. They are also introducing environment-friendly packaging that is leading to an increase in the use of cartons. The ideal packaging for a product is one that is not tampered with during transportation and regular use. It must be functional, cost-effective, and innovative so that the product and the brand can be differentiated from others.
Hand Hygiene
Everyone spent more time washing their hands and using hand sanitizer in 2020 than previous years. We’re expecting this to continue into 2021. Hand hygiene, after all, is one of the steps to protect communities.
Most soaps and hand sanitizers break down the top barrier layer on the skin just as much as they break down germs. Over time, this means dry hands. Since we cannot stop participating in hand hygiene, we need innovative solutions.
Right now, there are several companies innovating and producing combination solutions. Items like vitamin E or aloe mixed into hand sanitizer, for example, do help with the problem. However, they also leave sticky residues after use.
In 2021, we’re expecting to see more new products to address this issue. People can age their hand skin just as much as they can their face. That makes it important for companies to continue innovating.
We’re also hoping to see better options in place for 2021. Many product choices in 2020 were based on availability, so we would like to see more choices available.
Skin Minimalism
Skin minimalism simply refers to using fewer products, ideally to achieve the same result. This choice can help skin regain its natural equilibrium. For many folks, that means less irritation and fewer breakouts.
One of the big drivers in this trend is working from home. There is less demand for products when everything on video conferencing is likely fuzzy anyway.
Another reason is budgeting. Many people lost their jobs, ended up with reduced hours, or needed a second job to get by. When this happens, perceived luxuries like skin care products are the first things people remove.
The mask is another consideration. Experts typically recommend not wearing a lot underneath the masks to reduce irritation. People have extended that into cosmetics.
Companies will likely need to reposition themselves and their marketing campaigns to counteract the sales decline. Campaigns focusing on the active ingredients and how it helps the skin rather than breaking it down will make an enormous difference.
Microbiome
The skin is home to millions of bacteria just like our gut is. However, this was not always well understood. Products used to regularly decimate this biome.
The microbiome is important since a healthy microbiome means healthy skin. Imbalances in this area are what cause some varieties of acne, as well as decreased skin resilience.
Instead, microbiome products are growing in demand. This includes prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic treatment. These support all stages of organism life and balanced skin.
Choosing a biotic product, however, can be difficult for consumers. Currently, products are not required to back their own claims. That means consumers will do a lot of research before selecting their product.
Companies can get ahead of this trend by showing consumers the results and then delivering biotic treatments that make a measurable difference.
Plant-Based
The plant-based cosmetics movement has been growing for years. This change happens in tandem as people become more aware of what they put in their bodies and how it affects them.
Plant-based simply means primarily derived from plants. Often, these products are jam packed with nutrients and beneficial compounds. The label does not exclude lab creations, so companies can still offer amazing and effective products.
In 2021, we’re expecting to see more big names offer plant-based formulations of their products. This also helps companies market to the growing number of health-conscious groups, from vegans to athletes.
Sustainable Initiatives
In 2020, people became more aware of the environment than they would have without the pandemic. For example, the drop in pollution levels in April was astounding. That led to groups demanding more change.
Sustainable initiatives, like committing to zero net carbon by 2030 or replanting forests, are good public relations. They also help consumers choose companies that align with their beliefs, which is becoming an important factor.
In general, sustainable initiatives are beneficial for everyone. Many companies that already have these advertise them prominently.
Cruelty Free
Another item that’s been gaining popularity within the cosmetics industry is cruelty free. There are several organizations that perform these certifications.
Cruelty free refers to not testing products on animals. Many people view this testing as inhumane since the animal cannot consent and may be harmed in the process.
The alternatives include research, culture testing, and even human volunteers. Using these means that companies can attract a growing demographic.
Ingredient Transparency
Many people are getting more involved in where their products are coming from. That makes offering transparency for ingredients more important if companies want to grow.
For example, palm oil is a common food ingredient. In recent years, cell phone applications have been developed so people can know if products use sustainable palm oil. The people using these applications tend to boycott entire brands if they use the unsustainable stuff.
Similar movements may soon start in on the cosmetics industry. It’s a good idea for companies to get ahead of this trend. Offering education and virtual tours is not an expensive proposition.
In 2021, we expect to see more cosmetics companies offering ingredient transparency. Even the simple variety of stating what region an ingredient is from can make a world of difference to shoppers.
Wrap Up
We know 2021 will be an exciting year in skin care products. We also know that there will be changes as the industry copes with the global pandemic.
We’re looking forward to seeing companies adapt to the changing conditions. We believe it will help everyone in the long run. Plus, we may see more organic products that help the Organicskincare.com community.
We’re committed to offering a broad selection of organic skin care products for enthusiasts around the world. Shop around and see what’s waiting!
Think we missed a trend? Let us know in the comments or with a private message!