What will be the key beauty trends for 2022? The last few years have revolutionised our beauty routines and the types of products we use. An emphasis on wellbeing will lead the way for 2022, with superfood and nutrition-based formulas being among the main skincare trends. Others include scalp care for healthy hair growth, to sophisticated skin protection as products like SPF slowly become part of our everyday routine (not just for sunny days and beach holidays!). Read on to find out the latest beauty trends to try for 2022.

Waterless beauty

Looking to embrace an eco-friendly routine? Waterless beauty is set to be among this year’s biggest beauty trends and it’s easy to see why. Water-free formulas are better for the environment as they don’t usually require leak-proof plastic packaging, or the same amount of fuel used to transport heavy liquids – equalling a lower carbon footprint. Finally, water formulations need a lot of harsh preservatives to prevent them growing mould, while solid or oil-based products are less likely to have this issue!

We have already seen the rise of solid bar products, such as KIND2 who have a great range of Shampoo and Conditioner bars, such as ‘The Rebalancing One’ which is particularly good for oily hair, containing clarifying rosemary and mint. Oil formulations that transform into milk are another popular format, such as Balmista’s Glorious Green – Gentle Oil-To-Milk Cleanser, which emulsifies on contact with water and contains a cocktail of blue tansy, hemp seed and sweet almond oils to gently lift away dirt and debris while nourishing the skin in the process.

Skinimalism

One of 2022’s major skincare trends is a less is more approach, known as ‘skinimalism’. Rather than bombarding our skin with lotions and potions (disrupting our skin barrier in the process) we’re encouraged to only give our skin what it truly needs that day, depending on the weather or time of the month.

Want to streamline your skincare routine? Why not try Pure Savvy’s Multi-Tasker Post-Shave Balm with skin-soothing ingredients to soothe any razor burn, which can also be used as a regular face moisturiser. Or check out Barnaby’s Skin Soothing Moisturiser and Serum 2-in-1 which combines the potency of a serum with the richness of a cream. And want to bring your beauty regime into your kitchen, Arganic’s Inside Out Beauty Set combines two organ oils: one is a hair, body and face oil, and the other to use in cooking or seasoning food – so you’ll truly feel the benefits inside and out!

Multi-purpose skin protection

As suncare becomes part of our regular routine, traditional greasy white sun-cream is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Many sunscreens now come in moisturiser and serum formats, with lighter transparent textures that are less likely to leave a greasy residue or create a chalky finish on darker skin tones. A great one to try is SOS Serum’s SPF 50, which is infused with antioxidants and active plant cells to care for skin as it shields it from those dreaded UVs. 

And with pollution levels on the rise, products to protect the skin from its damaging effects are also becoming big news in beauty. Try Beauty Cleanse’s Anti-Pollution Deep Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover which sweeps away pollution particles that can contribute to dullness and fine lines, while antioxidants help to repair and protect skin from further damage.

Hair growth & scalp care

More of us are waking up to the importance of caring for our scalp (the scalp is skin too after all) especially given the direct effect it has on the quality of hair growth. As a result, a wave of products has popped up to care for our scalps the way we do for our skin.

Starest – Chebe Hair Oil is formulated with a clever cocktail of vitamin-rich herbs and essential oils that effectively ‘feed’ the hair follicles to produce thicker, healthier hair. While indie’s Tea Tree ‘Em Mean dry scalp shampoo has scalp conditioning ingredients to prevent dandruff and a flaky scalp – which can contribute to hair loss and thinning. And if you’re a fan of dry shampoo but don’t want it congesting and irritating your scalp, Corinne Taylor’s Dry Shampoo has palmarosa, grapefruit and clary sage to care for the scalp and promote healthy hair growth, while banishing greasy roots in the bargain.

Superfood Ingredients

Other brands are also getting superfood savvy are Happy Carrot, whose Brilliant Beetroot Face Mask works to gently exfoliate and detox the skin; and Celyn Soapery whose exfoliating Poppy Seed, Lemongrass and Rosemary Soap Barsmells divine, while leaving skin beautifully smooth and moisturised.

Upcycling

While natural ingredients might contain less toxic chemicals, they’re not always a sustainable solution. Over-farming of these ingredients can contribute to deforestation and loss of wildlife, as well as depleting natural resources. A more sustainable method of sourcing natural ingredients is to use waste materials that are byproducts of another industry, which would otherwise be discarded. 

UpCircle have built their brand around upcycling waste products, such as repurposed coffee extract for their Face Serum, created to boost collagen and keep skin firm. Plus research has shown that the level of antioxidants in coffee actually increases as itʼs brewed, so it’s arguably even better for your skin when it’s upcycled! Another brand getting its upcycle on is Wildefruit whose skincare products feature rescued ‘ugly’ avocados as well as leftover fruit seeds from jam, juice and wine making. And it’s not just skincare that benefits from upcycling – candle company Phena London take waste cooking oil and transform it into their luxury scented swax blends. (Our co-founder is a huge fan of their Dawn Aromatherapy Candle!)

Discover the next big thing in sustainable beauty – shop our latest finds here …