Skincare trends to look out for in 2024

As the new year begins, you may be looking to up your skincare game. But what trends should you incorporate into your routine, and what products are best-suited to your needs?

Mermaidcore, a trend for blue-hued makeup, spreads into skincare with a focus on dewy-looking skin. Film-related fads aside, natural glowing skin is in again for spring/summer 2024, ranging from multi-step processes requiring a healthy lifestyle and a bit of time to simpler but power-packed overnight solutions and superfood oils.

Finally, 2024 will focus on healthy beauty and self-care practices, from hair care to skin. Here’s a selection of products that tap into the trends:

The seven-step Ceramide24 range is specifically formulated to protect and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Naturally found in skin’s protective barrier, ceramides aren’t new in beauty, but are important, as SkinSense founder Abi Cleeve explains: “Everyone will benefit from strengthening their ceramide layer…skin looks better and is less vulnerable to environmental aggressors. Anyone going through hormonal changes such as menopause would benefit from introducing ceramides into their routine.” Layer on the elements you need, starting with the soothing Comforting Eye Cream.

Exuding glamour, Kaplan MD Beverly Hills-based dermatologist-created line includes a range infused with crushed diamonds (and fruit extracts), paraben and cruelty-free. Encased in a metallic makeup bag, the Diamond Contour 5-Piece Discovery Kit includes mini versions from the range. The Diamond Contour® Supercharged 1 Minute Daily Facial instantly improves skin texture (particularly good after festive revelry) with space-age looking blue bubbles you massage in before smoothing on the creamy hyaluronic acid and seaweed-packed Collagen Boosting Hydration Créme. Includes a pretty rose quartz roller.

This all singing facial treatment from the multi functional range is inspired by plants and wellbeing to hydrate and plump with squalane and hyaluronic acid, firm with peptides and nourish and repair with vitamin E, niacinamide (vitamin B3) and superfood oils. It smells pretty but not overpowering and is light enough to use as a moisturiser for a weekly boost but works well slathered on the face, neck and chest.

Beautifully packed in deep purple glass jars and bottles, this cruelty-free ritual-based lifestyle range developed with Alicia Keys includes a dreamy sandalwood-scented mask with hydrating antioxidant-rich manuka honey and purifying charcoal. Put a towel on your bed and leave it on your skin overnight—the sweet sandalwood fragrance will help you drift off. 

If you’ve neglected your skin routine, make up for it with this potent but natural-smelling overnight treatment. Designed for hydration and skin regeneration while you sleep, it’s packed with moisturising hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, an antioxidant for brightening skin and Albizia Julibrissin bark extract, a naturally-derived anti-glycation agent (glycotoxins lead to cellular fatigue).

Deliciously edible ingredients, including blackcurrant and avocado, are why this rich golden oil nourishes skin. Co-Founders Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan explain how: "Retinol and an active vitamin complex allow this to deliver daily regeneration, hydration, and a radiant glow. Packed with superhero oils, it helps improve elasticity and seals in hydration by reinforcing the natural skin barrier."

This serum from cruelty-free Australian brand ESK feels like an oil, gliding on and sinking in quickly. Antioxidant vitamins C and E are combined to hydrate and repair while protecting against further damage, including pigmentation. The range includes travel-sized versions, perfect for sampling the brand and travelling with.

Gently rubbing this rich golden liquid onto your skin and breathing in the heady spa-like fragrance is the perfect pick-me-up if you’re feeling a bit meh. The ethically-produced range includes small batches of blended goodies such as this aromatic multi-purpose product rich with jasmine, organic rosehip and argan oil. All in a portable 50ml apothecary-style partly recycled amber glass bottle (200ml, also available).

For a healthy glow without layering on a separate moisturiser or serum, this product blends collagen-increasing Q10 with hydrating hyaluronic acid and sunflower seed oil (a source of vitamin E) for a radiant glow. It also smells sweeter than the usual bitter biscuity smell tanning products can carry. Massage onto dry skin—but don’t forget to wear gloves or wash your hands to avoid palm tan. 

Available in pleasing shades of teal, pink, violet and grey, this large soft towel reduces frizz, drying time and tangling. According to founder Nicola Wood: "Heatless hair is set to be a 2024 beauty trend. 2023 welcomed the rise of natural beauty and it's no surprise this will be reflected in the hair world, too. Limiting the heat usage on your hair is vital—use a gentle microfibre hair drying towel instead of a hair dryer to protect your strands after your shower."

This non-greasy product glides onto hair like a good moisturiser does on skin. Any hair type can use it, but it moisturises and detangles curly hair well. HASK Director of Product Development Melani Heller explains: "Argan oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that work to moisturise your hair and scalp and add incredible shine. It’s also lightweight, alcohol-free and helps to control frizz."