The transition from one year to the next brings fresh opportunities in personal care. For brands aiming to stay ahead of the curve, understanding the emerging trends shaping consumer preferences is critical to staying competitive.
This article highlights five key product development trends redefining personal care in 2025 and offers pro tips for diversifying your product offerings to bring these consumer desires to life.
1. Multi-Tasking in Skin Care
Minimalist routines are gaining popularity as consumers seek multifunctional products that combine simplicity and efficacy. According to Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist quoted in Allure Magazine, “There’s been a shift towards more minimalist routines involving multifunctional products that are just as effective [as using multiple products].”
This push has consumers seeking dual-purpose products that deliver multiple benefits without compromising on efficacy. Adding to their appeal, multifunctional products offer cost-saving advantages, which is an important factor for consumers in the face of economic uncertainty.
Examples of multitasking formulations that can elevate products to a new level include SPF-infused wrinkle treatments and concealers, as well as moisturizers featuring built-in brightening agents. The addition of advanced ingredient technologies, such as encapsulation or time-release formulations, can be another differentiator to set products apart.
Pro Tip #1 – Partnering with a contract manufacturer experienced in creating a variety of high-performance personal care formulations – from body to facial care – offers the versatility required to capitalize on this trend.
2. The Continued Surge of Sunscreen
There’s heightened demand for sunscreen formulas that can be integrated into other skin care products, blending both UVA/UVB protection and skin-nourishing benefits. Emerging technologies such as mineral-based sunscreens and environmentally friendly UV filters are gaining traction as well. Such eco-friendly options enable brands to differentiate by emphasizing eco-conscious packaging and reef-safe formulations to meet consumer demand for environmentally responsible options.
New sunscreen formulations are also increasingly embracing diversity and individuality. We’ve seen a proliferation of new and enhanced options for every type of skin tone and need, with limitless formulation and packaging options, including aerosols, serums, pump sprays, drops, trigger sprays, bag-on-valve (BOV), whipped, lotions, face and body sticks to meet varying scenarios.
Pro Tip #2 – When seeking a contract manufacturing partner to help in the product development process for sunscreen, it’s important to choose OTC-certified sites that can ensure products meet the highest quality standards.
3. Body Care Takes Center Stage
Body care is stepping further into the spotlight, with many new products adopting the sophistication that was traditionally reserved for facial skin care. This has opened the door for luxurious, spa-inspired offerings in everything from body lotions to body washes. Think exfoliating body scrubs with AHAs or serums targeting cellulite and uneven texture; formulas featuring retinoids and barrier-repair components for rejuvenation; and the addition of actives to improve texture, tone, and hydration.
This trend also brings the realization that different body parts may require varying actives or strengths based on sensitivity and thickness of the skin—resulting in the rise of more targeted solutions. As a result, consumers are opting to upgrade their routines to address a variety of concerns, treating their neck, hands, arms, and legs with the same care they give their faces.
Pro Tip #3 – Offering targeted solutions for various body concerns can help brands tap into this elevated approach to body care. Seek a contract manufacturing partner with expansive skin care capabilities, backed by a broad range of packaging expertise and end-to-end support.
4. Skinification of Hair Care
Skincare-inspired trends are continuing to make their way into the world of hair care. The “skinification” movement has resulted in the addition of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen into everything from basic shampoos to treatment masks. This pursuit of smoother, shinier, and more moisturized hair has driven the rise of products focused on hair and scalp health.
Popular applications include texturizing sprays and volumizing solutions with added keratin or amino acids; scalp treatments to promote hair growth and shine, such pre-shampoo serums or overnight scalp masks; and hybrid products that merge hair styling and care, such as leave-in conditioners with UV protection or anti-frizz sprays with nourishing oils.
Pro Tip #4 – Collaborating with a manufacturer skilled in combining skin care and hair care technologies is vital for brands aiming to lead in this space.
5. Self-Care is Here to Stay
Self-care is another driving force in personal care, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. According to Larissa Jensen, Circana’s Senior Vice President and Global Beauty Industry Advisor, “One of the biggest trends that will impact the beauty industry in years to come is the rising importance of self-care.”
To tap into this, brands are developing products that combine aromatherapy with functional benefits, such as stress-relief lotions or calming face masks. They’re also creating multi-sensory experiences for customers through innovative textures and scents, such as whipped body butters with calming lavender or invigorating citrus notes, as well as incorporating wellness-oriented marketing to appeal to consumers seeking holistic self-care solutions.
Pro Tip #5: Pair wellness-focused marketing with innovative textures and formulations to captivate the self-care market.
Partnering with Personal Care Solutions for Success
Navigating these trends requires expertise in formulation, ingredient sourcing, and product development. As a market-leading specialty aerosol and liquid product manufacturer of personal care products, PLZ Personal Care Solutions is here to help, offering the latest innovations and solutions to bring these trends to life.
No matter where you are in your process, and no matter what business you are in, we have a full range of services to help you design, manufacture, or deliver your product — or we can handle it all. We formulate, blend, fill, and package a variety of skin care, hair care, men’s grooming, multicultural hair care, and over the counter solutions in our five manufacturing sites across the United States and Canada.
Let’s create the future of personal care together. Contact us today to learn more.
