As we move into 2025, it’s an opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on the changes we have seen over the past year and to explore the purposeful trends shaping the future. At pH Factor, we’re proud to support indie brands in navigating these shifts, helping them bring their unique visions to life through development, formulation, and meaningful innovation.
2024: A Year of Collaboration and Thoughtful Progress
The past year was not defined by flashy promises or radical disruptions. Instead, it was a period of steady, thoughtful progress driven by a growing commitment to wellness, sustainability, and purposeful ingredient development.
- Gentler Alternatives: Natural alternatives to retinol gained attention, providing effective anti-aging options that work harmoniously with sensitive skin.
- The Postbiotic Revolution: The microbiome conversation evolved beyond probiotics, introducing postbiotics as a new frontier for healthier, more radiant skin.
- Blue Light Defense: Protecting the skin against digital blue light became a central focus, addressing a modern concern in a screen-driven world.
- Intentional Routines: “Skinimalism” continued to resonate, prioritizing simplicity and effectiveness over elaborate routines—a testament to consumers’ desire for authenticity and balance.
These advancements were showcased at global events like In-Cosmetics Global, SEPAWA Congress, and Cosmoprof, which provided platforms for brands and suppliers to share their work and inspire purposeful progress.
Where We See the Industry Heading in 2025
The year ahead holds exciting opportunities for brands and formulators to align with trends that are both innovative and grounded in purpose:
1. Biotechnology at the Forefront
Lab-grown actives and farm-free ingredients are becoming accessible and sustainable options for brands seeking to reduce environmental impact without compromising quality.
2. Circular Beauty Redefined
Refillable, recyclable, and biodegradable systems will become the standard as consumers seek products with genuine eco-conscious benefits.
3. Personalised Solutions through AI
Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in enabling brands to create formulations tailored to individual needs.
4. The Inner-Outer Connection
Advances in gut-skin axis research will fuel the growing ingestible beauty market, deepening the connection between internal health and external beauty.
5. Climate-Resilient and Well-Being-Focused Products
Formulations designed to support skin in diverse environments, along with neuro-cosmetics that prioritize mental well-being, will take centre stage.
pH Factor’s Commitment
At pH Factor, we see our role not as disruptors, but as partners in progress. Our focus remains on providing indie brands with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to align with these trends and create products that are both impactful and meaningful.
We understand that every formulation tells a story – about the brand, its purpose, and its values. Our mission is to help you tell that story authentically, ensuring that science, sustainability, and consumer needs are at the heart of every product.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
As we embrace 2025, let’s commit to an industry built on thoughtful, purposeful advancements. Whether you’re a brand owner, formulator, or collaborator, there is an incredible opportunity to create products that resonate deeply with consumers and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Here’s to a year of intentional progress and meaningful creation.
Rita Sellars
Chief Formulating Chemist
pH Factor
