The skinification of body care, driven by the application of face-grade actives, is well underway, reinforced by consumer preferences for self-care rituals in which the category features prominently.
This article is only available to registered users.
Log In to View the Full Article
The skinification of body care, driven by the application of face-grade actives, is well underway, reinforced by consumer preferences for self-care rituals in which the category features prominently.
“We’re witnessing a profound shift: brands are redefining body care with the same level of scientific rigor and clinical performance once exclusive to facial skin care,” says Michelle Chavez, chief commercial officer, Accupac, a specialist in contract development and manufacturing. “The future of beauty isn’t face-only. It’s about delivering transformative, face-grade results from head to toe—because today’s informed, results-driven consumers expect nothing less.”
Chavez adds, “Face-grade means more than premium actives—it means visible results and gentle care in equal measure. Consumers want derm-level results, minus the irritation.”
To illustrate these concepts in action, Accupac has developed several product concepts, including the Ageless Hand Cream, featuring face-grade ceramides and antioxidants, and the Eczema Relief Body Comfort Cream, designed to calm and fortify compromised skin. Other examples include the company’s Cooling Pain Relief Gel Cream with 4% lidocaine and the Cream-to-Oil-to-Milk Cleanser. All are engineered to deliver clinical results and consumer comfort in the body care space.
Given this evolution, it’s no wonder the body skin care category is a leading driver of growth in the broader skin care sector. But where will the category go next? And how can brands harness growth while delivering newness to the sector? We have some answers.
What’s Driving Growth in Body Care?
Body serums are a top growth sector in the wider skin care sector. Kaboompics.com at Pexels
More recently, Daashb reported that the U.S. bath and body sector, which includes body skin care, grew by 23% when comparing June 2024 and June 2025 results. Notably, prices in the category were also up 7% on average year-over-year, which is higher than the 2.7% overall U.S. inflation rate reported in July 2025, but significantly lower than the overall prestige beauty sector, which reportedly saw prices rise an average of 12% year-over-year in June 2025.
Ingredient-Focused Trends in Body Sprays and Serums
SKUs in the body spray sector often call out key hero actives in their naming conventions. Examples include Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez’s Find Comfort: Awaken Confidence Body & Hair Fragrance Mist with Niacinamide (also featuring moisturizing ashwagandha root extract and strengthening biotin); Murad’s Clarifying Body Spray with Salicylic Acid; and Sol de Janeiro’s Mini Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray Sunscreen with Niacinamide, which neatly marries the growth sectors of sun and body care in a single product.
The same ingredient call-out trend typifies the body serum category, as seen with Topicals’ Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs; Nécessaire’s The Body Serum—With Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide + Ceramide; Good Molecules’ vitamin-driven B5 Hydrating Body Serum; The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum Exfoliating Treatment for Acne; and Dime’s Boosting Body Serum: Ceramides + Niacinamide.
Sprays offer consumers convenience and ease of use, while serums offer a facial skin care-inspired dose of indulgence. Both are proven winners in the market. Yet there are other dimensions of body care worth exploring for future product innovation and marketing initiatives.
The boom in sprays require packaging solutions.
"One of my favorite new items is our Slow Release Sprayer, designed to deliver a full, sustained application and a weightless finish," says Sue Nichols, group CEO, ICONS America. ICONS America
She adds, "One of my favorite new items is our Slow Release Sprayer, designed to deliver a full, sustained application and a weightless finish. With one single slow, even press, it dispenses a wide angled 0.65 cc dose, making it ideal for hair care, body care and 'fragrance-adjacent' formulations."
The versatile Slow Release Sprayer, designed with a 24/410 neck size, is compatible with a wide range of bottle shapes and capacities, per Nichols.
Top Body Care Innovation Opportunities
Fragrance and sensorial experiences are taking center stage in the body care industry, transforming everyday routines into indulgent, feel-good rituals. From co-branded collaborations like Dove and Crumbl's gourmand-scented collection to the rise of relaxation-driven brands like Sand + Fog, scent has become a key driver in engaging consumers seeking both comfort and luxury. Beyond fragrance, innovations in texture, multi-functionality and vitamin-infused formulas are elevating body care products to new heights, blending science-backed efficacy with sensorial appeal. This shift reflects a broader trend where self-care and skin care intersect, offering consumers products that deliver results while enhancing their overall well-being.
The Power of Fragrance: Indulgence and Relaxation
In November 2024, Dove and Crumbl launched a co-branded collection of body wash, body scrub, deodorant and liquid hand wash in gourmand scents.Dove/Crumbl
Case in point: in November 2024, Dove and Crumbl launched a co-branded collection of body wash, body scrub, deodorant and liquid hand wash in gourmand scents such as Confetti Cake, Lemon Glaze and Strawberry Crumb Cake. The launch included a pink makeover of Dove’s packaging—a first for the brand.
At the time of the launch, Gaurav Raisinghani, head of innovation, equity and brand design for Dove skin cleansing, said, "Dove and Crumbl both have passionate, loyal fan bases that revel in the feel-good moments our brands offer. Pairing Dove's commitment to superior care with the irresistible scents of Crumbl felt like a natural fit. By listening to our communities, we identified the Crumbl flavors that would resonate most for this collaboration. The result is a collection that challenges what you thought was possible from your body care routine, allowing anyone to cookie all day, every day."
A July 2025 report from Spatec revealed that online Crumbl searches alongside body care had spiked more than 1,000% year-over-year, while the Crumbl brand overall has experienced a greater than 186% rise on TikTok.
At the same time, per Spate, relaxation-focused brand Sand + Fog has also grown by more than 1,000% across various digital platforms. The brand, which offers scented candles, perfumer oils, body care and other products, has benefited from trends around fragrance wardrobes and layering. Interestingly, like Dove, Sand + Fog is accessibly priced, retailing in stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Costco, all of which themselves are experiencing rises in digital searches, per Spate.
As these examples show, affordable body care, led by scent, can engage shoppers, whether they’re seeking indulgence or comfort.
Don’t Forget the Sensorial Angle
Like fragrance, sensorial elements are a critical element of body care solutions, enhancing well-being dimensions of consumer experiences.
“Skin care and self-care are no longer separate conversations,” says Chavez. “Today’s products must deliver tangible results and elevate the daily ritual. Our Everything Shower Hair & Body Treatment epitomizes this ethos: a multi-tasking conditioner infused with peptides and ceramides that doubles as a rich body moisturizer and shaving cream—luxurious, efficient and indulgent. Meanwhile, our Butter Cream wraps skin in a decadent, fast-absorbing texture that transforms everyday hydration into a mood-lifting moment.”
Chavez concludes, “Science-backed, sensorial, and deeply satisfying—this is next-level skin care you can feel.
Take Your Vitamins
Recently, Sol de Janeiro launched the Gen Z-targeted Body Badalada Vitamin-Infused Lotion described by the brand as “weightless, high-performance and rooted in sensory impact.”
Recently, Sol de Janeiro launched the Gen Z-targeted Body Badalada Vitamin-Infused Lotion described by the brand as “weightless, high-performance and rooted in sensory impact.” Offering 24-hour hydration, Body Badalada comprises Brazilian sugarcane and a seven-hyaluronic acid blend paired with the brand’s Cheirosa 62 scent.
In June 2025, vitamin and supplement disruptor Olly broke into the body care sector with Olly Mood + Skin, pairing skin wellness and scent-forward, neuroscience-backed self care.Olly
The SKUs, priced at $12.99, includes the Calm Body Wash and Body Serum, featuring fragrance notes of eucalyptus and amber, as well as skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, adaptogens and vitamin B3, and The Revive Body Wash and Body Scrub with a refreshing scent alongside magnesium, electrolytes and vitamin B12.
Other products in the range feature vitamins C and D, skin care stalwarts such as retinol and caffeine, and scent notes of uplifting citrus, and relaxing jasmine and bergamot.
All products are “designed to repair your skin barrier,” per the brand, driven by the 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA) content in its vitamin complexes, which reportedly repairs, strengthens and moisturizes skin. According to Olly, the vitamin complexes function “by replacing lost lipids with skin-like lipids to repair and strengthen the skin barrier.”
Meanwhile, the Olly body care fragrances were tested “using EEGs to measure brain activity while sniffing the collection's scents.” Per the brand, the Bright fragrance increased beta and gamma brain waves, signaling an upbeat mood, while the Calm scent engendered a boost in alpha brain waves, signaling relaxation.
"At Olly, we believe feeling good from the inside-out is the foundation of living well, and that goes beyond just vitamins," said Bryan Ferschinger, chief revenue officer of Olly. "Launching Olly Mood + Skin was a natural evolution for us as we expand the ways we support people's daily wellness rituals. We want to offer products that refresh both body and mind, and are excited for people to experience this new line powered by our signature vitamin blends and science-backed fragrance technology.”
The rising focus on vitamin-infused and science-backed formulations in body care highlights a growing demand for products that combine skin wellness with sensory experiences. By integrating innovative ingredients, advanced skin care science and mood-enhancing fragrances, these products aim to repair, hydrate, and uplift, catering to consumers seeking both functional benefits and emotional well-being in their daily routines.
Accessible Efficacy
Tree Hut is famously focused on Gen Alpha and Gen Z, offering accessibly priced body care products for younger shoppers. But no one stays forever young. Recently, recognizing an opportunity to grow alongside its customers, Naterra, the creator of Tree Hut, has launched Bdy., bridging “everyday shower staples and high-performance skin care.”
"We focused on skin care-inspired ingredients, thoughtful textures and dermatologist testing to ensure every product delivers real results without overcomplicating the routine,” said Luis Garcia, Bdy.’s CMO.Bdy.
"We focused on skin care-inspired ingredients, thoughtful textures and dermatologist testing to ensure every product delivers real results without overcomplicating the routine,” said Luis Garcia, the brand’s CMO. “Bdy. reflects how we see the future of body care—effective, accessible and made for every body."
Barrier-first Body Care
As shown with the Olly body care launch, a focus on a healthy skin barrier offers brands an opportunity to leverage face-grade technologies beyond the face.
“Today’s consumers are redefining wellness, expecting the same science-backed, sensorially elegant skin care for their bodies as they do for their faces,” says Nina Esposito, managing director of Provital. “The line between facial care and body care is blurring.”
She adds, “The skin’s barrier is the body’s first line of defense, yet environmental stressors, over-cleansing and seasonal changes constantly threaten its integrity.”
Provital developed its Hydrafence technology to take on skin barrier challenges. The technology comprises a hydrocolloid matrix (derived from rice amylopectin) and a Lithothamnion calcareum seaweed extract that is rich in calcium.
The technology addresses compromised skin barriers by stimulating occludin expression, “a key tight junction protein,” per Esposito, which helps reinforce the skin’s structure.
The ingredient also boosts ceramide synthesis to support a strong lipid matrix, and taps into the gene expression related to water retention to reinforce the skin’s hydration mechanisms.
Esposito notes, “Its immediate, cumulative, and long-term effects have been validated through ex vivo and in vivo studies, including a multi-ethnic panel—underscoring its universal relevance.”
Hydrafence, which has a lightweight texture, can be applied in formulations designed for the arms, legs and torso, including daily body lotions intended for intensive barrier repair, post-shower or sun-exposure treatments, and clinical-level body serums and creams.
Meanwhile, betaine is gaining attention in skin care for its proven ability to enhance hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and deliver multifunctional benefits for both face and body care.
"Betaine is a naturally occurring osmolyte that plays a vital role in skin hydration and protection," says Carole Gherardi, market segment lead, home and personal care, IFF. IFF
She continues, "In skin care, betaine strengthens the skin barrier by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins such as claudin-1, claudin-4 and occludin, which improves cell cohesion and limits transepidermal water loss (TEWL)."
IFF's Genencare OSMS BA is a natural betaine that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces TEWL, and provides immediate and long-term moisturization, ideal for face and body care.
The ingredient "has been clinically shown to significantly reduce TEWL over a four-week period, confirming its ability to reinforce the skin barrier," according to Gherardi. "Clinical assessments also demonstrate both immediate and long-term moisturization benefits, making it a powerful multifunctional ingredient for face and body care."
Gherardi adds, “Consumers are beginning to prioritize body skin care with the same attention and standards they apply to facial skin care. They expect the same science-backed, high-performance ingredients they trust for their face to be used for their body. Osmolytes like betaine meet this demand. Not only is Genencare OSMS BA natural, but its efficacy is also clinically-proven and it’s multifunctional.”
The Rise of Body Skin Care with Actives: Achieving Radiant Skin from Face to Foot
!['The rise of body skin care with actives like [TRI-K's] NiaPure reflects a growing consumer demand for inclusive, clean and effective solutions that respect skin sensitivity while delivering superior results,' says Divyesh Patel, technical marketing manager, skin care, at TRI-K.](https://img.medestheticsmag.com/mindful/allured/workspaces/default/uploads/2025/07/patel-divyesh-119-0157.weekXkCIfO.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=max&q=70&w=400)
"The rise of body skin care with actives like [TRI-K's] NiaPure reflects a growing consumer demand for inclusive, clean and effective solutions that respect skin sensitivity while delivering superior results," says Divyesh Patel, technical marketing manager, skin care, at TRI-K.TRI-K
NiaPure is a niacinamide made through an AI-driven bio-fermentation process. It offers ultra-high purity with nicotinic acid content reduced to less than 10 ppm, per Patel, more than 10 times lower than traditional niacinamide. This reportedly makes it ideal for sensitive skin and body care applications with minimal irritation risk.
"Clinical and in-vitro studies demonstrate NiaPure’s superior melanin reduction outperforming arbutin and comparable to kojic acid while also showing minimal irritation at higher levels," Patel notes. "These attributes make NiaPure an ideal active for body care formulations that demand face-grade results from neck to toe, especially sensitive areas."
Meanwhile, TRI-K's Hyaclear 7 combines seven hyaluronic acid molecular weights for deep hydration, plumping and smoothing.
Patel explains, "In clinical testing, HyaClear 7 improved skin hydration three-fold after 24 hours. It’s especially effective in body areas prone to dryness and rough texture transforming dry or textured areas like the legs, arms and décolleté into visibly supple skin."
He concludes, "Offering deep moisturization and firming effects in body lotions and creams, our Hyaclear 7 can complement niacinamide by enhancing hydration and contributing to smooth, supple skin texture far beyond facial treatments."
Intimate & Body Anti-aging for Every Life Stage
The world of anti-aging and body care is evolving, with a focus on holistic, proactive, and science-backed solutions. Consumers are now prioritizing early prevention and full-body skin health, seeking advanced products that go beyond traditional skin care routines. From targeted treatments for crepey skin to innovative intimate care masks and breast toning patches, brands are leveraging cutting-edge ingredients to deliver visible results. Here’s a closer look at some of the latest advancements redefining body care and anti-aging.
“The new paradigm in anti-aging is holistic, proactive and personalized,” says Chavez. “Younger consumers are no longer waiting for the first signs of aging—they’re investing early to maintain skin health across the entire body. That’s why our Targeted Treatment for Crepey Skin, powered by plant-derived exosomes, is designed to help support healthy cellular communication for visibly smooth, more resilient skin.”
Chavez adds, “Our Toning Lotion, formulated with hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides, and caffeine, delivers visible firmness and radiance that redefines what a ‘body lotion’ can be. This is dermatology-inspired body care, engineered to perform like professional skin care.”
Similarly, TaikiUSA recently developed an Intimate Care Pro Aging Mask, designed to offer “brighter, firmer and more radiant skin around the intimate area,” according to the company. The mask was developed amid a growing global feminine intimate care market, which is projected by Grand View Researche to expand at an annual growth rate of 2.8% through 2030, totaling $2,329.2 million.
TaikiUSA’s formulation comprises niacinamide 4% to support the skin barrier while tightening the skin, acetyl hexapeptide 8 1% to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, Anemarrhena asphodeloides root extract to plump and firm the skin, ACT’s Cerasome to increase moisture retention and strengthen the skin barrier, sodium hyaluronate to boost hydration by attracting and retaining moisture, and adenosine to enhance elasticity.
The mask, which is designed to be applied to the vulva and surrounding areas, is designed to reduce the appearance of fine liens and wrinkles while boosting elasticioty, firmness and hydration.
TaikiUSA’s Breast Toning Trad HG Patches, meanwhile, are designed to nourish, firm and moisturize the skin. Key ingredients include Kigelia africana fruit extract, which delivers a lifting effect, a Vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract complex, which moisturizes the skin by delivering vitamin E, fatty acids and minerals, an Anemarrhena asphodeloides root extract complex to increase skin elasticity, improve skin tone and impart a plumping effect, an amino acid complex to maintain moisture levels while reducing the signs of aging, an acetyl hexapeptide-8 complex to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and a triple hyaluronic acid complex to hydrate and plump the skin.
10 Takeaways for Marketers & Product Developers
“The boundary between facial skin care and body care is dissolving,” Chavez concludes. “Face-grade performance is now the expectation for the full body, and brands that want to lead need partners who innovate with speed, scientific rigor and a pulse on the next big thing.”
- Boost Ceramide Synthesis: Highlight ingredients that support ceramide synthesis and strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier for enhanced hydration and protection.
- Utilize Proven Science: Emphasize the credibility of ingredients and formulations validated through ex vivo and in vivo studies, including diverse demographic testing.
- Target Specific Applications: Develop lightweight, multifunctional products tailored for specific use cases like post-shower treatments, sun exposure recovery, and intensive barrier repair.
- Holistic Anti-aging Approach: Focus on full-body, proactive skin care solutions that address early prevention of aging, not just facial care.
- Advanced Active Ingredients: Formulate with cutting-edge ingredients like plant-derived exosomes, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to deliver visible results for a range of skin concerns.
- Expand Intimate Care Offerings: Leverage the growing feminine intimate care market by creating products like intimate care masks and vulva-specific formulations with proven actives for hydration, elasticity, and firmness.
- Tap Into Niche Categories: Innovate in emerging categories like breast care with targeted solutions, such as toning patches, incorporating ingredients that lift, firm, and enhance skin texture.
- Consumer Behavior Insights: Cater to younger consumers prioritizing early skin health and full-body care, offering preventative, science-backed solutions.
- Dermatology-inspired Body Care: Develop body care products that rival professional skin care performance, integrating clinically validated ingredients and advanced delivery systems.
- Global Market Growth Opportunities: Capitalize on the projected growth of niche markets like feminine care, which is expanding globally at a steady annual growth rate, by aligning product innovation with consumer demand for specialized solutions.
Footnotes
ewww.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/feminine-intimate-care-market
