Study explores social media’s growing influence on cosmeceutical trends

The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos spoke with Cosmetics Design USA about new research that revealed a significant rise in consumer interest in cosmeceuticals, or cosmetic products with active ingredients purported to have medical benefits.

The research was published by Thomas Jefferson University researchers in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and used Google Trends data from 2004 to 2023 in addition to TikTok analytics to map out shifting preferences in popular skin care ingredients.

Search interest in cosmeceuticals continues to increase, researchers found, with retinol being the most searched for and talked about ingredient on social platforms. The findings demonstrate the rising influence of social media platforms on leading or developing skin care conversations.

"Awareness of skin care trends and growth in cosmeceutical interest empower dermatologists to anticipate patient inquiries and develop targeted education on product efficacy, cost effectiveness, and potential adverse reactions," the authors said in the study.

Dobos was not involved in the study and said the findings provide both opportunities and challenges for manufacturers.

"While social media and search engines offer invaluable insights into consumer interests, they also amplify misinformation and hype," said Dobos, a cosmetic chemist and adjunct instructor in UC's Cosmetic Science Program in the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. "Manufacturers must balance agility with responsibility — leveraging digital trend data to inform product development, but always grounding their offerings and communications in robust scientific evidence and transparent education."

Read the Cosmetics Design USA article.

Featured photo at top of makeup and brushes. Photo/July Ko/iStock.