As the beauty industry grows, consumers are becoming more conscious of what they put on their skin and where the products are sourced from.
In 2025, the skincare industry is seeing a new wave of natural ingredients in skincare that not only promise radiant skin but also align with eco-friendly and sustainability values.
So, whether you’re looking to launch a skincare brand or just curious about the trendy natural ingredients in skincare, here we’ve jotted down some of the top natural ingredients that have been taking the internet by storm this year.
1. Upcycled Plant Extracts
One of the most exciting and innovative trends we’ve seen in 2025 is the use of upcycled ingredients for skincare. These are basically the natural extracts derived from agricultural or food industry by-products. These extracts are not only eco-conscious but also nutrient-rich. It reduces waste and promotes sustainability and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and skin-healing compounds.
Here are some examples of how the plant extracts are upcycled in the skincare industry:
- Upcycled coffee grounds: They are rich in antioxidants and used in exfoliants and cellulite creams.
- Fruit seed oils: Abundant in essential fatty acids and vitamins.
- Olive pomace extract: Moisturising and antioxidant-rich, now used in creams and masks.
2. Mushroom-Derived Ingredients
Mushrooms might be your favourite food, but it has moved beyond the food aisle and has become a prime skincare ingredient. In 2025, fungi-based ingredients are being hailed for their adaptogenic and skin-soothing properties.
Mushrooms have various benefits, like offering a blend of hydration, anti-ageing, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Here are some of the organic ingredients that are actually derived from mushrooms!
- Tremella (Snow Mushroom): It is a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid, known for its superb moisture-retaining abilities.
- Reishi Mushroom: It is an adaptogen that helps reduce inflammation and redness while boosting skin resilience.
- Chaga and Shiitake: Rich in antioxidants and skin-brightening compounds.
3. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol, derived from the seeds of the Babchi plant, is a popular ingredient in skincare. It is known for offering the benefits of retinol — without the harsh side effects. Unlike traditional retinol, bakuchiol doesn’t cause peeling, dryness, or photosensitivity, making it perfect for year-round use.
It holds various benefits for the skin, including:
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Promotes collagen production.
- Gentle for sensitive skin and safe during pregnancy.
4. Blue Tansy
This beautiful, blue-hued oil is derived from the Tanacetum annuum plant and is a star natural ingredient in serums and oils. It has strong anti-inflammatory effects, soothes irritated or acne-prone skin, and also reduces redness and inflammation.
As more people struggle with skin barrier damage, sensitivity, and acne, blue tansy is gaining more attention as a primary skincare ingredient that helps calm and balance the skin.
5. Seaweed and Marine Botanicals
Marine-derived skincare isn’t anything new, but in recent years, it’s being reinvented with a strong focus on sustainability and potency. Seaweed, algae, and kelp are now being responsibly harvested and processed to retain their natural bioactive compounds.
These marine extracts are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12; hydrate, detoxify, and firm the skin; and improve skin elasticity and tone. Some popular varieties of the marine botanicals include red algae and kelp extracts that hold multiple benefits for the skin.
6. Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Also known as Barbary fig oil, prickly pear seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the prickly pear cactus and has become a popular addition to facial oils and serums. It contains vitamin E, is high in linoleic acid, and is pretty lightweight to use.
The prickly pear cactus grows in arid environments with minimal water, making it a drought-resistant crop that’s environmentally friendly. So, you can easily find this ingredient!
7. Fermented Botanicals
Fermentation isn’t just for your gut; these days it is being infused into skincare to improve potency and bioavailability. Fermentation breaks down complex compounds into smaller, more bioavailable forms, making it easier for skin to absorb the nutrients.
Some of the top skincare ingredients that are fermented and being used in skincare are green tea, ginseng, soy, and bamboo. The main reason why it’s being used in skincare is that it offers better absorption and gives better results. They also tend to have added probiotic benefits, which help balance the skin microbiome.
8. Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Cica has been big in natural skincare trends, which is gaining so much traction in recent years and has the potential to do so in the next years. It is also known as tiger grass and is used to heal wounds and soothe inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and speed up wound healing.
You can find this ingredient in everything from moisturisers and serums to sheet masks and cleansers — especially those labelled for “sensitive” or “soothing” care.
9. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is an Ayurvedic superfruit that is bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C. It is apparently taking centre stage in anti-ageing and brightening formulations this year. Amla has various key properties, that help you fight free radicals and oxidative stress, boosts collagen production, etc.
As consumers become more interested in Ayurvedic and Eastern beauty rituals, amla’s heritage is helping it gain traction in Western markets.
10. Rice Water and Fermented Rice Extracts
Rice water is an ancient beauty ritual that is being used in toners, essences, and moisturisers in 2025. The reason why people love rice water is because it improves skin texture and elasticity, brightens and evens out skin tone, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Fermented rice water is preferred for its added amino acids and enhanced nutrient absorption, which makes it perfect for absorbing other products efficiently.
Conclusion
In 2025, without a doubt, the skincare industry is leaning more into nature and science and reflecting people’s desire for clean, effective, and eco-conscious beauty.
So, when choosing products this year, make sure to look beyond the buzzwords and explore how these sustainable skincare ingredients align with your skin type and values. As always, make sure to do a patch test, even with the natural ingredients.
If you’re an entrepreneur planning to start a skincare business, you must be aware of these ingredients so you can provide trusted products. Regardless, if you want to outsource manufacturing, you can contact our private label skincare at Naturo & Orgo!
FAQs
Q. Are natural skincare ingredients always safer than synthetic ones?
Ans. Not necessarily. While natural ingredients are often perceived as safer, they can still cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially if not properly formulated.
Q. Can I use multiple natural ingredients together, like bakuchiol and sea moss?
Ans. Yes, many natural ingredients complement each other. For instance, bakuchiol and sea moss can work well together—bakuchiol offers anti-ageing benefits, while sea moss hydrates and soothes. Just make sure the product formulas are stable and avoid over-layering too many active ingredients to prevent irritation.
Q. Is bakuchiol really as effective as retinol?
Ans. Studies have shown that bakuchiol can offer similar anti-ageing results to retinol—like reduced fine lines and improved skin texture—without the irritation.