In 2025, the cosmetic industry’s ingredient competition has entered the era of “precision efficacy,” with growing consumer demand for scientifically validated, high-performance ingredients.
According to QYResearch, the global cosmetic active ingredients market was valued at approximately $4.782 billion in 2024 (Source: QYResearch, Global Cosmetic Active Ingredients Market Analysis 2024-2031). In the first half of 2025, functional ingredients (such as vitamin E, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and others) will continue to dominate the market.
The latest authoritative data indicates that classic ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide consistently top the charts, while emerging ingredients such as centella asiatica extract and acetyl hexapeptide-8 are gaining market share through technological advancements.
This article provides an in-depth breakdown of the filing data, market performance, and international application cases of the top 18 trending ingredients in the first half of 2025, offering valuable insights for beauty industry professionals in research and development.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is a moisturizing polymer that can be processed through enzymatic cleavage to produce hyaluronic acid of varying molecular weights—large molecules for water retention and small molecules for skin penetration. This ingredient is widely used, with sales of products containing sodium hyaluronate in China exceeding RMB 3.65 billion in 2024 (Source: Beauty Industry Data Brain, 2024 Report).
In 2025, from January to February, 14,347 products were filed with this ingredient in China, while in April, 11,500 products with firming and anti-aging benefits incorporated it. According to the Beauty Industry Data Brain, sales of sodium hyaluronate-containing products in mainland China alone led the market in 2024, surpassing RMB 3.65 billion. Per the 2025 Ingredient Trend Insights List, sodium hyaluronate tops the list for “anti-wrinkle and firming” ingredient applications.
Lancôme’s Petit Flacon Noir uses sodium hyaluronate as a core ingredient to enhance moisturizing and repair capabilities. Chanel’s Luxury Essence Cream (Light) contains sodium hyaluronate, utilizing advanced multi-fractionation technology, while sodium hyaluronate helps hydrate the skin and improve firmness.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide offers multiple skincare benefits, including protecting the skin barrier, reducing allergic reactions, and balancing oil production, making it suitable for various skin types. According to 2024 Rednote data, posts related to “niacinamide” exceeded 120 million, reflecting its high consumer market popularity (Source: Xiaohongshu Platform, 2024 Trend Report).
In 2025, from January to February, 8,120 products were filed with niacinamide in China, 5,776 in March, and 3,542 in April for whitening products alone. According to editors, several products listed in Japan’s VoCE magazine’s Best Cosmetics List for the first half of 2025 contain niacinamide, highlighting its popularity. It can be used in whitening serums (such as OLAY ProX Brightening Serum), oil-control products, anti-aging creams, moisturizing sprays/masks, and sunscreen products.
OLAY’s ProX Brightening Serum contains high-purity niacinamide, which helps inhibit melanin production for whitening and spot-fading while balancing oil secretion.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Panthenol promotes skin firmness and supports cell metabolism to repair damaged skin. Mintel’s 2025 China Beauty and Personal Care Ingredient Trends List highlights its increasing use in sensitive skin care products. Panthenol can be used in sensitive skin repair creams (such as Germany’s syNeo Sweat-Resistant Deodorant), moisturizing masks/serums, acne treatment products, hair care products, and baby skincare products.
Germany’s syNeo Sweat-Resistant Deodorant Spray contains panthenol and allantoin, reducing underarm perspiration while panthenol minimizes irritation caused by deodorants.
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Derivative)
Tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E, delays skin aging, enhances immunity, and prevents inflammation. In January-February 2025, over 3,000 products were filed with this ingredient in China. According to the 2025 Ingredient Trend Insights List, it ranks second in “whitening and spot-fading” ingredient applications. This ingredient can be used in anti-aging creams/serums (such as Japan’s Morishita Jintan Jintan Mask H), whitening products, sunscreen products, body lotions/hand creams, and lip care products.
Japan’s Morishita Jintan Jintan Mask H contains tocopheryl acetate to delay skin aging and boost immunity.
Cosmetic Ingredients: Citric Acid (AHA)
Citric acid, a natural preservative, regulates the pH of cosmetics. It also aids in exfoliating dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin. However, improper use may cause irritation. Citric acid can be used in cleansing products (such as Shiseido’s Red Elixir Essence), toners, whitening serums/masks, exfoliating products, and body washes/shower gels.
Shiseido’s Red Elixir Essence contains citric acid to adjust pH and assist in removing dead skin cells.
Allantoin
Allantoin, a urea derivative first discovered in bovine amniotic fluid, is used in cosmetics for anti-allergy and wound-healing properties. In April 2025, 7,512 new products were filed with allantoin in China. Allantoin can be used in sensitive skin repair creams, soothing masks/sprays (such as Cicaplast Repair Mask), acne treatment products, baby creams or diaper rash ointments, and lip balms.
Germany’s syNeo Sweat-Resistant Deodorant Spray contains allantoin, working alongside panthenol to moisturize skin.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Centella asiatica extract, with madecassoside as its main active compound, supports skin barrier repair, soothes sensitivity, and fights aging. It also stimulates collagen synthesis and reduces inflammation. In April 2025, 5,520 new products were filed with this ingredient in China. Centella asiatica extract can be used in repair serums/creams, soothing masks (such as Cicapair Repair Mask), sunscreen products, acne gels, and anti-aging products.
Dr.Jart+’s Cicapair Repair Series contains four times the centella asiatica extract. Its repair sunscreen and nourishing cream promote skin renewal and reduce melanin deposition.
Squalane
Derived from shark liver oil or olives, squalane’s chemical structure mimics human sebum, enhancing skin barrier function and lipid replenishment. In April 2025, 4,843 new products were filed with squalane in China. Squalane can be used in moisturizing serums/face oils, creams (such as Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream), body lotions, hair oils, and lip masks.
YOKIA’s Plant Squalane Repair Essence Oil, with 100% high-purity squalane, soothes skin and strengthens its defenses.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Extracted from the stems and leaves of purslane, this ingredient contains flavonoid active compounds, offering skin barrier repair, hydration, whitening, and anti-inflammatory benefits. In April 2025, 3,022 new products were filed with this ingredient in China. It can be used in soothing creams, whitening serums/masks, acne gels, moisturizing sprays, and sunscreen products.
Aguilera’s Portulaca Soothing Special Care Cream contains this ingredient, using liposome encapsulation technology to deliver active compounds deep into the skin for enhanced repair.
Jojoba Seed Oil
Extracted from Simmondsia chinensis seeds, jojoba seed oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, with a molecular structure similar to human sebum, making it easily absorbed. In April 2025, 4,319 new products were filed with this ingredient in China.
Chanel’s Smart Firming Essence Cream contains jojoba seed oil, limnanthes alba seed oil, and bilberry seed oil, nourishing mature skin and reducing wrinkles.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 mimics the mechanism of botulinum toxin, inhibiting acetylcholine release to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Studies show it significantly reduces wrinkle depth (Source: Blanes-Mira, C. et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2002, 24(5), 303-310). In April 2025, 3,913 new products were filed with this ingredient in China. It is widely used in anti-aging serums, eye creams, creams, masks, and companion products for beauty devices.
Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Capsules contain acetyl hexapeptide-8, promoting wrinkle reduction, hydration, and skin repair alongside other ingredients.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Derived from licorice root, this ingredient soothes sensitivity, repairs dry or damaged skin, and fights inflammation (Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Safety Assessment of Glycyrrhizic Acid, 2013). In April 2025, 3,721 new products were filed with this ingredient in China. It is widely used in sensitive skin repair creams, soothing masks, acne gels or lotions, moisturizing sprays, and baby skincare products.
La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5 contains dipotassium glycyrrhizate, reducing sensitivity and repairing dry, damaged skin, ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin consumers.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, shea butter promotes skin hydration. In April 2025, 3,718 new products were filed with this ingredient in China. It is widely used in moisturizing creams (such as Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream), body lotions (such as L’Occitane Shea Butter Body Cream), hand/foot creams, lip balms/masks (such as Burt’s Bees Lip Balm), and hair care products.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream contains shea butter, promoting hydration and locking in moisture alongside squalane, suitable for dry skin types.
Cosmetic Ingredients:Ectoin
Ectoin, an amino acid derivative, offers strong skin protection, soothing inflammation and shielding against UV damage. In April 2025, 3,525 new products were filed with this ingredient in China.
It is widely used in anti-pollution serums (such as Decorté Liposome Advanced Repair Serum), sunscreen products, soothing sprays (such as upgraded versions of Avène Thermal Spring Water), sensitive skin creams, and eye creams.
Decorté’s Liposome Advanced Repair Serum contains ectoin, protecting skin from external stressors while enhancing radiance.
Cosmetic Ingredients:Soluble Collagen
Soluble collagen promotes fibroblast proliferation, restoring skin elasticity and delaying aging. In April 2025, 3,059 new products were filed with this ingredient in China. It is widely used in anti-aging serums (such as Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream), firming creams, masks, eye creams, and neck creams.
Clarins’ Multi-Active Day Cream contains soluble collagen, promoting skin elasticity and delaying aging.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
This ingredient offers stable anti-aging effects by activating collagen synthesis. In vitro studies show that a 0.001% concentration can boost type I collagen synthesis by 40% (Source: Robinson, L. R. et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005, 27(3), 155-160).
According to DataInsightsMarket, the cosmetic-grade palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 market was valued at $15 million in 2025, driven by demand for anti-aging skincare products. It is primarily used in anti-aging creams, serums, eye creams, and pharmaceutical-grade products. North America holds the largest market share, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow the fastest.
Estée Lauder’s Revitalizing Supreme+ Advanced Night Repair contains palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Source: Estée Lauder Website, Ingredient List, 2024), activating collagen production.
Nonapeptide-1
Primarily used for whitening, nonapeptide-1 blocks melanocyte-stimulating hormone signaling to inhibit melanin synthesis. Specific market size data for nonapeptide-1 is limited, but Statista reports that the global cosmetic peptide market was valued at approximately $1 billion in 2024 (Source: Statista, Global Cosmetic Peptide Market Report 2024).
Its use in whitening products grew by an impressive 21.78% from January to February 2025, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. It is primarily used in high-end whitening serums, creams, and masks.
Social media discussions (e.g., Reddit) indicate that nonapeptide-1 is often paired with palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. Driven by strong whitening demand, the Asia-Pacific region is the primary market for nonapeptide-1.
Kiehl’s Advanced Night Repair Brightening Regimen contains nonapeptide-1 (Source: Kiehl’s Website, Ingredient List, 2024), promoting skin whitening.
Lactobacillus Ferment
A microbiome-regulating ingredient, it inhibits 5α-reductase activity in sebaceous glands, controlling oil production and reducing acne. According to Grand View Research, the global probiotic cosmetics market was valued at $303 million in 2024 (Source: Grand View Research, Probiotic Cosmetics Market Report 2024). It is widely used in oil-control serums, creams, and cleansers, particularly for oily skin.
La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar K+ contains this ingredient, effectively controlling oil secretion for a refreshed complexion (Source: La Roche-Posay Website, Ingredient List, 2024). SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule also uses this ingredient.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Obtained via supercritical CO2 extraction, this saponin-rich component offers skin whitening and nourishing benefits. Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum and DONGINBI’s Red Ginseng Power Repair Anti-Aging Ampoule contain ginseng root extract for whitening and nourishment (Source: Sulwhasoo Website, Ingredient List, 2024).
It is primarily used in whitening serums, creams, and masks, often in high-end K-beauty brands like Sulwhasoo.
Arginine
Arginine offers multiple skincare benefits. According to Grand View Research, the global amino acid skincare market was valued at $850 million in 2024 (Source: Grand View Research, Amino Acid Skincare Market Report 2024). Data indicates high usage of arginine in January-February 2025, with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing effects.
It is widely used in creams, serums, and repair products. Social media discussions indicate that arginine is often used in peptide-based products (e.g., MEDI-PEEL Peptide9 Hyaluronic Volumy Eye Cream).
Avène’s Tolerance Extreme Cream contains arginine, aiding in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory skin protection (Source: Avène Website, Ingredient List, 2024).
Leecosmetic: Using raw materials from internationally renowned companies
Leecosmetic is a leading cosmetics manufacturer. It provides high – quality cosmetics products at very competitive prices and with low minimum order quantities.
We offer a range of services, such as private label cosmetics manufacturing, OEM/ODM manufacturing, and provide a complete product supply solution for small and medium – sized cosmetics brands.
As a fast – growing private label cosmetics manufacturer, Leecosmetic has been using raw materials from internationally renowned companies in a safe and efficient manner.
Contact: https://leecosmetic.com/contactus/
