The most Googled skincare ingredients of the year

Beauty & skincare supplier, Cult Beauty, has discovered the most searched for skincare ingredients of the year so far. Using data from search engine, Google, including the most searched skin care questions, Cult Beauty has identified trends and ingredients to note.

Vitamin C is the most searched for ingredient, while squalane, retinol, and niacinamide are revealed as top climbers, with almost 2 million combined searches.

Products including clay are set to become popular, with the research showing searches for products including the ingredient have seen the biggest year-on-year increase – by a 217%.

Scroll down to see the results from the research, along with the most search for question about the ingredient.

Vitamin C: “What does vitamin C do for your skin?”

Cult Beauty’s research found vitamin C was the most searched for ingredient. “Vitamin C is touted as one of the best ultra-protective, anti-ageing ingredients on the market, as well as being a reliable multi-tasker, it’s also the key to maintaining a smooth, even, and glowing complexion,” states a spokesperson for Cult Beauty.

Retinol: “What does retinol do to your face?”

“Retinol derives from vitamin A and works by increasing the rate of cell turnover in the skin, along with the production of collagen, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and even acne,” explains Cult Beauty’s spokesperson. “Retonoids stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin which improves skin colour, leaving you with a healthy glow.”

Castor oil: “Is castor oil good for the skin?”

“Packed with vitamin E, it’s a must-have ingredient for replenishing skin and helping hair stay healthy by boosting collagen,” says Cult Beauty’s spokesperson. “The oil is also well-known for its healing properties against eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, and keratosis pilaris.”

Hyaluronic acid: “What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?”

Alongside hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid is also on the rise with 19,280 searches in 2020 in comparison to 9,280 in 2019.

“As hyaluronic acid can hold a high capacity of water, it has the unique ability to retain moisture in the skin,” explains the spokesperson. “While our bodies already produce it naturally, we produce less and less as we age, meaning our skin can become dryer and lose elasticity, causing us to develop deep-set wrinkles. When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent new lines developing, while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.”

Squalane: “What does squalane do?”

“Squalane is great for balancing oil production, providing just enough moisture to keep the skin clear and healthy,” says the spokesperson. “The antioxidants found in squalane also fight skin damage and free radicals, which can both accelerate the aging process.”

Research found The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser has earned over 22,000 searches alone.

Ingredients with the biggest Year-Over-Year (YOY) increase 

Using Google data from January to June 2019 and comparing it to January to June 2020, Cult Beauty found which ingredients have piqued interest the most.

Searches for product including clay have seen the biggest YOY increase with a 217% increase.

It found that squalane, retinol, and niacinamide are top climbers, with almost two million combined searches.

YOY% increase

• Clay – 217%
• Vitamin C – 204%
• Salicylic acid – 182%
• Niacinamide – 181%
• Alpha arbutin – 174%
• Bakuchiol – 166%
• Lactic acid – 151%
• PHA – 121%
• Squalane – 111%
• Aloe vera – 104%

“Bakuchiol has also seen an impressive increase, as the plant-based alternative to retinol becomes increasingly popular with those in favour of natural skincare products,” states a representative from the brand. “Alongside this, firm favourites vitamin C and aloe vera have seen the biggest increases, suggesting many of us are looking for a glow up.”

Find out more about Cult Beauty and its range of skincare, visit www.cultbeauty.co.uk