As temperatures rise, skincare is shifting focus. This summer’s biggest trends are all about smarter formulas, healthier skin, and routines that actually work. From AI-backed formulas to face-slicks that double as your front-facing camera filter, here’s what’s shaking up the beauty world right now.

1. Microbiome supporting skincare

It turns out your face is less solo act, more full ecosystem.  Your skin hosts a dynamic community of trillions of microbes, and emerging research has linked microbiome imbalances to issues like acne, eczema, rosacea, and premature aging.

What’s trending:

• Probiotic and postbiotic infused cleansers, mists, and moisturisers
• Certifications from third parties like MyMicrobiome
• Ingredients like fermented extracts, xylitol, and prebiotic inulin gaining traction

The logic is simple: don’t ruin your skin barrier. But here’s the catch – every brand and their cousin is now slapping “microbiome-safe” on the label. Translation? We need more regulation and less marketing fluff. Still, the shift toward gentler, bacteria-friendly skincare is a major win specially for those prone to breakouts, sensitivity, or irritation.

2. ‘Mirror Skin’

Glow to the MaxMirror skin is the new evolution of the dewy skin obsession, pushing the glass skin aesthetic to its extremes. Think high-gloss, hyper-hydrated complexions that almost appear wet under natural light.

How to get the look:

• Layered hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid and glycerin
• Occlusive moisturisers or balms for a final glassy veil
• Dewy, light-reflecting primers and skin tints

Born from TikTok trends like #glazeddonutskin and #dolphinskin, this high-gloss aesthetic is designed for 4K cameras and flawless selfies. It’s fun. It’s extra. But it’s not super friendly to oily or breakout-prone skin unless you like your glow with a side of clogged pores. Expect future versions of this trend to offer more customisable glow-for-all options.

3. Personalised Beauty, Powered by AI

Yes, AI is coming for your skincare drawer and it actually might be helpful. Think hyper-personalised routines based on your skin’s needs, your climate, and even your genes.

Tools like Skin Trust Club, Haut.AI, and L’Oreal’s Perso device offer highly customised skincare regimens based on facial scans, climate conditions, and even genetic markers.

Where it’s popping up:

• Smart devices that scan your face and suggest daily tweaks
• Ingredient-matching apps based on personal profiles
• Dispensers that mix custom blends based on weather, hormones, or how little you slept

According to McKinsey, personalised beauty is set to become a £12.5 billion industry by 2027 – and Gen Z is fully on board. But while the tech is exciting, it’s not perfect. AI can’t replace a real dermatologist, and questions around how accurate or inclusive these tools are still need answering. In the UK and Europe, strict data privacy laws like GDPR mean brands have to be careful with how they collect and use personal skin data. Regulations around AI in skincare are still catching up – so it’s worth paying attention to what you’re sharing, and who with.

4. SPF 2.0 – Next gen sunscreens

The once utilitarian sunscreen is now a multi-tasking skincare staple. In 2025, brands are fusing high SPF with active ingredients that treat skin concerns while protecting it from UV, blue light, pollution, infrared and and probably bad vibes.

What’s in it:

• Antioxidants like vitamins C and E
• Niacinamide and ceramides for barrier repair
• Squalane and hyaluronic acid for hydration
• Blur filters, tone-evening pigments, and primer-level finished

Modern SPF 2.0 formulas don’t stop at ultraviolet rays. They help combat:

• Blue light (HEV) emitted from phones and screens, blue light can contribute to hyperpigmentation and collagen degradation.
• Infrared light is common outdoors and indoors, it penetrates deeply and is believed to impact elasticity over time.
• City-specific SPFs now include anti-pollution shields to guard against airborne particles that accelerate aging.

The rise of minimalist routines (aka “skinimalism”) has also played a pivotal role. In a world where users want to do more with fewer steps, a sunscreen that doubles as a skin booster checks every box.

These elements reflect a larger shift in how consumers perceive “environmental stressors.” Protection is no longer confined to the beach; it’s daily armor for a tech-connected, urban lifestyle.

5. Exosomes

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles involved in cellular communication and regeneration. Originally from the world of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, exosomes are now showing up in high-end serums, post-procedure masks, and luxe facials.

Exosomes derived from plant cells, stem cells, or even milk are being incorporated into serums and masks. Some dermatologists now offer exosome facials post-laser or microneedling.

Claims include:

• Collagen stimulation
• Brightening and pigmentation reduction
• Speedier skin recovery after lasers or microneedling

There’s a lot of promise here but also plenty of question marks. In the US, exosome-based skincare isn’t currently regulated by the FDA, which means safety and sourcing standards vary widely. It’s a similar story in the UK and Europe, where clear guidance from regulatory bodies like the MHRA or EU health authorities is still lacking. With so many brands jumping on the trend, transparency can be hit or miss. The safest bet? Stick to products backed by clinical data and developed in partnership with dermatologists or trusted medical labs.

6. Poolside Skin

Why should your face have all the fun? The “poolside skin” trend is pushing radiant, hydrated, sun-kissed skin from head to toe. It’s the body version of mirror skin, inspired by 70s beach culture and modern day resort-core.

It’s less about faking a tan and more about celebrating texture, hydration, and skin that reflects light in all the right ways. Think of it as the bodycare equivalent of “mirror skin” but with SPF, shimmer, and the faint scent of coconut lingering in the air.

What’s trending:

• Radiant body serums with niacinamide and shimmer

• Moisturisers that double as bronzers

• SPF oils with golden reflectivity

Brands like Vacation Inc., Fenty Skin, and Sol de Janeiro are leading the way, blending fragrance, nostalgia, and high-performance skincare.

This trend is pure indulgence, but not without purpose. Body skincare sales are up 13% year-over-year. Expect brands to go even harder on luxe body launches that treat everything below the chin like prime real estate.

This summer’s skincare trends strike a balance between innovation and indulgence. We’re seeing ingredients get smarter, routines get simpler, and glow get personal. Whether it’s the hyper-reflective aesthetic of mirror skin or the biotech promise of exosomes, 2025’s skincare is both forward-thinking and unapologetically fun.