Salicylic Acid is the Most Searched Skincare Ingredient in 2023
In a year marked by surging interest in skincare and beauty products, one ingredient has emerged as the clear favorite among consumers: salicylic acid. According to recent data released by Foundation, salicylic acid topped the list of the most searched skincare ingredients in 2023, edging out other popular components like vitamin C and niacinamide.
The study, which delved into Google search data to identify trends in the beauty sector, revealed some fascinating insights. Notably, Charlotte Tilbury leads as the most searched beauty brand, followed by Brazilian-based Sol de Janeiro, known for its popular Bum Bum Cream. When it comes to UK stockists, Boots takes the top spot with over four million searches per month.
Among skincare ingredients, salicylic acid reigns supreme with 60,500 searches, followed closely by vitamin C with 49,500 searches. This indicates a significant shift in consumer preferences and awareness regarding skincare components.
What’s the hype around Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is renowned for its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin. This quality makes it exceptionally effective in treating acne and other skin concerns. It works by dissolving dead skin cells and unclogging pores, a crucial function given that acne was the second most-searched skin concern of the year.
Several factors contribute to the popularity of salicylic acid in 2023. Firstly, its effectiveness in treating prevalent skin issues like acne and blackheads has been widely recognized. This is reflected in the high number of searches for treatments targeting these conditions.
Additionally, the rise of digital platforms like TikTok has played a significant role in shaping skincare trends and consumer knowledge. Kieran Curtis, Search Expert at Liberty Marketing Group, the parent company of Foundation, says: “We’ve seen Google’s ‘A Year in Search’, so we wanted to get a bit more specific and look at the beauty sector. While Charlotte Tilbury topping the list wasn’t the biggest surprise, it was nice to see Rio De Janeiro come in second place, higher than brands that have been around for dozens of years. As for the most asked questions, it shows how TikTok has played a huge part in this year’s motivation to search, with ‘Slugging skincare’ first starting to make an appearance of the beginning of the year, and Korean skincare taking over the channel in summer. It’ll be interesting to see which trends stick around for 2024, and which ones were a one-year hit.”
Salicylic acid's primary benefit lies in its ability to combat acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear. It is also effective in reducing inflammation and redness, making it a versatile ingredient for various skin types and concerns. Moreover, its ability to promote a smoother, clearer complexion has cemented its status as a skincare staple.