Introduction

Consumers expect brands to demonstrate why their products work, rather than relying on the marketing story. According to a 2022 study by Mintel, 51% of skincare users agree that products with proven efficacy are important when shopping for skincare products. As consumers become savvier about what ingredients are designed to do, it is key for formulators to use well-researched ingredients like exfoliants to help establish efficacy claims. With skin concerns like aging, acne, the appearance of large pores and discoloration now top of mind for consumers, brightening and anti-aging product claims present an opportunity for brands to win with exfoliating products by using potent, efficacious active ingredients. 

Many people desire a glowing, healthy complexion, and exfoliation is one of the key steps to achieve it. This skincare step involves the removal of excess corneocyte buildup from the skin surface, revealing a fresher, more radiant layer underneath. The primary reason why exfoliation is so important is because it accelerates the cell turnover process. Cell turnover, a biological process where the body naturally sheds dead skin cells to replace them with younger, healthier skin cells, helps alleviate the appearance of texture and tone concerns stemming from acne, dullness, hyperpigmentation, severe dryness (i.e flakes, tightness, etc.), and signs of aging such as fine lines or wrinkles1. On average, cell turnover goes through a 28-day cycle. At a young age e.g. 18 years old, the exfoliation process happens naturally and much more frequently. As we age, the time length of cell turnover increases. Since different types of exfoliation can benefit the skin in slightly different ways, choosing what’s best for an individual depends on skin type and skin concerns.