Best Custom Skincare Formulations to Launch in 2025 for New Beauty Brands

Introduction: The Future of Skincare is Custom Formulation

The beauty industry is evolving at lightning speed, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most innovative years for skincare brands. With rising consumer demands, ingredient transparency, science-backed solutions, and new-generation active technologies, custom skincare formulations have become the ultimate game-changer for new and growing beauty brands. Whether you’re planning to launch a D2C beauty label or expand your current product line, choosing the right formulations can set the foundation for long-term success.

Modern consumers no longer want generic creams or basic serums—they want products that deliver visible results. This is why collaborating with experienced private label or contract manufacturers is essential for creating high-performance formulas tailored to your brand vision.

This blog explores the best custom skincare formulations to launch in 2025, highlighting ingredient trends, market demand, and why these products are dominating the global beauty industry.

1. Advanced Vitamin C Serums with Stable Derivatives

Vitamin C continues to be the #1 best-selling skincare ingredient, but 2025 focuses on more stable, less irritating, and faster-acting derivatives.

Popular Vitamin C Types to Use in 2025

• Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD – the luxury form of Vitamin C)

These new-age forms offer stronger antioxidant benefits, deeper absorption, reduced irritation, and long-lasting stability.

Why This Formulation Works

• Boosts radiance

• Fades pigmentation

• Fights environmental damage

• Perfect for all skin types

Every new skincare brand should consider launching a high-performance Vitamin C serum as part of their primary product range.

2. Niacinamide + Zinc Oil Control Serums

The global search volume for niacinamide continues to increase in 2025 because consumers love gentle but effective solutions.

Why Niacinamide-Based Formulations Are Trending

• Reduces acne marks

• Controls excess oil

• Brightens dull skin

• Strengthens the skin barrier

Combining niacinamide with zinc PCA, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid creates a universally loved serum suitable for men and women.

Target Audience

• Teens

• Oily/Acne-prone users

• People with enlarged pores

This formulation is a must-have for brands entering the affordable cosmeceutical segment.

3. Peptide-Infused Anti-Aging Serums

2025 is witnessing a massive rise in peptide-based skincare because consumers trust science-backed anti-aging solutions.

Top Peptides for Custom Formulations

• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Botox-like peptide)

• Matrixyl 3000

• Copper Peptides

• Tripeptide-1 & Tetrapeptide-7

• Palmitoyl Pentapeptide

Why Peptide Serums Sell Quickly

• Reduce fine lines

• Boost collagen production

• Tighten and lift the skin

• Promote youthful glow

The demand for non-invasive anti-aging skincare is growing rapidly, making peptide serums a high-profit category.

4. Liposomal Active Serums (Latest Technology for 2025)

Liposomal technology is one of the biggest breakthroughs in skincare formulation.

What Makes Liposomal Serums Special?

• Higher absorption

• Deeper penetration

• Better stability

• Slow-release actives

Best Liposomal Actives to Introduce

• Liposomal Retinol

• Liposomal Vitamin C

• Liposomal Glutathione

• Liposomal Hyaluronic Acid

These products position your brand as premium and science-driven, making them ideal for derma and cosmeceutical-focused startups.

5. Retinol & Bakuchiol Night Repair Formulas

Retinol remains the gold standard in anti-aging, but gentle alternatives like bakuchiol are stealing the spotlight in 2025.

Retinol Formulation Trends

• Encapsulated Retinol 0.3% – 1%

• Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid

• Retinol + Peptides

• Retinol + Ceramide

Bakuchiol Formulations for Sensitive Skin

• 100% plant-based retinol alternative

• Suitable for pregnant & breastfeeding women

• Non-irritating and gentle

Launching both a retinol and bakuchiol version gives your brand a wider audience appeal.

6. Ceramide-Rich Barrier Repair Creams

In 2025, barrier protection is a global skincare obsession. This trend grew due to the rise in:

• Over-exfoliation

• Pollution

• Harsh climate

• Blue light exposure

Key Barrier Repair Ingredients

• Ceramide NP, AP, EOP

• Cholesterol

• Fatty acids

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

• Squalane

• Oat Extract

Why Every Brand Needs This Formulation

People want moisturizers that:

• Strengthen the skin

• Prevent irritation

• Improve hydration

• Reduce sensitivity

Great for dry, damaged, and compromised skin.

7. Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Polyglutamic Acid Serums

The hydration category will always dominate the market.

Advanced Hydration Actives for 2025

• 5% Multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid

• Polyglutamic Acid

• Beta Glucan

• Aquaxyl

• Snow Mushroom Extract

These formulas give instant plumping and deep hydration—perfect for all skin types and daily use.

8. Sunscreens with Hybrid, Mineral & Invisible Gel Formulas

Sunscreen is one of the fastest-growing categories in India and globally.

Trending Sunscreen Formulations

• Invisible gel sunscreen

• Hybrid sunscreen (mineral + chemical)

• Water-resistant sports sunscreen

• Tinted sunscreen

• Blue-light protection sunscreen

• Kids’ sunscreen

Ingredients to Highlight

• Zinc Oxide

• Titanium Dioxide

• Avobenzone

• Tinosorb S & M

• Uvinul A+

Your brand can scale quickly with a high-quality, non-greasy, fast-absorbing sunscreen.

9. AHA/BHA Exfoliating Solutions for Smooth Skin

Chemical exfoliation continues to trend due to visible results and fast transformation.

Top Exfoliating Ingredients

• Glycolic Acid

• Lactic Acid

• Mandelic Acid

• Salicylic Acid

• PHA (Gluconolactone)

High-Demand Products

• 2% BHA serum

• 10% AHA exfoliating solution

• Gentle PHA toners

• AHA/BHA peeling pads

Consumers are shifting from harsh scrubs to dermatologist-approved chemical exfoliants, giving your brand a huge market opportunity.

10. Anti-Pigmentation Serums with Powerful Brightening Actives

Pigmentation remains one of the top concerns in India.

Best Brightening Actives for Your Formulations

• Alpha Arbutin

• Kojic Acid Dipalmitate

• Tranexamic Acid

• Licorice Extract

• Glutathione

• Vitamin C

Why This Category Sells Fast

• Works for all skin tones

• Targets melasma, dark spots, and uneven skin

• High demand in India, Middle East & South Asia

This is a bestseller segment for any beauty brand.

11. Acne-Control Cleansers & Serums for Teen and Adult Acne

Acne care is timeless and always in demand.

Key Acne-Fighting Ingredients

• Salicylic Acid

• Tea Tree Oil

• Witch Hazel

• Niacinamide

• Bentonite Clay

• Sulfur

Launching a complete acne range (cleanser + toner + serum + cream) can dramatically boost your brand’s visibility.

12. Hydrating & Brightening Face Washes with Gentle Surfactants

Consumers now prefer SLS-free, soap-free, and pH-balanced cleansers.

Top Ingredients for 2025 Face Wash Formulations

• Aloe Vera

• Niacinamide

• Vitamin C

• Rice Water

• Ceramides

• AHA-based gentle exfoliators

Gentle cleansers appeal to both men and women, making them perfect as your brand’s entry-level product.