Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL’s qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don’t have to.
When you’re on the outside looking in, skincare in 2025 feels a bit like sci-fi meets self-care.
Once upon a time, we were thrilled by the novelty of hyaluronic acid or the occasional swipe of retinol. But those days are long gone.
Today’s trending ingredients sound like something plucked from a clinical trial, a coral reef, or (brace yourself) even the reproductive cells of a salmon. Yes, really.
It’s not just about hydration or anti-ageing anymore. No, it’s about bio-hacking your face with high-tech ingredients that claim to do everything from repairing DNA damage to mimicking in-clinic microneedling results – all from the comfort of your bathroom sink.
I’m talking messenger molecules, peptides on steroids, and marine-derived exfoliants that make your skin tingle in the best (and strangest) way.
But as you and I both know, in the age of TikTok skincare tutorials and endless #SkinTok hype, not every shiny new serum deserves a place on your shelf.
So, in a bid to separate the flash-in-the-pan fads from the truly future-forward formulas, I’ve dived headfirst into the world’s most disruptive and talked-about skincare innovations.
Consider this your cheat sheet to the beauty world’s next big things, minus the confusing jargon and overhyped promises. Because, when it comes to great skin, a little knowledge goes a long way.
Skincare in 2025 feels a bit like sci-fi meets self-care. Today’s trendy new ingredients are promising to bio-hack your face, repair DNA damage, and even mimic in-clinic microneedling results – all from the comfort of your bathroom sink.
Spicules
AKA: Prickly little miracles dubbed as ‘microneedling in a jar’
This one is completely new to me even, but I know it’s going to be huge.
These needle-like structures from sea sponges mimic the effects of microneedling by creating tiny micro-channels in your skin. Meaning your fancy serums can now sink in deeper and work harder.
The ‘prickly’ sensation takes some getting used to, but it’s oddly addictive.
Korean brands like VT Cosmetics are leading the charge, and if your skin’s feeling sluggish or congested, this could be your new weekly ritual.
Exosomes
AKA: The mysterious ‘messenger particles’ everyone’s whispering about
I first heard about exosomes at a dermatology conference where people were practically vibrating with excitement.
But what are they? Well, think of them as tiny postal workers delivering good stuff (like proteins and genetic material) between cells, encouraging skin to regenerate, repair, and glow.
They’re often used post-procedure (think microneedling or laser) to fast-track healing and enhance results, but increasingly, they’re being added to luxe creams and serums too.
Proponents say they boost elasticity, texture, and even hair growth.
Exosomes aren’t yet approved in Australia to be injected into the skin, but they can happily be applied topically by medical professionals.
Exosome are often used post-procedure (think microneedling or laser) to fast-track healing and enhance results, but increasingly, they’re being added to luxe creams and serums too
PDRN
AKA: The salmon sperm facials
You’d never guess it, but the ingredient ‘PDRN’ (aka polydeoxyribonucleotide), is literally derived from salmon sperm DNA.
I know it isn’t that new-new, but this powerhouse ingredient is widely used in Korea for its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-boosting abilities and is not slowing down in popularity among the skincare-obsessed.
In topical form it hydrates and helps post-treatment skin bounce back faster. But the real magic happens with injectables.
It doesn’t sculpt or freeze your face, but rather restores elasticity and dewiness without changing how you look.
Clinics like Fayshell are offering skin needling booster facials now, which incorporate PDRN as the main ingredient.
NAD+
AKA: The bio-hacking favourite that’s now coming for your face
The jury is still out on ‘biohacking’ NAD+ when used topically. Instead maybe try reaching for foods rich in amino acids that are precursors to NAD+ in the body
I’ve seen NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) pop up on the wellness circuit in things like IV drips, supplements, and even biohacker podcasts. But now it’s showing up in skincare too.
Naturally found in our bodies, NAD+ helps repair damaged DNA and energises cells.
As we age, our NAD+ levels drop, which leads to the usual suspects like dullness, wrinkles, and barrier breakdown.
Topical products aim to replenish those reserves and get your skin functioning like it’s 22 again. However, as with all ‘biohacking’ theories, the solid proof remains to be seen.
If you want to up your NAD+ intake via your diet, reach for foods rich in amino acids that are also precursors to NAD+. Think broccoli and cabbage, avocados, steamed fish, and peanuts.
TR Pro+
AKA: The Aussie-made cream loved by plastic surgeons
TR Pro+ ($38.50) is a hydrogel loved by plastic surgeons for its phenomenal healing properties
TR Pro+ is a hydrogel packed with Glucoprime, a clinically backed beta-glucan molecule developed right here in Australia.
It forms a biofilm over wounded or irritated skin, soothing discomfort while speeding up the healing process.
It’s used by every plastic surgeon (serious cred) and is ideal for post-procedure TLC like needling and ablative laser treatments.
At just $38.50, it’s the most affordable skin saviour on this list, and one I’ll be keeping stocked year-round.
Hydrafillic Pep9
AKA: The facial that’s basically Photoshop in a tube
When a treatment promises instant firmness, glow, and hydration after just one visit, I pay attention.
And when it involves nine peptides, triple hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and fruit extracts, you best believe I’m clearing my calendar.
Hydrafacial’s new Hydrafillic Pep9 Skin Booster, which officially launched in August, is a non-invasive powerhouse treatment that goes far beyond your typical cleanse-and-mask.
Using patented Vortex Fusion Technology™ (which to me, sounds like something Iron Man would invent), it exfoliates, extracts all the gunk out, and then infuses skin with their clinical-grade Pep9 complex.
Treatments start at $295, which is a splurge, but if you’re prepping for an event (or just want to look airbrushed IRL), it’s worth it, in my opinion.
Hydrafacial’s new Hydrafillic Pep9 Skin Booster, which officially launched this month, is a non-invasive in-clinic treatment that’ll set you back $295
So, what’s actually worth it?
Look, not every new ingredient needs to be in your skincare routine – because that would be a lot.
But, in the ever-evolving world of skincare, staying curious is half the fun.
Just remember, not everything that’s trending is necessary, but understanding what’s what? That’s where a worthy glow-up truly begins.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed in any way.
