It wouldn’t be the end of the year without a little reminiscence. Every year, we like to look back at the previous 12 months to uncover the biggest beauty trends and most-searched products and brands on Dermstore. It should come as no surprise that 2021 had many similarities to 2020 with many of us continuing to spend more time at home, taking video calls over in-person meetings, and frequently covering the lower half of our faces with masks. 2021 saw the return of some favorite brands, products, and ingredients, such as SkinCeuticals, Retinol, and skincare-inspired makeup. But, it was also very much about the eyes — and the pores.
With face masks becoming a staple in our wardrobe, we traded our lipsticks in for eye creams and mascaras that rejuvenated, refreshed, and accentuated our features. And, with so much time spent staring at ourselves on video calls, we became increasingly aware of our complexions and reached for products such as toner and red light devices to target our concerns.
Up ahead, we reveal our official list of the most searched brands, products, and ingredients on Dermstore in 2021.
1. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (1 fl. oz.)
Just like last year (and the year before that, and the year before that...), SkinCeuticals was the most searched skincare brand of 2021 — and we aren’t the least bit surprised. The collection of dermatology-grade skincare elixirs have been a Dermstore favorite for five years in a row because of their potent formulas that show impressive results. The reason why SkinCeuticals is so coveted is thanks to the brand’s founder, Dr. Sheldon R. Pinnell — he’s a dermatologist and a chemist so knows the ins and outs of what produces results.
2. Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser (4 fl. oz.)
This year’s most popular new brand also happens to be female-founded. Kate Somerville is responsible for some of the most famous complexions in Hollywood and has bottled up her skincare secrets to create a collection of transformative products, including retinol eye cream and a tried-and-true acne treatment. Try her sumptuous Goat Milk Cleanser, which will gently cleanse and soothe your skin without irritating.
3. Dr Dennis Gross SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro (1 piece)
When we think of beauty devices, we instantly think of Dr Dennis Gross — so, we aren’t surprised to find this high-tech skincare at the top of the most searched list. This is especially true as more and more at-home devices have made their way into our arsenals with the convenience of working from home (and some celebrity endorsements, too). If you want to splash out, try SpectraLite FaceWare Pro for impressive results
7. Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream 0.5 fl. oz.
2021 was all about the eyes when it came to beauty products — likely due to the lower half of our faces often being covered with a mask. Dermstore customers focused their beauty routines on eye cream to nourish and soften the delicate skin around the windows to the soul. As a result, products such as Sunday Riley’s Auto Correct Eye Contour Cream were frequently searched (and added to cart).
8. SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 (1 fl. oz.)
Another year, another search for retinol! Last year’s top-searched ingredient made its way back on the list this year for its coveted skincare benefits, including targeting signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as helping to alleviate the signs of acne. This powerful skincare ingredient is a favorite and considered a must-have ingredient (next to sunscreen, of course) in most anti-aging arsenals.
9. Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant (4 fl. oz.)
This year was all about getting toned — on our complexions, that is. With many of us continuing to spend our days on video calls, we saw a lot of our skin and, perhaps, some things we wished to soften. Toner is a great addition to any skincare regimen that seeks to target the look of pores, reduce oil, refresh, and soothe the complexion. Try Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which contains beta hydroxy acids to unclog pores and smooth out the skin.
10. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo 8.5 oz
We washed our hair a lot in 2021 — or, at least, we shopped as if we did. Shampoo was the most searched haircare product of 2021 with brands such as Oribe making a splash — or lather — on our bathroom counters. Scalp care was also a big trend of 2021, so we aren’t surprised to see many Dermstore customers inquiring about ways to keep their roots squeaky clean.
11. RevitaLash Double-Ended Volume Set - Black (1 piece)
See what we mean? It really was all about the eyes this year. And, with more and more people continuing to opt for natural-looking makeup, it’s no wonder why mascara was the most popular makeup product on Dermstore in 2021. This year, particular attention was paid to the way we condition and prime lashes before applying mascara with add to cart being clicked for products such as the RevitaLash Double-Ended Volume Set
