The skinification trend has been growing in popularity over the past few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns that followed. Life as we knew it was turned on its head, and many people’s priorities towards self-care changed.

As new products and formulas are developed and research is conducted, we get a better idea of the importance of things such as the skin’s natural barrier and scalp care. Skinification brings together many aspects of self care that people find important in their routine such as quality ingredients and multi-purpose products.

This informs how hair care and makeup products are used, the type of products that are used, and in which way they are used. 

What is skinification?

Skinification is centred around treating the rest of your body with the same attention that goes into your skincare routine. Whether that be the skin of your scalp, your locks or the skin on the rest of your body, skinification is a way to become more mindful about why you are using certain products. It’s also about introducing the skin-loving ingredients you use on your face to the rest of your body. 

From makeup infused with skincare vitamins such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and ceramides to haircare packed with hydrating oils like jojoba oil, you’ll probably find that some of your collection has already had the skinification memo.

Skinification of makeup

Over the last few years, both big and small brands have started formulating their makeup products with more skin-loving ingredients as people become increasingly considerate about which products they introduce into their routines. Many consumers are steering away from chemical-filled routines and relying on natural vegan products – meaning companies have to keep up.

With just a quick search online or a wander down your local highstreet, you’ll find dozens of skincare-makeup hybrid products jumping on the skinification trend – so how do you know what to look for? 

Our top tip when it comes to choosing skincare-makeup hybrid products is to opt for the products containing skin-loving ingredients like the ones we’ll mention. Just remember though – skinification of makeup is by no means a substitute for using quality, natural skincare morning and night.  

1. Hyaluronic acid

A mighty substance in the skincare world, hyaluronic acid is added to BB creams and serums to give the skin a boost of moisture. Hyaluronic acid not only holds a thousand times its own weight in water, but it also stops your skin from losing that moisture to evaporation. Makeup can quickly make the skin become dry throughout the day, so choosing a product infused with hyaluronic acid adds much-needed hydration to the skin. 

Skincare match – Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Coffee Oil. In this fan-favourite product, caffeine helps to minimise the appearance of dark circles and hyaluronic acid works to plump fine lines, making them less visible.

2. Salicylic acid 

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is tough on breakouts. This is because salicylic acid can penetrate deeply into the skin, breaking down any dirt, grime and oil on the skin. This is also found in foundations and tinted moisturisers as a skin-boosting ingredient. 

Skincare match – Face Toner with Chamomile Extract and BHA Salicylic Acid. In this hydrating toner, BHA salicylic acid helps to clear your pores and keep breakouts at bay.

3. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is another name for the vitamin B3, which helps to nourish the complexion, build proteins in the skin, and prevent dryness. When used in makeup products, it’s commonly found in any base products, especially primers. 

Not only do these products provide the skincare benefits we’ve mentioned, but they also add a bit of grip to the skin, helping other makeup products to sit on the skin. 

Skincare match – Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. This plastic negative night cream is unscented and nourishing, with skin-replenishing niacinamide and repurposed blueberry extract. 

4. SPF

Despite some makeup products including SPF protection, we would always recommend using a natural, reef-safe SPF as the last step in your skincare routine to ensure your skin is adequately protected from the sun. 

Skinification of hair care

Skinification doesn’t just stop at makeup – hair skinification is also gaining traction. Realising the importance of sulphate-free hair care and protecting the scalp, people are opting for hair products infused with nourishing and protective ingredients.  

For too long, hair care has just been any old shampoo and conditioner and a hairdryer – but that is changing. Natural haircare is in, with people making the switch from chemical-filled bottles to refillable pots. Discover some of the main hair skinification ingredients to look out for.

1. Coconut oil

Does this one really need any justification? Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a type of fatty acid, which helps to nourish the hair, prevent frizz and breakages and also nurture a healthy scalp. If you aren’t keen on smothering your locks with the oil, then using a coconut oil infused shampoo is a great alternative.  

2. Pink berry extract

You might not have heard of this one before, but that doesn’t mean it should be excluded from your hair care routine. Pink berry extract has been clinically proven to improve a number of scalp conditions and their symptoms, such as redness, itchy scalps and dry scalps. With decreased uncomfortable symptoms, you’ll fall back in love with your locks in no time. 

3. Lavender oil

Not only is lavender oil a holy-grail ingredient for people who struggle to fall asleep, it also comes with a wealth of hair care benefits too. This ingredient can help to increase the circulation to the hair follicles and in turn may help to encourage hair growth. 

Product pick – all of the hair skinification ingredients we’ve just mentioned feature in our new Shampoo Crème. This 100% natural shampoo is highly-concentrated and both silicone and sulphate-free.

Natural hair and body care with UpCircle

At UpCircle, we take pride in upcycling ingredients that would otherwise go to waste and are certified vegan, cruelty-free, plastic negative and B-corp. You can find out more about the ingredients we lovingly upcycle into skincare here.

Discover our full range of organic and cruelty-free products at UpCircle.