From Trending to Troubled: How Ceramides and Niacinamide Became Market Favorites — While Retinol and Hydroquinone Faced Consumer Backlash

Ceramides, Niacinamide, and Peptides drive skincare sales, while high-dose Retinol and Hydroquinone face backlash due to side effects. Learn how ingredients impact success.

📢 Social Media: The Power Behind Skincare Success & Failure

In today’s fast-paced beauty world, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have become powerful drivers for skincare sales. One ingredient can help a product achieve viral success, while another can cause a sharp sales decline.

At the heart of this phenomenon lies consumer perception — shaped by both real-world performance and social media buzz. Dejar’s take a closer look at two ingredient groups making headlines:

💎 Group 1: Ingredients Loved by the Market

Some ingredients have earned long-term trust from both skincare experts and everyday consumers. These include:

Ceramides, Niacinamide, Peptides

👉 Why these ingredients are winning:

• Ceramides help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, prevent water loss, and support long-lasting hydration — especially for sensitive and dry skin.

• Niacinamide brightens skin tone, improves texture, and regulates sebum — all while offering excellent tolerance for most skin types.

• Peptides stimulate collagen production, which helps reduce fine lines and restore youthful skin elasticity.

💡 Market Impact:
Products formulated with these ingredients have enjoyed sustained growth, becoming best-sellers in both luxury and mass-market segments. Positive reviews and before/after photos on TikTok and YouTube continuously reinforce consumer trust.

⚠️ Group 2: Ingredients Rejected by the Market

Not all ingredients enjoy the same fate. Some that were once widely used are now facing growing criticism due to side effects or safety concerns. These include:

High-dose Retinol, Hydroquinone, Alcohol Denat

👉 Why these ingredients are losing favor:

• High-dose Retinol can cause irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling, especially when improperly formulated or used without clear instructions.

• Hydroquinone , long known for its skin-lightening effects, has been linked to safety concerns and is now banned or restricted in many countries.

• Alcohol Denat may give a lightweight, fast-absorbing finish, but it can damage the skin barrier and cause dehydration, especially for sensitive or dry skin.

💡 Market Impact:
Products featuring these ingredients are increasingly criticized by influencers, dermatologists, and consumers. Negative word-of-mouth spreads quickly, making it difficult for brands to maintain customer loyalty and market share.

🧠 What Brands Should Learn

The difference between success and failure is no longer just about packaging or marketing — it's about the ingredients inside. Brands need to:

✔️ Focus on proven ingredients that deliver visible results while minimizing risk.
✔️ Monitor social media sentiment to detect potential consumer concerns early.
✔️ Partner with experienced OEM/ODM manufacturers who understand market trends and regulatory changes.

💼 Conclusion:

In a social-media-driven beauty market, an ingredient can be your strongest selling point — or your brand’s biggest liability.

At [Your Company Name], we help skincare brands develop safe, effective formulas that meet both consumer expectations and global compliance standards. Whether you're chasing the next big trend or refining your hero product, our R&D team is ready to support your success.

👉 Contact us today to turn trends into long-term brand growth.