WTF: Urine Therapy Is the Next Big Trend in Skincare

1. Upcycled ingredients

Alec Batis, CEO and co-founder of Sweet Chemistry, confirmed to Popsugarthat upcycled ingredients will be “gaining significant traction” in 2025.

Upcycled ingredients favor the health of the environment since they repurpose elements that might otherwise be considered as waste. Univar Solutions notes that olive oil, coconut, and coffee are a few of the most popular upcycled ingredients for producing skincare formulas like scrubs, oils, and cleansers.

In conjunction with this first 2025 skincare trend, I predict that eco-friendly skincare products will continue to rise, which not only includes 100% vegan and animal cruelty-free formulas (shout out e.l.f.), but also products with recycled packaging (Lush is my go-to) or ones with “refillable” features, like the ones below.

Vegan and cruelty-free: e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

This lightweight $13 face cream hydrated with evening niacinamide, nourishing hyaluronic acid, and boosting peptides. It even provides an extra layer of protection against harmful UV rays with SPF 30.

Vegan and cruelty-free: Pacifica Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream

This $12 face cream is fully vegan and cruelty-free. It's packed with moisturizing ingredients and even antioxidants that work against free radicals that cause pore blockages and breakouts.

Refillable: Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser Refill Pouch

This $15 refill pouch of Aveeno cleanser takes it real easy on the skin with a milky gel texture and a gentle formula that's suitable for all skin types.

2. Peptides on peptides

Peptides have grown to be a total holy grail ingredient when it comes to skincare. They can encourage collagen production, strengthen and protect the skin barrier, and even out skin tone, in addition to other benefits.

While tons of luxury skincare brands like Caudalie and Drunk Elephant have embraced peptides in their products, the trend has trickled down to plenty of drugstore mainstays, too. Cetaphil and CeraVe offer some truly affordable formulas that provide the same benefits as the ones you’d pay $50+ for.

If you’re looking for stronger, healthier skin in 2025, these products are the way to go.

For improved firmness, texture, and tone: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Anti Aging Face Serum

This gentle peptide formula does all the things a higher-end product would – for only $15!

For a stronger skin barrier: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

Made with three essential ceramides and peptides, this $16 night cream helps renew and strengthen your skin's barrier overnight.

For anti-aging: Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum

This $12 serum is packed with several different kinds of peptides to help target fine lines and wrinkles. If anti-aging products are your jam, you've got to try this.

3. All things anti-wrinkle

Howard Sobel, MD, told Popsugarthat preventative Botox treatments are in "tremendous demand,” especially among Gen Z-ers. These treatments typically have to do with all things anti-wrinkle.

Though there’s no drugstore solution for injectables like Botox, there’s no shortage of affordable formulas geared toward preventing wrinkles before they drive deep. Most notably, products with retinols can help your skin generate more collagen and elastin, providing a stronger structure against wrinkles and fine lines.

Check out the best drugstore formulas below.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Face Moisturizer Cream

This $22 bottle filled with potent retinol and hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin and target wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

Differin Acne Treatment Gel + Retinoid Treatment

This popular $19 (pack of two) pick employs retinol to encourage a faster cell turnover rate, which can help prevent new acne from forming and even out texture like fine lines and wrinkles.

Eucerin Pro-Retinol Night Cream

For just $13, this retinol-infused night cream helps hydrate your skin and reduces the look of fine lines while you sleep.

4. Mineral sunscreen > chemical sunscreen

Also known as physical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen will eclipse chemical sunscreen formulas in popularity this year. Bobbi Brown, renowned makeup artist and founder of both Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Jones Road Beauty, recently told Harper’s Bazaarthat it’s “going to be big in 2025.”

While chemical sunscreen formulas tend to soak into the skin to block harmful UV rays, mineral sunscreen formulas include physical components that sit on top of the skin to prevent UV damage. This element can be especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin!

Not all mineral sunscreens are made the same, though. It’s common for formulas to leave a white cast after application, as well as have ingredients that aren’t necessarily kind to the environment. Look for sunscreens with SPF 30 or more, zinc oxide in the formula, plus labels indicating that they’re “reef-safe.” As far as the white cast goes, these drugstore mineral sunscreens also leave your skin protected from the sun’s rays without a noticeable trace.

Neutrogena Clear Breakout-Free Liquid Sunscreen

This $15 tube is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores that lead to pesky breakouts.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion

CeraVe's sunscreens are so good. This $16 lotion adds an extra dose of skincare with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, in addition to the SPF 30.

Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Sunscreen

This $21 pick sits on the skin so lightly, but still provides beneficial sun protection with SPF 30.

5. Décolletage care

The décolletage area – AKA your neck and chest where the skin is thinner and typically harder to treat with skincare products – will shift into the limelight when it comes to 2025 skincare trends.

The décolletage area can be especially sensitive to sun damage, pigmentation, and dryness, and skincare fiends of all kinds will be attuned to caring for it in 2025. You don’t necessarily need décolletage-specific products to help lift, smooth, and firm the skin there.

Products with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and chemical exfoliants like AHAs that you typically use on your face will also keep the area bright, tight, and healthy. Check out these drugstore finds that’ll treat your neck and chest right.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Multi-Depth Hydration Serum

This tiny (but mighty) $10 bottle packs a punch for your skin by hydrating, plumping, and smoothing out unwanted texture and wrinkles.

COSRX AHA + BHA Treatment Toner

Chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA help refresh your skin by dissolving dead skin cells, giving newer, fresher skin the opportunity to soak in all the benefits from the rest of your skincare routine. This $19 toner formula works well for your face and décolletage area.

6. Passive patches

I predict that the abundance of pimple patch peel videos on everyone’s Instagram discover pages won’t be going anywhere in 2025. Not only are pimple patches super satisfying by nature (that peel though!), they’ve become the ultimate skincare accessory, thanks to brands like Starface. Plus, breakouts are always going to be a skin concern, no matter who you are (or your skin type).

Pimple patches aren’t the only patches on the skincare market, though. Patch brands like Frownies have engineered their products to smooth and lift everything from forehead wrinkles to smile lines. Beloved brand Hero Cosmetics even just launched a new big patch for body breakouts.

Any kind of skincare patch allows you to passively treat your personal skin concerns, which plays into the 2025 trend Harper’s Bazaar calls “the simplification of self-care.”

So, don’t be afraid to rock a patch or two! These drugstore finds will give you the perfect peel.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original

Ah, a classic. These $20 hydrocolloid patches effectively draw out impurities from whiteheads and help protect active breakouts from the elements (dirt, dust, germs, and grime) by providing an impenetrable barrier.

Starface Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches

These stylish $11 patches do the same exact thing, though you'll feel uber-cool wearing 'em since they're star-shaped.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Body Patch

If you tend to break out on your bod, these $15 XL-sized patches immediately come to the rescue.

Lush Sticky Dates Shower Gel

This shower gel from Lush is undeniably sweet-smelling. I think it smells like straight-up dessert – I had to fight off the intrusive thoughts to eat it when I was in the store checking it out (don't judge, okay?). It lathers up luxuriously, and always feels nourishing and hydrating on my skin. It's formulated with organic date syrup, sandalwood oil, and orange juice to properly cleanse off your bod. I already know I'm going to buy a bigger bottle once my sample size one runs out!

Promising review: "The scent of this body wash is sooo mouthwatering. I love the light lather and the soft scent left on the skin after rinsing off. Definitely worth the hype!"

Saltair Seascape Serum Body Wash

You won't be able to stop sniffing this heavenly body wash. It smells spot-on to a dreamy island getaway! I love this formula in particular because it's crafted with hyaluronic acid, which helps add even more moisture to the skin. Extra points to this body wash since the bottle's so cute!

Promising review: "Oh man. Boy do I love this scent. Reminds of the fresh smell of the sea when I visit the Carribbean Islands. Im just in a trance when I'm in the shower."

OUAI St. Barts Body Cleanser

If there's one thing OUAI absolutely nails, it's their scents. From their hair oil to shampoo, I fall in love with the products over and over again after every use. Their body wash is no exception, especially this one in the scent St. Barts. You get a little bit of every note: floral dragonfruit, orange blossom, and tuberose, plus a nice gourmand dose of and Baltic amber that feels oh-so sophisticated. The formula is made with jojoba oil, which expertly hydrates the skin, deep down. Dreamy!

Promising review: "I’ve been using the OUAI Body Cleanser for a few weeks now, and it has become a staple in my shower routine. The first thing that drew me in was the scent—it’s light, fresh, and lingers subtly on the skin without being overpowering. It makes showering feel like a mini-spa experience."

Nécessaire The Body Wash

For a fancy(ish) body wash that smells downright divine, reach for this one from Nécessaire. It's packed with eucalyptus, which is uber-refreshing for a nice wake up call in the AM! The body wash is boosted with plenty of lipid-rich oils and niacinamide, which can help strengthen the skin's natural barrier.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin but I also really like things that smell good! After reading reviews I decided to give this a try. My skin didn’t react to this at all (yay!!) and the smell is great! Super relaxing and perfect for after a long day. The bottle came well packed inside its own box - this was great because it didn’t leak or anything. The bottle is also really big so I think with cleaner ingredients & great smell it’s worth it!"

Olay Cleansing & Firming Body Wash

If you're in love with clean scents, this body wash from Olay delivers. Not only does it smell so fresh and so clean, it's heavy on skincare benefits. The formula includes collagen and a vitamin B3 complex that nourishes for "beautiful, healthy-looking skin."

Promising review: "My new go-to body wash! I so love the smell! I felt so luxurious and soft after each use!"

L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Shea Shower Oil

Though it's not technically a body wash, this shower oil still lathers up gorgeously to cleanse your skin. Its main ingredients are shea oil and shea butter, which nourish the skin like no other, leaving it as soft as can be. Dry skin-havers will fall in love with this one!

Promising review: "Ten stars. One of my absolute favorite shower indulgences. This smells amazing. A warm, soft musk scent that lingers long after your shower is over. It leaves my skin feeling brand new, so soft and super smooth. I absolutely love going to bed with this scent on my pajamas and even waking up the next day to get dressed and still feeling so soft and smelling pretty. Not a strong scent whatsoever. A very soft, musk like skin scent."

Aesop A Rose by Any Other Name Body Cleanser

You've likely never smelled a body wash like this one before. It combines notes of rose petal, cardamom, and black pepper for a punchy, yet floral-heavy scent. The aroma can come off as super saturated upon first impression, so a little goes a long way.

Promising review: "I love the Aesop products because I have very dry skin and am allergic to perfume soaps. After many trials and errors with other products this was recommended and I love it ! Worth every penny. Wish it also came in travel size because the hotel soap bars don't measure up."

Dove Shea Butter & Vanilla Pampering Body Wash

Forget all the frills and fancy stuff – sometimes a basic vanilla scent works the best! This gentle body wash is friendly on all skin types and boasts the perfect balance of shea butter and warm vanilla for an uplifting shower experience each time. Your skin will look instantly cleaner, fresher, and more moisturized!

Promising review: "My favorite body wash!! It smells amazing and is so affordable. The scent really lingers."

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

If I had to compare this body wash to anything, it'd be Glossier's signature Glossier You perfume. It smells sooo good. The mix of floral peony and pungent pink salt just work together so well! The clean formula is gentle on the skin and always leaves it feeling noticeably soft and moisturized.

Promising review: "One of the standout aspects of this body wash is its formula. It’s paraben- and phthalate-free, which is reassuring for those with sensitive skin or anyone conscious about the ingredients in their skincare products. The wash lathers well, providing a luxurious feel while gently cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. My skin felt clean and hydrated after use, which is a big plus."

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"