With beauty standards continually evolving, SKIN Functional is at the forefront of innovation in skincare. Founder Shannon Dougall shares her insights on what to expect in 2025, from advanced skincare actives and AI-powered personalisation to the rise of skinimalism and sustainable practices that consumers are demanding
Q&A with Shannon Dougall, Founder of SKIN Functional
Q: Shannon, what are the biggest trends in skincare we’ll see in 2025?
Shannon Dougall: “We’re entering an era where skincare is becoming highly personalised. AI technology, for example, allows us to offer real-time, in-depth skin analyses that are tailored to each person’s unique skin needs. This shift toward personalisation is something we’ve anticipated for a while, but in 2025, it will be the standard.”
Q: What role is sustainability playing in shaping the beauty industry?
Shannon Dougall: “Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s a movement. Consumers today expect brands to not only produce quality products but to do so responsibly. At SKIN Functional, we’re committed to minimising our environmental impact, from ethically sourcing ingredients to using eco-friendly packaging. In 2025, I foresee sustainability being one of the main pillars in consumer decision-making.”
Q: How is skinimalism influencing beauty routines?
Shannon Dougall: “The concept of skinimalism has completely shifted the beauty landscape. People are moving away from extensive routines and instead focusing on fewer, high-quality products that deliver real results. It’s about enhancing the skin's natural glow and maintaining its health with as few steps as possible. In 2025, simplicity paired with efficacy will be a priority for many.”
Q: What are the must-know skincare actives for 2025?
Shannon Dougall: “Consumers are more educated than ever and are now seeking out specific ingredients with clinically-backed benefits. Tranexamic acid, for instance, is gaining popularity for its role in inhibiting melanin production, which helps manage hyperpigmentation. Glutathione and mandelic acid are also coming into the spotlight for brightening and managing breakouts (12% over a 12 week period), respectively. At SKIN Functional, we’re particularly excited about copper peptides for their powerful anti-ageing properties as well as Tsubaki oil for its deeply nourishing benefits, Polydeoxyribonucleotide for its collagen stimulating properties, and bifida ferment filtrate, which nourishes the skin’s microbiome.”
Q: AI is rapidly transforming various sectors. How is it impacting skincare?
Shannon Dougall: “AI in skincare is truly ground breaking. It’s empowering brands to give customers a completely personalised experience. Imagine a tool that can track your skin’s condition over time, assess wrinkle formation, or even give you a real-time skin score based on daily photos. With AI, we’re able to guide our users more accurately toward the products that will deliver the best results for them.”
Q: SKIN functional has always focused on inclusive skincare. How does that translate into product development?
Shannon Dougall: “There’s a common misconception that men’s and women’s skincare needs are drastically different. While there are differences in how skin ages, the underlying structure remains the same. At SKIN Functional, we’re developing products that work universally, accommodating various skin types and ageing stages for both men and women. Our approach is holistic, and we aim to provide inclusive solutions that benefit everyone.”
Looking Forward to 2025
As beauty standards evolve, SKIN Functional remains dedicated to pioneering solutions that promote healthy skin and a sustainable future. With cutting-edge ingredients, AI-driven personalisation, and a commitment to inclusive skincare, Shannon Dougall and her team are redefining beauty standards for 2025 and beyond.
