"People are becoming more educated on the importance of using skincare products that are free from soap, fragrance and other common irritants, and moving towards the use of effective ingredients that mimic the way our skin functions " this is when our skin is at its best," says Ego Pharmaceuticals resident scientist Dr Kerryn Greive.
Organic is also still very much on-trend.
Organic skincare guru Vanessa Gray, who founded eponymous skincare line Vanessa Megan, firmly believes that more consumers will make the switch to all-natural products this year.
"We think consumers are becoming aware about the difference between chemical and synthetic, and natural and organic bodycare.
"More customers are choosing natural multi-functional bodycare products that are non-toxic, chemical-free, and alcohol-free with anti-ageing and nourishing properties," says Gray.
Customers favour multi-purpose
Multi-functional products make sense to consumers with time-poor lifestyles.
Slowly but surely growing in popularity, this category has been embraced by many of the beauty world's "cult" brands.
Gray believes the shift to multi-purpose products is in full swing.
"The popularity of multi-functional bodycare products will increase, as there is a demand for products that moisturise, protect, nourish, provide colour and scent, and have anti-ageing and firming properties."
Scent plays a part
Yes To co-founder Lance Kalish says customers follow their nose when buying bodycare products. According to Kalish, scent will continue to sway consumers' purchasing decisions this year.
"Consumers consistently indicate scent as a key benefit in bodycare and a key purchase driver," reveals Kalish. Along with effective formulas, scent is deemed a major benefit of Yes To bodycare products by its fan base.
Keep it pretty as a picture
There is always debate between brands on the importance of packaging. Kalish argues that the investment companies are now making in the bodycare segment is a direct reflection of the amped-up standards of packaging. "After a few years of sluggish sales, bodycare sales are finally improving. New packaging is a great indicator of that category growth improving and that companies are investing in bodycare innovation," says Kalish.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Moisturiser in all forms has long been a leading segment within the skin and bodycare category. Gray says it will maintain its popularity, confirming: "Globally, the highest represented claim in bodycare is for moisturising. In Asia, body-brightening products are very popular."
Greive credits this success to a simple fact: moisturising is one of the most important steps in skincare.
"One of the most effective ways to keep skin in optimal condition is to use products that help maintain the natural moisturising properties of the skin, which are vital in preventing the dry, flakey skin that can lead to skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema," explains Greive.
