Most-asked beauty questions of 2025

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that none of us – not even the most devoted skincare obsessives actually have it all figured out.

We still found ourselves panic-typing questions into ChatGPT at midnight, trying to decode serums, SPF rules and hormonal chaos.

So I pulled the data: here’s the real list of beauty questions we all kept asking this year – and the quick, no-nonsense answers we wish we’d had sooner.

10. “Do I actually need all these products?”

Short answer: No.
Most of us can thrive on a simple routine: cleanser, moisturiser, SPF, and one targeted active. Everything else is optional – lovely, but optional. Your skin wants consistency more than clutter.

9. “What’s the right foundation shade for me?”

Short answer: Use undertone + depth.
2025 was the year AI shade-matching finally worked. But the rule stays the same: match your undertone (warm, cool, neutral) and test along your jawline, not your wrist. And always check in natural light – fluorescent lights lie.

8. “How do I get rid of dark spots?”

Short answer: Treat + protect.
Ingredients like azelaic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid help fade pigmentation, but sunscreen remains crucial. Without SPF, your dark spots return like a bad sequel.

7. “What’s the best anti-ageing ingredient?”

Short answer: Retinoids, still.
Retinol, retinal, and prescription tretinoin remain the gold standard. But 2025’s rising stars were smarter peptides that improve firmness and texture without irritation. Teamwork, not rivalry.

6. “How do I fix hormonal acne in my 30s and 40s?”

Short answer: Balance the hormones and the skincare.
Hormonal acne at this age is often linked to perimenopause, cycle changes, coming off birth control or even starting hormone therapy – so the fix isn’t just topical. Think gentle actives (salicylic acid, retinoids), plus a chat with your doctor about prescription medications as well as hormonal support or HRT if needed. It’s a whole-body approach, not just a spot treatment. 

5. “Do I really need eye cream?”

Short answer: Only if you want one.
Your regular moisturiser works just fine for hydration. But eye creams with caffeine, peptides or retinol can help if you have specific concerns like puffiness or fine lines. It’s a preference, not a commandment.

4. “Why is my skin barrier destroyed… again?”

Short answer: Too many actives, too fast.
Most barrier problems come from overdoing exfoliants, retinoids or harsh cleansers. The fix? Pull back, moisturise like you mean it, and let ceramides, squalane and urea be your little repair crew.

3. “Is it safe to mix retinol and vitamin C?”

Short answer: Yes – depending on the formulas.
Modern formulations allow them to coexist, but many people still prefer vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night to avoid irritation and keep things simple. Separate if you’re sensitive.

2. “What’s the correct order for my skincare routine?”

Short answer: Thinnest to thickest.
The easy version:
Cleanser → treatment (toners, serums) → moisturiser → SPF (AM only).
Everything else is garnish. Your routine doesn’t need 19 steps.

1. “Do I really need to reapply sunscreen – and how often?”

Short answer: Yes – every two hours in the sun.
2025 was the year we finally accepted that SPF isn’t a once-a-day shield. Indoors? Reapply if you sit near windows or screens for long periods. Outside? Two hours is the golden rule. And makeup with SPF does not count.

Conclusion

And there you have it – the top 10 beauty questions everyone asked in 2025.

From SPF confusion to barrier meltdowns and hormone-fuelled breakouts, it’s clear we’re all navigating the same skincare maze.

Did you ask any of these this year?

Let me know on socials – I love seeing which questions resonate most.

And as for 2026? If this year was all about skin health and smart routines, I have a feeling next year will take us even deeper into personalised beauty, AI-powered skincare, and ingredients we haven’t even learned how to pronounce yet.

Stay tuned – our faces are in for an interesting ride!