What is new in footcare?

What is new in footcare?

Welcome to 2025!

I was inspired to write this column during my vacation on the Gold Coast in Australia, during a tram ride, where surfers and fans of this discipline begin and end their day with their feet exposed to different surfaces and aggressions such as the materials of public transportation, extreme temperature changes, contact with arid surfaces, exposure to sun, sea water, among others.

I think that our feet are an important part of our well-being and it’s here where our care and cosmetic routines should begin.

The feet concentrate our key energy points in the body. They support our weight, they carry us everywhere. With them we learned to walk, run, dance and have fun! They are our musical connection to the earth! Therefore, they deserve the best cosmetic treatment.

According to the Fortune Business Insights portal, the global foot care market had a value close to USD 3.84 billion in 2024 and has a projection of USD 4.05 billion in 2025 and USD 6.25 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.41% during this period.  Below we will see the most representative trends for 2025.

 

  • FFF Effect: From face to feet – This is one of the most interesting concepts that we are going to see in 2025 in this category. The migration from facial technology to foot care has begun and it is exciting to see how vitamins, hyaluronic acid, fillers, liposomes and skincare active ingredients in general are beginning to take center stage in new concepts.

 

  • Foot skin barrier: The barrier trend also reaches this category. “Relief” is beginning to be an important claim for foot products and we are seeing new scientific publications on how some cleaning products can alter the microbiome of this area and consequently accelerate dehydration, peeling and sensitivity of the area. This year we will see very interesting new research on how to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier in this area and also a boom in the use of active ingredients such as ceramides, lactic acid, panthenol, occlusive emollients, natural oils, probiotics and ferments. Foot repair is the new black.

 

  • Foot sunscreens: These products have two objectives, sun protection and benefits such as sand resistance, ultra hydration, reduction of redness, ultra softness, skin protective film, resistant to water and salt and, most interestingly, with protective agents against microbiotic imbalance for people. that keep your feet exposed.

 

  • Microbiotic protection: Products with antifungal and antibacterial protection are in trend, we see ingredients such as zinc, tea tree oil, pre and postbiotics that help protect and repair the barrier function.

 

  • Customized foot care: We are entering the era of democratization of foot care through more personalized treatments that are focused on specific needs for specific benefits such as ultra hydration, anti-aging and sensitive skin care.

 

  • Products for diabetic feet: According to the IDF (International Diabetes Federation) 10.5% of the adult population (20 to 79 years) has diabetes. This is a population segment that represents a great opportunity for innovation for the cosmetics industry. This disease causes a decrease in blood flow to the foot, which produces many problems at the dermal level. Products for proper foot cleaning, gentle exfoliants for corns and calluses, moisturizing creams, masks, refreshing gels and in general products to prevent peeling, irritation and skin problems in the feet are on the rise.

 

  • Feet masks: The boom in masks now reaches the feet in a variety of formats, we are seeing innovation in textures and properties, for example, masks in sock format with various benefits such as exfoliating, nourishing, ultra-hydrating and others, masks for cracked skin, silicone veils -like, sleeping masks for feet, butters, regenerating heel masks, balms for heels and toes, among others.

 

  • Multifunctional: This category also enters the skincare simplicity and minimalism in routines concept, as there are very interesting multifunctional launches, such as masks and treatments for feet, heels, hands and elbows, all in one. We can see new concepts such as deodorants for the whole body, which can be applied to the armpits, chest, thigh, intimate area and feet.

 

  • Inclusive pedicure: Most of new launches and concepts are universal. The new polishes, cuticle products, moisturizing and relaxing creams, aromas, textures and finishes in color designs are for everyone and this year they will cover ideas such as nail art, pearl effect, icy nails, milky effect among others. Minimalist pedicure is also trending, with simple designs and natural concepts. We also see new equipment and methods that guarantee a smoother and longer lasting polish effect. Healthy maintenance is essential.

 

  • Athleisure beauty: Foot care for athletes is essential to ensure maximum performance. Therefore, this trend is one of maximum specialization. In athletes, skin care is related to dermatological aspect, which includes avoiding any type of alteration in the nails, the appearance of calluses or hyperkeratosis, and biomechanics. Cosmetic podiatry is a developing discipline.

 

  • Foot detox: These procedures have gained popularity as a cleansing route for foot rejuvenation and aim to improve circulation, antioxidant effect, relax, remove toxins and impurities and improve skin health. We will see a boom in materials such as clays, activated carbon, bentonites, epson salts, essential oils, ginger, rosemary and turmeric among others. Night patches to remove toxins and impurities from the feet are also becoming trendy. Ionic foot baths today are an interesting concept by using equipment that releases ion systems that neutralize toxins in the skin. Scrub detox is another booming concept using ingredients such as sea salt, coffee and citrus derivatives.

 

  • Pampered feet: In the wellness trend, the relaxation concept of is a main driver for this category linked by practices such as meditation, aromatherapy and mindfulness.
  • Feet are the new hands… Just as your hands show beauty and harmony, your feet are the key to elegance in every step you take, and cosmetics are the best allies to take care of them.

     

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John Jiménez is a pharmacist from National University of Colombia with a master's in sustainable development and specialization studies in marketing, cosmetic science and neuromarketing. He has 30 publications in scientific journals and a book chapter in cosmetic formulation. He has been the recipient of the Maison G. de Navarre Prize (IFSCC USA 2004), Henry Maso Award (IFSCC USA 2016) and best scientific papers at Colamiqc Ecuador 2009, Colamiqc Brazil 2013 and Farmacosmética Colombia 2014. He also has been a speaker at various international conferences in Europe and Latin America. Since 2019, he has written a trends column for In-Cosmetics connect, Since 2013 a trends column for Cosmetics & Toiletries Brazil and since 2020, a column on neuromarketing for Eurocosmetics. He also has authored and co-authored articles and served on the Scientific Advisory Board for Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine. Jiménez additionally served as president of Accytec Bogotá (2017-2019). He joined Belcorp in 2005 and currently is Senior Researcher for skin care, suncare and personal care categories. Before joining Belcorp, he worked in Laboratorios Esko, Whitehall AH Robins and Fresenius Medical Care in Colombia.

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