Both Cho and Dr. Turner predict that we may start to hear more about PDRN in Western skin care, in general. But, Dr. Turner says, much more research on the ingredient is needed, including studies that determine if PDRN is even effective in topical products. “Given the size of some PDRNs, they are not likely to be able to efficiently penetrate the skin and need to be formulated in a way that enhances absorption and maintains stability,” he explains.
Dr. Garshick also expresses the need for more safety and efficacy research on PDRN: “While I do see it eventually being incorporated into topical products, for now it is best to be cautious given the limited studies and evidence,” she says.
We’ll reach the peak of barrier-repair skin care.
The barrier-repair skin-care genre is showing no signs of slowing down. At Allure, editors’ inboxes are bursting with info on products from silky serums to rich, occlusive moisturizers that are marketed to support the outermost layer of skin, helping seal in moisture and keep out germs.
Recently, we’ve even seen brands like Deinde and Mantle use the term “barrier-building” in reference to their newly launched formulas. And as we head into 2025, experts predict there’s going to be even more barrier-repair buzz. “The health of the outer skin layer is the biggest trend we have been seeing over the past few years,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “Not only when treating dry skin but also when addressing aging skin or sensitive skin.”
But just because barrier-repair products are everywhere you look, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need one in your lineup. “Skin barrier is important, don’t get me wrong, but it’s mostly important for people who have eczema,” explains Dr. Hartman. “Those are people with an impaired skin barrier. Everybody else, generally, has a skin barrier that’s okay.”
Going overboard with barrier repair when you don’t actually have an impaired skin barrier could set you up for other skin concerns—and may even feed into 2026’s buzzy skin-care category. “You could almost predict the next thing,” says Dr. Hartman. “It’ll probably be breakout treatments, because now everybody who doesn’t have to worry about skin barrier is using all these occlusive products that are going to cause them to have acne and discoloration.”
That said, how you regularly care for your skin can impact the health of your skin barrier, too, so you shouldn’t ignore the topic. For instance, Dr. Garshick says, using too many harsh cleansers, active ingredients, and abrasive scrubs has the potential to irritate your skin and disrupt your skin barrier.
