Aging and lifestyle stressors are responsible for collagen’s inevitable decline. In fact, collagen starts to decline as early as the late 20s and can be expedited with smoking and UV damage, even stress due to elevated cortisol levels, which can break down collagen.

Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and responsible for the skin’s plump, radiant and youthful appearance.

Right now, beauty enthusiasts have collagen on the brain… and, oddly enough, beef tallow (thanks to an influencer!) They lead as the moment’s top-growing skincare ingredients in the US per New York City-based trend track Spate‘s Popularity Index.

Collagen

In skincare, collagen has grown by 36.6% compared to last year and across platforms. On Search, it’s up 35.2%, and on TikTok, it’s grown by 37.2% compared to last year. Analysts say collagen has shifted from being a sole anti-aging ingredient to one embraced by younger consumers looking to achieve that plump, dewy look. Some of the top searches are K-beauty brands like Biodance collagen mask, Medicube collagen mask and Medicube collagen jelly cream.

Both Medicube and Biodance have gone viral on TikTok, helping drive interest. The top four search queries are mask-related, suggesting that after seeing a product go viral, many consumers head to Google to shop (if they’re not buying directly on TikTok Shop). Analysts say searches for products like Genes Vitamin E Swiss Collagen Cream Reddit demonstrate consumers’ active search for replacements for discontinued cult favorites. This creates a white space for brands to step in. And collagen demand isn’t limited to masks. While many love the texture and ritual of masks, especially overnight ones with a satisfying “big reveal” moment, they’re also open to other formats like collagen creams and gummies.

Beef Tallow

Beef tallow is the latest buzzy ingredient to grace feeds and vanities. Beef tallow, which is animal fat derived from a cow, gained the internet’s attention after influencer Nara Smith revealed that she uses it in her beauty routine as a moisturizer. Since then, there has been a noticeable increase in consumers turning to animal-based products and simple, one-step routines.

Interest in this ingredient has grown by over 1,000% compared to last year across platforms, analysts say. On both Search and TikTok, it has seen a spike of over 1,000% compared to last year. This trend may be influenced by the MAHA movement or by frustration with the saturated industry and the overabundance of multi-step skincare routines, analysts surmise. So far, niche brands such as Evil Goods and Terra Lotus are appearing in top search queries; mainstream beauty brands have not jumped onto the beef tallow bandwagon as of late.

Because beef tallow is also a food source, consumers are searching for how to make beef tallow skincare at home. The ingredient is sparking good debate and discourse across platforms. Some praise it as ultra-hydrating and “natural,” while others question its sustainability, ethics and whether it delivers any tangible benefits. While there’s not enough research or interest for most brands to start adding it to their lines, that hasn’t dampened consumer curiosity. At the very least, it signals an interest in thick, buttery formulations.