14 Wellness Trends You’re About To See Everywhere In 2022

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There’s nothing like a new year to hit restart. Wellness has never been more important than it is at this very moment and as we head into 2022, making time for self-care is as crucial for our mental wellbeing as it is for glowy, healthy skin.

We polled a bevy of beauty and health experts, ranging from spa directors to dermatologists, to Ayurvedic gurus, herbalists, and aestheticians about the wellness trends that will be big in 2022. Judging from the below, we’re in for a very transformative year ahead.

The Biggest Wellness Trends of 2022

1. Immunity

“After living through a pandemic I think our appreciation for our immune systems has been heightened,” says NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “More wellness options will focus on boosting immunity while also taking advantage of options that don’t expose us to possible germs.” King also predicts mindfulness and meditation will continue to become more mainstream, thanks to apps like Calm, Glo, Breethe and Headspace.

2. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol blew up in 2021 and according to King, the retinol alternative will be even more omnipresent in the year ahead. “Bakuchiol is an extract of the Babchi plant long used in Ayurvedic medicine, and it’s one of the few retinol alternatives known for its pseudo-retinol effects of anti-aging and skin brightening,” she explains. “Bakuchiol seems to be activating the genes that regulate collagen and elastin production – the same ones retinol activates – but without the irritation often associated with retinol.”

3. Skinclusive Brands 

“When it comes to skincare and inclusivity, more and more people will seek out brands that are addressing their specific skincare needs, rather than defaulting to a ‘one size fits all’ skincare regimen,” explains Sejal Patel, pharmacist and founder of Ayurvedic skincare brand Plantkos. “I also believe the POC consumer will be searching for brands and products that help enhance the uniqueness of their melanin, while also looking for science-led clean skincare.”

4. Ayurvedic Herbs

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Patel also notes we will continue to see more Ayurvedic herbs front and center on skincare labels. Specifically Ayurvedic herbs with benefits backed by scientific evidence. “For example, an adaptogenic herb such as ashwagandha is clinically proven to reduce cortisol levels – a key hormone in inducing stress,” she explains. “Ashwagandha and gotu kola are adaptogens that work together to reduce hyperpigmentation in our Plantkos Photo Vitality Eye Cream, $73, while turmeric guards against environmental damage and discoloration.”

5. All-Encompassing Wellness

“Wellness will increasingly encompass the whole person: mind, body, and soul – with a strong focus on a healthy lifestyle,” says Jaleh Bisharat, co-founder and CEO at NakedPoppy. “And despite the backlash against the term clean beauty (due to lack of transparency and clarity about what it actually means) consumers’ are increasingly mindful of the impact products have on the planet,” he adds. “At NakedPoppy, a scientist reviews every ingredient in every product we carry to make sure it’s actually better for you and better for the environment – and not just a marketing claim.”

6. Well Hydrated Skin

Ingredients that keep skin hydrated, moisturized, and protected will never go out of style, according to research scientist at NakedPoppy, Marisa Plescia. “Strong emollients like squalane and antioxidants such as niacinamide will remain buzzy ingredients since plant-based squalane is a highly effective moisturizer and niacinamide (vitamin B3) can help improve skin barrier function, plus improve skin elasticity.”

7. Gua Sha

Plescia is also a big fan of the trending self-massage treatment, gua sha. “Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves massaging the skin with a stone tool. With consistent practice, gua sha can help boost circulation, drain fluids from the skin, and sculpt, firm, tighten, and restore your skin’s natural glow and vitality.”

8. CBD, Crystals and Lithotherapy

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“Everyone is in search of balance and de-stressing solutions, and the CBD boom has demonstrated to be the ultimate solution to rebalance with CBD dietary supplements, balms, and oils,” explains Hotel Christopher Saint-Barth Spa Director Elodie Fouchet. “These CBD products are also prized for their soothing and anti-inflammatory abilities, but also more coveted lately is Lithotherapy. This is a technique used by brands mixing stones and crystals into their formulas to improve detoxification, circulation, or skin balance.”

9. Masks, Patches and Peels

As for other trendy face and body treatments that will be big in the new year, NYC Aesthetician Taylor Worden predicts we will be seeing a lot more wellness patches, cryo face masks, and body masks (24K Gold Breast Masks anyone?!), plus reusable masks. Worden swears by silicone masks, like the Nurse Jamie FaceWrap Skin Perfecting Silicone Mask, $30, and the Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Organic Reusable Sheet Masks, $38.

10. Micro-Dosing

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“Micro-dosing is still very much a hot topic,” says The Alchemist’s Kitchen founder Louis Sagar. “Micro-Dosing allows the body to absorb and put the formulations ingested to work. We highly recommend micro-dosing for state-changing herbs and mushrooms, particularly when used as an aid for depression, mood balancing, and to activate creative insight or what we call cognitive awakening.” To get into the micro-dosing mindset, try their Botanical Concentrates for Immunity, Brain, and Joy, $24.

Which of these wellness trends intrigue you the most? Let us know in the comments.