As we look back at 2025, it’s clear that the Escentual community has been all about intentionality. Our best-seller list shows a real move away from cluttered cabinets and toward skin-streaming.
You’ve been prioritising multi-tasking, high-performance formulas that actually treat your skin with respect while delivering those dermatologist-approved results.
When it came to fragrance, 2025 was the year of moodscaping. We saw a huge trend in using scents as emotional anchors to set the tone for the day. Whether it was the sun-drenched warmth of Australian botanicals or the sophisticated quiet luxury of creamy sandalwood, this year’s top picks were about more were about the confidence and uniqueness.
1. Clarins Double Serum: Complete Age-Defying Concentrate
Clarins has topped our charts again with the 9th generation of its iconic Double Serum. This latest version features a mix of 22 active ingredients designed to tackle epi-ageing, which is just a fancy way of saying the signs of ageing we get from lifestyle stressors like pollution and lack of sleep.
Why it’s a favourite: It’s all about visible results. It hits the big five for your skin: hydration, nutrition, oxygen, protection, and regeneration.
The star ingredients: Turmeric keeps your cells communicating properly, while the new Giant Provencal Reed extract helps your skin stay resilient against the elements.
2. Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream
This one is a favourite for a reason, and it’s still sitting comfortably at the top of our 2025 list. It’s the ultimate standard for moisture that feels light as air. It uses special HydraMesh technology that works at a molecular level to keep moisture locked in so it doesn’t just evaporate throughout the day.
Why it’s a favourite: It’s totally trustworthy. It gives you 48 hours of continuous hydration while keeping your skin’s natural microbiome in check.
The star ingredients: A powerful Hyaluronic Acid complex mixed with Vitamins C and E provides great spa-antioxidant defence.
3. GUERLAIN Absolus Allegoria Santal Royal
Part of the prestigious Absolus Allegoria collection, Santal Royal has been a massive hit this year. It’s a masterclass in balance: rare, precious, and perfectly mixing the creaminess of sandalwood with the mysterious depth of leather and oud.
Why it’s a favourite: It’s a sensory escape. Guerlain created a scent that feels both ancient and modern, with a big focus on ingredients from natural origins.
The vibe: It feels like a couture accessory. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants an enchanting journey every time they spray it.
4. Parfums de Marly Althair
Althair has absolutely taken the fragrance world by storm this year. It has redefined vanilla as a beast mode note that’s charismatic on men but smells equally incredible on women. It’s elegant, generous, and surprisingly fresh.
Why it’s a favourite: It’s sophisticated but still feels friendly. The unique blend of Bourbon Vanilla, cinnamon, and ambroxan creates a refined sweetness that’s grounded by noble woods.
The star ingredients: It opens with a bright citrus burst of Orange Blossom and Bergamot, leading into a heart of spicy vanilla and a woody finish.
5. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M
In a year where we all focused on skin health, Lipikar Baume remained the gold standard for anyone with dry, itchy, or eczema-prone skin. It’s a simple, honest formula that works for the whole family, even newborns.
Why it’s a favourite: It’s the ultimate dermatologist-recommended pick. It provides the reliability and care that our community really values, helping to rebalance the skin so dry-skin flare-ups happen less often.
The star ingredients: A heavy-hitting combo of Shea Butter, Glycerin, and Niacinamide to soothe and restore the skin barrier fast.
6. Goldfield & Banks Ingenious Ginger
This scent is transportive, seductive, and was a breakout star this year. It’s the first of its kind to use Australian Red Back Ginger as a note, and it perfectly captures that sun-kissed, tropical vacation feeling.
Why it’s a favourite: It’s pure joy in a bottle. It gives you an instant spark that wakes up the senses, moving from a zesty opening to a warm, ambery finish.
The star ingredients: Fizzy ginger is amplified by mandarin, magnolia, and sandalwood, creating a solar perfume that feels like it’s glowing on your skin.
Chelsey, Escentual Beauty Editor
With over 18 years of working in the beauty industry, I'm here to bring that experience directly to you, offering expert advice to achieve your personal beauty goals.
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