Unisex Scents, Scar Removal Sheets and Bubble Braids Are Driving Latest Google Searches: Spate

Gender neutral scents, scar sheets to remove those acne marks the teenage years left behind and long “bubble” braids are the current beauty trends driving consumer interest. 

 

Unisex Perfume

 

According to Spate, a New York City-based beauty trend tracker and data analyzer, search interest for unisex perfume indicates that consumers are beginning to stray away from conventional, gendered scent profiles.

 

There are 3,000 searches on average every month in the US for Unisex Perfume, which is very low volume relative to other searches for perfume products. However, it’s grown 43.5% since last year. There are 13 market leaders led by Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Creed and Gucci.

 

As civilization shifts increasingly towards non-binary roles, identities, lifestyles, fashion and more, consumers’ sense of scents is the latest added to the list. What was once a revolutionary idea pioneered by Calvin Klein CK One (up 6.0% year-over-year) back in the 1990s now seems a reflection of the times. Unisex perfumes eschew traditional fruity and floral notes. Instead, consumers are searching for scents such as sandalwood, musk, coffee and wood. 

 

Sandalwood perfume is much smaller in volume, but growing 33.1% since last year. Fragrance brands can take note of consumer preferences for these earthy notes and woody scents and create a product that serves all types of people craving different scent profiles.

 

The oil format is also being searched by consumers (increasing 11% year-over-year), revealing a new opportunity within the fragrance market. Oils typically have higher scent concentration and last longer than sprays, indicating that consumers may be looking for a more long-wearing luxe experience. Brands should also consider the impact of these trending scents for other categories like hair care, home care and personal care.

 

Scar Sheets

 

Scar sheets are being searched as the solution for stubborn acne scars. According to Spate, brands should take note of its potential for additional skincare and body care applications.

 

On average, there are 25,200 searches every month in the US for scar sheets, a trend driving the largest positive change within the scar product category. It’s grown 28% in searches since last year with low competition and one market leader in terms of search volume: Scaraway.

 

Silicone scar sheets can help prevent and reduce the appearance of scars after surgery or damage to the skin. They are made of medical grade silicone and typically worn between 12-24 hours a day after surgery. Related searches include terms like: silicone, gel, how to use, how long, removal, treatment, acne and longwear. Consumers are looking for silicone gel sheets to help heal scarring specifically on the breast and face. Searches for longwear, how long, and removal indicate that consumers are wanting a product they can leave on overnight to help heal scars.

 

Aside from post-surgery needs, the search for acne reveals that consumers are also looking for one-step solutions to acne scarring. Consumers have already shown strong interest in pimple patches, and now interest is showing to pique in silicone scar sheets. This signals an opportunity for skincare brands to develop specific anti-acne scarring patches that also provide other topical skincare benefits.

 

Bubble Braids 

 

There are 49,900 searches on average every month in the US for bubble braids, experiencing a 165.7% growth in searches since last year.

 

Bubble braids are an easy-to-style hair trend that channels Princess Jasmine and creates “bubbles'' of fluffed-up hair spaced out with elastics. It allows consumers of different hair types to achieve the look and is versatile in nature, working well with a voluminous plaited form, or small accent pieces. Bubble braids took off in 2020. While growing at a sustained rate since, the trend tends to experience a dip during the holidays, naturally, as it reflects more of a fun spring and summer look to keep women cool and stylish. 

 

Related searches include terms like how to, tutorial, short hair, boho, and extension. This indicates an opportunity for brands to create online content with styling products that help smooth and add shine to the hair. Consider ways to take the style up a notch by adding bright hair color techniques that highlight the bubbles, or fun accessories like clips and pins that help accentuate the style.