Cosmetic brands face a crushing challenge in today’s digital landscape: watching their site traffic flatline while competitors dominate the first page of search results. This is a direct threat to their bottom line.
As an SEO strategist, I’ve worked with dozens of cosmetic brands struggling to identify keywords that can rank quickly and drive sales.
That’s exactly why I analyzed 14,605 skincare keywords, generating over 9 million monthly searches to create this comprehensive list specifically for cosmetic and skincare brands looking to increase their organic visibility.
You’ll find 225 SEO keywords for skincare organized into 15 strategic categories, with 82 easy-ranking opportunities that can start driving qualified traffic within weeks, not months.
Let’s skip the fluff and get straight to what matters – keywords that will actually move the needle for your business.
1. General Skincare Keywords
These foundational terms form the backbone of any skincare brand’s SEO strategy. With “skincare” alone generating 90,500 monthly searches, these keywords represent significant traffic opportunities.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
skincare | 90,500 | High |
skincare products | 18,100 | Moderate |
best skincare products | 14,800 | Moderate |
skincare tips | 8,100 | Moderate |
affordable skincare | 6,600 | Moderate |
luxury skincare | 5,400 | Moderate |
professional skincare | 4,400 | Moderate |
drugstore skincare | 3,600 | Moderate |
dermatologist recommended skincare | 2,900 | Moderate |
medical grade skincare | 2,400 | Moderate |
skincare recommendations | 1,900 | Easy |
skincare reviews | 1,600 | Moderate |
cruelty free skincare | 1,600 | Moderate |
premium skincare | 1,300 | Easy |
skincare guide | 1,000 | Easy |
2. Skin Concerns & Problems
Problem-specific searches represent the largest volume category in our dataset. Users actively seeking solutions to skin issues are often closer to making purchase decisions.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
cystic acne | 90,500 | High |
fungal acne | 74,000 | High |
hormonal acne | 40,500 | High |
acne treatment | 33,100 | High |
acne scars | 27,100 | High |
dark spots on face | 22,200 | High |
how to get rid of acne | 22,200 | High |
rosacea | 18,100 | High |
eczema treatment | 14,800 | Moderate |
hyperpigmentation | 12,100 | Moderate |
dark circles under eyes | 12,100 | Moderate |
blackheads | 9,900 | Moderate |
how to get rid of dark spots | 8,100 | Moderate |
uneven skin tone | 6,600 | Moderate |
skin texture | 4,400 | Moderate |
📍 IMPORTANT
This skincare keyword data provides valuable search insights into the current skincare market landscape. However, it’s crucial to adapt it to your specific cosmetic brand context. Generic keyword lists can’t account for your:
- Current Keyword Rankings – Your starting point influences your keyword strategy. This includes brands just beginning their SEO journey, those ranking for dozens of terms, and established sites with hundreds of ranking keywords. Each position in this spectrum presents different opportunities and challenges for expanding search visibility.
- Marketing Resources – Your available budget, team size, content creation capabilities, and ability to earn backlinks from beauty publications will determine which keywords you can realistically target.
- Target Market – The keywords “natural skincare” and “clinical skincare” attract vastly different audiences. Your ideal customer profile—whether they’re clean beauty enthusiasts, science-backed skincare seekers, or luxury consumers—should drive your keyword selection.
- Product Focus – While this list covers the entire skincare spectrum, your bestsellers deserve priority attention. If your hyaluronic acid serum drives most revenue, keywords related to hydration and moisture-barrier repair should take precedence over acne-related terms.
- Competition Level – Understanding whether you’re competing against global beauty conglomerates, indie skincare brands, or professional dermatologist lines shapes your keyword strategy. The path to ranking for “moisturizer” looks very different when you’re up against Cerave versus local skincare makers.
The keywords in this blog guide your research, but you should invest time in finding specific keywords that match your unique skincare business context, capabilities, target audience, and goals.
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3. Anti-Aging Skincare
With over 1,600 unique keywords across our dataset, anti-aging represents a high-value niche. Many consumers specifically seek these solutions rather than general skincare products.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
anti aging cream | 9,900 | Moderate |
best anti aging cream | 8,100 | Moderate |
anti aging serum | 8,100 | Moderate |
anti aging skincare | 6,600 | Moderate |
wrinkle cream | 6,600 | Moderate |
anti aging products | 4,400 | Moderate |
best anti aging products | 4,400 | Moderate |
anti wrinkle cream | 4,400 | Moderate |
collagen skincare | 2,900 | Moderate |
wrinkle treatment | 2,900 | Moderate |
firming skincare | 1,900 | Easy |
skin tightening | 1,900 | Moderate |
how to prevent wrinkles | 1,600 | Moderate |
mature skin care | 1,300 | Easy |
fine lines and wrinkles | 1,300 | Moderate |
4. Eye Care
Eye care searches concentrate significant volume and purchase intent. These specific problem-solution queries show users ready to invest in targeted treatments.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
best eye cream | 27,100 | Easy |
eye cream | 22,200 | Moderate |
best eye cream for dark circles | 14,800 | Moderate |
eye cream for wrinkles | 12,100 | Moderate |
retinol eye cream | 12,100 | Moderate |
under eye cream | 9,900 | Moderate |
eye serum | 5,400 | Moderate |
eye bags treatment | 5,400 | Moderate |
under eye patches | 4,400 | Moderate |
eye mask for dark circles | 3,600 | Easy |
best eye cream for puffiness | 2,900 | Easy |
under eye concealer | 2,400 | Moderate |
cooling eye cream | 1,900 | Easy |
caffeine eye cream | 1,600 | Easy |
hyaluronic acid eye cream | 1,300 | Easy |
5. Sun Protection
Sun protection dominates seasonal searches, with nearly 3 million monthly searches across our dataset. This category features many brand-specific queries, indicating high purchase intent.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
sunscreen | 74,000 | High |
beauty of joseon sunscreen | 60,500 | Moderate |
la roche posay sunscreen | 49,500 | Moderate |
elta md sunscreen | 40,500 | Moderate |
supergoop sunscreen | 40,500 | Moderate |
neutrogena sunscreen | 33,100 | Moderate |
mineral sunscreen | 27,100 | High |
tinted sunscreen | 22,200 | Moderate |
face sunscreen | 18,100 | High |
best sunscreen for face | 14,800 | Moderate |
sunscreen for sensitive skin | 9,900 | Moderate |
korean sunscreen | 9,900 | Moderate |
spf moisturizer | 8,100 | Moderate |
body sunscreen | 5,400 | Moderate |
sunscreen spray | 4,400 | Moderate |
6. Exfoliation
Exfoliation represents a growing category with specific ingredient-focused searches showing high intent and product knowledge.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
exfoliating scrub | 18,100 | Moderate |
exfoliating gloves | 14,800 | Moderate |
face exfoliator | 12,100 | Moderate |
best exfoliator for face | 9,900 | Moderate |
chemical exfoliant | 8,100 | Moderate |
physical exfoliant | 6,600 | Moderate |
glycolic acid | 5,400 | Moderate |
salicylic acid | 5,400 | High |
aha bha exfoliant | 4,400 | Moderate |
gentle exfoliator | 3,600 | Moderate |
body exfoliator | 3,600 | Moderate |
enzyme exfoliator | 2,900 | Easy |
how often to exfoliate | 1,900 | Easy |
overnight exfoliating treatment | 1,600 | Easy |
microdermabrasion at home | 1,300 | Moderate |
7. Cleansers & Facial Washes
Cleansers represent an entry point for many skincare routines, with significant search volume concentrated around specific formulations.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
face wash | 33,100 | High |
gentle cleanser | 14,800 | Moderate |
cerave cleanser | 12,100 | Moderate |
foaming cleanser | 9,900 | Moderate |
oil cleanser | 8,100 | Moderate |
micellar water | 6,600 | Moderate |
cream cleanser | 5,400 | Moderate |
double cleansing | 4,400 | Moderate |
cleanser for acne | 3,600 | Moderate |
facial cleanser for sensitive skin | 2,900 | Moderate |
ph balanced cleanser | 2,400 | Easy |
makeup remover | 1,900 | Moderate |
non comedogenic cleanser | 1,600 | Easy |
low ph cleanser | 1,300 | Easy |
best cleanser for dry skin | 1,000 | Easy |
8. Moisturizers & Hydration
Moisturizer keywords show strong seasonal patterns and skin-type specificity, indicating savvy, problem-solution focused consumers.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
face moisturizer | 27,100 | High |
best moisturizer for face | 18,100 | Moderate |
hydrating serum | 14,800 | Moderate |
moisturizer for dry skin | 12,100 | Moderate |
cerave moisturizer | 9,900 | Moderate |
gel moisturizer | 8,100 | Moderate |
night cream | 6,600 | Moderate |
hyaluronic acid | 6,600 | High |
moisturizer for oily skin | 5,400 | Moderate |
water cream | 4,400 | Moderate |
face oil | 3,600 | Moderate |
lightweight moisturizer | 2,900 | Easy |
barrier repair cream | 2,400 | Easy |
non comedogenic moisturizer | 1,900 | Easy |
ceramide moisturizer | 1,600 | Easy |
9. Brands & Popular Products
Brand-specific searches reveal high purchase intent and consumer loyalty, with Korean skincare continuing to dominate market interest.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
korean skincare | 49,500 | Moderate |
the ordinary skincare | 33,100 | Moderate |
cerave | 27,100 | High |
drunk elephant skincare | 18,100 | Moderate |
ordinary skincare | 18,100 | Moderate |
la roche posay | 14,800 | High |
best korean skincare | 14,800 | Moderate |
tatcha | 12,100 | High |
neutrogena | 9,900 | High |
japanese skincare | 8,100 | Moderate |
skinceuticals | 6,600 | High |
olay | 5,400 | High |
cetaphil | 4,400 | High |
innisfree | 3,600 | Moderate |
paula’s choice | 2,900 | Moderate |
10. Serums & Treatments
Ingredient-specific searches dominate this category, showing sophisticated consumers seeking targeted solutions rather than general products.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
vitamin c serum | 33,100 | High |
niacinamide | 27,100 | High |
retinol | 22,200 | High |
hyaluronic acid serum | 18,100 | Moderate |
face serum | 14,800 | Moderate |
the ordinary niacinamide | 12,100 | Moderate |
peptide serum | 9,900 | Moderate |
bakuchiol | 8,100 | Moderate |
azelaic acid | 6,600 | Moderate |
the ordinary retinol | 5,400 | Moderate |
tranexamic acid | 4,400 | Moderate |
vitamin e serum | 3,600 | Moderate |
copper peptide | 2,900 | Easy |
antioxidant serum | 2,400 | Easy |
squalane | 1,900 | Moderate |
11. Skincare Routines & Regimens
Routine-based searches have grown significantly, representing consumers looking for comprehensive solutions rather than individual products.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
skincare routine | 27,100 | High |
best skincare routine | 6,600 | Moderate |
morning skincare routine | 4,400 | Moderate |
night skincare routine | 3,600 | Moderate |
10 step korean skincare | 2,900 | Moderate |
men’s skincare routine | 2,400 | Moderate |
basic skincare routine | 1,600 | Moderate |
winter skincare routine | 1,600 | Easy |
summer skincare routine | 1,300 | Easy |
skincare routine for acne | 1,300 | Moderate |
skincare routine order | 1,300 | Moderate |
minimalist skincare routine | 1,000 | Easy |
skincare routine for beginners | 880 | Easy |
layering skincare products | 720 | Easy |
skincare routine for combination skin | 590 | Easy |
12. Skin Types
Skin-type specificity in searches demonstrates consumer sophistication and problem-focused shopping behavior.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
skincare for oily skin | 2,400 | Moderate |
skincare for sensitive skin | 1,600 | Moderate |
skincare for dry skin | 1,600 | Moderate |
best skincare for combination skin | 1,300 | Easy |
products for acne prone skin | 1,300 | Moderate |
skincare for mature skin | 1,000 | Easy |
skincare for rosacea | 880 | Moderate |
skincare for dehydrated skin | 720 | Easy |
skincare for aging skin | 720 | Moderate |
skincare for teen skin | 590 | Easy |
skincare for eczema | 590 | Moderate |
skincare for psoriasis | 480 | Moderate |
skincare for dull skin | 390 | Easy |
skincare for clogged pores | 320 | Easy |
skincare for textured skin | 260 | Easy |
13. Natural & Organic Skincare
The “clean beauty” movement continues to gain traction with consumers increasingly seeking natural alternatives.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
natural skincare | 3,600 | Moderate |
organic skincare | 1,900 | Moderate |
clean skincare | 1,600 | Moderate |
vegan skincare | 1,300 | Moderate |
best natural skincare | 720 | Easy |
sustainable skincare | 720 | Easy |
non toxic skincare | 590 | Easy |
plant based skincare | 590 | Easy |
organic face cream | 480 | Easy |
chemical free skincare | 390 | Easy |
zero waste skincare | 320 | Easy |
eco friendly skincare | 260 | Easy |
paraben free skincare | 210 | Easy |
fragrance free skincare | 140 | Easy |
biodegradable skincare | 90 | Easy |
14. Men’s Skincare
The men’s skincare market shows steady growth, with specific searches indicating increasing male interest in dedicated products.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
mens skincare | 3,600 | Moderate |
skincare for men | 3,600 | Moderate |
men’s skincare | 2,900 | Moderate |
best skincare for men | 1,600 | Moderate |
mens skincare set | 1,600 | Easy |
men’s face wash | 1,300 | Moderate |
men’s moisturizer | 1,300 | Moderate |
men’s anti aging | 880 | Easy |
beard skincare | 720 | Easy |
men’s acne products | 590 | Easy |
skincare for male acne | 480 | Easy |
aftershave balm | 390 | Easy |
men’s exfoliator | 320 | Easy |
men’s eye cream | 260 | Easy |
post shave skincare | 210 | Easy |
15. Masks & Special Treatments
Treatment-based products represent the fastest-growing category in our dataset, indicating a shift toward spa-like experiences at home.
Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Competition |
face mask | 33,100 | High |
sheet mask | 12,100 | Moderate |
clay mask | 9,900 | Moderate |
peel off mask | 8,100 | Moderate |
hydrating mask | 5,400 | Moderate |
overnight mask | 4,400 | Moderate |
mud mask | 3,600 | Moderate |
charcoal mask | 2,900 | Moderate |
face masks skincare | 9,900 | Moderate |
led light therapy | 2,400 | Moderate |
at home facial | 1,900 | Moderate |
face steamer | 1,600 | Moderate |
facial roller | 1,300 | Moderate |
gua sha | 1,000 | Moderate |
microneedling at home | 720 | Moderate |
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Final Thoughts
The 14,605 keywords we analyzed reveal clear patterns about consumer behavior in the skincare space:
- Specificity trumps generality. The days of ranking for “skincare” alone are over. Today’s consumers search with intention—they want products for specific problems (acne, aging, sensitivity) and with specific ingredients (retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid).
- Ingredient literacy is skyrocketing. Five years ago, average consumers weren’t searching for “bakuchiol” or “tranexamic acid.” The explosion of ingredient-focused searches signals a fundamental shift in consumer sophistication.
- Problem-solution framing dominates. The highest-volume searches revolve around specific skin problems. Your product pages should directly address these pain points rather than focus on product features.
- The 82 easy-competition keywords are your quick wins. I’ve highlighted these throughout because they represent your fastest path to traffic gains. In most cases, you can see ranking improvements within 60-90 days with targeted content.
- Korean and Japanese skincare influence continues to grow. The sustained high search volume for these terms indicates this isn’t a passing trend but a permanent shift in the market.
While this analysis provides a valuable snapshot of the skincare search landscape, it’s worth noting that every brand’s situation is unique.
For truly transformative results, a custom keyword strategy tailored to your specific product line, target audience, and competitive landscape will yield significantly better results than any generic list.
A word of caution about those 82 “easy” keywords: if your website is brand new or has minimal domain authority, even these lower-competition terms will take time to rank for—typically 4-6 months rather than the 60-90 days established sites might experience.
However, they should absolutely be your primary targets if you’re just starting out. They represent your best chance of gaining search visibility, provided they align with your business offerings.
New sites trying to rank for high-competition terms like “skincare” or “face moisturizer” are essentially throwing resources into a black hole.