In 2021, the term “slugging” was "the highest growth topic in the moisturizing category," per Spate. The trend took off during pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and continued growing last year. In July 2022, Spate reported that there were 2,300 searches on average every month in the United States for slugging, which was very low volume relative to other searches for skin care products, but which represented growth of 78.0% in searches since 2021. Since that time, slugging has even expanded to hair care.
Now, Futurewise, a new beauty brand, has embraced slugging at the core of its initial range. The skin care brand launched with a line of products dedicated exclusively to the of-the-moment skin care trend—the first-ever system of products designed specifically for slugging, according to the company.
The Futurewise Slugging System of products is designed to help users get the most of the dermatologist-recommended practice. Slugging involves applying an occlusive layer over the skin to act as a barrier to seal in moisture and prevent water loss. Less water loss means more hydration, and more hydration means plump, healthy skin.
The Futurewise Slugging System consists of three products that are formulated with humectants to draw water in, emollients to moisturize and smooth, and occlusives to lock in the formulations on the skin. They work together to achieve optimal slugging results, per the brand.
The Slug Boost Hydrating Mist is the first step in the system, prepping the skin for the application of other skin care products later in the skin care regimen.
This ultra-fine essence mist contains hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid and glycerin—a trio of humectants of different molecular weights that provide deep hydration and allow for deeper penetration throughout the layers of the skin.
The user then follows with the Slug Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer, which is made of a vegan triple lipid complex of plant-derived plumping fatty acids, replenishing cholesterol and hydrating ceramides that work together to strengthen the skin barrier and preserve the skin’s moisture levels.
The Slug Balm Moisture-Locking Occlusive is the last step in the system.
The silky, nonsticky jelly balm works as an occlusive to lock in moisture and create a cocoon-like environment for the skin to repair itself.
While these three products are designed to work harmoniously together, they are also efficacious individually and can fit into users’ personalized skin care routines, according to the company.
Slug Boost Hydrating Mist
- $22 per 120 ml
- Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Glycerin, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Polyglutamic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid
Slug Cream Barrier Repair Moisturizer
- $24 per 50 ml
- Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hexyl Laurate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Phytosterols, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10, Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrogenated Lecithin
Slug Balm Moisture-Locking Occlusive
- $24 per 50 g
- Ingredients: Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hexyldecanol, Bisabolol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed), Sterols, Citric Acid, Stearic Acid
