Hey beauty lovers! the hottest trend right now isn’t just about brands or packaging. It’s the ingredients. From retinol to niacinamide, consumers everywhere are shopping ingredient-first. Let’s see which actives rule in each region
North America – Retinol Rules
In the U.S. and Canada, retinol/retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, peptides, and ceramides dominate search data.
Shoppers are less loyal to brands and more focused on clear efficacy “does it have the ingredient I trust?” That transparency keeps these actives on top.
Korea – Calm & Barrier Care
K-beauty consumers lean toward cica, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C derivatives, and snail mucin, with “slow aging” rising as a new category.
Why? Sensitive skin and barrier repair are priorities. Olive Young sales show strong growth for soothing ampoules and toner pads.
Japan – Brightening Tradition
Japan’s top actives are vitamin C derivatives (APM, AA-2G, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid), tranexamic acid, ceramides, and traditional botanicals like green tea and rice bran.
The reason: J-Beauty emphasizes minimalism and long-term skin health, supported by quasi-drug approvals for brightening.
China – E-Commerce Driven
China’s hero ingredients are hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, recombinant collagen, and peptides.
The growth is fueled by livestreaming and platforms like Tmall and Douyin, where ingredient claims go viral fast.
Europe & UK – Regulated Science
Vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, peptides, and ceramides dominate searches.
But regulation shapes the market: new retinol limits take effect in 2025, kojic acid is capped at 1%, and hydroquinone remains banned. Ingredient safety directly drives reformulations.
India – Ayurveda Meets Science
Top ingredients include hyaluronic acid, collagen/peptides, niacinamide, plus turmeric as a rising Ayurvedic hero.
The Cosmetics Rules 2020 (under revision) emphasize documented safety and efficacy, pushing local and global brands toward more clinical claims.
Middle East (GCC) – Sun & Pigmentation Care
Key formats are tinted sunscreens with iron oxides, plus vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid for pigmentation.
Strong sun exposure and high melasma prevalence make tinted mineral SPFs and barrier-rich formulas essential.
Australia / 🇳🇿 New Zealand – SPF Nation
Here, sunscreen is treated like a drug under TGA rules. High-SPF formulas, vitamin C, and niacinamide dominate routines.
Consumers prioritize tested UV protection with skin-health actives layered in.
The Big Picture
Across continents, retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, peptides, and ceramides remain the global heavyweights.
But climate, culture, and regulation shape local preferences from Korea’s soothing barrier care to the Middle East’s tinted SPF demand.
In 2025, ingredient-first shopping isn’t just a trend it’s the language of global beauty.
123Comments-
남성마른26 days agoNiacinamide really is everywhere I swear it’s in 70% of my routine.
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여성예민한26 days agoRetinol staying on top makes sense but so many misuse it and ruin their skin
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여성예민한26 days agoCentella popularity doesn’t surprise me—gentle always wins.
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여성Combination26 days agoVitamin C hype feels overrated, stability issues are still real.
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여성Normal26 days agoPeptides are exciting but most brands don’t disclose concentrations.
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여성Combination26 days agoHyaluronic acid is boring at this point. It’s just basic hydration.
여성Dry26 days ago🤨🤨
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여성콤비네이션26 days agoThis list shows the cycle—same 10 ingredients rotate every few years.
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여성예민한26 days agolol totally agree. Literally everyone around me is on retinol
여성정상26 days agoRetinol is the GOAT. Nothing works like it for wrinkles.
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여성콤비네이션26 days agoI’m surprised about Korea. I thought brightening ingredients would be more dominant.
여성정상26 days agoLet’s not generalize a whole country ingredients vary a lot
여성기름진26 days agoDo you mean historically, or right now? Recent launches look more balanced to me.
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FemaleCombination18 days agoIngredient-first shopping is real. Brand loyalty fades when INCI is transparent.
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FemaleNormal18 days agoSeeing turmeric listed made me smile—finally our tradition and trials are getting credit.
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FemaleSensitive18 days agoWe don’t push Ayurveda, but I do see more friends trying turmeric serums lately
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FemaleSensitive18 days agoRetinol limits in 2025 will force better education—strength ≠ superiority.
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FemaleDry18 days agoTranexamic + vitamin C derivatives combo is our quiet workhorse minimalist but effective.
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FemaleSensitive12 days agoGreat map.
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FemaleNormal11 days agoPeptides feel pricey, worth it only with data. Show receipts.
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MaleNormal11 days agoIngredient lists in big fonts, please, my eyes thank you.
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FemaleDry11 days agoPeptides plus ceramides at night gave me fewer flakes, cozy combo.
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FemaleOily11 days agoSalicylic saves my nose, 2% gel rules blackheads.
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FemaleNormal10 days agoTXA pads at night, sunscreen by day, steady gains.
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FemaleNormal10 days agoGreen tea and rice bran in Japan feel timeless.
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MaleNormal10 days agoTXA plus vitamin C for pigmentation in the GCC makes sense under strong sun.
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MaleNormal10 days agoCentella is still my comfort step, boring and perfect.
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MaleNormal10 days agoIs recombinant collagen vegan? Sourcing details, please, cheers.
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FemaleOily10 days agoNiacinamide with zinc helped my T zone a lot, solid.
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MaleSensitive9 days agoRetinal vs retinol, what fits sensitive folks best?
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MaleOily9 days agoBHA body wash fixed my backne fast. Lifesaver.
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FemaleNormal9 days agoTranexamic acid is underrated, slow but steady wins.
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FemaleNormal9 days agoCica and panthenol in Korea explain all those calming pads. Makes sense.
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MaleNormal9 days agoVitamin C in sticks interests me, stability questions though.
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FemaleNormal9 days agoAA 2G plays well with sunscreen, love that smooth base.
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MaleNormal9 days agoCeramide NP vs AP differences matter, label it clearly, mate.
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MaleNormal8 days agoK beauty slow aging fits my pace. Friends feel the same.
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MaleNormal8 days agoPeptide eye gels feel nice, results are subtle. Fine by me.
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FemaleNormal8 days agoRetinol limits in the UK push brands to rethink strengths, fair play.
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MaleNormal8 days agoChina’s peptide hype tracks with live stream culture. Fast claims everywhere.
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FemaleSensitive7 days agoVitamin C derivatives help me layer without sting, smooth sailing.
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FemaleNormal7 days agoAPM and AA 2G in Japan sound gentle. I love that approach.
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FemaleOily7 days agoVitamin C oils break me out, emulsions are safer.
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FemaleDry7 days agoHyaluronic plus urea mixes are crazy hydrating. Love the bounce.
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FemaleSensitive7 days agoPanthenol 5?lms me overnight, magic.
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MaleNormal7 days agoCeramide plus cholesterol ratios matter, teach us.
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FemaleSensitive7 days agoNiacinamide over 5% irritates me. Careful there.
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FemaleNormal7 days agoHydroquinone banned in the EU keeps shoppers on safer routes.
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FemaleCombination7 days agoSnail at night, retinoid on alternate nights. Barrier intact.
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FemaleSensitive6 days agoAzelaic acid is my holy grail for redness.
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FemaleDry6 days agoGlycolic is too much for me, lactic is kinder.
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FemaleCombination6 days agoSnail mucin wins in K beauty. COSRX made it mainstream for my family.
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FemaleNormal5 days agoVitamin C powder travels better. Bottles oxidize on me.
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FemaleDry5 days agoCeramide sprays feel gimmicky, lotion works better, in my opinion.
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FemaleNormal5 days agoPHA toners are underrated, soft and forgiving.
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FemaleNormal5 days agoTurmeric rising in India is cool. Does the smell linger in formulas?
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FemaleDry5 days agoCeramides are my winter armour, always.
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FemaleNormal5 days agoRice bran plus green tea is chef’s kiss in the morning.
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FemaleNormal5 days agoIFRA and EU rules keep fragrance sane, grateful, cheers.
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MaleNormal4 days agoRetinol in winter, azelaic in summer, balanced.
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FemaleNormal4 days agoSunscreen tints with iron oxides help with melasma masking.
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MaleNormal4 days agoHyaluronic acid is table stakes now, weight mix matters more.
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FemaleSensitive4 days agoRetinol sandwiching saved me from peeling. Game changer.
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FemaleSensitive4 days agoCica with panthenol is my comfort step, I tap it in after washing with hard water.
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FemaleDry4 days agoCeramides plus cholesterol ratios matter, my winter skin loves that balance.
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FemaleSensitive3 days agoRetinol sandwiching reduced peeling for me, moisturize then retinol then moisturize.
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FemaleCombination3 days agoLoved the regional split so many insights.
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MaleNormal3 days agoIngredient first shopping is my habit now, brand comes second.
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FemaleDry3 days agoPlease add a quick matrix by skin goal.
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MaleNormal3 days agoRecombinant collagen sounds interesting, I still want human data on elasticity.
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FemaleOily3 days agoAny surprise movers in LATAM this year?
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FemaleDry3 days agoAny LATAM surprises..?
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MaleNormal3 days agoTGA rules in AU make SPF feel trustworthy, no worries.
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FemaleSensitive3 days agoAzelaic plus niacinamide is my elite duo, less redness and fewer bumps.
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MaleSensitive3 days agoGlycolic is too strong for me, lactic acid at 5 percent feels kinder.
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MaleNormal3 days agoNiacinamide is my safe space, brightens without drama.
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FemaleSensitive3 days agoRegional split was so cool rice in APAC vs retinoids in US totally tracks.
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MaleNormal3 days agoTranexamic acid at night softens my dark marks slowly, patience is key.
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FemaleNormal3 days agoDo EU retinol caps affect night creams already? Please update.
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FemaleOily3 days agoWould love a quick matrix by skin goal bookmarkable!
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FemaleSensitive3 days agoRetinol rules here, slow intro saved my barrier.
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FemaleNormal3 days agoPeptides feel soothing, but I only repurchase when brands share their sequence and dose.
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FemaleNormal3 days agoIFRA and EU rules keep fragrance sensible, I appreciate clear allergen lists.
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FemaleNormal3 days agoRecombinant collagen interests me. Any human data on elasticity?
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MaleNormal3 days agoTurmeric stains my pillow. Any clear gel versions?
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MaleOily3 days agoNiacinamide with zinc helped forehead shine, I only use it on the T zone now.
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MaleNormal3 days agoPeptides can be pricey, I buy when the brand discloses the percent and test method.
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FemaleNormal2 days agoTurmeric serums brighten a little, I prefer low scent versions for bedtime.
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FemaleOily2 days agoA ‘pairings that convert’ cheat sheet would be amazing.
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Non-binaryNormal2 days agoPeptide eye gel feels nice, results are subtle so I pair it with sleep and SPF.
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FemaleSensitive2 days agoGreen tea and rice bran feel classic, I use them when my barrier is moody.
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MaleNormal2 days agoKojic acid caps at 1%, smart guardrail.
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FemaleCombination2 days agoAzelaic plus niacinamide is an elite combo for me.
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FemaleSensitive2 days agoRetinol works for me only twice a week, I buffer with ceramide cream and it stays calm.
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FemaleNormal2 days agoRetinal gives faster change but I respect the learning curve, I start slow.
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MaleDry2 days agoCeramide balm saved my hands in winter, I reapply after each wash.
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FemaleDry2 days agoCeramides with squalane feel right after flights, I wake up less tight.
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FemaleDry2 days agoPairings‑that‑convert table, I beg.
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MaleNormal2 days agoAPM and AA 2G are gentle picks in my routine, I prefer predictable results.
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FemaleCombination2 days agoAny surprise movers in LATAM this year?
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FemaleNormal2 days agoHydroquinone is banned in my region, so I lean on vitamin C and TXA instead.
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MaleNormal1 day agoCeramide NP and AP naming gets confusing, please print the full type on the box.
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FemaleNormal1 day agoLoved the regional ingredient map so K‑cool 🗺️
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FemaleNormal1 day agoVitamin C sticks are convenient, I still want stability data before I commit.
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MaleNormal1 day agoKojic acid at 1 percent is my cap, I watch for irritation and keep layers light.
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FemaleCombination1 day agoVitamin C oils break me out, I stick to emulsions and I am fine.
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FemaleDry1 day agoPlease add a quick matrix by skin goal so useful.
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FemaleDry1 day agoCeramide sprays did little for me, lotion works better and costs less.
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FemaleDry1 day agoAny surprise movers in LATAM?
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FemaleNormal1 day agoHyaluronic acid works best when I spritz with water first, then seal it in.
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FemaleNormal1 day agoPeptide toner did little alone, it shines when I layer under a ceramide cream.
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MaleOily23 hr. agoSalicylic acid 2 percent gel clears my nose, short contact then rinse wins.
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MaleCombination21 hr. agoNiacinamide at 4 percent keeps my T zone balanced, anything higher makes me flush.
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MaleNormal17 hr. agoRetinol three nights, azelaic two nights, rest days in between, this keeps me consistent.
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FemaleSensitive16 hr. agoA ‘pairings that convert’ table would be gold.
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MaleNormal15 hr. agoVitamin C with ferulic holds up better for me, I store it away from light.
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MaleNormal14 hr. agoCentella still earns a place in my kit, boring and effective on fussy days.
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FemaleNormal13 hr. agoRegional ingredient map = so cool.
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FemaleDry9 hr. agoMake a pairing matrix by skin goal? I’d print it 😂
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FemaleNormal7 hr. agoLoved the regional split rice in APAC, retinoids in the U.S. tracks.
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FemaleSensitive6 hr. agoAzelaic acid 15 percent reduces redness on my cheeks, steady progress, no rush.
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FemaleSensitive5 hr. agoAny surprise movers in LATAM this year?
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FemaleOily3 hr. agoMatrix by skin goal would be clutch.