A technical talent hunt tool + 3 more topics gaining steam

Exploding Topics scours the internet to find emerging trends before they take off.

Here are four of the latest developments, along with some insights and analysis to help you take advantage.

1. CoderPad

CoderPad is an online coding environment for technical interviews.

Specifically, it’s a working integrated development environment. Unlike traditional whiteboards, CoderPad lets interviewees actually run the code they’ve written. And since it’s web-based, the platform also works well for remote interviews.

The startup has hosted more than 2 million technical interviews since it first launched in 2013.

What’s next:

CoderPad is part of the “technical talent hunt” meta trend.

The number of professional developers is set to grow to 28.7M by 2024 (up from only 23M in 2018). Which is leading to a growing number of platforms designed to match recruiters with top coding talent.

Other examples of this meta trend include CodePen and Flexiple.

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2. Scalp brush

Searches for “scalp brushes” are up 119% over the last two years.

What are they?

Scalp brushes are used to exfoliate the scalp, reduce excess oil and remove buildup from shampoo and conditioner.

Most brushes are made with soft silicone, and they come in manual versions as well as battery-powered vibrating models.

The top-selling scalp brush on Amazon has over 74k reviews and currently ranks #1 in the “hair brush” category.

What’s next:

Scalp brushes are part of the “home spa day” meta trend.

Lockdowns forced millions of people to take their spa routines home.

According to a McKinsey & Company report, this caused sales of bath-and-body products to increase by 65% last year.

Aside from scalp brushes, this meta trend also includes:

Hair masks, clay masks, foot masks and sheet masks.

Skincare brands like CeraVe, Vanicream, Simple Skincare and Revitalift.

Foot massagers, massage guns and massage chairs.

3. DRMTLGY

DRMTLGY is a DTC skincare startup known for its acne treatments and anti-aging “needle-less serum”.

Founded in 2017, the company describes its products as medical grade — but positions its ingredients as “clean”.

They’re also known for charging premium prices. For example, $23 for its acne cleanser and $51 for eye cream (compared to about $8 and $18 for similar products from Neutrogena).

What’s next:

With its cruelty-free manufacturing and omission of many frowned-upon ingredients, DRMTLGY is part of the “sustainable skincare” meta trend.

2020 was the first year that skincare products outsold makeup in the US. Much of this growth was driven by natural, sustainable brands.

Growing products in this space include clay masks, pimple patches, and essence toner.

4. Chocolate collagen

Chocolate collagen is a flavored nutritional supplement made from collagen powder (either bovine or marine). The powder is commonly mixed with hot water or milk to make a hot chocolate drink.

Supplement brands with a popular chocolate collagen product include Further Food, Codeage, and Primal Kitchen.

What’s next:

The global collagen market is worth about $4.7B (Grand View Research), and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% through 2027.

And search demand for many collagen products has grown faster than that rate over the last 5 years.

Including vegan collagen, marine collagen, fish collagen, collagen hand cream, and simply “collagen”.