Just like beauty and fashion trends come and go, so do trending skincare ingredients. In the ever-changing world of skincare and the rise of social media influence, being constantly exposed to new skincare tech and formulations, promising to be “the next big thing” can be overwhelming.
Not to worry, we’re here to help you find key skin care ingredients and what they do to tackle your skin’s specific concerns while also debunking which top skin care ingredients are truly worth the hype.
With natural ingredients like peptides, green tea and oat becoming more and more popular skin care ingredients in the beauty industry, there’s no doubt consumers are leaning towards products that prioritize gentle formulas over harsh ingredients.
However, let’s not forget the trusted OG components. Hyaluronic acid and retinoid compounds like retinol are here to stay as they continuously prove to be safe and effective while delivering maximum results.
1. RETINOIDS: THE ANTI-AGING POWERHOUSES
Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from vitamin A known for their potent anti-aging benefits.
Retinol: A powerful vitamin A compound that promotes skin rejuvenation, boosts collagen production, and addresses skin-aging concerns like discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Retinal: A non-drying, non-irritating, deep-release, more concentrated form of retinol that only takes one step – versus the two steps retinol requires – to break down into retinoic acid in the skin. This means faster, more powerful results with zero harsh side effects and downtime.
Tretinoin vs. Retinal (Yes, they’re different):
While these top skin care ingredients offer comparable results, Tretinoin is a high-potency, active form of vitamin A that needs to be prescribed by a dermatologist or a medical professional. Like retinal, it targets and helps reduce the effects of skin-aging environmental stressors such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, because it delivers quicker results, it is considered a less gentle, more irritating option. As it works more aggressively by speeding up skin cells' life cycle, it can be more restrictive when it comes to sun exposure and using certain medications. On the other hand, retinal is a precursor to retinoic acid making it a gentler, non-irritating, less restrictive form of vitamin A that is widely available in skincare products.
PRODUCTS WITH RETINOIDS:
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The Nightly
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The Reversal
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2. HYALURONIC ACID: THE PLUMPING, HYDRATING HERO
Known for visibly plumping the skin, Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a moisture-locking, naturally occurring humectant that works to plump, hydrate and boost skin radiance. It can hold up to 1,000x its water weight, reaching into the top layer of epidermis to attract and maintain moisture, making skin look plumper while improving microcirculation and nutrient absorption.
PRODUCTS WITH HYALURONIC ACID:
3. SALICYLIC ACID: THE SKIN CLARIFYING MUST-HAVE
Most popular in the world of acne treatments, Salicylic acid (SA) is a potent, skin clarifying and resurfacing beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce redness and inflammation related to breakouts and blemishes. Plus, to prevent these, it effectively penetrates deep into the pores to help unclog them at the source while gently exfoliating to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells for a smoother complexion.
PRODUCTS WITH SALICYLIC ACID:
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GLOfacial Clarifying
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Swipe & Glow
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4. CERAMIDES: THE BARRIER-RESTORER
Ceramides are a natural component of the skin’s outermost layer. As a top skincare ingredient, this powerful type of lipid (fat molecule) has the ability to retain moisture, boost hydration and protect the skin’s natural barrier against environmental aggressors.
PRODUCTS WITH CERAMIDES:
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The Quench
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5. NIACINAMIDE: THE SKIN-BRIGHTENING OG
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3, is a powerful, yet versatile trending skincare ingredient. It helps reduce inflammation, control oiliness and clarify blemish-prone skin, working to minimize the overall appearance of congested pores. Packed with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, it helps protect the skin barrier by working to boost collagen production and improve the look of uneven skin tone.
PRODUCTS WITH NIACINAMIDE:
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GLOfacial Clarifying
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Swipe & Glow
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6. ACID-FREE VITAMIN C: THE RADIANCE BOOSTER
Perfect for sensitive skin types, acid-free vit C is a gentle yet powerful antioxidant and non-irritating form of vitamin C that helps diminish discoloration, neutralize free radicals and brighten dullness.
PRODUCTS WITH ACID-FREE VITAMIN C:
7. PEPTIDES: REJUVENATING GO-TOS
Peptides, also known as the building blocks of proteins, are chains of amino acids that stimulate collagen production and moisture retention for firmer, smoother-looking skin. Its benefits include their ability to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for supple, more radiant-looking skin.
PRODUCTS WITH PEPTIDES:
8. GREEN TEA: MOTHER NATURE’S SOOTHING ANTIOXIDANT
Green Tea is a natural healer and soothing antioxidant that delivers essential amino acids, vitamins and hydration to the skin. By promoting collagen synthesis and protecting it against free radical damage caused by pollutants in the environment, it helps skin look smoother and firmer.
PRODUCTS WITH GREEN TEA:
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The Sculptor
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GLOfacial Clarifying
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9. OAT: THE ULTIMATE BREAKOUT BANISHER
While oatmeal is extremely beneficial for our health, it's also important to note its amazing skin-soothing benefits. As a top skincare ingredient, oat is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D. Its best-known benefits include the ability to hydrate, calm and nourish skin while also gently exfoliating dead skin cells to help banish breakouts for a smoother skin texture.
PRODUCTS WITH OAT:
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The Balance
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10. CICA (TIGER’S GRASS): THE NATURAL SKIN SOOTHER
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and calming benefits, Centella Asiatica, commonly known as Cica, gently protects the skin’s natural moisture barrier while helping to neutralize redness and gently soothe damaged, stressed skin. Fun fact: Cica is also known as "Tiger's Grass," a name originating from the traditional Chinese medicine belief that wounded tigers used the plant for its healing benefits.
PRODUCTS WITH CICA:
