10 skincare ingredients for your best skin yet

The next time you’re updating your beauty toolkit, consider the emerging skincare contenders promising to help you glow up.

Who doesn’t want radiant, ageless skin?

It’s our perpetual pursuit of perfect skin that has propelled the skincare industry into a never-ending quest to uncover the latest elixir of youth.

So, what are the ingredients to watch for?

Emerging skincare ingredients to look for

Whether you’re looking for hydration, blemish control or anti-ageing solutions, these intriguing ingredients might just be the secret to your best skin yet.

Adaptogens

Borrowed from the realm of herbal medicine, adaptogens are medicinal plants that help resist physical, chemical or biological stressors.

When used in skincare, ingredients such as ashwagandha, reishi and rhodiola provide anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits for a smoother complexion.

Azelaic acid

This naturally occurring skin saviour has been gaining traction for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Azelaic acid excels in treating conditions such as rosacea and acne, and can help combat hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.

Its gentle exfoliating nature refines skin texture, making it an excellent choice for those who find traditional acids too harsh.

Bakuchiol

Dubbed as the “natural alternative to retinol”, bakuchiol has all the benefits of retinol without its notorious side effects.

Derived from the babchi plant, it combats signs of skin ageing by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.

What sets it apart is its gentleness – making it a saviour for those with sensitive skin who find retinol too harsh.

Ectoin

An amino acid found in single-cell bacteria that live in extreme conditions, ectoin is making waves in the skincare community for its ability to protect against environmental stressors.

Locking in moisture, it forms a protective barrier on the skin to help guard against the harsh effects of pollution, temperature fluctuations, and UVB and UVA radiation.

If you’re urban-based and exposed to daily pollutants, adding ectoin-based products to your skincare routine might be a game changer.

Hemp seed oil

Not to be confused with CBD oil, hemp seed oil – which is produced from cold-pressed Cannabis sativa seeds – is nutrient rich, containing fatty acids and useful bioactive compounds.

It’s incredibly nourishing and can help reduce inflammation, making it particularly beneficial for those with conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis.

Lime caviar extract

Sourced from Australian finger limes, this coveted skincare ingredient is bursting with skin-loving vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals and environmental damage.

Boasting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, lime caviar extract also contains natural AHAs to assist in refining skin texture and boosting skin renewal for a more radiant-looking complexion.

Marine collagen

Collagen, the primary structural protein in our skin, diminishes with age.

Lauded for its high bioavailability (which means the body is able to absorb it effectively), marine collagen has been shown to enhance the structure of the skin, helping to improve elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

Besides its anti-ageing properties, this popular skincare ingredient is also deemed environmentally friendly – typically derived from otherwise discarded fish parts, it makes a sustainable beauty alternative.

Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this skincare superstar brings a long list of skincare benefits: it boosts hydration, brightens and fortifies skin, reduces redness, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to regulate oil production, making it a go-to for acne-prone and ageing skin.

A must-have for skincare aficionados, niacinamide is also favoured for its ability to improve UV-damaged skin.

Polyglutamic acid

Step aside, hyaluronic acid; there’s a new hydration hero in town.

Polyglutamic acid, derived from fermented soybeans, can reportedly hold four times more moisture than hyaluronic acid.

This translates to skin that is plumper, smoother and nourished, with a youthful dewiness.

Ubiquinol

A more potent and absorbable form of CoQ10 (a naturally occurring enzyme in our bodies), ubiquinol is the next big antioxidant on the block.

By battling oxidative stress caused by free radicals, it <slows down the ageing process, which means fewer fine lines and wrinkles and more skin elasticity.

Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and calm irritated skin.

A patch test is always recommended when trying products with new ingredients to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

More on skincare ingredients:

• Does your skincare routine need a peptide boost?
• Witch hazel: Why Gen Z are loving this skincare classic
• Is hemp skincare a cosmetic game changer?

Written by Tianna Nadalin.