From Nature to Science: Trending Skincare Ingredients to Watch

Last week on my social media I asked what topic you wanted to read about the most, and an overwhelming amount of you wanted to learn more about trending skincare ingredients. I love that! Things change, evolve, and progress very quickly and I know it’s my job as an esthetician to keep you up to date. I did some research and made a list of skincare ingredients that all of you are searching the internet for the most.

Scrub me secret: When you are an expert on the ingredients in your skincare, you can better choose which products work best for you and your skin. The more you know, the more power you have! The power to help your skin be healthy, clear, and radiant.

These are the skincare ingredients that are trending right now ⤵️

Bio Retinol

Bio-retinols are a category of ingredients that are plant-based alternatives to retinol. Bio-retinol works to promote collagen and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots by promoting cell turnover. These ingredients are more gentle on the skin than traditional retinol and they are pregnancy-safe. Another difference between bio-retinol and actual retinol is that it will not make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Bakuchiol and Rock Samphire are two bio-retinol ingredients you will see in skincare items.

scrub me secret: products I like with bio-retinol are the Herbivore Bakuchoil Serum and the Wildling Moonbounce Plumping Moisturizer

Beta-glucan

Beta-glucan is a skincare ingredient derived from various sources like yeast, fungi, and oats. It's becoming a popular ingredient in skincare because many are claiming it has better hydration and plumping benefits than hyaluronic acid. This ingredient can attract and bind moisture into your skin, helping it to feel soft and supple. Another benefit Beta-glucan has is its anti-inflammatory properties.

Any skin type can use beta-glucan products but those with dry, dull, and aging skin will benefit the most.

scrub me secret: products I like with Beta-glucan are Paulas Choice Calm Repair Serum and These K beauty Kombucha sheet masks

Ecotin

If we are getting specific and scientific, Ecotin is a short-chain amino acid. This makes this ingredient a peptide, but unlike the peptides, we usually think about (the collagen and elastin boosting peptides) Ecotin’s main function is to protect the skin's natural barrier by fighting off bacteria and other microorganisms. This ingredient also can protect our skin against environmental stressors like free radicals in our polluted air.

scrub me secret: I did some research and it looks like the Biossance Squalane + Ecotin Overnight rescue is a great hydrating skincare item that contains ecotin.

Mushroom extracts

I’m not surprised mushroom extracts are making their way into popular skincare items. I have always liked Changa and Lion's Mane Mushrooms for their wellness benefits when taken internally. When added to skincare items mushroom extracts offer anti-inflammatory, skin strengthening, and anti-aging benefits..

There are many types of “wellness mushrooms” and each of their extracts has its own properties. Reishi mushrooms soothe inflammation, combat photoaging, and neutralize free radicals. Chaga mushrooms protect the skin against UV and free radicals. Tremella mushrooms hydrate, repair, and protect with their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making them a popular choice for moisturizers. Lastly, shiitake mushrooms reduce inflammation, rejuvenate skin, boost elasticity, and brighten the complexion.

scrub me secret: I’m all about functional mushrooms in a wellness drink or coffee alternative. I haven’t used a mushroom extract skincare item for myself yet but I did some research and this PAI Labs Tri-mushroom super soothing booster looks fab! ordering for myself asap 👀

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a favorite skincare ingredient of mine! Otherwise known as vitamin b3, niacinamide’s main function is to help rid our skin of red, pink, brown, or yellow pigment caused by breakouts, abrasions, or aging. This ingredient works to strengthen our skin’s barrier, reduce loss of hydration, refine pores, and even out our complexion. The combination of these properties is what makes niacinamide perfect for helping us get a clear and even complexion.

The best part about niacinamide is it is safe for most skin types and those who are pregnant.

scrub me secret: products I like with niacinamide are Good Molecules Niacinamide Toner and Maelove Nia 10 Calming serum

scrub me secret: products I like with peptides are Josh Rosebrook Ultra Peptide Cream and PCA Ideal Eye complex

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid ingredient that has great anti-aging benefits when applied topically. Like Ecotin, this ingredient also protects your skin against aging damage that comes along with environmental stressors like UV rays and free radicals in pollution. Taurine also fights against inflammation, which is also helpful for preserving our skin’s youthfulness. You can use this ingredient to help slow the process of visible aging.

scrub me secret: The Patchology rejuvenating eye gels are super refreshing and firming! these eye treatment patches contain taurine.

Later this month I’ll publish a blog post about another trending skincare topic! Can you guess what it is? I’ll give you a hint…Botox alternative 😉