10 New Ingredients You Want in Skin Care Products

There are many tried and true skin care ingredients that continue to form the basis for many well-known skin care products, ingredients we know we can trust whether we’re looking to banish blemishes or tackle fine lines. But there’s always something new on the horizon or popping up in products overseas. These are ingredients that may or may not become the new norm depending on how they catch on, but when it comes to our skin, new ingredients are always being discovered. If you’re curious about what’s new, we’ve sourced a few newer beautifying ingredients to watch for.

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Prickly pear

This cactus fruit is making its way from specialty grocery aisles into skin care products. Many are touting prickly pear oil (also called cactus oil) as the new argan oil (there always has to be a “new” something) for its face-saving benefits. Prickly pear oil actually contains more of the same vitamins and antioxidants that have made argan oil such a popular ingredient. As for how it feels, the oil is light and absorbs well, but still packs a big hydration punch.

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Blue tansey

Similar in property to chamomile, blue tansey, a flower that can kill if ingested, is slowly getting noticed in the skin care world. The blue-hued oil is known to help heal damaged skin and contains strong anti-redness properties, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin as well as anyone suffering from eczema and dermatitis. You can currently find the elusive ingredient in Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, but start keeping an eye out for it in other products.

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Activated charcoal

Another skin care ingredient starting to ease its way firmly into the beauty spotlight is activated charcoal. Created when oxygen is added to regular charcoal, activated charcoal has been popping up in more and more skin care products thanks to its ability to draw out toxins and impurities.

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Probiotics

We already know that probiotics are good for our health, but what about skin? It turns out that putting probiotics into skin care products you apply topically can also be beneficial. These benefits range from helping to reduce inflammation in the skin, to improving skin tone and texture.

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Turmeric

We’ve been hearing a lot about the mega health benefits of this vibrant golden spice found commonly in curries, but it’s poised to be a breakout skin care star. It's a natural anti-inflammatory, which means it can help with skin issues like redness and rosacea. Turmeric also has antibacterial properties which makes it a good asset for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

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Chia seed oil

Put down your chia seed pudding for a minute. It’s time to consider chia seeds as a beauty-boosting skin care ingredient. Since chia seeds are packed full of omega-3 fatty acids, their oil is highly moisturizing. Look for it in night creams and eye creams or simply pick up a bottle of organic chia seed oil and use it as a face oil or mixed with your daily moisturizer.

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Skullcap

Skullcap is a botanical skin enhancer known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The root of a member of the mint family has been long used as a medicinal herb, but it’s starting to make its way into skin care products. Skullcap is also known for its brightening effects so it’s also a good ingredient to look for if you have dull skin.

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Moringa seed oil

Rich in antioxidants, which we need to fend off free radical damage as we age, moringa seed oil is ideal for all skin types and is a multitasker when it comes to improving skin. The natural oil is known to increase skin softness and elasticity and help reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. It’s also beneficial for those with dry skin conditions like eczema.

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Fulvic acid

Fulvic acid is derived from decomposed organic matter in the soil and although it’s well known in China it’s only just getting more well known in North America as a skin care ingredient. Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, fulvic acid has been used to help treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It’s also a free-radical fighter making it a good anti-aging ingredient. Find it in the Fulom line of skin care products.

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Fermented ingredients

Already very popular in Korea, fermented ingredients are just starting to get noticed in North America for their skin care benefits. Like probiotics, fermented foods offer beneficial bacteria, but when it comes to skin care, fermenting ingredients makes them more potent. Not only that, fermented ingredients are more easily absorbed into the skin. Look for ingredients like fermented yeast, soybeans and rice.