This month we asked industry pros for their input on trending ingredients in the treatments. We have gathered expert insight from industry professionals on trending ingredients, and we are bringing that insight to you.
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This month we asked industry pros for their input on trending ingredients in the treatments. We have gathered expert insight from industry professionals on trending ingredients, and we are bringing that insight to you.
1. Oxygen
We are learning so much these days about the tie between oxygen and the skin, and I am excited for new ingredient breakthroughs that focus on oxygen. Just like all living tissues in our body, the skin requires oxygen to carry out essential cellular functions including respiration, pore purification, tissue repair, barrier function, cellular turnover, and the production of collagen and elastin. Triple oxygenating ingredient blends of stabilized hydrogen peroxide, saccharomyces lysate and kombu sea kelp extract work together revive cells, purify pores and nourish the skin.
—Dawn Gantt, Regional Business and Education Manager of Bioelements
2. Seaweed
There are over 20,000 species of seaweed worldwide and seaweed is one of the most complete superfoods rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Each species of seaweed has very different benefits. For example, Laminaria digitata seaweed is nutrient rich with 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 42 trace elements to deeply hydrate and nourish skin. Ulva lactuca seaweed contains biopeptides to help firm and brighten the appearance of the skin, and Saccharina latissima helps reduce the appearance of oil. When choosing product formulations with a natural ingredient such as seaweed, it’s important to note that the efficacy can vary widely based on its species, the way it’s grown, harvested and processed. Most manufacturers of seaweed-based products use the oven-drying method which yields an ingredient that contains trace elements, but may be deficient in vitamins and amino acids that are heat sensitive.
—Lydia Sarfati, Founder and CEO, Repêchage, President of CIDESCO Section USA
3. Vitamin A
Products containing Vitamin A (e.g., retinal) aren’t cheap, which often prompts consumers to question methods to optimize the efficacy of their skin care routines when featuring retinal-based cosmetics. Given retinal’s proven ability to improve skin texture, boost radiance, and diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles, consumers should be encouraged to integrate products containing hyaluronic acid (humectant), niacinamide (Vitamin B3), antioxidants (Vitamin C), and ceramides to harness the full potential of product containing retinal. By addressing multiple skin concerns and providing a balanced combination of hydrating, nourishing, and protective ingredients is a powerful approach and holistic method to address visible signs of aging and fostering overall skin health.
—John Stanek, Director of Marketing and Product Development at CoValence Labs
Related: 6 Emerging Beauty Ingredients To Watch
4. Sunless Tanning Ingredients
The most important thing to look for in your sunless tanning formulas are ingredients that help skin to increase hydration, like plant derived squalane or hyaluronic acid. Since DHA, the active ingredient responsible for browning your skin, is inherently drying, look for hydrating ingredients to keep skin nourished and glowing. My favorite formulations contain multipurpose ingredients. We use organic aloe vera leaf juice to create consistently even and long lasting results for our professional airbrush tanning services. Aloe vera is known to deeply hydrate the skin, soothe, soften and negate free radicals responsible for the appearance of aging. With skin sensitivity on the rise, look for ingredients that you know agree with your clients’ skin type.
—Lauren Rampello Becotte, Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Pure Glow
5. Pre/Probiotics
The focus on skin microbiome health has led to the rise of prebiotic and probiotic skin care products. These ingredients help support the skin’s natural microbiota, promoting a healthy barrier function and overall skin health. Pre/post biotics can help manage inflammation, aging, skin stress and promote overall skin health. When incorporating prebiotics, postbiotics, and probiotics into skin care routines, it’s essential to choose products with stable formulations that deliver these active ingredients effectively to the skin.
—Michael Pugliese, CEO and President at Circadia
6. Algae
I’m absolutely obsessed with algae as an ingredient. Its unparalleled sustainability and ease of cultivation are just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond its environmental benefits, algae is a treasure trove of nutrients essential for cellular health. It’s the presence of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant from the carotenoid family, that truly excites me. Acting similarly to retinol, it aids in the renewal of skin cells, but with a gentleness that suits every skin type. Algae isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the future of skin care, offering both ecological harmony and transformative skin benefits.
—Justine Kahn, Founder of Botnia Skincare
7. Polyglutamic Acid
Polyglutamic Acid (PGA is an incredible natural active ingredient that is a powerful humectant and moisturizer. PGA is essentially a molecule composed of many glutamic acid peptides, which is a naturally-occurring amino acid. PGA on its own can hold up to 5000x it’s weight in water, helping the skin stay hydrated and retain moisture. PGA has also been scientifically shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increases skin elasticity and moisture content. An underappreciated aspect of Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) is it’s ability to work synergistically with hyaluronic acid (HA), as PGA inhibits the hyaluronidase enzyme, preventing the breakdown of our naturally-occurring hyaluronic in our skin. Polyglutamic is a powerful humectant and anti-aging ingredient on it’s own, and ALSO works to prevent the loss of hyaluronic in our skin.
—Vishnu Potini, MD, MBA, Hale Cosmeceuticals Inc.
