9 Ingredients on Our Radar

The Ingredient: Fine-Silk Crystal-Gold Complex

What it does: Heals and preserves by balancing skin’s hydration and absorbs both water and oil without using an emulsifier.

What the expert says: “We were the first company in the US to use Fine-Silk Crystal-Gold Complex and have been using it in our Gold Collection since we launched our Nano Gold Energizing Face Cream in 2007. This fascinating ingredient is extremely effective and has powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-aging properties and helps heal skin. It also increases hydration and promotes collagen production,” says CEO and founder, Sylvie Chantecaille. 

Find it in: Chantecaille Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Mask, $195

The Ingredient: Buriti

What it does: Helps nourish and repair skin in addition to having supreme anti-inflammatory properties that treat conditions like skin irritations, rashes and redness. 

What the expert says: Valeria Cole, founder and CEO of Teadora Rainforest says, “Buriti is revered for soothing and protecting the body. It also helps protect skin from UV rays and fights free-radical damage. It’s our muse ingredient and is featured in all of the products in our line.” 

Find it in: Teadora Rainforest at Dawn Nourishing Body Butter, $45

The Ingredient: Platinum 

What it does: Enhances skin’s moisture and increases its absorption of nourishing ingredients. 

What the expert says: “Pure platinum maintains skin’s electrical balance. The Cellular Eye Cream Platinum Rare is made with this ingredient and is a rich but light to the touch eye cream that tightens, brightens and rejuvenates ski around the eyes,” says director of innovation for La Prairie, Daniel Stangl, Ph.D. 

Find it in: La Prairie Cellular Eye Cream Platinum Rare, $365

The Ingredient: Watermelon extract

What it does: Fights free-radical damage and is rich in moisturizing amino acids. 

What the expert says:  “Watermelon extract comes from South Africa and the benefits of this ingredient are two-fold. Watermelon extract not only soothes and hydrates skin, but also helps fight free-radical damage,” says New York dermatologist Dennis Gross, M.D. 

Find it in: Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Concentrate Hydration Booster, $36

The Ingredient: BerryFlux Vita

What it does: Preserves collagen and elastin and stimulates skin’s natural hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. 

What the expert says: “The most innovative ingredient in the range is BerryFlux Vita, a powerful antioxidant derived from raspberry stem cells. The wonder ingredient can be found in all Eve Lom complexion products and has an extraordinary list of benefits, including deep down hydration, evening out skin tone and reducing fine lines and wrinkles,” head of product development for Eve Lom, Amandine Isnard. 

Find it in: Eve Lom Radiance Perfected Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, $55

The Ingredient: Acacia 

What it does: Eliminates frizz and mends split ends.

What the expert says: “Unlike other collagens, this anti-aging, plant-based ingredient provides both moisture and moisture retention. The more aged, dry and damaged the hair is, the more effective this specific collagen is. Essentially, it attracts moisture and binds it to the hair, giving it that perfect balance for styling,” says Heather Roetman, director of national brand development for Ecru Lifestyle Beauty.

Find it in: Ecru New York Acacia Protein Oil, $30

The Ingredient: Black Polynesian Volcanic Sand

What it does: Provides heat and color protection.

What the expert says: “In addition to providing heat and color protection, this ingredient, which is sourced from Hawaii, also conditions hair,” says Howard McLaren, co-founder of R+Co.

Find it in: R+Co Chiffon Styling Mousse, $27

The Ingredient: Moringa Oil

What it does: Brightens the skin and protects cells from damage with its abundance of proteins, vitamins and minerals. 

What the expert says: “Often referred to as ‘the miracle plant,’ moringa is a medicinal species that is used to treat malnutrition in many African countries. When used as an oil, this anti-oxidant rich ingredient has moisturizing properties,” says an ethical buyer from LUSH. 

Find it in: LUSH African Paradise Body Conditioner, $40

The Ingredient: Sea Emerald

What it does: Encourages the production of collagen.

What the expert says: “Harvested from the Philippines seabed, sea emerald is known to visibly firm and lift skin and help stimulate the natural production of collagen,” says research and development manager for Darphin, Caroline Pollefliet. 

Find it in: Darphin Stimulskin Plus Multi-Corrective Divine Cream, $295