Groundbreaking Anti-Aging Ingredients

Bakuchiol

What it is: Derived from red grapes, bakuchiol, which has a long-standing anti inflammatory effect, especially in Indian and Chinese medicinal practices, helps keep breakouts to a minimum. 

How it works: Often used topically, but sometimes taken orally, this all-natural extract helps to improve the skin since it possesses antimicrobial, antiscarring and anti-inflammatory effects. Another upside to it—it reduces hyperpigmentation, which is why bakuchiol is a prized anti-acne and anti-aging ingredient.

Find it in: Bremenn Emergency Zit Stick ($10)

Mitostime

What it is: A multitasking extract of brown algae, cultivated in France, which energizes skin cells for better support.

How it works: Claims to reach all levels of the skin—the epidermis, the middle layer and the hypodermis—to wake up tired cells so that the natural rejuvenation process is sped up. Mitostime also helps keep skin hydrated by retaining water in the cells.

Find it in: Clinique Repairwear Uplifting Firming Cream ($58)

Monk’s Pepper Berry

What it is: With a long-standing history that dates back to ancient Greece—monks used to steep the bush-grown berries in water to create a healing tea—this rigorous free-radical defender helps to protect the integrity of the skin.

How it works: First researched as a dietary supplement, monk’s pepper berry has been shown to have a positive effect on the skin. Because the berry acts as an antioxidant and damage defender, it claims to help diminish the depth of lines and wrinkles, giving a tautness to the skin and speeding up the regeneration process of skin cells.

Find it in: Stages Of Beauty Harmony Treatment Cream ($53)

Barbary Fig

What it is: An oil from the seeds of the barbary fig, a cactus plant native to Mexico that helps rebuild collagen for firmer skin.

How it works: Rich in omega-3 and -6, this cellular-damage defender, which rivals the benefits of argan oil, protects delicate skin from harsh environmental aggressors while soothing, calming and softening the complexion.

Find it in: La Bella Figura Découverte Under Eye Repair Serum ($115)

Lipo-Hydroxy Acid

What it is: A relative of the salicylic acid molecule, this acid works wonders on acneic and blemished skin by really cleaning out the pores.

How it works: The lipophilic molecule is actually an acid that gently lifts away trapped debris and dead skin, providing an exfoliating mechanism that helps break up blackheads. Lipo-hydroxy acid is said to be six times more powerful than salicylic acid, for faster exfoliation (and less dead skin to clog pores), resulting in less dullness and pigmentation.

Find it in: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum ($45)

Roxisomes

What they are: A type of liposome (a tiny bubble with an aqueous solution) that limits the effects of damage incurred by delicate skin cells.

How they work: In their role as mitochondrian protectors, roxisomes are thought to be able to repair DNA-related damage done to the skin cells. They contain a special enzyme that fixes cellular damage and limits the amount of stress on skin cells, especially those that are linked to wrinkle-inciting inflammation.

Find them in: Pro Therapy MD Advanced Ultra Rich Day Repair ($120)

L-ergothioneine (EGT)

What it is: First discovered more than 100 years ago, EGT, which can be used topically and orally, is a compelling anti-inflammatory antioxidant originally sourced from soil and exotic mushrooms.

How it works: This anti-ager is classified as an “intelligent antioxidant,” which Laguna Beach, CA, dermatologist Dr. Tony Nakhla explains, is a naturally occurring molecule that gets to the cellular level. “No other antioxidant has transporting properties quite like EGT. It prevents mitochondrial damage to the skin cells and UV damage to really ward off damaging free-radical elements.”

Find it in: Reverge Intelligent Antioxidant Age Reversal Complex ($89)

Dragon’s Blood

What it is: A naturally derived, Amazonian rainforest sap that some say may act as an alternative to the effects of what hyaluronic acid fillers can produce, albeit with short-term results.

How it works: The modernized version of the herb forms a protective layer on the skin to shield it against damaging elements and inflammation. A “cure-all” of sorts, the antioxidant-rich sap is brimming with phenols and collagen-repairing proanthocyanidins.

Find it in: Rodial Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel ($95)

Vitamin Cg 

What it is: A synthetic form of vitamin C (in an ascorbyl palmitate form) that is heralded for its ability to firm the skin and fight against oxidative stress and damage.

How it works: Acting on the deep dermal layer of the skin, vitamin Cg stimulates new, healthy, strong collagen to be produced by activating fibroblasts (the cells that are responsible for producing new and healthy collagen fibers). Vitamin Cg is said to transform into a more pure form of vitamin C as it is absorbed by the skin and gradually released over a 24-hour period.

Find it in: Vichy Normaderm Anti-Age ($25)