Once a new ingredient hits the market, it doesn’t take long before it’s everywhere, promising glowing, youthful skin. With so many making headlines, it’s tough to know which are hype and which deliver results. We tapped our trusted pros to share which trending ingredients are worth trying.
Featured Experts
- Valerie Callender, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Glenn Dale, MD
- Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist
- Jordan Samuel Pacitti is the CEO of Jordan Samuel Skin
- Joel Schlessinger, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- David Balle, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Grosse Pointe, MI
Niacinamide
WHAT IT DOES
This is a form of vitamin B3 that helps with barrier repair, pigmentation and inflammation.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Glenn Dale, MD dermatologist Valerie Callender, MD says, “Niacinamide revolutionized hyperpigmentation treatment. It’s one of the best.” Cosmetic chemist Ginger King adds, “It’s like the best supporting actor in skin care, working well with other actives.”
ONE TO TRY
Olay Super Serum Body Wash
Peptides
WHAT IT DOES
Peptides are protein fragments that signal the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which improves firmness and reduces fine lines.
EXPERT INSIGHT
“Some peptides are great for hydrating and soothing the skin without retinoid side effects,” says aesthetician Jordan Samuel Pacitti, CEO of Jordan Samuel Skin. Dr. Callender has seen peptides rising in popularity, “especially among younger women aiming to slow aging.”
ONE TO TRY
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Bakuchiol
WHAT IT DOES
This is a plant-based retinol alternative that offers similar benefits like improving skin texture and cellular turnover, but with less irritation.
EXPERT INSIGHT
“Bakuchiol improves skin texture without irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Callender. Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD adds that a study showed similar benefits from both bakuchiol and retinol for both wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.”
ONE TO TRY
Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum
Resveratrol
WHAT IT DOES
This antioxidant protects the skin from environmental damage and helps with premature aging.
EXPERT INSIGHT
“Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant, but it requires the right concentration and delivery system to be effective,” explains Pacitti. “If not, you may not see the desired results.”
ONE TO TRY
Jordan Samuel Skin Antioxidant Treatment Emulsion
Ectoin
WHAT IT DOES
Derived from resilient, single-cell bacteria that thrive in extreme environments, ectoin enhances the skin’s defenses, providing long-lasting hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier.
EXPERT INSIGHT
“It’s great for stressed skin and skin barrier protection, as well as hydration,” King says.
ONE TO TRY
The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
Squalane
WHAT IT DOES
Squalane is a lightweight, noncomedogenic oil that hydrates, softens and protects the skin barrier. It was once sourced from shark liver, but it’s now sustainably derived from plants like olives and sugarcane.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Skin-care experts agree that squalane suits all skin types, but it’s especially great for dry and/or sensitive skin. “It’s a fast-absorbing hydrator that doesn’t clog pores,” explains Grosse Pointe, MI dermatologist David Balle, MD.
ONE TO TRY
Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream
Growth Factors
WHAT IT DOES
Growth factors, derived from human, plant or animal cells, are proteins that signal skin cells to grow, repair and boost collagen for firmer, rejuvenated skin.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Dr. Callender calls growth factors a staple for anti-aging, “helping with both recovery and collagen production.” Dr. Schlessinger explains that they mimic the body’s natural processes to stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation, promoting younger skin behavior.
ONE TO TRY
Carmell Secretome Hydrating Dew
Exosomes
WHAT IT DOES
These tiny vesicles derived from humans, plants or animals carry growth factors and proteins that signal skin cells to boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity and more.
EXPERT INSIGHT
“Exosomes are fast-absorbing. While growth factors are like a single letter, exosomes are the entire alphabet for cells,” says Dr. Balle. “They signal cell regeneration, like a FedEx truck delivering what’s needed to repair damage and boost healing after microneedling or laser treatments.”
ONE TO TRY
Exoceuticals EXO PLUS Anti-Aging Cream
