by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

5 New Skincare Ingredients You’re Seeing Everywhere

skincare ingredients textures
Image via @nikki.cruz

Just when you think you’ve caught yourself up to the variety of ingredients in skincare (our favourites: niacinamide, retinol, AHAs and BHAs), there’s suddenly a whole slew of new ingredients featured in skincare. There will always be classics that have worked for ages—oldies but goodies like vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid. But then there are new ingredients bursting onto the skincare scene, boasting anti-inflammatory, brightening, wrinkle-reducing goodness. Here are the top five ingredients that are worth your while.

Turmeric

Women have been applying turmeric topically for hundreds of years, and it is especially useful to those with skin inflammatory issues, like eczema, psoriasis or rosacea. Since it is rich in curcumin, a natural active ingredient that promotes the healing and brightening of skin, turmeric in skincare not only softens and brightens skin, but it can also reduce wrinkles.

Try: Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask (SGD68), Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Facial Oil (SGD113)

turmeric skincare ingredient
Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask, SGD68
turmeric skincare ingredient
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Facial Oil, SGD113 for 35ml

Bakuchiol

An alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that can boost collagen production and is ideal for those who suffer from dry skin and can’t tolerate retinol. It also has antibacterial properties, which is great for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

Try: BYBI Beauty Bakuchiol Booster (SGD23), Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum (SGD106)

bakuchiol skincare ingredient
BYBI Beauty Bakuchiol Booster, SGD23
bakuchiol skincare ingredient
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, SGD106

Copper Peptides

Copper peptides are well-known in the skincare industry as a skin-restoring ingredient and can improve your skin’s firmness, texture and appearance of fine lines, by working as antioxidants and promoting collagen and elastin.

Try: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream (SGD96), Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum (SGD86)

peptide skincare ingredient
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, SGD96
peptide skincare ingredient
Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum, SGD86

Mandelic Acid

Meet the new giant of the exfoliating-acid category. Derived from almonds, mandelic acid is a gentle exfoliating acid that removes dead skin cells, stimulates cell renewal and can be used to treat pigmentation, scarring and acne. Its larger molecule size means it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply as other acids, making it ideal for sensitive types.

Try: Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, SGD135, Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum, SGD138

mandelic acid skincare ingredient
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, SGD135
mandelic acid skincare ingredient
Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum, SGD138

Arbutin

Arbutin is a naturally occurring compound in certain plant leaves, like cranberry and blueberry. Like vitamin C, it is great for diminishing acne scars and prevents discolouration, keeping your skin tone even.

Try: Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream Moisturizer (SGD92), First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream (SGD53)

arbutin skincare ingredient
Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream Moisturizer, SGD92
arbutin skincare ingredient
First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream, SGD53