by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam
5 New Skincare Ingredients You’re Seeing Everywhere
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
