Just when we thought we’ve gained a thorough understanding of all the ingredients in our favorite skincare, a new or alternative ingredient makes it’s way onto the scene.  These new/alternative ingredients, which show up in entirely new products or as new iterations of the products  we’ve been using might make you wonder if what you are currently using is “the one”.  But, if you are anything like me and other beauty enthusiasts and experts out there, you are definitely one to do some research, shopping and testing.  With piqued interest, we do whatever is necessary to get our hands, faces, lips and hair acquainted with these new products on the market.  Contained in these products are breakthrough ingredients that promise to be better than their predecessor and revolutionize how we do skincare and beauty.  Are these ingredients here to stay or will they eventually fade into oblivion?  Only time will tell.  Below are 8 ingredients/concepts that are making a mark in the skincare, beauty and wellness industries and taking up space on our vanities and bathroom sinks.  

Cica.  Around the later half of 2018 I started noticing products with the ingredient cica. Cica, also known as centella asiatica, is a well known herb in Asia and very popular in Chinese medicine. A more familiar name is tiger balm and is associated with the tigers who supposedly roll around in the herb to help regenerate their skin from battle wounds.  For humans, cica, which has antibacterial properties, is great for sensitized skin and aids in repairing the skin barrier.  It is also great for caring for the skin after procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments. Dr Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream

Polyhydroxy Acids aka PHA’s.  Just when we got a handle on understanding what AHA’s did for our skin, another acid makes it’s way into the spotlight. Unlike AHA’s which can cause irritation to the skin and make it more sensitive to the sun, PHA’s have larger molecules which don’t penetrate as quickly and deeply, causing less irritation thus making PHA’s a possibly better alternative for sensitive skin.  The end goal of a PHA is the same as AH  (chemical exfoliation for brighter, smoother skin) but less aggressive.  Ole Henriksen Phat Glow Facial

Retinols/Retinol Alternatives.  Although this ingredient is the holy grail of skincare ingredients, nothing raises eyebrows more than the word retinol.  As a vitamin A derivative, retinol is responsible for making skin cells act younger. Today’s versions of this old school ingredient originally prescribed for acne, now shows up in serums, moisturizer and various other treatments with buffers such as manuka honey to counteract the sometimes aggressive effects of retinol.  Now there  are retinol alternatives such as bakuchiol which promise to deliver similar line reducing, collagen producing results as traditional retinols but that are less irritating and invasive.  Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum

Overnight Eye Sleeping Masks.   We all know the importance of using eye creams for the delicate eye area EVERY SINGLE DAY AND NIGHT. There are many formulations to address various concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, brightening, puffiness and refreshing – you name it, there is a a potion for it.   Recently, I have seen an uptick in overnight eye sleeping masks and like overnight sleeping masks for the face, these particular masks provide the same benefits to the eye area while you sleep.  Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask

Liquid Exfoliators.  Back in the day, one of the skincare steps that was included in a solid skincare routine was the use of a physical exfoliator. These physical exfoliators helped to refine and brighten the texture of the skin and are still a product of choice for many.  The newer kid on the block, liquid exfoliators, which are acids that exfoliate (AHA, BHA, PHA) provide a form of chemical exfoliation without the abrasiveness and helps to unclog pores, brighten, smooth and get rid of dark spots. Please note if you are using retinols and liquid exfoliators ask part of your skincare routine, alternate your days between the two products until you build up tolerance and to prevent excess drying and irritation.  Nip + Fab Exfoliate Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Daily 2%

CBD.  It’s no secret that many of today’s beauty products – from mascara, serums, body and intimate care – seem to be infused with CBD.  But what exactly is CBD and will you start tripping off of it?   Well, CBD, also known as a cannabinoid, comes from the canibus sativa plant and because it doesn’t contain THC, a known psychoaticive, you will not get high or start tripping.  So then why would you want a product that contains CBD?   CBD has antioxidants and can treat inflammation, anxiety and pain.  It can also help with skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.  Hora Skincare Super Serum + CBD

Adaptogens.  Although not a new concept as adaptogens have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayuvedic healing/medicine, the conversation around adaptogens has ramped up in recent years.  Adaptogens are a category of non-toxic plants (and some mushrooms) that help the body resist stressors.  We all know the long term effects that stress can have on the immune, neurological and physical aspects of our being and it is though that the use adaptogens in addition to a balanced diet and lifestyle can lead to better health.   Adaptogens can be found in various forms including teas, pre-mixed powders as well as pills and capsules and includes rhodiola, ashwagandha, reishi, maca root, turmeric and ginseng.  Moonjuice Super You Dietary Supplement

Sustainability.  So we know about the impact our lifestyle is having on the environment in the way of global warming. It’s not a new thing for brands to pay attention to the ingredients they are putting in the products we use on our bodies but more and more beauty companies and brands are putting more effort into recycled packaging – even down to the ink that is used in printing on the packaging. Companies even have goals on being completely sustainable within a particular timeframe. Wildcrafting is a term (as it relates to skincare ingredients) that I have been hearing more of recently and refers to the sustainable practice of harvesting a plant as it grows naturally in its environment.