Like many things, skincare ingredients also experience waves of popularity. So we rounded up 35 trending skincare ingredients and explained what they do and how they work.

1. Aloe Vera

Type of ingredient:

Skin soother

Benefits:

Hydrates, soothes, and calms the skin. Perfect for those looking to soothe and moisturize their skin from sunburn.

Works best with:

To maximize its soothing properties, use other anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Do not mix with:

Avoid using this with alcohol which can negate the soothing properties of aloe.

Product Recommendations:

1. Epicuren Aloe Vera Calming Gel
2. Rhonda Allison Matte Moisture Cream
3. Skin Script Light Aloe Moisturizer

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

Type of ingredient:

Acid/chemical exfoliant

Benefits:

Most people can benefit from exfoliating properties that help minimize dullness and even out texture.

Works best with:

Hydrating ingredients.

Do not mix with:

Retinol, be wary of using other AHAs and BHAs as they can irritate the skin. Peptides can slow the penetration of AHAs.

Product Recommendations:

1. Glymed Plus AHA Accelerator
2. Rhonda Allison Herbal AHA Cleanse
3. M.A.D Skincare Youth Transformation Exfoliating Serum 10% AHA

3. Argan Oil

Type of ingredient:

Moisturizer

Benefits:

All skin types can use this oil to help protect the skin, lock in moisture, and soften the skin.

Works best with:

Other actives.

Do not mix with:

Retinol.

Product Recommendations:

1. Morrocan Oil Dry Body Oil
2. Bioelements Dewluxe
3. Lira Clinical MYSTIQ iLuminating Beauty Oil with PSC

4. Azelaic Acid

Type of ingredient:

Acid, exfoliant

Benefits:

All skin types can benefit from this acid due to its exfoliating properties. It is ideal for those with acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin or those wanting to treat hyperpigmentation.

Works best with:

AHAs, BHAs, and retinol.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. Jan Marini Bioclear Face Lotion
2. PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free - pHaze 13
3. DermaQuest DermaClear Serum

5. Bakuchiol

Type of ingredient:

Hydrator

Benefits:

Reduces the appearance of pores, aids in wrinkle reduction, and aids in firming the skin.

Works best with:

Other hydrating ingredients like squalane.

Do not mix with:

Glycolic acid as it can degrade formula.

Product Recommendations:

1. HydroPeptide Power Luxe
2. AnteAGE Accelerator
3. PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment

6. Benzoyl Peroxide

Type of ingredient:

Anti-bacterial

Benefits:

Reduces bacteria that cause acne.

Works best with:

Salicylic acid.

Do not mix with:

Other benzoyl peroxide products and vitamin C because it can cause skin irritation.

Product Recommendations:

1. Face Reality 10% Acne Med
2. Glymed Plus Serious Action Skin Wash
3. Circadia Nighttime Control Lotion (5% Benzoyl Peroxide)

7. Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

Type of ingredient:

Acid/Exfoliant

Benefits:

Has skin soothing properties as well as anti-bacterial properties that are beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Works best with:

Hydrating ingredients as it can dry out the skin.

Do not mix with:

Retinol, be wary of using other AHAs and BHAs as they can irritate the skin.

Product Recommendations:

1. Murad Hydration AHA BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
2. DermaQuest DermaClear BHA Cleanser
3. Glo Skin Beauty Beta-Clarity BHA Drops

8. Castor Oil

Type of ingredient:

Hydrator

Benefits:

Has skin soothing, hydrating, and detoxifying properties. Beneficial for those looking to prevent wrinkles.

Works best with:

Other oils such as jojoba and almond oils.

Do not mix with:

Other potentially irritating ingredients or use if you are pregnant.

Product Recommendations:

1. PCA Skin C-Quench Antioxidant Serum - pHaze 15+
2. Babor Ampoule Concentrates SOS Active Purifier
3. Skin Authority Well Being Bath & Shower Retreat

9. CBD

Type of ingredient:

Antioxidant

Benefits:

Reduces inflammation and neutralizes free radicals. Beneficial for those with sensitive, compromised, or inflamed skin.

Works best with:

Actives that are used to nourish and calm the skin (peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, etc.).

Do not mix with:

Alcohols because it can irritate already inflamed skin. Use caution when searching for skincare products containing CBD, as it is unregulated in the industry.

Product Recommendations:

1. Glymed Plus HEMP Micro Silver Miracle
2. DermaQuest HEMP Healing Balm
3. Glymed Plus HEMP-B3 Facial Mist

10. Ceramides

Type of ingredient:

Moisturizer

Benefits:

Helps restore and rebuild the skin's protective barrier and fights against free radical damage. Suited for all skin types, especially those interested in anti-aging.

Works best with:

Fatty acids and cholesterol. A ratio of one cholesterol, two ceramides, and one fatty acid mimics that of your natural skin barrier and is most beneficial for the skin.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. Control Corrective Ceramide Daily Cream
2. Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist
3. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules Eye Serum

11. Collagen

Type of ingredient:

Protein

Benefits:

Moisturizes the skin, which is beneficial for anyone interested in anti-aging skincare.

Works best with:

Retinol or retinoids to help boost collagen production.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. Sculplla Promoter Collagen Gel
2. Le Mieux Collagen Peptide Serum
3. Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder

12. Dimethicone

Type of ingredient:

Emollient

Benefits:

Seals moisture and protects the skin, also gives a smooth texture to skincare products.

Works best with:

Humectants and other active ingredients.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients.

13. Ferulic Acid

Type of ingredient:

Antioxidant

Benefits:

Aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and sun spots. Can also help protect against free radical damage.

Works best with:

Other antioxidants, Vitamins C & D.

Do not mix with:

Exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic acids) can alter the pH, changing this acid's effectiveness.

Product Recommendations:

1. Photozyme Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum With DNA
2. PFB Skin Triple Antiox Serum
3. Doctor D. Schwab Alpha Prho-LE Super C-Ferulic Acid Serum

14. Glycerin

Type of ingredient:

Hydrator

Benefits:

Moisturizes and smooths the skin.

Works best with:

Moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients. High concentrations are not usually used in most skincare products.

15. Glycolic Acid

Type of ingredient:

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)/Acid/Exfoliant

Benefits:

Exfoliates the skin by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. Stimulates collagen production and can act as a humectant.

Works best with:

Humectants such as hyaluronic acid.

Do not mix with:

Using other AHAs, BHAs, and retinol can cause skin irritation. Speak with a skin professional before incorporating those into your routine.

Product Recommendations:

1. Skin Script Glycolic Cleanser
2. Face Reality Glycolic-Lactic Toner
3. Epicuren Glycolic Lotion Skin Peel 5%

16. Grapeseed Oil

Type of ingredient:

Oil/Moisturizer

Benefits:

Moisturizes, fades scars, lightens dark circles, and prevents sun damage.

Works best with:

Other oils like almond, avocado, and jojoba.

Do not mix with:

Drying or harsh ingredients that counteract the moisturizing properties of this oil (retinol, salicylic acid, etc.)

Product Recommendations:

1. Skin Authority Oil Nutrient for Face, Hair & Nails
2. BiON Nutrient Enriched Face & Body Oil
3. Skin Authority Ultra Rich Moisturizer

17. Green Tea

Type of ingredient:

Antioxidant

Benefits:

Protects and soothes skin, reduces sebum, and helps with signs of aging. Safe for most skin types unless you have a known allergy.

Works best with:

Other antioxidants such as vitamins C & E.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. Skin Script Green Tea Citrus Cleanser
2. Skin Script Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum
3. BiON Green Tea Clay Poultice

18. Hyaluronic Acid

Type of ingredient:

Hydrator

Benefits:

Moisturizes skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Beneficial for everyone, especially those with dehydrated skin. Conduct a test patch first if you have eczema or rosacea.

Works best with:

Glycolic acid, Vitamin b5, Vitamin C.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. AnteAGE Hyaluronic Acid Glide
2. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask
3. Image Skincare Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic 6 Filler

19. Hydroquinone

Type of ingredient:

Spot lightener

Benefits:

Evens out skin tone and helps lighten age spots and hyperpigmentation. Safe to use on most skin types, but conduct a patch test first as some skin types may have a sensitivity.

Works best with:

According to skin professionals, the ideal ratio in a hydroquinone product is percent four hydroquinone, .025 percent tretinoin, and mild over-the-counter cortisone.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients. Many brands offer skin-lightening products with hydroquinone alternatives or do not add this ingredient to their formulations. Speak with your skin care professional if you wish to include products with this ingredient in your routine.

Product Recommendations:

1. M.A.D Skincare Fade Gel 6 (Hydroquinone FREE)
2. Glymed Plus Diamond Bright Skin Lightener
3. Skin Authority Hyperpigmentation Treatment

20. Jojoba Oil

Type of ingredient:

Emollient

Benefits:

Hydrates the skin while helping balance natural oil production, offers anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, may help reduce acne, and offers antioxidant protection.

Works best with:

Can be combined with most ingredients and is a staple in cosmetic formulations.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. Rhonda Allison Gentle Jojoba Beads
2. Epicuren Defy Age Corrective Facial Oil
3. Bioelements Really Rich Moisture

21. Kojic Acid

Type of ingredient:

Skin Brightener

Benefits:

Inhibits enzyme that is necessary for melanin production, helping lighten the skin. Can also provide some antioxidant protection.

Works best with:

According to some studies, kojic acid can enhance the effects of glycolic acid.

Do not mix with:

Be wary of using other products, as using too much of any ingredient can cause skin irritation.

Product Recommendations:

1. PCA Skin Pigment Bar (pHaze 13)
2. Glymed Plus Derma Pigment Skin Brightener
3. Rhonda Allison Brightening Cream Enhanced

22. Lactic Acid

Type of ingredient:

AHA/Exfoliant

Benefits:

Increases cell turnover, helps skin retain moisture, may help with acne and scarring, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Works best with:

Hydrators such as hyaluronic acid.

Do not mix with:

Other AHAs, BHAs, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide because mixing too many of these can cause skin irritation.

Product Recommendations:

1. Face Reality Glycolic-Lactic Toner
2. Sothys Cosmeceutique LC Lactic Dermobooster
3. Sanitas Cranberry Lactic Mask

23. Licorice Root Extract

Type of ingredient:

Skin brightener

Benefits:

Inhibits enzyme that is necessary for melanin production, helping lighten the skin. Can also provide some antioxidant protection. Sometimes used as a brightening alternative for pregnant women looking to reduce melasma.

Works best with:

Often mixed with other brighteners and antioxidants, such as vitamin C.

Do not mix with:

Can cause skin irritation if combined with retinol and hydroquinone.

Product Recommendations:

1. Eminence Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum
2. Circadia Licorice and Bearberry Brightening Mist
3. Eminence Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel

24. Mandelic Acid

Type of ingredient:

AHA/Skin brightener

Benefits:

Inhibits enzyme that is necessary for melanin production, helping lighten the skin. Can also provide some antioxidant protection. Sometimes used as a brightening alternative for pregnant women looking to reduce melasma.

Works best with:

Often mixed with other brighteners and antioxidants, such as vitamin C.

Do not mix with:

Can cause skin irritation if combined with retinol and hydroquinone.

Product Recommendations:

1. Eminence Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum
2. Circadia Licorice and Bearberry Brightening Mist
3. NeoGenesis Mandelic Acid 8%

25. Niacinamide

Type of ingredient:

Skin brightener

Benefits:

A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide provides brightening properties, reduces signs of aging, and can help reduce acne. In addition, it may help reduce redness and irritation caused by retinol.

Works best with:

Stable and powerful antioxidants such as green tea.

Do not mix with:

Works well with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. Sanitas Detoxifying Scrub Mask
2. Dermalogica Active Clearing Age Bright Clearing Serum
3. Dermalogica Clear Start Micro-Pore Mist

26. Petroleum Jelly

Type of ingredient:

Occlusive

Benefits:

Soothes skin, seals in moisture, and can accelerate the healing process. Commonly used as the occlusive product in the slugging skincare technique.

Works best with:

Moisturizers.

Do not mix with:

Super oily or acne-prone skin types.

Product Recommendations (Occlusives):

1. Glymed Plus PC-10 Amino Acid Epidermal Sealant
2. AnteAGE Biogel Occlusive
3. Jan Marini Marini BioShield Rapid Recovery Complex

27. Polyhydroxy Acids

Type of ingredient:

Exfoliant

Benefits:

Exfoliate skin surface results in a more even and smooth texture and appearance. It may be suitable as an alternative for AHAs/BHAs for those with sensitive skin.

Works best with:

Other acids in low concentrations.

Do not mix with:

High concentrations of acids (AHAs/BHAs) can cause skin damage and irritation.

Product Recommendations:

1. Skin Regimen Glyco-Lacto Peel
2. Exuviance Overnight Recovery Masque
3. Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF 50 PA++++

28. Probiotics

Type of ingredient:

Bacterial supplement

Benefits:

Supports restoration of the skin barrier, calms internal and external inflammation, and may offer protection from harmful environmental particles. Beneficial for those with inflamed or damaged skin barriers.

Works best with:

Ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.

Do not mix with:

Check with your physician or skin care professional for more personalized details, but probiotics are generally safe with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. Wilma Schumann Probiotic Boosting Serum
2. Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer
3. Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotics Ultimate

29. Retinol

Type of ingredient:

Antioxidant

Benefits:

Boost collagen production and increases cell turnover. Beneficial for those interested in anti-aging.

Works best with:

Hydrating products, niacinamide, ceramides.

Do not mix with:

Heavy scrubs, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide. These products can be too much for the skin and cause irritation. Do not use it if you are pregnant or nursing. If you have sensitive or inflamed skin, speak with your skincare professional or look for a retinol alternative.

Product Recommendations:

1. Skin Script Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub
2. Rhonda Allison Retinol Supreme
3. Image Skincare IMAGE MD Restoring Retinol Booster

30. Rosehip Oil

Type of ingredient:

Oil/moisturizer

Benefits:

Regenerates and heals the skin, helps fight signs of aging, boosts collagen production, protects against free radicals, and brightens and evens the skin.

Works best with:

Can be combined with most ingredients.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients

Product Recommendations:

1. Eminence Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil
2. Skin Authority Oil Nutrient for Face, Hair & Nails
3. Pinks Boutique Ocha & Rosehip Moisturizer

31. Salicylic Acid

Type of ingredient:

BHA/Exfoliant

Benefits:

Helps remove excess oils and sebum, slough off dead skin cells, and helps reduce white and blackheads—most beneficial for those looking to treat superficial breakouts and those with acne-prone and oily skin.

Works best with:

Soothing ingredients because salicylic acid may cause skin irritation. Conduct a patch test first.

Do not mix with:

Salicylic acid is best used alone, as mixing it with other physical and chemical exfoliants can cause skin irritation.

Product Recommendations:

1. Rhonda Allison Salicylic "A" Serum
2. Face Reality Salicylic Serum
3. BiON Salicylic-Glycolic Gel

32. Squalane

Type of ingredient:

Emollient

Benefits:

Supports skin barrier function, calms inflammation, and can help regulate oil production. Beneficial for all skin types.

Works best with:

AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, and retinol.

Do not mix with:

Safe to use with most ingredients.

Product Recommendations:

1. Bioelements Dewluxe
2. Sanitas Skin Soothing Concentrate
3. Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil 100% Purified Squalane

33. Vitamin A

Type of ingredient:

Retinoid

Benefits:

Has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts collagen production, promotes cell turnover, and decreases oil production.

Works best with:

Soothing and hydrating ingredients such as chamomile and hyaluronic acid. Always apply SPF with vitamin a since it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun's rays.

Do not mix with:

AHAs or BHAs can irritate the skin; conduct a patch test first.

Product Recommendations:

1. Face Reality Vitamin A Corrective Serum
2. Circadia Vitamin A Gel
3. BiON Vitamin A+ Antioxidant Complex

34. Vitamin C

Type of ingredient:

Antioxidant

Benefits:

Boost collagen production, can help even out skin tone, and protects against free radicals.

Works best with:

Antioxidants like ferulic acid and vitamin E.

Do not mix with:

Can cause irritation on sensitive skin types and can be problematic for oily skin types; always conduct a patch test first. Avoid using vitamin c with benzoyl peroxide, retinol, AHAs, and BHAs, as the ingredients can make vitamin c unstable and render it useless, or you can cause skin irritation.

Product Recommendations:

1. Sanitas Topical C
2. Glymed Plus Master Aesthetics Elite Vitamin C Serum
3. Skin Script Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum

35. Vitamin E

Type of ingredient:

Barrier booster

Benefits:

Antioxidant properties, soothes the skin, and seals in moisture. Beneficial for those with dry skin.

Works best with:

Vitamin e and ferulic acid.

Do not mix with:

Retinol and Vitamin a.

Product Recommendations:

1. SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex
2. Glymed Plus Cell Science Vitamin E-Sensual Cell Cream
3. PFB Skin Triple Antiox Serum

With the help of social media, skincare ingredients and products also experience surges in popularity. After choosing 35 trending ingredients and explaining what they do, we hope this knowledge can help you navigate the changing and confusing skincare industry. Did we miss any ingredients? What ingredient do you think is going to go viral next? Let us know in the comments below!