11 Trending Skin Care Ingredients In 2022

Prevention is hot in 2022. This year’s trending skin care ingredients include numerous plant-based compounds that are high in free-radical fighting antioxidants. These ingredients offer protection from pollution, UV light, and other environmental stressors that damage skin, lead to aging, and cause discoloration.

Here are our picks for the most sought-after skin care ingredients of 2022:

Caffeine

While caffeine in your skin care won’t wake you up exactly the same way a cup of coffee does, topically-applied caffeine has antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and help keep skin looking brighter and more youthful.

Green Tea

Like coffee-based products, green tea contains caffeine and is high in antioxidants, which protect against damaging free radicals. Green Tea also contains EGCG, a polyphenol which may protect against skin cancer by reducing oxidative stress in melanoma cells.

CBD

CBD is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Like caffeine, it’s high in antioxidants. Anti-inflammatory properties make CBD useful for calming acne. Oil based CBD products help reduce sebum production, while water-based formulas more easily absorb into skin for calming benefits.

Pre-Biotics

Probiotics are the natural, tiny organisms that play a role in balancing the skin’s biome. This year, pre-biotics, the nutrients that feed those microorganisms, are most popular. Prebiotics keep probiotics alive and active, efficiently decreasing inflammation, minimizing acne and helping to keep skin hydrated.

Peptides 

Peptides are amino acids which are necessary for building protein, including collagen and elastin. These two proteins prevent wrinkles by giving skin structure and flexibility. Products containing peptides can help smooth wrinkles and reduce signs of aging.

Growth Factors

Growth factors trigger cells to produce collagen and activate healing. They can help smooth and firm skin, preventing and repairing lines and wrinkles. While some growth factors are derived from human stem cells, those made from plants are gaining in popularity.

Plant-Based Ceramides

Ceramides are fat compounds that keep skin hydrated and safe from environmental stress by creating a strong protective barrier. Typically made from synthetic compounds, plant-based ceramides derived from wheat, rice or sweet potatoes are becoming more common.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it should not clog pores. This hydrating oil is easily absorbed by the skin, making it an efficient provider of antioxidants. The soothing ingredient keeps skin moisturized, promotes wound healing and pairs well with all other active ingredients.

Fermented Ingredients

Fermented ingredients are not only full of probiotics, but more readily bioavailable and easily absorbed by skin. Newer ingredients go beyond soy to include fermented rose, fig, millet or barley. These products contain polysaccharides, hydrating compounds which are essential for skin repair.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant found in nature. The carotenoid is what gives salmon its subtle pink color. Similar to vitamin C, but much stronger, astaxanthin brightens skin, fights fine lines, calms acne and protects against UV radiation.

Madecassoside

Madecassoside is a plant-based ingredient with soothing, healing properties. To find it, look for creams with asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoside or madecassic acid. Perfect for sensitive skin, the natural antioxidant reduces inflammation.

These trending skin care ingredients are found in creams, moisturizers, masks and serums. For more information on how to best incorporate their healing, protective properties into your daily skincare routine, speak to your dermatologist.

Dr. Tatiana Sousa is a board certified dermatologist who completed her undergraduate degree in biology at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey. She earned her medical degree and completed her internal medicine internship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. Dr. Sousa went on to complete her dermatology residency at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as chief resident in her final year.