The year is 2022, and your skincare routine is only as good as the active ingredients headlining it. Whether you are stashing salicylic acid as a fire extinguisher in every vanity bag or reaching for hyaluronic acid to keep dryness at bay, increased skincare savviness is helping actives take the lead in all our beauty conversations.
The notion is seconded by a spokesperson for Nykaa SKINRX, who has observed consumer needs evolving towards conscious well-being beyond just vanity. “We are witnessing a greater leaning towards science-backed beauty solutions with a higher awareness about actives. Products that are derma-backed and have proven results will be the new measure of success and value for money, irrespective of cost,” they observe. According to a recent study, a new host of miracle workers are slated to become a part of everyone’s arsenal in 2023. As cult-favourite ingredients, like pro-retinol, take a nosedive in the popularity rankings, here are the ingredients that are poised to take its place:
“2023 is going to be the year of ceramides. Across the Internet, consumers are sharing their concerns about damaged skin barriers that feel inflamed, dry, irritated or extremely sensitive. For those looking to strengthen and replenish their skin barrier, ceramides serve as the go-to choice,” says the spokesperson.
Peptides are also scaling the trend charts because unlike other anti-ageing ingredients, they do not cause irritation or redness and are safe to use on all skin types. Dr Kiran Sethi, skin and wellness expert and author of Skin Sense, notes, “Copper peptides are a favourite of mine because copper is an important co-factor in many of our protein synthesis. Copper-derived actives, such as copper peptides, can be helpful for healing and boosting collagen synthesis.”
“Kojic acid is an old active discovered by the Japanese that is finding popularity again due to its work in reducing pigmentation by dialling down melanin synthesis. It serves as a safe and gentle solution and quite effective for surface-level pigmentation,” says the founder of Isya Aesthetics, New Delhi.
The origins of alkaline water can be traced back to the 1950s when people started relying on drinking alkaline water for balancing the skin. “The Japanese created plasma water to help improve skin balance. Since they believed that washing the face with alkaline water can reduce acne, it has been finding takers as a mist and as a cleansing agent,” she explains.
Given its work in increasing blood circulation, it comes as little surprise that rosemary oil has been finding favour for boosting hair growth, though Sethi cautions that conclusive data is yet to emerge. “Rosemary oil can also be helpful as an anti-acne active if care is taken to ensure that it doesn’t cause any irritation or inflammation for those who are sensitive to essential oils. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advisable to consult a doctor before adding it to your skincare routine,” she concludes.