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The Hottest Skincare Ingredients To Know In 2022

Feature: Long Read
Words by Olivia de Courcy

In recent years, we’ve seriously boffed up on our skincare ingredient knowledge: what we put on our skin has become just as important as what we put into it. With brands like The Ordinary exploding in popularity thanks to its no-fuss ‘does what is says on the tin’ approach, it’s clear that the skincare ingredient language once reserved for laboratories and those in-the-know is now firmly part of our everyday routines. Here, we break down 2022’s most searched-for skincare ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol and collagen, and share our editor’s picks of some of the best you’ll  find in the Beauty Halls and at H beauty.

The Acid Alphabet

We have AHAs, BHAs and PHAs, then there is hyaluronic acid, glycolic, lactic, mandelic and polyglutamic … yes, there are a lot of acids in the skincare ingredient world, all with very important roles to play to give you the best skin of your life. Being the parents of the group, AHAs, BHAs and PHAs come in handy to help resurface and brighten the skin. Loosening dead skin cells (AHAs), de-clogging pores (BHAs) and gently exfoliating (PHAs) - they are key in revealing new, healthy skin underneath. Within these ingredient families we have exciting new formulas that are brightening, blemish-busting and fortifying for the skin barrier.

Retinol

Whether you use retinol in your serum, moisturiser or eye cream, one thing’s for sure: it works. It’s the only scientifically proven ingredient to reduce signs of ageing and, in the simplest sense, it’s an antioxidant derived from vitamin A. Retinol is one of a few ‘retinoids’ (other forms include retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate) – so see any of those on the label and you’re on the right track.

For those new on the retinol journey, start with a low percentage and work your way up – as it can cause irritation, including sun sensitivity, so it’s best used in the PM and followed up with a sunscreen the next day. Skinceuticals’ Retinol 0.3 is a favourite among beauty editors, which you can find in the Hair & Beauty Salon, or try Sarah Chapman’s Overnight Facial Deluxe with the Natura Bissé Inhibit Retinol Eye Lift for more oomph.

Collagen

Collagen is what keeps our skin supple, bouncy and ‘plump’, making up 75% of its structure, but depletes at a rather rapid pace as we age – hence wrinkles and ‘sagging’ occur. Keep those levels high (a trend known as ‘collagen banking’) by supplementing regularly and including it in your routine – you’ll find it in lots of skincare including Murad’s Rapid Collagen Infusion Serum, Dr Dennis Gross’ C+ Collagen line and Estée Lauder’s Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Crème.

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ESTÉE LAUDER Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Crème (50ml)

Vitamin E

Both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient, vitamin E has an incredible wealth of benefits for the skin. Its antioxidative effects can prevent against the formation of dark spots, it also fights against the oxidative effects of environmental pollution and works to calm irritated and acne-prone complexions.

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JO MALONE LONDON Vitamin E Gel
Ceramides
Ceramides

 

Considered the glue that holds our skin cells together, ceramides help to fortify and strengthen our skin barrier to protect it against any stressors – think pollution, harsh acids or stripping ingredients. Strengthen the barrier and in return promote a healthy and calm complexion. 

 

Shop Wildsmith Ceramide Lipid Repair Balm

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