The world of skincare in 2021 reached booming heights. People became increasingly aware and educated about which brands/products suited their skin and knew precisely what they were looking for as informed consumers. This gave rise to brands experimenting with more unique and trendy skincare ingredients, catapulting a few to the ‘IT’ status. We believe, the quest for clean beauty alternatives is the most significant catalyst for innovation in formulations. Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India and Organiser of the Cosmoprof India show, seconds it, “Consumers are becoming more conscious, and hence green beauty is here to stay. Apart from chemical-free products, sustainability in product packaging has picked up. With demand for clarity over beauty brands’ values and transparency, consumers are inclined towards knowing about what goes in their beauty and skincare products. Consumers want to steer clear of ‘greenwashed’ products.”
At the flag end of this, since an influx of beauty products dominates the market, it is also overflowing with various new lines, new shelves, and a whole lot of new stores. Multiple products, multiple lines, multiple brands – but are these trendy releases worth your time? While some of them may not be worth spending a buck on (we’re looking at you, Chlorophyll), some have actually proven to be quite successful with beauty enthusiasts. Here are the best ones that are worth your time –
1. Probiotics
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It is a fact that not all bacteria is bad bacteria for your gut or your skin. Pre/probiotic skincare is essential to tap into – feeding good bacteria into your system can help maintain balance, and in turn, make your skin thrive. Complexion concerns, hyperpigmentation, slowing signs of ageing, these ‘bacteria’ are now regular shoptalk for beauty fanatics. Label check your products for lactobacillus, bifidabacterium, vitreoscilla, xylitol, rhamnose, glucomannan, and oligosaccharides.
2. CBD
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CBD is primarily a wellness domain that skincare ventured into due to its innate functions. On further investigation, we learnt that the ingredient works mainly to reduce inflammation and redness from breakouts with a more receptive outlook. This naturally occurring chemical compound is found in cannabis plants, and hemp is one-half of the active ingredients in the plant. CBD, however, is not psychotropic, aka it won’t get you high. So, where does it fall into skincare? Various dermatologists have approved CBD as a highly anti-inflammatory best friend and a potent antioxidant. You can find CBD in multiple creams, serums, body oils and even face masks.
3. Polyhydroxy Acids
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When it comes to trendy skincare ingredients, PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acid) have their counterparts – AHAs and BHAs – beat. It’s flaunted its persuasive benefits in the year 2021, with dermatologists vouching for its properties and ability to make your skin glow. Falling under the AHA family, they are larger in size and work on the outer layers of your skin. Exfoliation, smoothing, anti-ageing, and moisturising are just a few of its various functions. It works great with sensitive skin due to its non-irritant properties. It helps retain moisture reserves keeping your skin hydrated. It also boasts anti-inflammatory properties and is a great product to add to your roster if you have acne-prone skin.
4. Collagen
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Collagen is a structural protein present in our skin and an ingredient responsible for giving us plump and youthful skin. Collagen is another innate skin ingredient that can be topically applied or orally supplemented. Skin barrier repair using collagen production inducing agents and products made people further aware that how you repair your skin from the inside matters a lot too, and topical agents can only do so much.
Pro tip – Look for collagen combined with ceramides – a component of your existing skin barrier. These lipids (fat molecules) aid your skin in retaining moisture and maintaining hydro balances. Eczema flare-ups, consistent dry skin even after moisturiser application, and even assisting psoriasis management. These are just a few things this ingredient can look out for. Ceramides primarily act as a protective barrier for your skin, a guard against external entities and forces (I’m being dramatic, it’s just environmental aggressors).
5. Seaweed
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The ocean’s good for way more than just surfing and water sports; various marine ingredients were explored within 2021 in the skincare industry because of their proliferated functions – cell renewal, increased elastin, retaining moisture, skin firmness are just a few out of the umpteen benefits of marine extracts for the skin. Seaweed is one such wildly beneficial trendy skincare ingredient. Filled to the brim with proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, this botanical ingredient can work wonders when it comes to exfoliation, overall brightness, combatting dullness (duh), and regulating oil production.
Photos: Instagram, Pexels
