French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura with luminous skin outside Jacquemus, during the Paris Fashion Week – menswear spring/summer 2026 on 29 June 2025 in Paris, France.
Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
- Skincare ingredients are increasingly focusing on healthy skin.
- The focus on health is seen through trends like ‘cleanical skin’ and ‘skin streaming’.
- Skincare ingredients like niacinamide and ectoin are ones to keep your eye on.
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It’s getting interesting in the world of beauty and you don’t want to be left out!
New revolutionary treatments are popping up every day. But let’s be real – you can’t try them all, which is where we come in.
Here are skincare ingredients to know about:
1. Power of peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins in the skin, like collagen and elastin. In skincare, they act as messengers, signalling skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin, which help keep it firm, smooth, and resilient.
They are used in products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture, and enhance overall skin health. This popular ingredient, an amino acid also naturally present in the skin, can help diminish wrinkles, enhance the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and boost elasticity.
However, not all peptides are alike. Enzyme inhibitor peptides prevent the breakdown of collagen, which firms skin. Signal peptides stimulate your cells to produce collagen, elastin and other proteins. Carrier peptides deliver other beneficial substances, like copper and magnesium, into the skin for enhanced results.
Neuropeptides can also relax muscle contractions that cause lines and wrinkles, making your skin appear smoother and more supple. No matter how you choose to use them, a peptide-rich serum or moisturiser is a smart choice.
2. Did someone say niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 known for its benefits in skincare. It works to strengthen the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production, which helps retain moisture and prevents water loss, resulting in more hydrated skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm redness and irritation, making it effective for acne and rosacea.
It helps minimise the appearance of pores by regulating oil production, providing a smoother complexion. It is also effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots, promoting a more even skin tone by inhibiting pigment transfer within the skin.
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Regular use of niacinamide enhances skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Moreover, it offers some protection against oxidative stress and damage from environmental factors like pollution and toxins.
Due to its gentle yet effective nature, niacinamide is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is commonly found in serums, moisturisers and masks.
3. Ectoin: nature’s shield
Ectoin is a small molecule sourced from bacteria known for surviving in extreme habitats.
It forms a protective barrier, safeguarding the skin against harmful environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution.
Research indicates that ectoin not only retains moisture but also calms inflammation, making it essential for comprehensive skin protection.
Ectoin in skincare is known for providing protection and hydration. It acts as a barrier against environmental factors, helping the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated.
Additionally, it soothes and calms irritation, making it beneficial for sensitive skin, and strengthens the skin’s natural defences to maintain overall skin health and resilience.
Ectoin can be incorporated into both your day and nighttime regimen. Apply to a clean face before applying your moisturiser.
4. Acids
Oil control just got cool. The focus on skincare is increasingly centred on creating products that promote healthier and more balanced skin, with a particular emphasis on oil control.
One of the leading trends is ‘skin streaming’, which advocates a simplified skincare routine. This approach focuses on using a few targeted products, such as a specialised cleanser, a lightweight moisturiser, and a mattifying sunscreen, to efficiently manage oil without overwhelming the skin.
The trend, known as ‘cleanical skincare’, is gaining traction, blending the principles of clean beauty with clinically effective formulations.
Products are being crafted without harsh chemicals while still including potent ingredients that effectively manage oil production and prevent breakouts.
Additionally, there is a growing demand for multi-functional ingredients that address several skin issues at once.
Ingredients like salicylic and azelaic acids are highly sought after for their ability to control oil, treat acne and enhance overall skin texture.
The influence of Korean beauty continues to be felt globally, with a focus on gentle, natural ingredients that help control oil without stripping the skin of its essential moisture.
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These trends reflect a broader consumer desire for simplicity, efficacy and sustainability in skincare, particularly for those dealing with oily complexions.
5. Vitamin C for elevated body care
The skin on your body deserves the same level of care as your face. Modern formulations now include powerful ingredients like glycolic acid for effective exfoliation and vitamin C to combat hyperpigmentation.
Additionally, nourishing oils and moisturisers ensure that the skin stays hydrated and smooth.
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