The 10 Next Big Ingredients in Beauty
Source: The 10 Next Big Ingredients in Beauty
By now, you may already have heard about argan, quercetin, and maracuja. After all, they're three of the hottest skin care and makeup ingredients around these days. But what about the stuff you'll be hearing about in six months or a year's time? We've gathered 10 of the buzzed-about ingredients that are just making their way into products. So get ahead of the game, and start using them before they get trendy (and expensive). To see the contenders for the next rave-worthy ingredient, just keep reading.
Pracaxi oil - This oil of Amazonian extraction has high levels of behenic acid, so it's antiseptic and moisturizing at the same time. It's supposed to help with acne, and it also makes hair more hydrated and shiny. If you're in the market for an inexpensive way to gloss up your hair, you'll find pracaxi in Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter, which hits stores in October. Or you can just order the oil yourself on Amazon and then put a few drops in your conditioner or straight into your hair.
Bearberry - This plant has a long history in folk medicine in both North America and Eurasia, treating sores, back pain, and UTIs. There's no hard data on its abilities, but in products like Juice Beauty Soothing Serum ($36), it's used as a skin brightener because it contains arbutin, a hydroquinone derivative.
Black cohosh - This North American plant has been used for thousands of years to treat everything from sore throats to depression. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, so it can help relieve both irritation and redness, and it's also packed with antioxidants.
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Monk's pepper - These berries have been proven to help treat the hormonal fluctuations associated with PMS, and they're also an excellent source of free radical-scavenging antioxidants. You can see whether they work for you with Mychelle Revitalizing Night Cream ($39).
Harakeke - Also known as New Zealand flax, this plant is the source for the fiber in Maori textiles. The useful fiber isn't what's making this a cutting-edge additive, though. Instead, it's the lignans and extremely high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Together, they have tons of antioxidant and hydrating abilities. Using regular flaxseed oil probably works just as well, but if you'd like to try the fancy version from Oceania, you'll find it in Skincare Harakeke Body Lotion ($38).
Larch tree - Larch extract contains arabinogalactan, a polysaccharide that's supposed to help speed healing. There's little evidence to back this up, but it's long been used in central Europe, and research suggests that it actually does have some antimocrobial properties. If you're curious to see what all the fuss is about, you can try it in Bach Flower Remedies Essence Larch ($11).
Quince seed extract - Quince is a fruit closely related to apples and pears, and the extract from its seeds is full of polysaccharides that promote wound healing and skin repair. It's also a good moisturizer, so you can find it in products like Korres Yogurt Body Butter ($29).
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Bryophyllum - Known as an air plant or "devil's backbone," these leafy green plants have traditionally been used across Asia as a cure for sores. Now, they're bringing their reputed healing powers to fancy skin care like Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Serum ($85).
Chinese gromwell - This herb is a relative of borage, which has long been known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Gromwell is supposed to be very similar, and has a long history as a cooling curative in Chinese medicine. You can give it a try in Jurlique Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel ($67).
Norway spruce - Love Vick's Vaporub but ashamed to be seen using it now that you're a sophisticated adult? Norway spruce is the hip new sinus opener. You can use the oil on your chest, in a bath, or in the sauna to clear sinus pathways and get that cool tingly feeling.
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