The year will be over before you know it, and what better way to kick-start that “new year, new me” routine than by upgrading your skincare regimen. To find out which trending ingredients are worth exploring, we did some research on Terri Vinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Australia-based global skincare company Synergie Skin. Here are some of her picks for the hottest ingredients of 2022.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR)
For years, dermatologists and beauty experts have sworn that retinol is the key to everlasting youth and beauty. However, the ingredient can be harsh, leaving many users to question if it’s right for them. Hydroxypinacolone retinoate is quickly emerging as an alternative that doesn’t cause the same peeling and irritation.
“HPR is the rising star in the vitamin A family for very good reasons,” Vinson says. “Clinical studies demonstrate that HPR visibly reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles in as little as 14 days, while also reducing uneven skin tone, firming the skin, reducing visible pores, and addressing excess oil production.”
Peptides
Peptides already flood the cosmeceutical sector in skincare, and they’re expected to be even more popular in 2022. Why? “Peptides are made up of small numbers of amino acids – the building blocks of larger protein molecules – that are small enough to penetrate the skin, unlike large complex proteins,” Vinson says.
Thanks to their size, peptides can stimulate collagen production, achieve more even skin tones, and minimize redness, inflammation, and fine lines. Unlike naturally occurring ingredients, peptides can easily be customized to target specific skincare issues.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil
You might be put off by the idea of something “prickly” being included in products made for your skin. But you should give prickly pear seed oil a chance – we swear it won’t poke you! As its name implies, prickly pear is a species of cactus with highly beneficial oil.
“The oil contains a vital skin component, linoleic acid, which helps hydrate the skin, protect the delicate skin barrier, and prevent water loss,” says Vinson. “It is also a potent antioxidant that protects from environmental and UV damage.”
In addition to all these benefits, prickly pear seed oil is known to minimize redness and irritation, promote healing, and combat skin breakouts.
Want to know about more trending ingredients for 2022? Check this post from the Synergie Skin Blog.