12 Trending Skincare Ingredients You Should Know About
NAD+ precursors to Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) and ectoin, these 12 skincare ingredients help support hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve overall skin health.
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Skincare routines can get overwhelming quickly. With so many serums and actives, it’s easy to use too much or choose products that don’t match your skin’s needs. If your skin feels dry, tight, sensitive, or just off, it may be time to simplify your routine and focus on ingredients that actually work.
From trending skincare ingredients like NAD+ precursors (NR, NMN), ectoin, and beta-glucan to proven actives like polyglutamic acid and bakuchiol, these are the skincare ingredients worth knowing right now.
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1. Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
Hypochlorous acid isn’t a new discovery. It’s a compound your own white blood cells produce naturally, and hospitals have been using it for wound care for years. What changed is that it’s now stable enough to put in a spray bottle and sell. The formula is almost aggressively simple: water, salt, and hypochlorous acid. That’s it. And yet it functions as both an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory, which matters because those two things together are what most reactive skin is actually asking for.
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How to use it: Mist it after cleansing, immediately after a workout, or as a first step before applying something stronger like retinol. It settles the skin down before anything harsher comes into contact with it, which is especially useful if your barrier is already compromised.
Try this: Tower 28’s SOS Rescue Spray, a hypochlorous acid mist formulated specifically for facial use to help calm irritation and support the skin barrier.
NAD+ Precursors (NR, NMN)
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell and is essential for cellular energy and repair. And in skincare, the focus is not on applying NAD+ directly, but on using precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to help support the skin’s natural NAD+ levels.
Supporting NAD+ production is said to improve how the skin functions over time, rather than delivering immediate results.
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How to use it: NAD+ precursors are typically formulated into serums and moisturizers focused on repair and anti-aging support. They can be used both morning and night and pair well with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and peptides.
Try this: Goop Beauty’s Youth-Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream, which uses NAD+ precursors like NMN alongside peptides to support firmness and skin resilience, or for a more direct NR-focused option, LuniCo Laboratory’s NR Cream offers a niche formulation built around nicotinamide riboside.
2. Ectoin
Ectoin is often compared to hyaluronic acid, but it functions differently. While hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin, ectoin helps retain that moisture and supports the skin barrier. It’s derived from microorganisms that survive in extreme environments, which is where its protective properties come from. In skincare, ectoin helps reduce water loss, calm irritation, and support skin under environmental stress.
How to use it: Ectoin is typically found in moisturizers and calming serums. It layers easily with ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, and can be used both morning and night.
Try this: The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, a lightweight option that focuses on hydration and barrier support. For a richer formula, Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue is designed to replenish moisture and reduce visible irritation overnight.
3. Beta-Glucan
Beta-glucan is a naturally derived polysaccharide found in sources like oats, yeast, and fungi. It’s known for its ability to support skin repair while also improving moisture retention, making it especially useful for sensitive or compromised skin.
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In 2026, it’s gaining traction as more routines shift toward barrier-focused care. It helps reduce visible irritation and supports the skin’s ability to recover from environmental stress and overuse of actives.
How to use it: Look for beta-glucan in serums and moisturizers designed for hydration and repair. It pairs well with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and ectoin.
Try this: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan, an accessible option that combines beta-glucan with barrier-supporting lipids to help strengthen and maintain skin hydration
4. Polyglutamic Acid: Your Skin’s New Hydration Hero
You’ve heard of hyaluronic acid, but polyglutamic acid is having a major moment this spring, and for good reason. This moisture magnet is being dubbed as hyaluronic acid’s bigger, thirstier cousin, and it delivers serious hydration without the heaviness. “Polyglutamic acid works a lot like topical hyaluronic acid serum,” explains Medical Director and Founder of Moderna Aesthetica, Dr. Moghadam.
“However, the molecules are larger, drawing more water to your skin. It doubles as a soothing agent for irritated skin.” Because of its larger molecular structure, polyglutamic acid doesn’t penetrate as deeply as hyaluronic acid.
Instead, it forms a moisture-sealing film on the surface, making it a fantastic addition to lightweight spring routines where locking in hydration is key.
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How to use it: Layer it after your essence or serum and before your moisturizer to boost hydration retention. It’s especially good for dry, flaky, or tight skin coming out of winter.
Try this: Tula’s Ultra Hydration Triple-Hydra Complex because of the encapsulated squalane pearls, which plump the skin while delivering moisture and reducing fine lines.
5. Snow Mushroom (Tremella Fuciformis)
Often referred to as the natural version of hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom is more than just a trendy ingredient with a poetic name. Also known as tremella fuciformis, this fungus has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries, but it’s making a major splash in Western beauty circles now.
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“Snow mushroom molecules attract water to them and attach to it, allowing better skin hydration,” says Dr. Moghadam. Its particles are smaller than those of hyaluronic acid, so they penetrate the skin more effectively, giving your complexion a deeper, longer-lasting drink.
How to use it: Look for snow mushroom in hydrating serums, essences, or lightweight gel moisturizers. It’s gentle, soothing and plays well with actives like niacinamide or peptides.
Try this: Shikohin’s 5 Mushroom Moisturizer that blends Snow Mushroom, Reishi, Wood Ear, Maitake, and Chaga to hydrate and energize the skin.
6. Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid may not be as buzzy as its trendier cousins, but it’s one of the most dermatologist-loved actives for good reason. Derived from grains like barley and wheat, it has a unique ability to target multiple skin concerns without irritation.
“It’s great for neutralizing free radicals and evening skin tone,” says Dr. Moghadam. “One of my favorites. Great for dark spots, and works amazingly in conjunction with retinol, but needs to be introduced slowly.” It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin types.
How to use it: Start with lower concentrations (around 10%) a few times a week and build up. It layers well with retinol or bakuchiol, but always monitor for sensitivity.
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Try this: Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% because it’s also formulated with niacinamide and vitamin C and developed for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
7. Niacinamide
If there were a Swiss Army knife of skincare, it would be niacinamide. Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient does a lot with very little fuss. “Niacinamide helps restore the skin barrier, which can be hurt during the dry winter season,” says Dr. Moghadam. “It balances skin oils and has been clinically shown to help correct dark spots. It’s also a strong anti-inflammatory that can benefit problematic skin.”
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How to use it: You can layer niacinamide with almost any ingredient, making it a versatile addition to any routine. Use it day or night to help even tone, minimize pores, and calm redness.
Try this: Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment
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8. Bakuchiol
Retinol may be the gold standard for anti-aging, but it can also be irritating, especially for sensitive skin or those navigating pregnancy. Enter bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative that offers many of the same benefits without the redness, peeling, or photosensitivity. “Bakuchiol is nature’s retinol,” says Dr. Moghadam.
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“It’s milder and suitable for almost all skin types, whereas retinol can be irritating. It’s plant-derived, making it relatively safe during pregnancy.” While retinol remains stronger and faster-acting, bakuchiol is a solid option for those looking to ease into anti-aging skincare without irritation.
How to use it: Apply it in the evening after cleansing and before moisturizing. Look for formulas that pair it with hydrating agents like squalane or peptides to boost tolerability.
Try this: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Eye Cream or Beauty by Earth’s Bakuchiol Serum.
9. Ferulic Acid
Vitamin C gets all the buzz, but ferulic acid is the quiet powerhouse that makes it better. This antioxidant, naturally found in plants, helps defend your skin against free radical damage and it stabilizes vitamin C and E so they can work harder (and better).
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Dr. Moghadam explains that ferulic acid helps minimize UV-related pigmentation and inflammation, making it a smart seasonal swap-in for anyone looking to protect and brighten their complexion.
How to use it: Use it in the morning after cleansing. Look for serums that combine ferulic acid with L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and vitamin E, and follow with sunscreen for maximum protection.
Try this: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
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10. Glycerin
This ingredient has been in skincare for decades but comes in and out of the converasation. As a humectant, it pulls moisture from the air into your skin, helping to keep it soft, plump, and healthy. But it also supports the function of aquaporin-3, a water channel protein that naturally declines as we age. Supporting that function can mean longer-lasting hydration and improved elasticity. Dr. Moghadam emphasizes that hydration isn’t just about comfort but a super important factor in how well your skin repairs and ages.
How to use it: You’ll find glycerin in many hydrating toners, moisturizers, and serums. Use it after cleansing on damp skin to help seal in moisture, and layer with an occlusive to lock it all in.
Try this: Neocutis BIO Cream Firm
11. Copper Peptides
If your skin is feeling stressed or tired from the seasonal shift, copper peptides might be what you need to try. These small but mighty molecules are known to support collagen production and strengthen the barrier, which is helpful when skin is adjusting as the weather changes.
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Dr. Moghadam explains that peptides like copper peptides and BPC-157 are showing meaningful potential in skin regeneration and repair. While some are still undergoing further clinical research, they offer a promising, non-irritating option for firmer, healthier skin.
How to use it: Apply after cleansing, either in a lightweight serum or as part of your nighttime routine. It layers well with most ingredients, but skip it on nights when you’re using strong acids or retinoids to avoid irritation.
Try this: Dr. Whitney Bowe P46 Peptide + HA Plumping Serum
Whether you’re building your routine from scratch or looking to swap in a few new stars, these trending skincare ingredients are science-backed and expert-approved.
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