With so many ingredients vying for our attention, and with a number of gold standard actives already taking centre stage in our skincare regimes, it takes mightily impressive benefits for a newbie to make it on our must-have list.

From super hydrators, and barrier protectors to breakout busters – these five skincare ingredients are trending for a reason…

Glycerin

Usually found in moisturisers, glycerin, while cheap, is a highly effective hydrator thanks to its ability to draw water into the skin and hold it in the deeper layers. Thus,  keeping cells hydrated longterm.

Technically this humectant has been around for decades, but what’s making this hydrating ingredient ‘one to watch’ is its improved texture. Old versions of the stuff were sticky in nature, making moisturisers a tad gunky. Now, new innovative technology has enabled glycerin to be used in lightweight formulas, meaning all skin types can now take advantage of this budget friendly hydrator.

Try: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Moisturiser

Silymarin

A derivative of milk thistle, silymarin is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin against UV cell damage, leading to lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. Plus, it stops oil from oxidising in the pores so you can wave goodbye to blackheads too. With this in mind it’s especially good for oily skin types, as well as anyone exposed to UV.

Try: Skinceuticals Silymarin CF

Red Pine

The microbiome, aka the ecosystem of bacteria on the skin’s surface that protects its barrier and guards against pathogens is constantly under attack by everything from what we eat, to our skincare choices and even staying indoors. These can cause 'bad' bacteria to rise, and when our microbiome is teaming with too much ‘bad’ bacteria it compromises the health of our skin, leading to conditions like dryness, sensitivity, and acne to ensue.

Microbiome-friendly skincare is all the rage and Korean red pine is as friendly as it gets. It stops groups of different bad bacteria from joining forces to take down our skin, keeping our skin barrier strong and healthy, and acne at bay.

Try: Murad Clarifying Oil Free Water Gel

Calcium

Naturally present in every layer of our skin, most notably on the top layer where it plays a role in creating a strong healthy skin barrier, calcium isn’t just good for your bones, it’s good for your skin too.

It produces a serum that coats the skin keeping it nice and hydrated, but as we age calcium declines, cue calcium rich skincare. Topically applying it will help support skin renewal, barrier function and skin strength for a healthy, hydrated, glowing complexion.

Try: Vichy Neovadiol Rose Platinum Night Cream

Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are praised for their ability to hydrate, even out skin tone, protect against environmental stressors and boost collagen production. Many are classed as adaptogens ­(another beauty buzzword), an ingredient that works at a molecular level to balance and regulate cell function, and in so doing reduce inflammation, support the skin barrier, and reverse free radical damage that leads to pigmentation, lines and wrinkles. Others contain exfoliating acids like kojic acid, hydrating actives, UV blocking melanin, youth boosting antioxidants, and immune system enhancing vitamin D.

While mushrooms have long been used as skin healers in Asia, the West has taken a while to get on board – products are now launching thick and fast. However, kudos to Origins, who collaborated with practitioner of integrative medicine, Dr. Andrew Weil, and became an early adopter of shroom based skincare way back in 2005.

Try: Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Hydra-Mist