The likes of retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are tried and true actives that most of us would benefit from having in our skincare arsenal. But there are also a number of exciting and effective ingredients that while less well known, can work wonders to revitalise your skin and hair.

We trawled through the latest skin and haircare launches to uncover the trending ingredients you need to know about…

Polylysine

Caused by excess sebum, inflammation, blocked pores and bacteria, and triggered by stress, genetics, hormones and environmental aggressors, acne isn’t a simple skin issue to treat. However, with adult acne becoming much more prevalent, those who fall foul of this condition are seeking treatments that don’t involve medication such as antibiotics or oral vitamin A. Cue polylysine. One major factor in the development of acne is the over-proliferation of the bacteria C-acnes caused by an imbalanced microbiome. Found in Skin Rocks The Control Acid which is made for acne-prone skin and formulated to target the root cause of spots, polylysine limits the increase in C-acnes, regulates sebum production and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, targeting acne with a three-pronged approach.

Scutellaria baicalensis 

Known as Chinese Skullcap, this flowering plant is used extensively within Chinese medicine to treat anxiety, allergies, inflammation and headaches. In the beauty world, scutellaria baicalensis is gaining traction for its hair health benefits as it contains a flavonoid named baicalin, that’s full of follicle-friendly antioxidants and essential nutrients. Not only does it feed the scalp what it needs for hair to thrive, it helps stimulate scalp microcirculation which further helps feed the follicles with nutrients found in our blood. It’s widely believed that this active can improve the density and number of hair strands where applied. Clinical studies on baicapil, a blend of scutellaria baicalensis, soy and wheat sprouts found in Typebea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum, found it stimulated hair growth, increased hair density, and reduced hair loss by 60 per cent.

Teca 

A titrated extract of centella asiatica (teca), this active is one of only two ingredients in the world clinically proven in peer-reviewed medical journals to minimise and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. The other is tretinoin, which is not classified as safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and has only been proved at levels that would typically require a prescription. When it comes to teca however, this ingredient doesn’t require a prescription and can be used by anyone at any time. It works by accelerating the skin's repair process by stimulating fibroblast migration and boosting collagen production, remodelling and re-densifying the skin. Its curative effect on the size and colour of stretch marks is why it’s a key player in Striā Lab Redefining Stretch Mark Cream, which helps reduce the appearance of newly formed stretch marks, plumping and smoothing the area in just 10 minutes, and offering impressive visible results in just 28 days.

Red raspberry extract 

Red raspberry extract is rich in essential fatty acids including linoleic acid, oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid, all of which are known to moisturise and protect the skin while stimulating new cellular growth. “This makes it highly effective for hydrating dry skin, reducing inflammation, and providing antioxidant support," shares Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz, Chemical Engineer and Founder of Skin Masterclass. "Additionally, its antioxidant properties also help combat free radical damage, preventing premature ageing and maintaining skin elasticity. The extract, which usually comes in the form of an oil, has natural sun protection qualities and provides a gentle shield against UV rays, though daily sunscreen is still necessary.” Find this powerhouse in Allies of Skin The One SPF50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel. Six years in the making, it's water-resistant (for up to 80 minutes), provides high UVA/UVB protection, and has the highest possible PA rating of PA++++. It suits all skin tones and leaves no cast whatsoever, conditions the skin, blurs the appearance of pores, and doubles up as the perfect primer and makeup base.

Adzuki bean 

This tiny, but mighty bean, “has major skin benefits and is a seriously good do-it-all beauty ingredient,” says Faye Purcell, Q+A’s Head of Research & Development. Used for centuries by women in Japan and prized for their health-giving properties, traditionally these small, reddish-brown beans were ground into a fine powder and placed in a silk bag in the bath to help de-stress and soothe the skin. Now, this potent, peptide-packed bean that protects against pollution, sun damage and environmental induced skin stress, has made its way into skincare such as Q+A Peptide Anti-Ageing Daily Sunscreen SPF50. The peptides work to find free radicals generated by environmental aggressors and help to neutralise their effects on the skin, while antioxidants and proteins help rejuvenate and stimulate cell repair, minimise inflammation, redness and irritation, reduce blemishes and impurities and improve skin tone and texture. What’s not to like?