Five Ingredients to Level Up Your Skin Care in 2022

You know the basics when it comes to building the right routine for your skin, and you’re always on the lookout for products that help hydrate and moisturize. But now you want to take things to the next level. Here are five ingredients to keep an eye out for:

Retinyl Palmitate. While you might be more familiar with Retinol, there’s another form of Vitamin A that helps improve skin’s tone and texture — and it’s safter for sensitive skin. Like Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate works to increase skin cell turnover and amp up collagen production, helping curb fine lines. Retinyl Palmitate works on both the skin’s surface, and its lower layers. As skin cells turn over, they take dark spots and blemishes with them, and the newer cells deliver a smoother, more even looking appearance. (Find Retinyl Palmitate in products like Advanced Repair Fine Lines Cream.)

Niacinamide. A form of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), niacinamide is a hero for its anti-inflammatory properties. Less redness means more room for brightness, which this ingredient helps deliver by counteracting dark spots. It also supports the skin barrier, working to shrink pores and keep skin balanced. (Find niacinamide in Merlot Grape Seed Eye Cream.)

Ceramides. While “waxy lipid molecules” sounds like an incredible band name, the phrase actually categorizes ceramides — which occur in the body and make up part of the skin barrier. As we age, we start to lose the ceramides our body produces naturally, resulting in dryness, dehydration, and more pronounced fine lines. Ceramides are pros at helping skin retain moisture, so applying them topically, and, pairing them with antioxidants makes for a winning combo.

Green Tea. If your skin has been calling for something calming, be on the lookout for green tea. An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it’s both soothing and powerful, working to protect the skin without irritation. Those qualities, plus its ability to reduce sebum, make it a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin. (Find green tea in First Crush 3-in-1.)

Hyaluronic Acid. The buzziest of buzzy ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid is becoming a staple, and for good reason. A derivative of Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid contains two molecule sizes in one — macro and micro. Micro penetrates deep into the skin and works on cellular repair, while macro focuses on smoothing skin’s surface. Hyaluronic Acid is a powerhouse hydrator, making it a go-to for products that want to ensure a deep level of moisturization. (Find it in Merlot’s Hand Serum.)

Take your skin care routine beyond the basics and watch out for these winning ingredients.