-
Hyaluronic acid
A hydrating, gel-like molecule, hyaluronic acid (HA) holds a thousand times its weight in water, drawing moisture from the air to fill wrinkles. For this reason, HA—available in a range of products including serums, lotions, masks, and gel cap supplements—is among the ultimate ingredients for turning back the hands of time.
-
Collagen
This multifaceted antiaging ingredient, which has been a go-to in Japan and Europe for years, is becoming increasingly popular in nutricosmetic supplements and topical creams in the U.S.. Look for types I and III, which support healthy hair, skin, nails, tendons, and ligaments by tightening and firming tissue. Though the ingredient is most commonly derived from fish or cows, recent research shows promise for vegetarian collagen derived from the tobacco plant.
-
Plant stem cells
One of the biggest recent breakthroughs in the natural antiaging market, plant-extracted stem cells (often from apples) boost your skin's ability to regenerate its own cells, which can help reduce wrinkles and enhance vibrancy.
-
Sea buckthorn oil
Native to Europe and Asia, sea buckthorn contains anti-inflammatory beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and nourishing fatty acids (including the rare omega-7). Its historic topical uses have experienced a resurrection in modern skin care: Research supports it for improving skin's hydration and elasticity and increasing skin's thickness, which may improve collagen synthesis that staves off visible signs of aging.
-
Resveratrol
When applied topically, this potent antioxidant found in red grape skins, peanuts, and chocolate can fight free radicals to help protect against common signs of aging, including wrinkles, weathering, and discoloration. Some research suggests it may even repair and reverse environmental damage, particularly from UV rays, and indicates that the best protection results from pairing topicals with ingestibles.
-
Argan oil
Made from the nuts of a Moroccan tree species, argan oil contains twice as much vitamin E as olive oil. Like other antioxidants, vitamin E slows the damaging effects of free radicals. Another boon for argan: It’s rich in squalene, a compound that promotes collagen production.
-
Red algae
This purple-red seaweed has been shown to slow the skin’s production of melanin, which can cause hyperpigmentation. Its natural sugars, which help control skin pigmentation, may be to thank for this plant's skin-brightening potential.
-
Chlorella Growth Factor
A complex found in chlorella, an algae touted for its detoxifying effects, Chlorella Growth Factor is now appearing in topical skin care products thanks to its nucleic acid content, which may assist the growth of skin cells.
From moisture-locking molecules to antioxidant-packed oils, new scientific breakthroughs to ancient remedies, find out which natural ingredients fight wrinkles, sunspots and other common signs of aging.