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The world of skincare is constantly evolving, with innovative ingredients emerging that promise exciting benefits for the skin. But what exactly do these ingredients do, and which ones are best suited to your skin's needs? In this blog, we're taking a closer look at five trending skincare ingredients: beta-glucan, peptides, ectoin, NAD+, and exosomes. We'll explain what they are, the benefits they may offer, and which skin types could benefit from them. Discover which ingredients could be a valuable addition to your skincare routine.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme naturally found in our cells. Think of it as an essential part of the cell's energy system. NAD+ helps cells produce energy and plays a role in repair, cell renewal, and protection against oxidative stress. As we age, NAD+ levels in the body may decline, potentially making certain cellular processes less efficient.
What are the benefits of NAD+ for the skin?
- Plays a role in processes involved in cell renewal.
- May contribute to a more even-looking complexion.
- Is being studied for its potential role in skin aging.
Ideal for: dull, tired-looking, and mature skin.
Explore our NAD+ collection for more skincare products.
NAD+ Favourites
Purito Seoul Retinol Retinal 2000 NAD+ Serum
30 ml
A firming serum with retinol, retinal, and NAD+ that helps skin appear smoother and firmer.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier NAD+ Serum Mist
80 ml
A milky serum mist that hydrates and refreshes the skin while supporting its natural moisture barrier.
Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Collagen Under Eye Patches
Hydrating eye patches with collagen and niacinamide that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and leave the delicate under-eye area looking refreshed.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that perform various functions in the skin. Some peptides act as signaling molecules and may support processes involved in the production of collagen and other structural proteins. As a result, they can help the skin appear firmer and more supple. Research into certain peptides has shown promising results for skin elasticity, texture, and the appearance of fine lines. However, their effectiveness depends on the specific type of peptide and product formulation.
What are the benefits of peptides for the skin?
- May support processes involved in collagen production.
- Help the skin appear firmer and more supple.
- May reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Ideal for: skin showing the first signs of aging or a loss of firmness.
Explore our peptide collection for more skincare products.
Peptide Favourites
COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
150 ml
A versatile serum featuring six types of peptides that help refine skin texture, improve the appearance of firmness, and promote a more even-looking complexion.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Teca Glass Skin Milk
210 ml
A hydrating milky essence that supports the skin barrier and helps achieve a fresh, radiant glass skin glow.
Celimax The Vita-A Retinol Shot Tightening Serum
30 ml
A retinol serum that helps refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines for a firmer-looking complexion.
What are exosomes?
Exosomes are microscopic vesicles that play an important role in communication between cells. They can contain proteins, lipids, and signaling molecules involved in various biological processes. In skincare, exosomes are being studied for their potential applications in skin repair and rejuvenation. Early clinical studies have shown promising results for hydration, elasticity, and skin texture. However, more high-quality research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of exosomes in skincare.
What are the benefits of exosomes for the skin?
- Are being studied for their potential role in skin repair.
- May contribute to a smoother-looking skin texture.
- Show potential in research into skin rejuvenation.
Ideal for: skin in need of extra care, hydration, and a refreshed appearance.
Explore our exosome collection for more skincare products.
Exosome Favourites
Medicube One Day Exosome Shot Pore Ampoule 7500
30 ml
An intensive skincare serum with 7500 ppm exosomes that helps refine skin texture and minimize the appearance of pores.
British M Ginseng Exosome Tonic
100 ml
A refreshing scalp tonic designed for thinning hair and scalps in need of targeted, lightweight care.
Medicube Exosome Cica Pad
100 pads
Soothing toner pads featuring Exosome Cica technology that help calm the skin, remove dead skin cells, and promote a smoother, more even-looking complexion.
What is beta-glucan?
Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in ingredients such as oats and yeast. It is known for its hydrating and soothing properties. Beta-glucan helps the skin retain moisture while supporting its natural barrier. This can help reduce feelings of dryness and tightness, leaving the skin feeling more comfortable. Thanks to these properties, beta-glucan is a valuable addition to skincare routines for sensitive or dehydrated skin.
What are the benefits of beta-glucan for the skin?
- Helps provide long-lasting hydration.
- Supports and soothes sensitive skin.
- Helps strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Ideal for: sensitive, dry, and reactive skin. Also suitable for mature skin.
Explore our beta-glucan collection for more skincare products.
Beta-Glucan Favourites
Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum
50 ml
A lightweight hydrating serum with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that helps retain moisture and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
iUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum
50 ml
An intensely hydrating serum with beta-glucan that helps retain moisture, soften the skin, and support its natural moisture barrier.
Purito Seoul Oat-in Calming Gel Cream
100 ml
A refreshing gel cream with oat water that helps soothe sensitive skin and maintain optimal hydration levels.
What is ectoin?
Ectoin is a protective molecule produced by certain microorganisms to survive extreme conditions, such as heat, dryness, and high salt concentrations. In skincare, ectoin is known for its hydrating and protective properties. It helps support the skin's natural moisture barrier and reduce moisture loss, making the skin more resilient against everyday environmental stressors. These properties make ectoin particularly interesting for sensitive, dry, and dehydrated skin.
What are the benefits of ectoin for the skin?
Supports and strengthens the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Helps reduce moisture loss.
Helps protect the skin against everyday environmental stressors.
Ideal for: dry, sensitive, and dehydrated skin.
Ectoin Favourites
Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Serum
30 ml
A hydrating serum with Damyang bamboo, panthenol, and ectoin that helps support the skin barrier and gives the complexion a healthy glow.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Gentle Cleansing Milk
200 ml
A gentle, hydrating cleansing milk that removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities without leaving the skin feeling dry or tight.
Manyo Panthetoin Cream
80 ml
An intensely moisturizing face cream that helps soothe the skin, supports its natural moisture barrier, and protects against dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trending Skincare Ingredients
Is NAD+ the same as niacinamide?
No, niacinamide and NAD+ are not the same. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that the body can use as a building block to produce NAD+. Although the two ingredients are closely related, they serve different functions.
Are peptides or hyaluronic acid better for your skin?
Peptides and hyaluronic acid serve different purposes and can complement each other. Hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain moisture, making the skin appear plumper and more hydrated. Certain peptides may contribute to firmer-looking skin over time and help reduce the appearance of fine lines. The best ingredient for you depends on your skin's individual needs.
Are exosomes better than retinol?
Exosomes and retinol work in different ways. Retinol is a well-researched ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and other visible signs of aging. Exosomes are being studied for their potential applications in skin repair and rejuvenation. However, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to suggest that exosomes are more effective than retinol.
Is beta-glucan or hyaluronic acid better?
Both beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid help hydrate the skin, but they offer different benefits. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to attract and retain moisture. Beta-glucan also has soothing properties and supports the skin's natural moisture barrier. Combining these ingredients can be particularly beneficial for sensitive or dry skin.
Is ectoin or hyaluronic acid better?
Ectoin and hyaluronic acid work well together. Hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain moisture, while ectoin supports the skin barrier and helps protect against external stressors. Combining both ingredients can help keep your skin hydrated while supporting a healthy and resilient moisture barrier.
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of these ingredients and what they can do for your skin. Curious to discover more? Explore even more skincare ingredients on our skincare ingredients page!
