GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

9 Weird Beauty Ingredients You're Going to See Everywhere In 2018

Experts weigh in on nine buzzworthy ingredients that are sure to set the industry ablaze.
Photo 3/10
Kukui Nut Oil
While coconut oil is known to hydrate dry and scaly skin, kukui nut oil (Lupita Nyong'o loves this stuff) proves to be its less greasy cousin. Yale-trained dermatologist Rhonda Klein, MD, says that this natural Hawaiian moisturizer has been used for centuries to soothe dry and damaged skin. The secret, she says, lies in the oil's formula, which is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants.

According to Dr. Z. Paul Lorenc, MD, it also absorbs fairly quickly into skin and hair. "It can make rough skin and hair feel smooth instantly," Lorenc explains. "It is an ancient Hawaiian beauty secret that seems to have a magical lure when it comes to its popularity."

Try Captain Blankenship Mermaid Hair Oil, $34, to keep hair hydrated and free of frizz.

Photo 4/10
Rose Quartz and Crystals
Crystal-infused beauty products were another big beauty surprise in 2017 and an instant social media sensation. But in 2018, don't expect crystals to disappear, as more brands are set to include them in new product lines. Rose quartz, in particular, boasts amazing skin care benefits. "Rose quartz is most commonly associated with circulation, as crystals oscillate and hold their frequencies, which is thought to help transmit balance and energize the skin," says Klein.

With the crystal boom in full swing, expect crystal rollers to become even more popular in 2018 as an at-home alternative to costly lymphatic massages. Karina Sulzer, the founder of Instagram-favorite Skin Gym, says rollers are a natural way to care for your skin and "age gracefully without needles."

Try the Skin Gym Rose Quartz Facial Roller, $28, to give your face the workout it deserves.

Photo 5/10
Plant Stem Cells
While stem cells aren't exactly new to skin care, expect plant stem cells (a vegan alternative) to set the skin care industry ablaze. Catie Wiggy, of MyChelle Dermaceuticals, says, "One exciting area of research is how plant stem cells can be used to target skin problems such as wrinkles, visible capillaries and sun damage." Since all areas of the body contain stem cells that are in a constant state of renewal, Wiggy says using products with plant stem cells can help replace the lost and dying cells caused when the skin endures damage.

Thanks to new technological advancements, it's safe to say that we'll be hearing more about this ingredient in 2018. "From the start, we saw amazing clinical results from using fruit stem cells in combination with antioxidant-rich grape and Vitamin C in our products," says Mimi Lu, Director of Product Development at Juice Beauty. "Not only is plant stem cell production sustainable through biotechnology, but there are a lot of great clinical studies showing the efficacy of these ingredients and how they help improve the vitality of skin."

Try Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer, $70, to keep skin hydrated and minimize fine lines.

Photo 6/10
Turmeric
Starbucks may have unveiled a turmeric-flavored latte last summer, but don't think the spice is just another foodie-inspired beauty ingredient. Dr. Susan Bard, MD, of Manhattan Dermatology Specialists says that turmeric contains curcuminoids which have potent antioxidant and inflammatory properties, making this ingredient popular in acne, eczema and anti-aging beauty products.

Turmeric is already found in many brightening creams, serums and soaps. "Curcumin, an active compound in turmeric, is one of my most powerful tools in designing skin care products that tackle discoloration and damage from environmental aggressors," says Celeste Hilling, CEO of Skin Authority. "Because turmeric also has high ORAC levels (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), recent studies show it can inhibit the progression of skin's cellular aging."

Try Skin Authority Beauty Infusion Turmeric & Blueberry For Brightening, $49, to give your skin a ridiculously gorgeous glow.

Photo 7/10
Pearl
Asian beauty has already introduced us to exotic ingredients like snail mucin and pig collagen in the past few years, but expect pearl to take center stage in 2018. "Creams containing crushed pearl can act as great exfoliants," says Bard. "Pearls also contain nacre and conchiolin, which not only provide iridescence but also lighten by inhibiting tyrosinase, one of the enzymes involved in pigment production in the skin."

Using pearl in skin care isn't entirely new, as pearl extracts and infusions have been included in La Prairie and Tatcha serums and essences for years. But delivering brighter and healthier-looking skin isn't all pearl can do. "Pearl is a prized beauty tonic in Asian cultures due to the amino acids that are thought to be reparative, helping in tissue growth, wrinkle reduction, tightening, healing blemishes and discoloration," says Klein.

Try Sephora Collection Sleeping Mask - Pearl, $4, to brighten your skin while you snooze.

BY COURTNEY LEIVA | FEB 2, 2018 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.