5 ingredients to look for in your next skincare purchases From silicon and propolis, to spicules and bakuchiol, it's good to occasionally change our beauty routine

Skincare is not limited to the usual three ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C or retinol. There are so many others, often less known, that deserve to be discovered and added to your routine. From innovations coming from the East to active ingredients extracted from plants and minerals, cosmetics never cease to surprise us with increasingly innovative solutions. Here are five ingredients to keep an eye on for your next beauty purchases.

Beauty ingredients to include in your skincare

Silicon

Silicon is a mineral already present in our body and helps skin stay elastic and firm. Over time, however, we lose some of it, and skin may appear less plump and toned. When used in skincare products, it stimulates collagen and elastin, making the face look brighter and fuller. You often find it in serums or anti-aging creams specifically designed to strengthen and firm the skin. In the INCI list, it usually appears as Silica, Silicon Dioxide or Dimethicone.

Propolis

Propolis is a substance produced by bees, known for centuries for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties thanks to its high content of flavonoids, powerful antioxidants. In skincare it is highly appreciated because it helps soothe irritations, reduce redness and treat minor blemishes, while supporting skin regeneration. It is also ideal to protect the skin from external aggressors, making it more resilient without weighing it down. With the arrival of colder months, this is definitely the right time to add it to your skincare routine. In the INCI list, it usually appears as Propolis Extract.

Prickly Pear

From the prickly pear, both the seeds (from which an oil is extracted) and the fruit extract itself are used: both are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. Thanks to these properties, prickly pear helps keep the skin elastic, radiant and firm, protecting it from signs of aging and external aggressors. In products, you may find it listed as Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil or Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract.

Spicules

Spicules are marine-derived micro-crystals that help skin regenerate and absorb other ingredients more effectively. They work a bit like microneedling, but without needles. This innovative technology comes directly from South Korea, the world’s skincare capital, and helps refine skin texture, reduce imperfections and give the complexion a natural glow. In the INCI list, they may appear as Spicule Extract or under the name of the specific marine species they come from, but more often it’s written directly on the product packaging.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a plant-based extract obtained from the seeds of the oriental plant Psoralea Corylifolia and is considered the natural alternative to retinol. Like the latter, it helps stimulate collagen, improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging, but without the risk of irritation that can sometimes occur with synthetic retinol. It is therefore perfect for sensitive skin or for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective anti-aging treatment. Unlike traditional retinol, it can be used both during the day and at night because it does not make the skin photosensitive. In the INCI list, you will find it as Bakuchiol or Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract.