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2020 certainly turned out to be a different year than many of us expected. Despite the many negative events that took place, there’s one good thing the year brought us: an increased focus on self-care.
With a majority of the population spending more time at home than ever, many of us have spent our extra time face-masking and going makeup-free. It’s also given us the opportunity to experiment with new ingredients to elevate our skincare routines.
If you’re looking to carry some of the best skincare trends from 2020 into the new year, this list is for you. Keep reading to learn about 10 skincare ingredients that can transform your skin in 2021.
Hydrated skin equals healthy skin. One of the best ingredients you can use to achieve this is hyaluronic acid (HA).
HA is a clear, gel-like substance that is naturally produced in the body. It gives your skin structure and helps to maintain a dewy, plump look. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid produced by the body decreases as we age—which leads to wrinkles and sagging.
The good news is that hyaluronic acid can be applied topically to the skin, helping to maintain its elasticity and keep it hydrated. Upon application, hyaluronic acid works as a humectant, drawing water molecules to the skin to provide a boost of moisture. In fact, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!
So how can you incorporate this magical ingredient into your routine? Hyaluronic acid is found in all kinds of skincare products, from creams and masks to serums and eye creams. If you’re looking for a great place to start when using this ingredient, consider a serum—this will deliver a concentrated boost of HA to the surface of your skin for long-lasting hydration.
Tip: When using a hyaluronic acid serum, apply it to damp skin. This will ensure the serum pulls water toward the skin rather than from it.
Retinol is a cosmetic vitamin A ingredient used for visible fine lines and uneven texture. Its usefulness depends on the preparation, evidence and tolerance.
Retinol can convert in skin toward retinoic acid and influence cellular processes. Human research concerns particular formulations; collagen-related findings do not guarantee a visible lift or identical outcomes from every serum. See retinol for fine lines and mature skin.
Retinol is not an AHA or BHA exfoliant and does not reliably fill acne scars. For uneven texture, use the texture guide; for ongoing acne, distinguish cosmetics from labeled retinoid acne treatments.
Retinol can cause dryness and irritation. Follow the product's directions, keep moisturizing care and daytime sun protection in place, and use the application guide before increasing frequency.
If you’re someone with sensitive or overly dry skin, retinol may be too harsh. However, this doesn’t mean you have to go without all of the anti-aging benefits it provides.
Bakuchiol is a separate cosmetic ingredient with its own emerging evidence. It is not retinol, is not guaranteed irritation-free and should not be described as equivalent to every retinoid preparation. Evaluate the full formula rather than treating a botanical label as proof of safety.
If retinol is repeatedly uncomfortable, simplify first and review sensitive-skin care. An alternative cosmetic is optional, and pregnancy or breastfeeding suitability needs ingredient-specific professional advice.
Niacinamide is a vitamin B3 form studied in specific topical formulas for barrier support and selected appearance benefits. It should not be described as a guaranteed acne treatment, permanent pore reducer or sunscreen substitute.
Barrier-lipid research supports a focused moisturizing role, not a promise that every serum blocks environmental pollutants or repairs all damage. Use the barrier guide, the oiliness evidence and the niacinamide product comparison according to your goal.
Squalane has become increasingly popular in the last few years. This lightweight oil performs similar to your skin’s natural oils, so it’s an amazing ingredient to use to keep your skin hydrated.
If you’ve done any kind of research on squalane, you’ve probably come across the term “squalene” and wondered if there’s a difference. Essentially, “squalene” is produced naturally in the body, and like hyaluronic acid, these levels naturally decrease as we age. This is where squalane comes into the picture.
Applying squalane topically can help to boost skin’s moisture levels and collagen production, keeping skin firm and plump. Squalane is safe for all skin types, whether your complexion is dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone. It provides a deep boost of hydration without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin, making it a great product for everyday use.
Because squalane is an oil, it’s often best when used toward the end of your skincare routine, whether it’s an ingredient in your moisturizer or you’re using pure squalane oil. Applying it in one of the last steps of your regimen will help to really lock in hydration.
We all know the benefits of taking CBD in the form of a supplement—but have you ever thought about applying it to your skin?
CBD-infused skincare has become one of the biggest trends this past year. From serums, to cleansers, to moisturizers, to oils, CBD can be found in just about everything nowadays.
Research shows that CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help treat skin concerns like dryness, inflammation, and free radical damage. CBD may also help to treat and prevent acne, due to its ability to balance oil production in the skin.
It’s important to know that since CBD is somewhat new to the skincare world, research is limited. However, it’s considered to be safe, and many rave about what it does for their complexion.
Lactic acid can contribute surface exfoliation and formulation-dependent moisturizing effects. Cosmetic lactic acid is not necessarily dairy-derived, and its ingredient name does not make it safe for sensitive or peeling skin.
Compare lactic and glycolic acid and follow the exfoliation guide. AHA sun-sensitivity precautions still apply. Do not use a milk or fruit recipe as a substitute for a formulated product.
Resveratrol is a plant compound known for its antioxidant properties. It naturally occurs in certain foods, like grapes, peanuts, cocoa, and some berries. However, it can also be taken in the form of a supplement or applied directly to the skin.
This powerhouse ingredient works to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and sun exposure. It also increases collagen production in the skin, helping to maintain its elasticity and prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
As though those benefits aren’t enough, resveratrol also contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to calm the skin and prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Just like the rest of the ingredients on this list, resveratrol is becoming increasingly popular in the skincare industry. It can be found in serums, moisturizers, and even treatment masks.
When you think of mushrooms, you probably think of a delicious food dish. However, in addition to being tasty (and highly nutritious!) mushrooms are packed with skincare benefits.
Mushrooms contain riboflavin and thiamin, which promote healthy collagen levels in the skin. They also help to reduce inflammation and due to their antioxidant properties, fight off damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. The result? Glowing, younger-looking skin.
There are a variety of different skincare products out there that include mushrooms, like treatment masks that work to nourish your skin while it goes through the regeneration process at night. As with any skincare ingredient, the more you consistently use it, the better. Results take time!
Last but certainly not least, caffeine is another ingredient that’s made its way into many new skincare products on the market, especially eye creams.
Caffeine is used in products for a temporarily refreshed appearance, but it does not guarantee improved circulation or permanent bag removal. A controlled gel study found no significant advantage over its caffeine-free base. Read the topical caffeine evidence guide.
A temporary refreshed appearance can also reflect the moisturizing or cooling vehicle. It is not proof of a caffeine-specific effect.
That completes this list of trending skincare ingredients for 2021! We hope this inspires you to switch up your routine and give your skin some extra pampering this year.
By Herbal Dynamics Beauty • Updated September 25, 2026
