Five trending beauty ingredients that will revolutionise skin and hair care in 2020, from hemp oil to sea kelp

Ingredients such as retinol and hyaluronic acid have dominated beauty headlines recently, but what should we be adding to our shelves in 2020? Here are the ingredients set to revolutionise skincare this year and beyond.

Abyssinian oil

Argan oil has been prized as a miracle ingredient for the skin and hair, but it has come under fire amid questions about how sustainably it is sourced. This has paved the way for a worthy alternative – Abyssinian oil.

“Crambe abyssinica, also known as Abyssinian kale, is basically superfood for your hair and is enriched with a unique fatty acid structure and exceptionally high concentration of phytosterols, omega 3-6-9 and antioxidants,” says Thierry Mandonnaud, founder of hair care line Abyssian.

Sourced around the Mediterranean and East Africa, Abyssinian oil is lightweight, hydrating and nourishing. Its water retention properties allow Abyssinian kale to grow during the dry season with limited water supplies, making it easy on the environment as well.

Products worth trying:

Hair serum by Abyssian (sephora.com)

Cold-pressed Abyssinian oil by Conscious Skincare (conscious-skincare.com).

Seaweed and sea kelp

Fighting the effects of pollution has become a priority for urban women. Many beauty brands have found the ideal weapon in the form of mineral-rich seaweed and sea kelp.

“Seaweed … deeply hydrates skin and promotes the appearance of youthful volume and firmness. It helps protect skin from external aggressors such as wind, dry climate and air pollution,” says Jenefer Palmer, founder of OSEA, a natural skincare line that includes various types of seaweed in its formulations.

Products worth trying:

Undaria algae oil by OSEA (oseamalibu.com)

Kelp mask by Whamisa (cocomo.sg)

Hemp seed oil

With cannabis slowly being legalised across North America, some are starting to realise the potential of this wonder plant. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids, which hydrate the skin. A study has shown its ability to balance sebum production and in turn help alleviate acne.

Products worth trying:

B Silent Night-Time Temple Balm by Bamford (net-a-porter.com)

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate by Kiehls (launching in Hong Kong in August, kiehls.com)

Multibiotics

The wellness industry has been paying a lot of attention to the gut and the microbiome, and we’re starting to see that reflected in skincare.

“[The skincare industry] recognises the importance of a balanced bacterial ecosystem on our skin and its effect on our skin barrier. Formulas that include prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics will become even more important and mainstream in 2020,” says beauty blogger Renee Chow, also known as Gothamista.

“Scientific research has taken a new approach to view skin as an ecosystem composed of skin-loving bacteria, viruses and fungi. For healthy skin, all components need to coexist in absolute balance, which involves being supplied with the right blend of nutrients,” adds Lianna Mann, vice-president of beauty and well-being at Lane Crawford.

Products worth trying:

Purifying Mask by Tata Harper (joyce.com).

Pre+Probiotic Daily Mist by Marie Veronique (marieveronique.com)

Squalane oil

Squalane has been included in beauty products for years but it’s finally having its moment in the spotlight. It is made from squalene – note the spelling difference – which is present naturally in the skin’s sebum and keeps it hydrated and protected.

To become squalane, it undergoes a hydrogenation process, making it more stable, less greasy and gentler on the skin. It soothes the skin, boosts moisture levels and promotes cell regeneration.

There are two types of squalane available on the market – one derived from shark liver oil and the other plant-based – but more beauty companies are moving towards the latter, which means it ticks the ethical box too.

Products worth trying:

Squalane facial oil by Indie Lee (net-a-porter.com)

Squalane cleanser by The Ordinary (theordinary.com)