The Top 10 Skin-Care Ingredients of 2024, Per Consumers

We know NewBeauty readers are already some of the savviest consumers. But, according to new research, society as a whole is demonstrating a significant interest in understanding effective, science-driven skin-care ingredients. Olivia Ford, Head of Performance at Foundation, a digital marketing agency specializing in beauty, haircare and skin-care e-commerce, says there’s a clear reason why skin care has taken a turn towards scientifically backed formulas. “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a growing shift towards scientifically backed products due to increased consumer education, as people became more knowledgeable about ingredients and how they can help you achieve your dream skin.”

Simply put, we have more information than ever (quite literally) at our fingertips and we’re using it to gleam what really works and what doesn’t when it comes to skin. According to search data conducted by Foundation, the 10 ingredients below were the most searched for skin-care ingredients in 2024, per Google.

Salicylic Acid

At the top of the list is salicylic acid, a powerful and effective active that targets acne, unclogs pores and reduces inflammation. The active makes skin appear brighter and smoother. As a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid can penetrate deeper layers of skin and go beneath pores to clear out trapped blemish-causing unwanted gunk. It’s also oil-soluble, so it works especially great on oily and acne-prone skin types.

Products to try: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($33) and CeraVe Acne Control Gel ($18)

Retinol and Retinoids

The terms “retinol” and “retinoids” are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a key difference. “Prescription retinoids contain retinoic acid, whereas over-the-counter topicals contain retinol, which converts to retinoic acid in the skin,” New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD previously explained to NewBeauty. Generally, retinoids, prescribed as tretinoin, tazarotene and Retin-A, are stronger than retinol. The latter is the smallest and purest molecule in the vitamin A family and works more gradually than retinoids due to its molecular structure. No matter which you choose, both retinols and retinoids are rich in vitamin A, a hero antioxidant best known for its ability to slow down stubborn signs of aging.

Products to try: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25 ($46) and RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream ($26)

Hyaluronic Acid

“Hyaluronic acid is one of the essential naturally occurring compounds of our skin that binds to water to give our skin hydration,” Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD previously told us. And, unfortunately, the amount we have diminishes as we age, leaving behind skin that is drier and less supple. It’s no surprise that hyaluronic acid continues to be a top keyword among skin-care enthusiasts. Another ingredient with a small molecular size, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it can attract and hold impressive amounts of moisture. “I often tell my patients that applying hyaluronic acid is like giving your skin a big drink of water,” Dr. Hopkins adds.

Products to try: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Liquid Gel Cloud Serum ($48) and L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum ($18)

Niacinamide

Few ingredients can claim does-it-all status, but niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) comes close. As one of the true skin-care greats, dermatologists and skin-care experts credit it with brightening dull skin, blurring large pores, refining skin texture, calming inflammation and more. Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, previously told us he even recommends the “gentle” ingredient for sensitive skin types: “It may be a good option for those with sensitive skin who can’t tolerate more rejuvenating ingredients like high-quality vitamin C and retinoids.”

Products to try: OLAY Super Serum ($55) and Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($35)

Vitamin C

If you’ve read even one article about the best in skin care, chances are you know about vitamin C. The well-loved antioxidant brightens and evens skin tone, fades dark spots and acne scars and helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen. Plus, when worn with sunscreen, it provides the ultimate protection against free radicals caused by UV damage.

Products to try: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic ($182) and BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner ($85)

Glycolic Acid

One of the most effective and widely used alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic acid is a powerful chemical exfoliator. With the smallest molecular size of any in the AHA family, glycolic acid can penetrate deep into the skin to effectively slough away dead and discolored skin cells, not to mention the junk that accumulates in our pores, which can lead to a dull or ruddy complexion. Consumers are on to glycolic acid’s skin-rejuvenating benefits—the ingredient jumped 22 percent in searches versus last year, landing it the sixth-most searched skin-care ingredient of 2024.

Products to try: Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution ($30) and La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector ($45)

Peptides

“Peptides are amino acids that are the building blocks of certain proteins of the skin, including collagen and elastin,” Washington D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, previously explained to us. “As such, certain peptides can effectively penetrate the skin to build up collagen to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles.” Pro tip: opt for peptide products that stay on the skin versus products that rinse off, like cleansers or masks—the longer peptides are on your skin, the more plump and smooth it’ll look.

Products to try: StriVectin Peptight 360˚ Tightening Eye Serum ($50) and Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer ($52)

Ceramides

Next on the list is ceramides, a skin-care ingredient that previously was somewhat of an underdog, but has exploded in popularity over recent years for good reason. “Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up 50 percent of your skin’s structure,” Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, previously explained to NewBeauty. She continued that it’s easiest to think about ceramides like the “cement” between your skin cells. Greenwich, CT dermatologist Kim Nichols, MD explained further, adding ceramides “create the skin’s natural protective layer, assist in holding the skin together and are vital in helping to retain moisture in the skin.”

Products to try: Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer ($12) and CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel ($16)

Squalane

Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene (that one-letter difference is key). It’s an ingredient found naturally in many plants and animals, including our very own sebum, that works on a cellular level to keep our skin moist. Squalane is more stable and lightweight than its counterpart, making it easier to use in skin-care formulations that’ll maintain moisture levels throughout the day and night. Consider it a true one-size-fits-all ingredient that all skin types can use—it hydrates, has antioxidant properties, soothes skin inflammations and is non-comedogenic.

Products to try: The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane ($10) and Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil ($38)

Bakuchiol

Rounding out the list at number 10 is bakuchiol, a plant-derived antioxidant that can rival the anti-aging effects of retinol—without as many side effects. “One study compared 0.5 percent bakuchiol to 0.5 percent retinol, and the plant alternative performed very similarly in terms of wrinkle and hyperpigmentation reduction and smoothing skin texture,” cosmetic chemist Victoria Lu previously explained. It’s also purported to be anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin, or people who historically haven’t tolerated retinols and retinoids well.

Products to try: Herbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum ($62) and iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush Infused with Bakuchiol ($32)