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When it comes to skincare, we all know the classics— ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Retinol have earned their places as regime staples. But as amazing as they are, there are some equally impressive ingredients you might not have discovered yet. At Q+A, our lab team is forever exploring new and innovative ingredients to elevate your regime and help you achieve the glowing results you’re after.

Today, I’m introducing you to five must-know natural ingredients that deserve a place in your regime! Let’s dive into these hidden gems and discover what makes them so special…

Glycogen 🌽

Glycogen is a universal ingredient suitable for all skin types. Its water-retaining properties (similar to Hyaluronic Acid) make it a great ingredient for long-lasting hydration. By energising skin cells and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this ingredient can promote a youthful and rejuvenated complexion. You’ll find this superstar ingredient in our Vitamin C Eye Cream. Helping to reinvigorate the under-eye area, it delivers an essential hit of moisture and antioxidants to revive tired-looking eyes. Within our formulation, we use a plant-based Glycogen extracted from the kernels of sweetcorn!

Jojoba Esters 🌳

You may have steered clear of physical exfoliators after learning how damaging microbeads and microplastics can be for the skin and the environment, but did you know there’s a great sustainable alternative? Sourced from the Jojoba plant, Jojoba Esters are microspheres, perfectly round in shape, offering gentle exfoliation without damaging the delicate skin barrier. They’re also biodegradable! We use them in our Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, making it suitable for stressed or sensitive skin types, and kind to the environment.

Adzuki Beans 🫘

Adzuki Beans are rich in naturally occurring Peptides, making them an excellent ingredient for giving a formula an anti-ageing boost! They help soothe and condition the skin, while their skin-barrier-boosting properties promote a more radiant and even complexion. If your skin is showing signs of ageing or you are often exposed to environmental stress (e.g., pollutants from living in a city) Adzuki Beans are a great ingredient to incorporate into your regime as they help protect the skin. You’ll find them in our Peptide SPF 50 Anti-Ageing Daily Sunscreen, perfect for shielding against UVA and UVB rays while encouraging a fresh-faced glow.   

Fun fact: We were the first brand in the UK to formulate a skincare product with this extract!

White Willow Bark 🪵

If you’re looking for a natural way to soothe and clarify your skin, White Willow Bark should be a staple in your regime. This botanical extract is a natural source of salicin, a plant compound that has capabilities similar to Salicylic Acid. Used by Chinese physicians as far back as 500 B.C. to treat pain, White Willow Bark is an ancient remedy. Its soothing properties promote clearer, smoother skin making it an excellent choice for those with acne-prone or oily skin. You’ll find it in our Salicylic Acid Body Wash and Smoothing Lotion!

Reishi and Shiitake Mushrooms 🍄‍🟫

Not only are Reishi and Shiitake Mushrooms good for your diet, they’re also great for your skin. Rich in beta-glucans, which act as humectant moisturisers, they help plump and hydrate the skin by drawing moisture in. They are also packed with antioxidants, like ergothioneine, which work to calm the skin and protect it from environmental damage. Known as the ‘Mushroom of Immortality’ and the ‘Elixir of Long Life,’ by Chinese herbalists, Reishi and Shiitake Mushrooms are must-haves for their anti-aging and complexion-boosting properties! There’s even research to suggest they can help to reduce hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even complexion, making them a great addition to our Zinc PCA Facial Serum!

These underrated ingredients might not be household names yet, but they’re definitely ones to watch. Whether you’re looking to energise, exfoliate, brighten, soothe, or protect your skin, there’s something in this list for everyone. Next time you’re shopping for skincare, keep an eye out for these hidden gems—they might be the secret to your best skin yet!

Until next time,

Charlee @ Team Q+A