This is set to be the most popular skincare ingredient in 2021

Is this already a part of your skincare routine?

woman applying dropper to face
(Image credit: Aja Koska via Getty Images)

Thanks to improving technologies and our almost unlimited access to information in the digital age, we're all so much better informed about beauty products and the skincare ingredients that will get us results.

From the best vitamin C serums to the best retinol serums, it's easier than ever to cut through the fog and understand what all of these beauty buzzwords actually do in our skincare products. 

So which ingredient will everybody be talking about in 2021? Beauty e-tailer Lookfantastic has just shared its predictions for the top 10 skincare ingredients that will be the most popular this year. Any ideas for which one came out on top?

According to the list, alpha arbutin will be the most popular ingredient among beauty enthusiasts, with searches surging by 410% over the last 12 months. This particular ingredient is known for its ability to help tackle skin concerns like pigmentation and acne scars. 

The INKEY List Alpha Arbutin, $11.99/£9.99

The INKEY List Alpha Arbutin, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1626994&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theinkeylist.com%2Fproducts%2Falpha-arbutin&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - theinkeylist.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$11.99/£9.99

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, $8.90/£7

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6180&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Ftheordinary.deciem.com%2Fproduct%2Frdn-alpha-arbutin-2pct-ha-30ml" data-link-merchant="deciem.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$8.90/£7

Next up on the list is azelaic acid, a great anti-inflammatory skincare ingredient that can help with a whole host of skin concerns including acne, rosacea and pigmentation. Unlike many of the popular skincare acids, it's also suitable for sensitive skin types.

And taking third place on the list is niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3. This wonder ingredient can support your skin barrier and help balance your skin's oil production, making it a great match for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Interested to see which other ingredients made the cut? Keep reading for the top 10 in full.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, $7.90/£5.50

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6180&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Ftheordinary.deciem.com%2Fproduct%2Frdn-azelaic-acid-suspension-10pct-30ml" data-link-merchant="deciem.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$7.90/£5.50

Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster, $44/£41

Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1626994&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paulaschoice.com%2F10pct-niacinamide-booster%2F798.html&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - paulaschoice.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$44/<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1626994&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paulaschoice.co.uk%2Fniacinamide-booster-full-size-7980.html&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - paulaschoice.co.uk"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - paulaschoice.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">£41

  1. Alpha arbutin
  2. Azelaic acid
  3. Niacinaimide
  4. Ascorbyl glucoside
  5. Acai oil
  6. Bakuchiol
  7. Ceramides
  8. Benzoyl peroxide
  9. Zinc Oxide
  10. Glycolic acid

Will you be adding any of these to your skincare routine this year?

Lucy Abbersteen

Lucy is a beauty journalist who has written for titles including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, OK!, woman&home and Women's Health, as well as regularly contributing to My Imperfect Life. Her work covers everything from skin and haircare tips to trying and testing the latest beauty launches, and interviewing celebrities and experts. A certified dog person, her other interests include mental wellbeing, books, piña coladas and not getting caught in the rain.