Hemp seed oil, niacinamide and co. - the new superfoods for the skin?

A healthy diet, detoxing, yoga, sustainable living – people’s aspirations towards a holistic lifestyle are also placing demands on the cosmetics industry. Consumers are increasingly calling for natural ingredients such as hemp seed oil, niacinamide, matcha and other superfoods. So is it just hype or a real trend that’s emerging?

The consensus from industry experts is unanimous: If you want to be a major player on the cosmetics market in future, you need to take this trend seriously. Hemp seed oil, niacinamide extracted from vitamin B3 and the much-vaunted superfoods are packed with powerful properties. Derived from nature, they help to fulfil consumers’ desire for healthy and radiantly beautiful skin. However, careful consideration needs to be given to how we use them.

Hemp seed oil, a real all-rounder

Beauty miracle oil: Beauty specialists are almost euphoric in their praise for this oil, which is extracted from the seeds of industrial hemp. And with good reason! Thanks to its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – known as gamma-linoleic acid – hemp seed oil is a great all-rounder. It makes for a fantastic moisturiser, supports cell renewal and prevents skin ageing. Due to its calming effects, it is also found in numerous care products for blemish-prone skin. Despite being an all-rounder, it can’t be used everywhere. Although hemp seed oil has no psychoactive effects and is not subject to narcotics laws, different regulations nevertheless apply from country to country, depending on the intended use. Only companies that comply with these regulations can market their products effectively.

Niacinamide – natural anti-ageing from vitamin B3

The anti-ageing effect proven in various studies make vitamin B3 and the resulting niacinamide highly prized ingredients in care products for mature skin. But niacinamide can do much more: It helps to reduce enlarged pores, restores radiance to dull skin and balances skin tone. It also promotes the functioning of mitochondria, the energy-producing powerhouses in our cells, and protects the skin against oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet rays. Niacinamide derivatives are excellent for sensitive skin because they strengthen the skin barrier. Last but not least, oily and blemish-prone skin also benefits from the positive properties of these active ingredients, as they regulate sebum production and have a calming effect.

Superfoods – also super for the skin

No modern nutritional plan would be complete without superfoods. Will this soon be the case for cosmetics formulas? Manufacturers of high-quality care products are increasingly using ingredients which are renowned as superfoods. Take for example matcha, a green tea extract. The antioxidants it contains can delay the skin ageing process and boost the production of collagen and elastin. The same properties are also attributed to goji berries and chia seeds due to their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Thanks to its nourishing properties, avocado is also used in care products for skin, nails and hair. These are just some of the interesting ingredients at the moment, with trends emerging for quinoa, moringa, acai berries and other such natural products. Almost every day, cosmetics research is discovering exciting new insights – and we’re making sure we’re staying at the forefront!