8 Trending Ingredients in Skin and Hair Care That Experts Predict Will Be Huge in 2024

From microblading to traptox and ecotin (that’s the “new” niacinamide for you) what’s trending in the beauty world is constantly changing. It can be dizzying trying to keep up with all of the viral TikToks and myriad product launches. So what’s actually worth paying attention to? Trend forecaster The Inflection Point zeroed in on a handful of skin and hair care trends that have been the subject of significant buzz recently. From spermidine supplements to rosemary shampoo, here are eight we think will be big in 2024. We talked with several experts about the claims each of these ingredients make—both accurate and apocryphal—and got their tips for incorporating them into your beauty routine.  

• Shann Christen is a trichologist, founder of BioMethod and owner of Shann Christen Studio Salon in Los Angeles. Christen has over 20 years of experience in the hair care industry, including 12 of which he spent on advanced studies in Italy. At his salon, Christen provides hair analysis and advanced hair treatments.
• Dr. Ryan Turner is the founder of TRNR Skin and a board-certified, New York City-based dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, general dermatology, surgical dermatology and laser surgery. He is an assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the former director of dermatologic and laser surgery at Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Turner received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School.
• Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, is an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University and internationally renowned nutrition expert. Dr. Young is the author of Finally Full, Finally Slim  and The Portion Teller Plan. She has appeared in outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, Vogue, Wall Street Journal and CBS News.
• Devin Graciano is a hair stylist and head of product development at Goldie Locks, a luxury hair care brand that focuses on moisture and hydration for extensions and natural hair.  
• Alex Padgett is a cosmetic chemist and co-founder of Educated Mess, a skincare brand that focuses on bringing consumers scientific information about the ingredients in their products that empowers them to make better informed decisions. Padgett, who also runs a popular skincare TikTok account, holds a Master of Science in cosmetic science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Rosemary oil has been all over TikTok, raking in 2.8 billion views, as of writing. Among its many properties, rosemary oil is said to help with hair growth and strengthening, reducing dandruff and regulating sebum production, though Dr. Turner notes that the studies are limited. 

“Rosemary oil [can] stimulate the microcirculation and improve oxygenation at the root to strengthen the hair, combat hair loss and promote regrowth,” Christen says. Simply put, increased blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients for the hair follicle. 

“Rosemary oil also has some potent antioxidants,” Dr. Turner adds. “We want to control inflammation in the scalp. When people have robust dandruff or other rashes in the scalp, that can lead to hair loss.” As antioxidants are anti-inflammatory, they can help preserve the hair. Rosemary oil can also provide moisture and hydration. 

As Padgett previously explained to PureWow, snail mucin is secreted by snails under stress and is said to be high in hydrating humectants. Those who want glazed-donut skin likely already have it in their arsenal to boost the skin’s water retention capabilities. Additionally, a 2013 study showed that the ingredient was effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines. With 1.1 billion views on TikTok (up from 468 million views when we originally reported on the ingredient), it’s likely the hype will be anything but sluggish for the foreseeable future.

Dealing with dark spots, discoloration, redness or melasma? Tranexamic acid serum is going to be your MVP. According to Dr. Turner, this ingredient can reduce the skin’s melanin production by stabilizing blood vessels and, when taken orally, treat melasma. 

“Tranexamic acid, just like other things that are acidic, can be a bit irritating,” he notes, which is why he recommends layering moisturizer over the serum. Dr. Turner also advises that you ease into using the serum into your routine the same way you would retinol. (Speaking of retinol, make sure to use the two ingredients separately while your skin is acclimating.—Dr. Turner recommends tranexamic acid in the morning and retinol at night.)  

Ceramides! Vitamin C! Sunscreen! All good things for your skin, and in 2024 more people will want them combined. Antioxidants like vitamin C help protect the skin from free radicals and can help improve pigmentation, while ceramides pack in hydration and moisture. According to Dr. Turner, it’s also an anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help repair the skin’s barrier. “A lot of sunscreens now are recognizing the need to incorporate antioxidants,” Dr. Turner adds. “When we’re exposed to sun, we know that the ultraviolet light is generating a lot of free radicals. Those are the things that can really damage the skin, causing inflammation. That can lead to discoloration, hyperpigmentation and ultimately the breakdown of collagen.” 

It’s no secret PureWow editors love tinted serum—from Ilia’s viral Super Serum Skin Tint to these 20 tinted moisturizers with SPF. The study forecasted that tinted serums will continue to dominate in 2024, with Ilia’s leading in popularity. It’s no surprise—who doesn’t love a two- (or three!-) in-one beauty product? 

“Spermidine is a polyamine compound found naturally in the body and has studies surrounding its potential health benefits on cellular health, heart function and longevity,” Dr. Young explains. Among its many claims to fame, the compound is involved in the metabolic process and can support healthy aging by improving cognitive function, cell health and longevity. "It helps promote cell renewal and protects against cellular damage, slowing down the aging process,” she notes. “As spermidine levels decline with age, supplementation is suggested to prevent or delay age-related diseases.” 

She notes that you should consult a physician before incorporating it into your diet, as it may impact other medications you may be taking. “Given the limited research, it's advisable to proceed with caution when consuming these supplements,” Dr. Young adds. “Obtaining nutrients from a balanced diet is often more beneficial than supplements as the body tends to absorb and utilize nutrients from food more efficiently.” 

“Bovine colostrum is the first few days of milk produced by cows after giving birth. It is rich in nutrients, antibodies and growth factors,” Dr. Young explains. She notes that studies have shown colostrum can have a positive impact on the immune system, gut and general growth and development. “Those prone to frequent illness and individuals with gut-related issues can benefit as colostrum contains growth factors that support gut health and high levels of antibodies.” 

However, steer clear if you are allergic or sensitive to dairy. As with spermidine, it’s best to consult with your doctor before taking it to prevent any averse reactions.   

“Peptides are short chain amino acids that are found throughout our hair. They play a pretty big role in your hair’s formation,” Graciano explains. Peptides help produce keratin, the primary protein found in hair, and ensure the hair follicle receives proper nutrients via blood flow.  

“Copper peptides are a commonly known peptide that can be applied topically to increase blood circulation. [They ensure that] your hair follicle is in prime condition and may also extend the hair growth cycle, giving you visibility longer hair as a result,” she says. “Copper peptides have also been found to help block DHT, a hormone that is released through the follicle that can be linked to premature hair loss.”