🐝Buzzy skincare ingredients

 

In early 2020, Kiehl’s invited us to spend an evening at Toronto’s Soho House chatting up Dr. Meghan O’Brien, the brand’s global consulting dermatologist. Perhaps you attended the sold-out event? To make the most of our face time with the Tribeca-based pro we decided to focus our q’s around the buzziest ingredients of the year. We couldn’t help but wonder: What’s the deal with cannabis? Is Vitamin C still considered essential? And, are PHAs the new AHAs!? Delivering the goods to a packed house, Dr. O’Brien loaded our lively discussion with straight-talkin’ expertise (our fave kind!) and doled out plenty of excellent personal advice during the extended Q & A sesh that followed. Now, as we head into the dog days of summer, her pro insights on key ingredients, along with a few of the brands latest launches, remain oh-so-relevant. So, for anyone looking to put their best face forward this season, we’re sharing them right here ⬇️. And, since options for every buzzy mention are growing, we’ve also included some of our latest discoveries that fit into each category.

 
Dr. Meghan O’Brien and The T-Zone gals at Soho House, Toronto.

Dr. Meghan O’Brien and The T-Zone gals at Soho House, Toronto.

P.S. And now we have a Q for you: have you tried a skincare product that contains one of the ingredients on this list? Please let us know! We always love to hear about what’s worked for you, because you know we’re nosy like that!

 

#1 cannabis

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Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate, $59

“This oil is suitable for both sensitive and dry skin types as it is non-irritating and gentle but also suitable for blemish-prone skin as it is non-comedogenic. Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil has calming and moisturizing properties so it is a great ingredient for inflamed skin or skin that is prone to irritation/inflammation including acne and rosacea.  Kiehl's Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate should be applied as the last step in your routine after your moisturizer. I love the herbal smell that comes from the Green Oregano Oil!  The product contains 96% naturally-derived ingredients, so this oil is also perfect for those seeking more natural skincare products,” says Dr. O’Brien

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Evio Rejuvenating Mask, $22

 

#2 manuka honey

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Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream, $72

“Since ancient times, honey has been used for its antibacterial properties.  Manuka honey comes from New Zealand bees that get their nectar exclusively from the Manuka flower.  This honey has a higher concentration of methylglyoxal compared to non-Manuka honey and the higher methylgloxal concentration has been associated with greater antibacterial effects.  Manuka honey also has anti-oxidant properties as well as emollient and humectant properties making Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream the perfect product to use at nightime to repair the skin's barrier function overnight,” says Dr. O’Brien.

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L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition All-Over
Honey Balm, $31

 

#3 Vitamin C

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Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing
Vitamin C Eye Serum, $59

 

“Vitamin C is all over the skincare marketplace because of its proven anti-oxidant properties as well as its ability to prevent and treat brown pigment in the skin and help with collagen production.  I love this as an ingredient in an eye cream because it is generally not irritating.  Many eye creams will include irritating ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid which can be difficult for more sensitive and drier skin types. With Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line Reducing and Dark Circle Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum, pump a pea-sized amount onto the back of your left hand and use your right ring finger to pat along the orbital bone both above and below the eye,” says Dr. O’Brien.

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Vichy Liftactiv Specialist Peptide-C Ampoules, $40

 

#4 Bakuchiol

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Beautycounter Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence, $80

Bakuchiol is a popular anti-aging skincare ingredient especially suited for sensitive or dry skin types during colder climates when acids and retinoids may be too drying.  Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient and has been shown to have anti-aging benefits including skin cell turnover, collagen stimulation and improvement in fine lines, similar to retinol without irritation. Apply a small amount to the entire face at bedtime after cleansing and before a moisturizer,” says Dr. O’Brien.

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Indeed Labs Bakuchiol Reface Pads, $18

 

#5 Pha

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OleHenriksen PHAT Glow Facial, $66

“Polyhydroxy acids are new generation alpha hydroxy acids that provide skin cell turnover and anti-aging effects. Compared to alpha hydroxy acids they are less irritating and can be used by patients with sensitive and drier skin types and can actually improve the skin's barrier function because they act as humectants. This is a great ingredient for people who get too irritated by glycolic acid and retinoids.  My recommendation is to apply it at night time before a moisturizer,” says Dr. O’Brien.

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NeoStrata Overnight Anti-Pollution Treatment, $58