Four rising skincare ingredients that should be on your radar

From exosomes to ectoin, our beauty editor Sally Foran has the low down on this year's trending skincare ingredients 

Prickly pear oil is a vegan alternative to snail mucin

After years of aggressive actives and complicated routines, 2026 looks set to be a year where we embrace true skin health. With that in mind, these are some of the skincare ingredients I am excited to see becoming bigger players in the year ahead.

Exosomes

Exosomes became a major skincare trend last year and are set to remain popular in 2026, with Cult Beauty reporting an 81% increase in the search ‘what are exosomes’ on its site alone. To answer that query, exosomes are tiny cell-derived vesicles that act as biological messengers, supporting skin repair, regeneration and communication. Originally used in medicine, they’re now found in professional treatments and topical skincare.

Key benefits include faster skin repair, collagen stimulation, improved firmness and texture, reduced inflammation, strengthened barrier function, enhanced absorption of other actives, and improved recovery after aesthetic procedures. Suitable for all skin types, exosomes stand out because they deliver multi-functional cellular signals, offering a next-generation approach to skin rejuvenation.

Dermalogica’s Phyto Nature E2

• Try it: Dermalogica’s Phyto Nature E2 exosome serum is clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in two weeks. It’s a silky, leave-on exfoliation formula that feels weightless yet nourishing as it gently resurfaces and rejuvenates for glowing skin. It teams exosomes with pumpkin enzymes to gently break down dead, dull surface cells, clearing the way for exosomes to penetrate and perform, phyto glycogen and prickly pear to visibly brighten and smooth and bio-fermented acetyl glucosamine to hydrate and provide antioxidant protection.

Clinical trials report smoother, brighter skin that looks six years younger in just eight weeks, and having been using it for the last four weeks, I can at least confirm the smoother and brighter skin part. €176, dermalogica.ie

PDRN

Another ingredient that we will definitely be hearing more about in 2026 is PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), a compound derived from trout or salmon DNA. Originally developed for medical wound healing, PDRN has transitioned into cosmetic treatments, promising enhanced cellular repair, improved barrier function, and accelerated anti-ageing results. In topical skincare, it’s used for its ability to calm inflammation, support barrier repair and improve skin texture over time. It’s widely regarded as a well-tolerated skincare ingredient that can be used safely by most skin types as it’s gentle and effective, even for those with sensitive skin. That said, it is best suited to people with dull, dehydrated or ageing skin, and those with concerns around texture, fine lines, or pigmentation. Somewhat unsurprisingly, anyone with a known fish allergy should avoid using PDRN products.

Rejuran Turnover Ampoule serum

• Try it: My friend gifted me a Rejuran serum at Christmas after she was blown away by her own results. It claims to calm and rejuvenate the appearance of damaged skin, diminish the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, age spots and acne scars, reduce the look of pores and minimise shine, improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and scars while also helping to soothe damage caused by treatments or the environment.

It also contains hyaluronic acid to support natural collagen production, boost moisture and contains the highest level of PDRN available. €42, Stylevana

Ectoin

Discovered in 1985 in a microorganism in the Egyptian desert, Ectoin is an amino acid derivative known as an extremolyte, a small stress protection molecule that protects plants and microorganisms living under extreme conditions such as deserts, salt lakes, hot springs, arctic ice, and the deep ocean.

It’s a multi-functional active that protects and strengthens skin, strengthening the skin barrier, reducing cellular damage from environmental aggressors, preventing moisture loss, reducing inflammation, and soothing irritation for more hydrated, resilient skin.

It helps to create a seal over the skin, forming a hydration shield around skin cells and preventing transepidermal water loss, making it a powerful hydrator that helps the skin hold onto moisture.

The INKEY List Ectoin serum

• Try it: Ectoin is at the core of The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro Barrier Serum formula, combined with 2.5% multi molecular Hyaluronic Acid and a 1% barrier blend of three Ceramides to restore and protect the skin barrier.
  During a recent episode of barrier damage ( a hazard of the job!) I found it incredibly soothing and hydrating, resulting in it becoming a permanent fixture on my skincare shelf. €18.45, Look Fantastic

Prickly pear

Prickly pear seed oil is a highly moisturising oil derived from a cactus rich in essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, providing antioxidant protection from free radicals, with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

It’s high in amino acids, which stimulate collagen production and promote faster cell turnover and vitamin K, which contributes to skin elasticity and may help brighten under-eye dark circles. It also gives skin a luminous glow and strengthens the barrier, what’s not to love? Unless you are allergic to it, prickly pear seed oil is generally suitable for all skin types, especially anyone looking for hydration, antioxidant effects, or with pigment issues.

Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin

• Try it: Glow Recipe’s newest addition to their serum wardrobe, Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin Serum, has 81% Prickly Pear, as well as a 3% Bio Active Peptide to support collagen production, ectoin to support skin resilience from external aggressors like pollution, UV and climate stress, boost skin’s moisture barrier, calm and soothe visible redness and signs of irritation and finally Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, a fermented yeast extract, known for its ability to brighten, hydrate and improve skin texture. It’s the next generation of Korean mucin for repaired, restored, resilient skin, and a vegan alternative to snail mucin. Nigella Lawson is reportedly a huge fan, and how incredible does she look? €30, Cult Beauty.

Prices correct at time of print but subject to change