Cult Beauty: Christmas Unwrapped 2022

That’s why with the help of Cult Concierge — our in-house beauty experts who have their ears firmly to the ground — we’re predicting the ingredients you need on your radar for 2023. Azelaic acid Earning affection for its ability to not only prevent breakouts but also diminish the look of dark spots and redness, azelaic acid is the ingredient we turn to when our skin is acting up. Gaining traction on TikTok, PAULA’S CHOICE’s 10% Azelaic Acid Booster (£37/€39) is a prime pick; covering all bases, it pairs the hero ingredient with pore-purifying salicylic acid and soothing adenosine. Sk-in the know Words by Bethan Robinson Argireline Considered the next best thing to botox, argireline is a peptide that has the impressive power to inhibit muscle movement — the cause of dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet and ‘11’ lines — and promote collagen production. An age-defying tour de force , 111SKIN’s Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream (£185/€209) is your ticket to a smoother and firmer eye contour. Passionfruit oil Not a new discovery but one that’s finally getting the attention it deserves, passionfruit oil (or maracujá) locks in much-needed moisture and encourages skin healing by supporting your skin barrier. Look to Selfless by Hyram’s Niacinamide and Maracujá Daily Support Moisturiser (£24/€25) to promote strong, healthy skin. Succinic acid Another bright spark for beating blemishes, succinic acid boasts antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits — drying your spots into submission is so last year. One of the first brands to champion the ingredient, THE INKEY LIST’s Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment (£8/€9) is our go-to ex-zit strategy… The world of skin care is a changeable one. Trends come and go — the days of acid obsession shifted in a second towards better barrier care — but one thing is certain: we’re always on the lookout for the next big ingredient.