The Best Skincare Ingredients Worth Adding to Your Daily Skincare Routine

You put time and effort into your daily skincare routine, so doesn’t it make sense to use ingredients that work overtime for your complexion? The thing is, with so many products on the market, figuring out what’s best for your skin often turns into an overwhelming exercise. At KNESKO, we focus on creating high-quality skincare treatments that use cutting-edge science, powerful actives, and legitimately transformative formulas.

For details on the best skincare ingredients to have in your beauty routine, we’re showcasing some of the most effective options on the market, all of which you’ll find over and over again in our award-winning, cult-favorite products.

1. Peptides

Consider peptides the pep in your skincare routine, here to target the look of fine lines and support a firmer feel. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for essential proteins in your skin—like collagen and elastin. At KNESKO, we use a proprietary gold-wrapped peptide complex that maximizes the efficacy of peptides and targets visible signs of aging from multiple angles.

• Best for: Anyone looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and have firmer-feeling skin
• Try it: Gold Repair Body Serum

2. CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body. One of the best skincare ingredients to prevent signs of premature aging, it helps ward off free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution. CoQ10 also nurtures skin cell regeneration to keep skin feeling healthy and looking young.

• Best for: Dull or damaged skin in need of antioxidant protection
• Try it: Diamond Radiance Collagen Eye Mask

3. Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is another one of the best skincare ingredients to add to your routine, especially for those looking to gently brighten their complexion.  This gentle AHA is naturally derived from almonds and is best known for its exfoliating properties. It helps slough away dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, unclog pores, and create a smoother, more even-looking complexion. It’s considered gentler than other AHAs, making it suitable for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

• Best for: Sensitive or acne-prone skin looking for a gentle exfoliant.
• Try it: Black Pearl Resurfacing Serum

4. Tranexamic Acid

This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is beloved by board-certified dermatologists for its remarkable ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Tranexamic acid works by inhibiting melanin production and calming inflammation, making it an excellent choice for treating uneven skin tone. While powerful, this gentle ingredient also strengthens the skin barrier to leave your complexion looking bright and even.

• Best for: Anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or uneven skin tone. 
• Try it: Diamond Radiance Serum

5. Centella Asiatica

Also known as cica or tiger grass, this natural skincare ingredient has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s billed for soothing inflammation and promoting wound healing while strengthening the skin barrier. It’s also loaded up with antioxidant power and amino acid to support hydration and protect against environmental stress.

• Best for: Irritated or sensitive skin in need of soothing and repair.
• Try it: Green Jade Calm Face Mask

6. Ceramides

When you need a moisturizing hero, a ceramide-packed skincare product is your girl. Ceramides are lipids (fats) naturally found in the skin that play an important role in maintaining the health of your skin barrier. They lock in moisture, prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and help shield skin from irritants. Using ceramides in your skincare routine can help keep your complexion feeling hydrated, plump, and resilient.

• Best for: Dry or dehydrated skin in need of moisture and barrier repair.
• Try it: Amethyst Hydrate Serum

7. Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid is another powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, protecting the skin from premature aging. It works synergistically with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, to boost their effectiveness and stability. Another fact that makes ferulic acid one of the best skincare ingredients is that it can help brighten complexions and visibly minimize fine lines and dark spots over time.

• Best for: Anyone looking to boost antioxidant protection
• Try it: Rose Quartz Antioxidant Serum

8. Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is one of the best ingredients for skin. It visibly improves skin texture, minimizes the appearance of pores, and helps regulate oil production. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for soothing redness, while it also strengthens the skin barrier to lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage.

• Best for: Those who want a bright and even-looking complexion
• Try it: Gold Repair Collagen Face Mask

9. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a plant-based anti-aging ingredient that’s been dubbed a hero alternative to retinol. It has many similar benefits to retinoids—only without the irritation—to help minimize the look of fine lines, create an even-looking complexion, and support collagen production. As a bonus, its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe redness and irritation.

• Best for: Sensitive skin types seeking a gentle alternative to retinoids 
• Try it: Diamond Radiance Serum

Related: Bakuchiol Benefits For Your Skin

We’re truly the sum of our daily habits. Those routine walks in the sunshine, the nourishing foods we put into our body each morning, the 10 minutes of reading at the end of the day—they all compound over time to improve our health. Sticking to a daily skincare routine is the same, and at KNESKO we believe in the powerful effects of carving out this time to improve your mental wellbeing while supporting a beautiful, glowing complexion.