5 Skincare Ingredients You Didn't Know You Needed — And Where to Find Them Naturally

​You’ve heard the buzzwords — retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid. But beyond the skincare A-listers lie some under-the-radar ingredients that deliver incredible benefits for your skin. Rooted in nature and backed by science, these ingredients are often found in ancient wellness rituals but now power some of the most effective modern skincare.

Here are five underrated, naturally derived ingredients your skin will thank you for — along with where they come from and what types of products to look for.

​

1. Azelaic Acid – The Multi-Tasking Skin Perfector

What it is:
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It's known for its gentle exfoliating power, anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to fade hyperpigmentation.

Natural source:
✔️ Barley
✔️ Rye
✔️ Wheat (especially fermented)

Found in:

• Lightweight serums for acne-prone or sensitive skin

• Brightening creams or spot treatments

• Prescription-strength gels for rosacea

Why it’s essential:

• Fades acne marks and dark spots

• Gently exfoliates without irritation

• Reduces redness and helps rosacea

​

2. Centella Asiatica (Cica) – The Soothing Healer

What it is:
Also known as Gotu Kola, this herb has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It calms irritation, stimulates collagen, and helps reinforce the skin barrier.

Natural source:
✔️ Fresh Centella Asiatica leaves
✔️ Commonly brewed in teas or used in pastes

Found in:

• Moisturizers and gels for sensitive skin

• Sheet masks focused on barrier repair

• After-sun or soothing treatments

Why it’s essential:

• Repairs damaged skin

• Soothes irritation and redness

• Ideal for dry, reactive, or healing skin

​

3. Polyglutamic Acid – The New Hydration Hero

What it is:
A hydrating peptide naturally produced during soybean fermentation, especially in the making of Natto, a traditional Japanese dish. It locks in moisture at the surface and enhances elasticity.

Natural source:
✔️ Fermented soybeans (Natto)
✔️ Traditional Japanese fermentation

Found in:

• Hydrating serums (sometimes paired with hyaluronic acid)

• Creams designed for plumping and smoothing

• Sleeping masks with anti-aging claims

Why it’s essential:

• Holds up to 5,000 times its weight in water

• Keeps skin dewy and firm

• Ideal for dry or mature skin

​

4. Licorice Root Extract – The Gentle Brightener

What it is:
Extracted from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, licorice root is rich in antioxidants and a compound called glabridin, which helps fade pigmentation and reduce inflammation.

Natural source:
✔️ Licorice root (boiled, powdered, or extracted)
✔️ Used in traditional Ayurvedic remedies

Found in:

• Dark spot correctors and brightening serums

• Toners for uneven skin tone

• Anti-inflammatory creams for sensitive skin

Why it’s essential:

• Brightens dull skin naturally

• Calms inflammation and redness

• Excellent for post-acne marks or sun damage

​

5. Sea Buckthorn Oil – The Omega-Rich Nourisher

What it is:
Pressed from the berries or seeds of the sea buckthorn shrub, this oil is loaded with omega fatty acids (especially rare omega-7), vitamins, and antioxidants.

Natural source:
✔️ Sea buckthorn berries
✔️ Found in coastal Europe and Asia

Found in:

• Facial oils and nourishing serums

• Balms for dry, flaky, or damaged skin

• Anti-aging creams for mature skin

Why it’s essential:

• Deeply nourishes and strengthens the skin

• Supports elasticity and repair

• Protects against environmental damage

​

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re browsing skincare products, look beyond the buzzwords. These five ingredients offer powerful, natural, and science-backed benefits—often with a long history in holistic wellness. Whether you’re managing acne, soothing sensitivity, or just giving your skin a hydration boost, these gentle heroes can be your new essentials.

✨ Bonus: All of these ingredients are naturally derived, making them perfect for clean beauty lovers or anyone seeking a softer, more holistic skincare routine.

​

About the Author:
Written by the Cosmetica Premier Team — a modern skincare and hair care website focused on customized beauty, premium ingredients, and fast delivery. Explore our collection and discover what beauty feels like when it’s truly personalized.