The natural anti aging skin care market is overflowing with products that aim to either combat all signs of aging or are targeted to fight particular signs of aging. Scientific research shows that molecule size, the chemical makeup of the ingredient and its mode of action are all integral factors in determining whether the ingredient can penetrate the skins robust barrier, and subsequently work at the deeper levels of the skin. In this article, we have identified thirteen ingredients: extracts, oils, vitamins and acids (alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy) that formulators know can penetrate the skin and work at deeper levels to prevent and counteract aging of the skin.

1.Pomegranate seed oil is made up of several natural anti aging components. One component present in this oil is punicic acid, which is a unique fatty acid found only in pomegranate seed oil. It is thought that this acid provides hydration in the skin, and repairs the skin by regenerating cells that were damaged by the UV light. Moreover, it also stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin which, when it deteriorates, is linked to saggy skin and wrinkles. All of these properties make pomegranate seed oil ideal for dry, mature and cracked skin. Its also a wonderful addition for photoaged skin or sunburned skin.

2.Rosehip oil has significant anti aging benefits due to it being packed with vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. It contains vitamins E, F and pro-vitamin A, which contribute to its antioxidant effect. The presence of vitamin A also stimulate collagen production in the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The fatty acid vitamin F works with vitamin A to help improve overall skin tone and texture.

3.Camellia japonica oil (also known as tsubaki oil) is derived via cold pressing from the seeds of the tea plant Camellia japonica. Note that camelia oil can come from other species as well, such as Camellia oleifera or Camellia sinensis. Historically this oil has been a personal care secret in Japan (5) and its remarkable natural anti aging properties have only recently been discovered by western countries.

4.Vitamin C is a naturally occurring, water-soluble vitamin (also available in ester forms which are oil-soluble). Although there are numerous forms, the most widely used forms in anti aging skincare are the smaller molecule, more stable versions such as ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (oil-soluble version of vitamin C) and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate as these penetrate the skin better.
Vitamin C is commonly found in leave-on products and some wash-off products such as eye treatment creams (also due to its skin brightening effects), microdermabrasion products, overnight creams, facial moisturizers and anti aging serums for the face which help diminish appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as make the skin look more radiant.