The Most-Loved Skin-Care Ingredients, According to Readers

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really inside the skin-care routines of beauty lovers, we’ve got answers. We surveyed more than 400 NewBeauty readers* to find out which ingredients they swear by, which ones they’ve tried and what they’re planning to add to their regimens next.

Tried + True

Some ingredients have clearly earned their place in the skin care hall of fame. Vitamin C tops the list, with nearly 89 percent of respondents saying they’ve used it in the past. Hyaluronic acid isn’t far behind at 87 percent, and retinol is a close third at 82 percent.

Collagen (79 percent), peptides (69 percent) and niacinamide (62 percent) also show up strong, proving that hydration, firmness and brightening are top priorities. Exfoliants like salicylic acid (65 percent) and glycolic acid (64 percent) are well-represented too. And while growth factors (28 percent) and CBD (38 percent) are less common, they’re clearly on the radar. SPF, of course, is a staple—83 percent of readers say they’ve used it in the past.

In Rotation

Current routines show a strong preference for hydration and protection. Hyaluronic acid is the most-used ingredient at the moment, with 71 percent of respondents including it in their daily lineup. SPF is right behind at 73.5 percent, followed by retinol at 70 percent and vitamin C at 67 percent. Collagen (60 percent) and peptides (47 percent) are still going strong, while niacinamide (39 percent), glycolic acid (35 percent), ceramides (34 percent) and salicylic acid (30 percent) round out the list. CBD is currently used by just 10 percent of respondents, suggesting it’s still more niche than mainstream.

On the Radar

Looking ahead, readers are most excited to incorporate hyaluronic acid (73.5 percent), collagen (72 percent), and retinol (72 percent) into their future routines. Vitamin C (70 percent), SPF (69.5 percent) and peptides (68 percent) are also high on the wishlist. Interest in niacinamide (57 percent), glycolic acid (57 percent), and ceramides (54 percent) suggests that skin barrier support and gentle exfoliation are still top of mind. Growth factors (44 percent) and CBD (28 percent) are gaining traction, with more readers planning to explore their benefits.

*Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2025