In today’s fast-evolving aesthetic market, ingredients can go viral overnight — often without clinical backing. As a supplier of professional-grade invasive skincare solutions, we believe in transparency, evidence-based results, and helping practitioners cut through the noise.
Today we are going to talk about what leading dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and clinical experts consider overrated and underrated in the skincare and aesthetic industry.
Overrated Ingredients
First, topical collagen. While collagen is essential internally for skin elasticity, topically applied collagen has limited penetration due to its large molecular weight. Despite being popular in over-the-counter skincare, it offers minimal long-term benefit unless hydrolyzed or combined with delivery enhancers.
Second, gold. Often used for marketing its "luxury" appeal, gold is frequently promoted for anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, clinical evidence is limited, and some studies suggest it may even cause skin sensitivity in certain individuals. In medical aesthetics, formulation efficacy matters more than prestige ingredients.
Last, physical exfoliants (walnut shells). While exfoliation is crucial, harsh physical exfoliants can damage the skin barrier, especially when used in combination with active treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or injectables.
While overrated ingredients often steal the spotlight with bold marketing claims and flashy packaging, they don’t always deliver measurable results — especially in professional aesthetic protocols where clinical efficacy matters more than buzz. On the other end of the spectrum, some ingredients quietly outperform expectations. Backed by science but often underrepresented in consumer products, these actives are becoming essential in post-treatment care, skin recovery, and long-term rejuvenation strategies.
Underrated Ingredients
Niacinamide (vitamin B3), a clinical favorite, is a powerhouse known to improve uneven tone, minimize pores, regulate sebum, and support barrier repair. It’s especially effective when used alongside minimally invasive treatments like mesotherapy or after botulinum toxin procedures for calming post-treatment irritation.
Peptides, small-chain amino acids, support collagen production and skin renewal. When formulated correctly, they can stimulate fibroblasts, improve elasticity, and enhance the efficacy of dermal fillers by reinforcing skin integrity over time.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), often overshadowed by trendier actives, is a gentle hydrating agent with proven anti-inflammatory properties. It’s ideal for post-procedure recovery protocols, helping reduce redness and restore skin barrier function after treatments such as microneedling (MTS) or PDO thread lifting.
At HAIM, we prioritize pharmaceutical-grade formulas backed by research and trusted by medical professionals worldwide.
Explore our curated range of injectables and skin boosters - designed to work smarter, not just louder.
📩 Have questions about active ingredients in our products? Contact our team for clinical datasheets or formulation guidance.