The skin is the largest, outermost, and one of the most important organs of the human body which acts as a protective barrier enclosing internal organs. Among its many important roles, it acts as a medium through which the body learns about the external environment. Skin ageing, which results from a systematic reduction in the number and size of cells in the layers that make up the skin, is one of the earliest manifestations of human ageing, with facial skin being the first to reveal those features. The anti-ageing cosmetic industry, driven by factors such as an ageing population, increasing consumer awareness about skincare, and advancements in cosmetic technology, continues to be a significant sector within the broader beauty and skincare market. While several current anti-ageing products claim to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of cutaneous ageing, the effectiveness and safety of these products, particularly across different ethnicities and skin types, remains largely unknown owing to limited research. Nevertheless, continuous innovations in active ingredients, excipients, formulations, and delivery systems has led to the development of a wide range of anti-ageing products, including creams, serums, masks, and devices. This review looks at some of the current literature on skin anti-ageing active ingredients in use.

Keywords: Anti-ageing; cosmetics; cosmeceuticals; ingredients; bee venom; skin