Turmeric (aka turmeric root, Indian saffron or curcuma longa) is a shrub that is related to the ginger family. It's grown throughout India, Asia and Africa, and while it's most commonly known for its golden colour and use in curry powders and mustards, turmeric is also used to dye fabrics and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain and topically treat wounds.

In cosmetics, turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe skin and recent research has shown it boosts the enzyme that produces the skin's natural antioxidants, so expect to see it pop up in various skincare ranges, though purifying it without losing its power is both tricky and costly.

Try Ole Henriksen Visual Truth Eye Creme ($94) and DDF Anti-Ageing Restorative Advanced Firming Cream ($189.95).

Back in 1991 leading NY cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Howard Sobel, created a skincare line that was ordered by skin concerns, not skin type. In 2007, P&G acquired the brand and started using that amazing global expert network of theirs to further grow the brand. DDF now has five core lines, each targeting a specific concern: acne, hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin, preventative anti-ageing and restorative anti-ageing. Two hero products stand out: Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimiser Moisturising Serum ($124.95)—the number five best-seller in Sephora has a dual-phase technology that provides instant gratification and future treatment in the war against wrinkles and pores; plus it's a good primer. And Discolouration Reversal-Pods ($104.95) provide a targeted treatment to discoloured areas or age spots.