Curcumin

Curcumin is the bright-yellow polyphenol that gives turmeric its signature color. It is a well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active by lowering inflammatory signals.

Lab studies show it also boosts type I collagen in fibroblasts and inhibits enzymes that break collagen down.

Randomized trials show that both topical and oral curcumin can help calm plaque psoriasis when used alongside standard treatments. Other studies have found it to be promising for eczema and skin irritation from radiation therapy.

The only catch with this ingredient is delivery; curcumin is lipophilic and has limited penetration through the stratum corneum at standard concentratinos. Modern formulations use nano-delivery systems to actually get it into skin.