Algenist: One of the more anticipated launches this month, the Algenist line contains new wonder ingredient alguronic acid. This is one of those skincare lines, like SK-II and Lift Lab, that exists because scientists realized that a substance they were studying for other purposes might make a great skin care ingredient. In this case, microalgae were being studied as a source of renewable energy. Scientists discovered that “algae have to protect themselves from the same environmental insults as we experience.” In vitro (which means in a test tube, not in a human being) testing showed that alguronic acid derived from these algae increases elastin production and cellular regeneration.

The line launched last week with four products: Concentrated Reconstructing Serum, Regererative Anti-Aging Moisturizer (and one with SPR 20), and Complete Eye Renewal Balm. Algenist is carried exclusively at Sephora and prices range from $65 to $135.