Tamanu Oil

Extracted from nuts native to Southeast Asia, tamanu oil is surfacing in anti-acne skin treatments from Aveda and Sumbody. The companies describe the oil as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. "It sounds like green tea polyphenols, which have naturally occurring antimicrobial properties," says N.Y.C. dermatologist Grace Pak, M.D. "It may address redness and swelling in skin, but I wouldn't use it all by itself in the hopes of curing acne."

Sumbody Acne Scar-Erasing serum, $29.95; sumbody.com. Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief lotion, $28; aveda.com.

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