Do you want to know what the best skincare ingredients are? Are you looking for ways to make sure your skin is healthy and glowing? Then look no further! We’ve rounded up the top skincare ingredients you need to know about. Keep reading to find out more!
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Vitamin C and E are two of the top skincare ingredients you need to know about. Active ingredients like these have taken the skincare industry by storm, and almost every brand joins the bandwagon with its ingredient-forward products. Vitamin C serums have a liquid or gel consistency and are often applied in combination with vitamin E, ferulic acid, and other antioxidants. Vitamin E is commonly found in an oil or cream form, and when combined with vitamin C forms an ideal cocktail that can help protect your skin from environmental damage. Look for a research-backed form of vitamin C, like L-ascorbic acid, on the ingredient list to maximize its benefits.
Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid is one of the top skincare ingredients you need to know about, as it’s a plant-based, naturally occurring antioxidant primarily used in anti-ageing skincare. It works well when you pair it with other antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as vitamin C and E, as it can stabilize them. Additionally, it enhances the effectiveness and stability of other antioxidants, making them last longer and providing additional benefits for your skin. The easiest way to incorporate ferulic acid into your skincare routine is to find a serum or moisturizer that includes it in the ingredients list.
Retinoids
Retinoids, such as retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinoic acid, are all vitamin A derivatives. They contain different concentrations of the active ingredient retinoic acid, the only one of the three that can penetrate the skin. Retinol may be the ultimate skin-rejuvenating ingredient, but using it correctly can be challenging. Layer retinol between hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide for the best results in your skincare routine. These powerful ingredients help clear acne, reduce wrinkles, and give your skin an overall glow.
Squalane
Squalane is a powerful emollient and natural antioxidant extracted from shark liver, olives, rice bran and sugar cane. It’s often used in skincare products to help the absorption of other skin-beneficial ingredients and form a protective barrier over the skin. Sugarcane-derived squalane is a remarkably stable form of plant squalane and is becoming increasingly popular in skincare products due to its ability to quench dry skin. Not to be confused with squalene (a lipid produced by skin cells). Squalene has been hailed as the newest superstar skincare ingredient safe for pregnant women.
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) are the new, innovative generation of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that have been used since the 1970s. The most common PHAs are gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid, which have been proven to help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface. PHAs are great for addressing issues like acne, dark spots, wrinkles and dryness. They also function as an antioxidant to help protect the skin from further sun damage. PHAs are one of the top skincare ingredients you need to know about as the latest trend in skincare ingredients.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide—aka vitamin B3—is one of those ingredients in almost any type of skincare product, from serums and moisturizers to face masks. It boasts many benefits, including anti-inflammatory and brightening properties that soothe skin and even out discolouration, as well as the potential to improve skin hydration. It may also work well alongside other skincare ingredients, such as copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne. As a result, Niacinamide is a versatile and effective skincare ingredient that should be included in your routine for optimal skin health.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) are one of the most popular and reliable exfoliating ingredients in modern skin care, thanks to their brightening and anti-ageing effects. Glycolic acid is the most famous AHA, coming from sugar cane and having the smallest molecule size of all AHAs for maximum efficacy. Other AHAs include lactic, citric, and malic acids. AHA products at a concentration of 10% or less as a lotion or cream are generally considered safe for most people when applied topically. Alpha hydroxy acids break down clumps of dead skin cells that form on the skin’s surface, making skin smoother. Adding them to your skincare routine can help reduce signs of ageing, dryness, and more.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the essential ingredients for hydration and moisture retention. It’s a naturally occurring molecule in the human body and works as a humectant, meaning it helps skin retain moisture. As a result, hyaluronic acid helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and gives skin a more youthful and firmer appearance. It also helps protect the skin from environmental stressors such as UV rays and harsh weather conditions.
Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid also referred to as Vitamin F, is one of the top skincare ingredients you need to know about. It is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid found in corn, safflower and sunflower oils and is one of two essential fatty acids humans must obtain from their diet. In skin care, linoleic acid strengthens the skin’s protective barrier while helping to reduce acne and lighten skin. It can be found in plant-based oils such as hemp seed, sunflower seed, grapeseed, argan, evening primrose, sesame seed, pumpkin seed and sweet almond oil. With its many benefits for your skin, you’ll want to include linoleic acid in your daily skincare routine.
Glycerin, Ceramides, and Jojoba Oil
Glycerin, ceramides, and jojoba oil are all popular skincare ingredients that help keep skin hydrated and nourished. Glycerin is a natural skin-restoring ingredient, while ceramides and jojoba oil are rich in natural lipids that help to strengthen the skin’s barrier. In addition, other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, and linoleic acid can also be beneficial for dry skin. With these top-notch ingredients, you can be sure to have healthier, more hydrated skin.
