Skincare Glossary: Defining all the Confusing Skincare Ingredients
Have you ever been stuck in the skin-care aisle pouring over a list of ingredients that sound like gibberish? Trying to decipher long ingredient names is almost like learning a foreign language! Below, we’ll breakdown common skincare ingredients so you can easily find the products that work best for you. Get past the marketing taglines and cute packaging and start focusing on the ingredients. This will elaborate if your favorite beauty product is full of nasty chemicals or rich with natural goodness. Read on to discover what’s in your skin care!
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a common ingredient in beauty products around the world. It sounds complex, but it’s a 100% natural ingredient. It’s a form of Vitamin B3 rich with antioxidants and it stimulates cell turnover. This ingredient is great for people with oily skin and for targeting breakouts.
Retinol
Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is the skin industry’s gold standard ingredient. It is widely used in most beauty and skincare products. It’s a Vitamin A derivative and helps ease the symptoms of slew skin issues. If you have problems with wrinkles, pores, or pigmentation, purchase a product that is high in retinol.
Collagen
This may seem like the new skincare buzzword on the block, but its massive popularity is for a good reason. Collagen is a protein that helps keep our skin looking youthful and fresh. We produce collagen in our bodies naturally, however, as we get older our collagen production declines. Adding a healthy dose of collagen to a beauty routine is essential!
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid sounds a little intimidating, but this ingredient is an old-school favorite. Everyone in the beauty game uses Hyaluronic acid (most likely, your Grandma even uses it!) It’s perfect for improving elasticity, hydrating the skin, and reducing signs of aging. Keep in mind that some products use micronized hyaluronic acid, which can’t soak into the skin barrier. Only choose products with normal hyaluronic acid so you don’t miss out on its super-natural moisturizing powers.
Parabens
You’ve probably come across this ingredient on the front of the packaging. “Paraben-free” is a common label that can be found on almost any skin-care product. Paraben is a preservative that helps to extend the shelf life of products. Although it’s safe to apply to the skin, Paraben is dangerous if ingested. Some studies suggest that it could be harmful if it enters our body through the skin. The debate about the safety of Parabens is still ongoing. However, there are so many Paraben free products available that consumers have the choice to avoid it.
Glycerin
Glycerin can be found in almost every beauty product. It’s perfect for hydrating, replenishing, and balancing the skin. When Glycerin is combined with other ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to any beauty regime.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is naturally produced on our skin, but it’s often depleted because of environmental factors such as sun exposure. This ingredient is often used alongside Vitamin C to balance skin tone, reduce signs of aging, and freshen dull skin.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Also known as salicylic acid, this incredible ingredient is used to target skin problems such as acne and blackheads. BHA is the best option for unbalanced skin and people struggling with excess oil or rosacea. Acids such as Alpha Hydroxyl (AHAS) are a better option for dry skin. Having a better understanding of your skin type will help you pick the right product with the most appropriate acid.
This is just a short list of the most common ingredients found in our favorite beauty products. Keep in mind that although cute packaging and marketing slogans can be convincing, it’s essential to know exactly what you are using. Understanding ingredients is empowering and you can rest easy with 100% confidence in what you buy and use.
