Like several other industries, the skincare and wellness industry has evolved in the past few years. We see evolution in skincare routines. Conventional cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing is undergoing continuous modifications with the increasing use of innovative techniques and ingredients.
One of the latest trends that have gained the limelight of consumers is the use of active ingredients in our cosmetics and skincare products.
Cosmetic active ingredients- An overview
Developing a deeper understanding of the ingredients included in skincare and beauty products is imperative. In doing so, you become a more informed consumer. And when we talk about ingredients in skin care products, we mean those ingredients designed to address specific concerns related to the skin, including sun damage, dryness, acne, and age-related issues.
The term ‘active’ are compounds present in the products in a modified form that can undergo a chemical transformation in preparing a solution. These are raw elements added to the products in different proportions based on the type of skin applied.
The significant active ingredients:
- Antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E
- Probiotics
- Alpha – Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
- Beta –Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
- Niacinamide
- SPF
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Coenzyme Q10
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Hydroquinone
- L-ascorbic acid
- Retinoids
- Peptides
These active ingredients are integrated into skincare and beauty products such as cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, make-ups, and face masks in varying potency and dosage forms. The more potent the active ingredients, the higher their position in the ingredient list on the product label.
The benefits of some of the significant active ingredients in cosmetics:
Alpha–Hydroxy Acid (AHA):
Referred to as an exfoliator which is essential for removing dirt and grease stuck in the skin’s pores, they come in different forms, such as glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids.
Beta –Hydroxy Acid (BHA):
A common beta hydroxide acid is salicylic acid used in skincare products to prevent or clear up blemishes, blackheads, breakouts, and even diverse skin tones.
Vitamin C, E, and A:
Vitamin C-infused products and cosmetics boost collagen production to improve skin’s elasticity and protect it from external aggressors. Vitamin E reduces skin damage by free radicals and slows down the oxidation of products. It also reduces the appearance of skin scars. Vitamin A has powerful antioxidant properties to protect cell membranes from free radical damage, boost collagen production, stimulate skin cell renewal, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol:
Retinol helps to increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture by combating the loss of facial fullness.
Ceramides:
Using products featuring ceramides prevents skin damage from hot water, chemicals, harsh soaps, and other environmental stressors.
Niacinamide:
It is an effective ingredient to soothe skin irritation. Applying niacinamide to your skin minimizes redness caused by certain skin conditions and boosts the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Benzoyl peroxide:
Benzoyl peroxide is an active cosmetic ingredient to treat acne. It kills bacteria within the skin pores by introducing oxygen to the pores.
L-ascorbic acid:
This active ingredient in skin care products stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. L-ascorbic acid is beneficial as a skin-brightening agent and helps protect the skin from free radicals.
Peptides:
Peptides are beneficial in terms of anti-aging and encourage youthful-looking skin. The primary benefits of peptides as active cosmetic ingredients include increasing collagen synthesis, skin strength, and improved skin texture and firmness.
Hyaluronic acid:
Hyaluronic acid acts as a hydrator in cosmetics. It is a water magnet found in serums and moisturizers to replenish moisture, soften the outer layer of the skin, and help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
Conclusion!
Consult a dermatologist before trying any new skincare and beauty product. They will detect your skin issues and advise the appropriate cosmetic active ingredient to fight problems.