The Ultimate Skincare Ingredients Checklist

Your skin is a patchwork of proteins, lipids, minerals and other chemicals. Not only does it protect you from infection, its network of nerves also helps you to connect with your surroundings. All of which means that your skin needs plenty of nourishment – and a few key ingredients – to thrive. And why it’s a great idea to use a skincare ingredients checklist to ensure your products contain all the right stuff.

Unfortunately there aren’t any miracle compounds that are guaranteed to give you glowing skin. But incorporating some of the ingredients that your skin is craving will help to keep it healthy and happy.

Alpha-hydroxy acid

A group of compounds that helps with exfoliation, alpha-hydroxy acids brighten your skin. An essential ingredient in any good body scrub, these chemicals slough off dead cells and encourage radiance.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential in achieving healthy-looking skin. They protect your skin against free radicals and other environmental stressors, reducing signs of aging. Look out for body cream that contains Aloe, green tea and vitamins E and C to get your antioxidant fix.

Ceramides

These lipids, or fats, help to maintain the protective layer that safeguards skin against damage from environmental stressors like pollution. Ceramides are essential for helping supporting skin and helping it to repair itself.

Emollients

A group of moisturising agents found in a variety of plant oils and butters. Emollients create a protective layer on the dermis. They hydrate the skin. The layer prevents moisture loss. Shea butter, cocoa butter, triglycerides and stearates are all common examples of emollients.

Essential oils

These botanical extracts are used in aromatherapy for their various physiological and psychological benefits. They can soothe skin. Essential oils combined with carrier oils, like avocado and sweet almond oil, and applied topically. Or they can be diffused to help reduce anxiety.

Glycerin

A type of naturally occurring emollient that’s found in skin, glycerin gives your dermis a hydrated, healthy look. Besides being an effective restorative treatment, glycerin also protects the skin against future damage. This is an essential ingredient in any moisturiser.

Humectant

Whether naturally derived or synthesised, humectants help the skin to retain moisture. Common ingredients that contain these substances include glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid and silicone.

Mineral oil

Mineral oils are a regular addition to moisturisers. Along with their ability to lock in hydration, mineral oils are soothing. And their lack of colour and odour make them the ideal additive to bulk up moisturising products.

Parabens

Naturally derived preservatives. There has been controversy surrounding parabens, with conflicting information around whether they are a safe cosmetic ingredient.

Tocopherol

Is also known as Vitamin E. It is a powerful antioxidant that is use in protective moisturisers. It helps to fight off free radicals and defends the dermis from UV rays, and may assist with reversing sun damage.

Conclusion

Products that contain the components featured on our skincare ingredients checklist will keep your skin looking young and vibrant. Your toiletries should be eco-friendly. Therefore, It’s important to keep it as such. Beauty shouldn’t come at a cost to the environment.

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