The Truth About Skincare: What Ingredients Actually Work

Niacinamide, ascorbic acid, dipropylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, hydroxy acid, peptides, growth factors, ethylhexylglycerin, SLS sodium lauryl sulfate, and the list goes on.

All of these ingredients are difficult to pronounce and commonly incorporated into some of our favorite skincare and beauty products. They’re so common, in fact, that we’d bet you will see some or all of these on the labels in your cabinet right now; go ahead, take a pause here and go grab your favorite skincare items to take a look.

DON’T TRUST MARKETING CAMPAIGNS

When it comes to quality skincare, the first place we should always look at is the ingredient list. Because we can’t just blindly trust the chic packaging and design, or the marketing language designed specifically to convince you to buy it. Because the shocking truth about skincare products is that manufacturers can say almost anything on the packaging. And that leaves the homework to us, as the consumers. Which ingredients work and which don’t? Which are harmful to us? Which are just a marketing ploy?

By the end of this article, we don’t expect you to be an expert in chemicals and beauty ingredients, but we do hope you will walk away with some valuable knowledge that you can take with you the next time you’re shopping for beauty products. We hope that you will be armed with the most important information on what skincare ingredients truly work.

THE 7 BEST SKINCARE INGREDIENTS THAT ACTUALLY WORK

• Retinol/retinoids/retinoic acid - These ingredients are essentially a modified form of Vitamin A and work on your skin to help boost collagen production. When applied, retinol (the most common way you will see this ingredient listed) converts to retinoic acid and binds to cell receptors on your skin to activates the regeneration process. This helps to repair sun-damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Vitamin C/ascorbic acid - This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that works to protect your skin from cell break-down. Vitamin C also acts as a sun-protectant while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Hydroxy acid/alpha hydroxy acid/AHA (glycolic, citric, polyhydroxy, beta hydroxyl, and lactic acid) -  These ingredients are used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reveal the new, young skin beneath. This also prepares your skin to better accept and absorb the other ingredients while stimulating it for evenly-pigmented, smooth, and growth of new skin. They also seem to help with reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
• Peptides - A peptide is a naturally-occurring molecule in living organisms, some of which can stimulate collagen production and work well for improving the texture and appearance of skin.
• Tea and seed extracts (green, black, and oolong tea; grade seed) - Tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help visibly improve your skin quickly after applying by reducing inflammation. The most common one you will find on your beauty products is green tea extract. Much like tea, grape seed extract is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory features that also helps promote collagen production.
• Niacinamide - Also called niacin, this is also a powerful antioxidant to help with inflammation while also helping your skin to retain moisture, which can help with elasticity and a youthful glow.

Great Products Containing These Key Ingredients

So now that you have a better understanding of some of the best-working skincare ingredients out there, it’s time to start shopping for your next serum, moisturizer, or cleanser. We’re happy to report that all of the following luxury products contain these ingredients and can help you improve your skin to a stunning, firm, lifted, glowing finish.

1. Neocutis BIO SERUM FIRM Rejuvenating Growth Factor & Peptide Treatment
2. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator (2 oz)
3. Neocutis NEO FIRM Neck & Decollete Tightening Cream
4. Obagi-C Fx C-Clarifying Serum
5. Neocutis NOUVELLE+ Retinol Correction Cream

When it comes to putting products on your skin --a very absorbent organ-- choose only the best ingredients.