When shopping for skin care, you can't always trust what it claims on the box. You need to train your own eyes to go straight to the ingredients list instead. This is because skin care products need to have the right components to directly address your concerns. Also, knowing what to look for is the quickest way to figure out if a product is worth trying.
So, get your science goggles ready because below is a list of skin care ingredients that will make your shopping ten times easier:
Hydration
Hyaluronic Acid
Our skin's ability to hold moisture worsens as we age, so using products that have hyaluronic acid will ensure that all the hydrating products you use will be absorbed by your skin properly. Think of it as the safety mat for all your moisturizers and serums to take full effect.
Glycerin
If your moisturizer has no hyaluronic hcid, it should have a good percentage of glycerin to be worth your time. Glycerin is a humectant that retains skin moisture and prevents its loss just like HA. So if by any chance you're sensitive to one, you can use products that have the other.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, P830, Watsons
Anti-aging/Brightening
Galactomyces Secretion Filtrate
Galactomyces is a fermented ingredient that promotes skin renewal, firms the skin, and lessens pigmentation. And if you've heard of SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence and its secret ingredient called Pitera, this is its fancier name.
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid is an exfoliating acid that promotes overall skin renewal. They are very effective in fading dark spots, treating fine lines, and evening out your skin tone when formulated at the perfect pH level.
Ciracle Vitamin C Serum, Watsons
Niacinamide
Very similar to the previous two, niacinamide is great for all-over skin rejuvenating. It has brightening properties as well as the ability to improve the skin's elasticity, and just like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide helps prevent moisture loss for a more youthful glow.
Olay Total Effects 7-in-one Day Cream, Watsons
Brightening
Arbutin
Arbutin is a bearberry plant-derived ingredient that helps inhibit melanin production and brighten the skin. It's a much better alternative to acidic whitening products because it's not as harsh and is actually effective.
Acne care
Betahydroxy Acids or BHA
Betain Salicylate and Salicylic acid are BHAs that clear your pores and prevent breakouts. Using products with proper amounts of BHA will exfoliate your skin for improved skin texture and clear your pores of any deep-seated dirt.
Propolis
Propolis is an anti-microbial product derived from bees, and it has been proven to be beneficial not only for the skin but for the entire body as well. It helps prevent acne by stopping bacteria growth better than alcohol and naturally restoring your skin's health.
Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis essence, SM Mall of Asia
Got that? Don't forget to bring this list to your next shopping trip!
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