The Best Skincare Products of 2021

2Carrot & Stick

There’s no need to compromise on effectiveness and safety when it comes to skincare. Years ago consumers often had to choose between naturally derived skincare brands that were deemed safe but not always powerful, or synthetically made skincare that was effective but could often raise health and environmental concerns. The new skincare brand Carrot & Stick bridges that gap, offering the best of both worlds.
Carrot & Stick takes a tough love approach to skincare.
Its products blend the power of plants with science to deliver straightforward, effective skincare.
The collection covers all the basic skincare needs with a moisturizer, serum, face wash, brightening pads and targeted serums to address various skincare concerns. Carrot & Stick products all rely on naturally sourced ingredients such as jojoba seed oil, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. What is equally important is what doesn’t go inside the formulas. The brand skips harmful chemicals as well as the preservatives, emulsifiers and thickeners commonly found in skincare products.
The company is also environmentally conscious, and is committed to eliminating known irritants and pollutants that can compromise skin health and contaminate the environment. The packaging is streamlined to help cut down on waste.

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4Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro

The Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro line of products was created to wage war against all the signs of aging, from wrinkles and fine lines to sagging. The line combines potent ingredients with breakthrough technology. The Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Treatment is a fast-acting serum designed to help lift and tighten sagging skin. It’s packed with alpha hydroxy acids to help exfoliate the face, revealing softer, smoother looking skin.
The Instant Wrinkle Filler with Tri-Polymer Blend helps to temporarily plump up the look of lines and wrinkles with filling spheres and blurring optics along with hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This is the product to reach for if you want instant results. Perfectionist [CP + R] is a firming/lifting serum as well as a wrinkle reducer. The key ingredient is CPR-75 Technology, which Estee Lauder says helps to increase collagen production. Some of the key ingredients include St Paul’s wort, clary extract and fish collagen.

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5 Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Estée Lauder launched Night Repair in 1982, and one of its many claims to fame is that it’s the beauty world’s first serum. It was also one of the first beauty products to use hyaluronic acid, which is now considered a beauty staple. The idea behind Night Repair is that our bodies kick into repair mode while we sleep, which is the optimal time to heal the skin. Night Repair is a lightweight fluid designed to penetrate deeply into the skin, and is ideal for dry or sensitive skin. The serum was first packaged in a brown apothecary style bottle to help protect it from light, and the design hasn’t changed much in decades. Over the years the formula has been tweaked and it’s now officially called Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II. The serum is designed to hydrate the skin and boost its radiance. The peach colored fluid is powered by ChronoluxCB Technology to help reduce the signs of aging. The concept is that the serum works by stimulating the skin’s reparative processes, which then minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

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6 Chanel Blue Serum

The inspiration for this serum comes from the famous “Blue Zones,” which are specific areas known for high life expectancy rates, including parts of Greece, Sardinia and Japan. Chanel used three active ingredients found in the diets of the Blue Zone population – including olive oil, green coffee and lentisk gum in its iconic Blue Serum. The product is meant to improve skin texture and smooth out wrinkles. Some of the key ingredients include green coffee from Costa Rica; Chanel says they have 70 times more antioxidant molecules than regular coffee beans, and Bosana olives from Sardinia. These specific olives contain essential fatty acids and higher-level skin-fortifying polyphenols. Rounding out the ingredients list is lentisk from Greece, a naturally occurin oleanolic acid that supports the skin restorative qualities. These ingredients work in tandem to help increase hydration, soften wrinkles and firm up skin.

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7 Chanel Le Lift

Chanel’s Le Lift is an anti-aging collection, designed to target sagging and lax skin as well as wrinkles. The line features serums, moisturizers, oil-creams and eye care. It’s powered by an extract of the edulis morning glory plant. Chanel scientists have used this ingredient to patent a compound (3.5- DA) they say is “50 times more concentrated than the original molecule.” Another ingredient, resveratrol-12, works as an antioxidant to reduce and prevent free radical damage.

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8 Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

This gentle cleanser has been a cult favorite product for decades and is beloved by dermatologists. The cleanser originally debuted in 1947, when it was created by a pharmacist, but didn’t gain momentum until the 1960s. It was formulated to be a gentle but effective product that cleans the skin without stripping it, and moisturizing skin without clogging pores. At first the product was available only from pharmacists but its popularity grew as dermatologists, pediatricians and other healthcare professionals recommended it to their patients, especially those with sensitive skin or rosacea. By the 1980s it was widely available in North American drugstores, and the formula hasn’t changed at all since 1947. It has a gel like texture that is soap free and can be used with or without water- just use a tissue or a cloth to wipe it off. The two main ingredients in this product are propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. Propylene glycol is a popular skin-conditioning agent commonly found in beauty and skin care products. Sodium lauryl sulfate is what causes the foaming and cleansing action in this soap-free formula. This is the ideal cleanser for someone who wants something simple yet effective.

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9 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

Charlotte Tilbury has worked with dozens of celebrities in her storied career, and she knows a little something about what works. Her Magic Cream is an ultra hydrating moisturizer beloved by models and actresses that’s full of powerhouse ingredients, including vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, peptides and botanical extracts and oils. It’s suitable for all skin types (dry, sensitive, combination or mature). Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps undo free radical damage. If left unchecked, free radical damage will run rampant and accelerate skin aging. Hyaluronic acid seals in moisture to give skin that lovely plumpness and to smooth out wrinkles. Palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 both help reduce wrinkling. Palmitoyl oligopeptide works much like retinol (vitamin A), but without the skin irritating side effects like redness and flakiness. Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 helps prevent glycation damage, a natural process that ultimately has a negative effect on collagen and elastin. The botanical extracts in this formula include wild pansy extract and rosehip oil, which help to moisturize and condition the skin.

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10 Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon

This anti-aging cream goes to work while you sleep and helps skin repair itself. As a result, skin is less fatigued and more radiant by morning. Lavender essential oil helps create a calming and soothing atmosphere to promote sleep. The main ingredients however, are tamarind seed extract, Persian silk tree extract and wu-zhu-yu extract. Tamarind seed extract promotes hydration for softer skin and a smoother complexion. Persian silk tree extract helps to offset the process of glycation, helping to reduce skin damage. Wu-zhu-yu extract helps calm thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This formula also contains vitamin E to help promote antioxidant activity and combat free radicals.

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11 Dior Dreamskin

Dior’s Dreamskin is a “perfect skin creator” that promises to target several skin woes, including wrinkles, redness, large pores and overall roughness. The hero ingredients include longoza from the Ranomafana garden in Madagascar and opilia from the Koro garden in Burkina Faso. The longoza, according to the company, is a rare flower with strong regenerative properties. The longoza’s properties are given further power by an anti-gravity complex that penetrates deep to offer its protective and anti-aging qualities to human skin. The opilia targets redness and hyperpigmentation to help even skin tone for a more radiant look.

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12 Dior Capture Youth

Dior’s Capture Youth skin care line features the Age-Delay Advanced Crème moisturizer and five serums specifically designed for a variety of skin conditions, including wrinkles and redness. Natural ingredients sourced from plant botanicals give this product range its impressive antioxidant powers. The Age-Delay moisturizer features iris concentrate, a potent antioxidant that protects against free radicals and fortifies skin against other environmental pollutants that often lead to a dull complexion, collagen degradation, skin laxity and wrinkles. A “natural plant mesh” also helps to soothe and strengthen while refining texture to make it smoother.

The serums target more specific concerns and can be used in conjunction with the moisturizer for a truly radiant effect, especially for mature skin. The Glow Booster Age-Delay Illuminating Serum features murunga plum and vitamin C to brighten skin, help fade away acne scars, melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation. The Plump-Filler Age Delay Plumping Serum hones in on deeper wrinkles and plumps them up with hyaluronic acid derived from fermented wheat. Hyaluronic acid is excellent at retaining water and sealing in moisture to give skin that youthful plumpness. The Lift-Sculptor Age Delay Lifting Serum was created to address skin laxity. Polyphenols derived from a combination of white, green and rooibos teas help promote elastin production. The Redness Soother Age-Delay Anti-Redness Soothing Serum combats redness thanks to iris extract which calms irritation and has a green tint that immediately neutralizes redness. Lastly, the Matte Maximizer Age-Delay Mattifying Serum helps minimize the appearance of large pores and promotes an overall smoother, more refined texture. Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, gently exfoliates, while pink clay and zinc gluconate reduce excess oil.

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13 SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

SK-II’s signature- and best-selling- product contains over 90 percent pitera, a by-product of yeast fermentation that contains minerals, vitamins and amino acids. The essence is

meant to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, while improving skin texture. Pitera is an ingredient that’s exclusive to SK-II that helps refine texture and reduce pore size, boost elasticity to keep skin tight, hydrate and plump up wrinkles and make skin radiant overall by evening out tone. This treatment also contains galactomyces ferment filtrate, a type of fungus used to heighten moisturization to keep skin fully hydrated and conditioned. To use it, sprinkle a small amount in your hand and press the essence gently on your face and neck.

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14 Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery skin care line features a facial oil, eye cream and cleanser that work overnight to deliver beautiful, luminous looking skin. The key ingredients in all three products include lavender oil, squalane and evening primrose oil. Lavender oil has calming properties that can help soothe irritation and redness. Lavender also promotes relaxation, potentially helping you to fall asleep faster as you breathe in the aroma. Squalane, derived from olives, is a naturally occurring lipid that hydrates deeply while also strengthening the skin barrier. The skin barrier offers protection against outside irritants and pollutants, and if damaged can cause roughness, flakiness, itching and redness that is bothersome and uncomfortable. Keeping the skin barrier healthy and strong keeps skin looking and feeling its absolute best. Evening primrose oil also helps keep the skin barrier strong while promoting elasticity to keep skin firm and flexible.

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15 Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl’s is one of the oldest American skincare brands still in operation today. It started as an apothecary in 1851, and still sells some of its original products. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a lightweight but rich moisturizer formulated to provide 24 hour hydration, even in extreme temperatures, such as cold and dry climates. In 2005, Kiehl’s “adventure tested” its formula on an expedition to Greenland. The Kiehl’s Greenland First Ascents, a group of six climbers, completed the first-ever ascent of Greenland’s ice covered peaks in 2005. The team used Ultra Facial Cream to protect their faces from the harsh elements. In video interviews, the explorers say they used the cream three times a day to combat the dry, cold air and harsh wind. The climbers described the cream as “simple, authentic, and it works.”

Kiehl’s says the Ultra Facial Cream leaves skin 2.3 times more hydrated. Two versions are available- the regular cream as well as one containing broad spectrum SPF 30. Both versions come in a tub container, and the formula is unscented. Texture wise, it is creamy and not sticky or tacky on the skin. Combine the Midnight Recovery products with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream for a truly powerful sucker punch against aging.

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16 Clarins Double Serum

Clarins’ Double Serum is one of the brand’s best-sellers and is formulated to leave skin radiant, supple and hydrated – making it ideal for mature skin needing a boost. Botanical extracts make up the bulk of the ingredients list. Plants like turmeric root, avocado, milk thistle, oat kernel and quinoa seed come together to fight common signs of aging like wrinkles while evening out skin tone for a truly radiant look. Turmeric root helps add a dose of luminosity by fading discoloration, while avocado is supremely hydrating. The antioxidant milk thistle tackles skin damaging free radicals to both treat and prevent wrinkles, while oat kernel is an anti-inflammatory that soothes irritated skin. Rounding out the list is quinoa seed, which has high levels of magnesium that can boost elasticity.

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17 Sunday Riley Good Genes

The Sunday Riley motto is “Powered by science, backed by botanicals” and that philosophy is evident in the cult favorite Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment. This clean beauty product claims to plump up wrinkles in as little as three minutes. This product contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid like glycolic acid, that smooths and refines fine lines and wrinkles. It is also effective on large pores and comedones (blackheads). It works by removing dead skin cells to allow newer cells to rise up to the surface. Other ingredients include natural ones like licorice, lemongrass and aloe. Licorice is known for its ability to combat hyperpigmentation, effectively lightening dark spots from acne or any other reason. Lemongrass gives a boost of radiance to make skin sparkle. Aloe is there to soothe and calm as lactic acid can be potentially irritating. Use this treatment a few times a week for a bright, refined complexion. It can be used as a mask or left on the skin overnight.

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18Clinique Moisture Surge

Clinique’s Moisture Surge skin care line features a moisturizer, mask, CC cream and face mist. This line is all about providing intense hydration to leave skin feeling silky smooth and looking illuminated, which makes it ideal for dry, menopausal or aging skin. Active ingredients in the moisturizer include squalane, sodium hyaluronate, olive fruit extract, aloe and palmitoyl hexapeptide-12. Squalane moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier for healthy skin that can withstand environmental stressors. Sodium hyaluronate is the salt of hyaluronic acid. It can retain large amounts of water and is used in skin care products to plump and hydrate by sealing in moisture. Olive fruit extract is an antioxidant that targets free radical damage to help treat and prevent. Aloe soothes irritation, reduces redness and generally calms skin while also providing hydration. Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 helps smooth out wrinkles and promotes younger-looking skin.

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19Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion

This multi-tasking lotion has plenty of loyal fans. It’s essentially a moisturizer, but also pulls double duty by refining the skin and helping to unclog pores thanks to retinol (vitamin A) and queen of meadow extract. Retinol is one of the most potent exfoliating agents and helps to slough off dead skin cells to give skin back its radiance. Queen of meadow extract is an astringent that can help reduce excess oil. Hydration comes courtesy of panthenol (a provitamin of vitamin B5) and honey. Panthenol has shown significant hydrating qualities in studies. Honey is a humectant that attracts and locks in moisture. Finally, allantoin and arnica help soothe to prevent irritation that can occur from the retinol in this formula. All in all, this is a well-rounded lotion that targets a variety of common skin concerns but is best suited for normal, oily or combination skin.

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20 Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser harnesses the power of soy proteins to provide skin-plumping hydration while also giving skin a thorough, sparkling clean. Soy proteins help skin maintain elasticity to keep it strong, firm and flexible. Elasticity is what allows skin to snap back once it’s been stretched. Without it, skin becomes loose and begins to sag. The natural rosewater and cucumber extracts in this formula help soothe and calm potential irritation, while borage seed oil is there to nourish. Borage seed oil is rich in a fatty acid known as gamma-linolenic acid that acts as an anti-inflammatory and hydrating agent. This formula is also extra-gentle and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.

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21 Skinceuticals Light Moisture UV Defense

Sun protection is absolutely vital. In fact, some dermatologists believe it’s the most important part of any skin care routine. UV damage can wreak havoc on skin, degrading collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep skin firm and youthful. So, yes, a good sunscreen lotion is essential. But sunscreen can often be a chore to apply, leaving skin greasy and less than pleasant to the touch. Enter Skinceuticals Light Moisture UV Defense — a virtually weightless formula that is oil-free and won’t clog pores, all while actively moisturizing and protecting from the sun’s harmful rays.

Key ingredients include avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene and glycerin. The first four ingredients are all sunscreens that provide broad UVA/UVB protection. Octisalate and octocrylene are both organic compounds that absorb UVB rays (the type that cause sunburn). Octocrylene is also an emollient that moisturizes to leave skin supple and hydrated. Glycerin is also a moisturizing agent (a humectant) that keeps skin soft and smooth. It is usually a top ingredient in a great variety of moisturizers. UV damage won’t stand a chance when your skin is covered in this product.

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22 EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

A true multi-tasker, this facial sunscreen is ideal for men and women who may also have skin conditions like acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. This sunscreen protects from UV damage with 9% transparent zinc oxide, helps treat hyperpigmentation with niacinamide, hydrates with hyaluronic acid and exfoliates with lactic acid. Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, has shown much promise in studies — it not only helped treat wrinkling and fine lines, but also improved discoloration and redness, while further improving elasticity. It’s one of those rare ingredients that can seemingly do it all. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps the skin retain water to keep it plumped up. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid used to exfoliate to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells

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23 Drunk Elephant Protini

Drunk Elephant has a cult following thanks to its commitment to using only clean ingredients. The company’s products are always paraben, mineral oil and sulfate-free, ingredients the brand considers to be irritating and overall detrimental to skin. Drunk Elephant says the best way to describe the Protini is that it is the beauty equivalent of a protein shot in a smoothie. Loaded with proteins and peptides, this cream can be applied in the day and at night and helps hydrate the face and tackle signs of aging.

It’s packed with nine signal peptides that seal in moisture to firm and plump, allowing skin to retain its natural springiness. Next comes the pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, highly moisturizing and full of antioxidants to counter free radicals. Third in line is the soybean folic acid ferment extract. This is a B vitamin that helps maintain elasticity for firmness and suppleness. Finally there’s acetyl glutamine, an amino acid that reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

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24Drunk Elephant Babyfacial

The brand’s philosophy is “clean clinical” skincare, and one of its best sellers is the Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial. Formulated with alpha-hydroxy (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), this is like a mini facial in a bottle. Both AHAs and BHAs are very effective exfoliation agents that dig deep to unclog pores and remove layers of dead skin cells.This particular formulation contains 25% AHA and 2% BHA including glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid—a veritable treasure trove of acids that join forces to give you the best skin of your life. This formula also contains niacinamide, a vitamin that can pretty much do it all, from countering hyperpigmentation and wrinkles to improving elasticity.

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25Lancome Genifique

This anti-aging skin care line helps strengthen skin and fight signs of aging with serums, eye creams and sheet masks. The Advanced Génifique Serum is designed for older skin. It’s packed with ingredients to keep skin hydrated and increase cell turnover. One of its key ingredients is bifida ferment lysate, a bacteria similar to a probiotic for the skin that helps boost the skin’s moisture barrier. Hyaluronic acid also adds moisture to the skin while a dose of vitamin C helps it look brighter. The Advanced Génifique Sensitive Serum is formulated for more sensitive skin types and features vitamin E and ferulic acid as its main ingredients. Vitamin E works as an antioxidant to help undo and prevent free radical damage that can ultimately lead to wrinkling and loose skin that doesn’t bounce back like it used to. Ferulic acid is also an antioxidant that has been shown to make vitamin E more potent when combined with it. This serum also contains centella Asiatica to calm irritation and protect from environmental stressors, two things sensitive skin desperately needs. There’s no need to worry about whether you’re applying the right amount; the dropper is self-loading.

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26Lancome Visionnaire

The Lancôme Visionnaire collection is aimed at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fading dark spots, common issues in mature skin. The Advanced Skin Corrector is packed with sodium hyaluronate and rye seed. Sodium hyaluronate works to plump up wrinkles and help smooth them out. Rye seed extract works to firm skin and reduce wrinkle depth and length, making them appear shorter and more shallow. The Crescendo Dual-Phase Night Peel (a leave-on nighttime formula) exfoliates to help diminish fine lines, large pores and discoloration in the form of dark spots as a result of acne scars or melasma. This product features glycolic acid, salicylic acid, fruit acids and quinoa husk to target wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, pore size and general texture.

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27Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream

If you’re looking for an affordable moisturizer for mature skin that’s packed with incredible ingredients, this just might be the cream for you. The Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream features hyaluronic acid, amino-peptides and vitamin B3 (niacinamide). Together, these ingredients help fight the signs of aging such as wrinkles, laxity and hyperpigmentation. Regular use of this cream can help minimize and prevent these signs. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that draws moisture from the air and from deeper in the dermis to moisturize and plump up wrinkles, making them much less apparent. Amino-peptides help replenish collagen in the skin to promote a firmer, less lined countenance. Vitamin B3 has several benefits, including smoothing out wrinkles, improving elasticity, clearing dark spots and even reducing redness. These ingredients are tried and true winners.

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28Olay Regenerist Serum

Regenerist is Olay’s line of anti-aging products, which was a success when it launched in 2003. The line is meant to plump up the skin through hydration; improve elasticity; and help minimize the look of wrinkles. One of its bestsellers is the Olay Regenerist Serum. It is designed to deliver a hydration boost while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The serum also works to tighten the skin and strengthen its elasticity. The serum is lightweight and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores. Some of the key ingredients include amino-peptides and niacinamide as well as allantoin, green tea leaf extract, panthenol (a provitamin of vitamin B5) and carob fruit extract. Allantoin soothes skin to prevent irritation. Green tea leaf extract contains polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants. Panthenol is highly hydrating and skin softening. Carob fruit extract is also an antioxidant and skin brightener. It is best applied first before you follow up with the moisturizer.

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29Shiseido Ultimune

Shiseido’s Ultimune skin care line features a face concentrate and an eye concentrate. This line promises to improve radiance, nourish and protect thanks to a variety of antioxidants. Key ingredients in the face concentrate include ginkgo biloba, thyme, yeast extract and Bulgarian rose water. Ginkgo biloba (commonly used as memory supplement) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps protect and strengthen skin. Thyme has shown a propensity for calming and toning skin, even reducing excess oil and helping treat blemishes. Yeast extract also acts as an antioxidant and also has skin softening and conditioning properties. Bulgarian rose water is moisturizing and rejuvenating and helps balance pH levels. These concentrates are also purported to boost the powers and abilities of other skin care products that you may be using in conjunction.

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30First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

First Aid Beauty’s runaway hit is FAB Ultra Repair Cream. According to the company, one tub of this face and body cream was sold every 3.34 minutes in US Sephora stores. What makes this clean beauty product so special? The Ultra Repair Cream launched in 2015 and can be used from head to toe, meaning it is suitable for the face, lips and body. It comes in a tub and has a whipped texture. Fans of the product say that a little bit of the cream goes a long way.

The Ultra Repair Cream can be used as a daily moisturizer but is also designed to help relieve dry, itchy and red skin. It can also help soothe symptoms of eczema, as one of the key ingredients is colloidal oatmeal. The company says the cream can also be used on babies and children.

A key ingredient in the Ultra Repair Cream is 0.5% colloidal oatmeal, which is whole oat kernels that have been finely milled and processed. It’s an ideal ingredient for dry or sensitive skin, as it helps relieve itching and minor irritation caused by eczema and rashes. Other key ingredients include shea butter, a rich emollient (which means it helps soften skin); allantoin (it’s found in sugar beets and comfrey, and is thought to help with wound healing and skin softening) and antioxidant booster powered by licorice root, feverfew and white tea extracts. Rounding out the ingredients list is glycerin, a humectant (it attracts water); squalene, which is derived from olive oil; dimethicone (a silicone) and eucalyptus leaf oil.

Since the original product launched, a few more versions of it are available, including Ultra Repair Creams infused with cucumber melon; rosemary mint; mango; grapefruit; vanilla; white tea and apricot; jasmine and coconut lime. There’s also an Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer for the face.

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31SkinMedica HA5

SkinMedica’s HA5 skin care line is centered around the powerhouse ingredient hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found naturally in the skin and in areas like joints. It begins to decrease as we age. In fact, when in your 40s and 50s, you have about 50% less hyaluronic acid then when you were in your 20s. When applied topically to the skin, hyaluronic acid provides hydration, plumpness and a bounce-y, springy feel that looks healthy and luminous.

There are five types of hyaluronic acid in this line — sodium hyaluronate (provides hydration instantly), cross-linked HA (provides 8 hours of hydration), nano HA (is soothing), uncross-linked HA (smooths and hydrates) and time released HA (provides sustained release of HA). The products in this line include the Rejuvenating Hydrator and the Smooth and Plump Lip System.

The HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator works by helping skin to restore its natural reserves of hyaluronic acid. It diminishes the overall appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by plumping them up. The Smooth and Plump Lip System helps restore natural contour and volume to the lips.

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32Biologique Recherche Lotion P50

Another cult favorite, Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 is a lactic acid exfoliator that helps improve skin texture and slough off dead skin cells. Exfoliation should be a part of everyone’s skin care routine but it’s especially important for anyone with dry or mature skin. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that encourages cell turnover and can help zap blemishes in addition to fine lines and wrinkles. Other ingredients include sorrel (anti-inflammatory), myrrh extract (moisturizing), myrtle (astringent) and onion (rejuvenating). One thing to keep in mind is that the combination of ingredients, especially the onion, means some users find that the product has an unpleasant scent that takes some getting used to. There are several types of the Lotion P50. P50V or P50V 1970 is formulated for those with dry skin while P50W and P50W 1970 is designed for sensitive skin. Finally, P50 PIGM 400 was made specifically to treat hyperpigmentation.

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References:
Caberlotto, E., Ruiz, L., Miller, Z., Poletti, M., & Tadlock, L. (2017). Effects of a skin-massaging device on the ex-vivo expression of human dermis proteins and in-vivo facial wrinkles. PloS one, 12(3).
Al-Niami, F & Chiang, N 2017. ‘Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications’, The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 10, is. 7, pp. 14-17.
Murray, J, Burch, J, Streilein, R, Iannacchione, M, Hall, R & Pinnell, S 2008. ‘A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provided protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet radiation’ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 59, is. 3, pp. 418-425.
Tang, S. C., & Yang, J. H. (2018). Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 23(4), 863.
Ganceviciene, R., Liakou, A. I., Theodoridis, A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 308–319.
Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258.
Tang, S. C., & Yang, J. H. (2018). Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 23(4), 863.
Kumar, N & Pruthi, V, 2014. ‘Potential applications of ferulic acid from natural sources’, Biotechnology Report, vol. 4, pp. 86-93.