SkinCeuticals has been a cult favorite beauty and skincare brand for decades. Backed by research and scientific advancements the Skinceuticals formulas have quickly become some of the best in the industry. But what makes these seemingly ordinary products so extraordinary? Today, we’re going to be looking into their HA Intensifier to see for ourselves exactly what makes up this product. So without further adieu, let’s get started!
Who is the SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier For?
The SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier was designed to be used by all skin types. Since dehydration can affect both dry and oily skin types, hyaluronic acid, otherwise known as HA, can be used by just about anyone. Additionally, since the ingredient is also found in our own skin, it is unlikely that this formula will cause any irritation or sensitivity.
SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier
The SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier was designed to act as more than just a hyaluronic acid serum. These days, it’s actually pretty easy to find a hyaluronic acid serum for adding lightweight, yet substantial hydration to morning or evening skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent addition for more skin types, because it is already present in the skin, and does not interact negatively with any of the more potent actives like retinoids or vitamin C. Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to draw 1000 times its weight in water into the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a fantastic ingredient all on it’s own, but what the team from SkinCeuticals has done is take those benefits one step further. This multifaceted serum contains proxylane, a pure form of hyaluronic acid that is unique to SkinCeuticals formulas. The formula also contains licorice root and purple rice to help boost the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels even more so.
Over time, this combination of ingredients has been shown to improve skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%, deliver long lasting hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with more even, smoother looking skin. Additionally, this product can also be used by all skin types, and is even suitable for those who have just had dermal fillers.
Formula Focus
Looking at this formula more closely, we can see exactly how SkinCeuticals has created this moisturizing, hydrating and smoothing product. Starting off with the base, the first five ingredients in this product include water, cyclohexasiloxane, glycerin, alcohol, and hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol. Starting out with cyclohexasiloxane, this silicone-based ingredient is used primarily as a skin conditioner or emollient, which gives this formula its smoothing, velvety texture on the skin. As a whole, this formula is fairly silicone heavy, so if you have had previous irritation due to silicones, this may not be the best option for you.
Moving on to the rest of these ingredients, glycerin is a staple in skincare formulations, and acts as an excellent, lightweight humectant. This means that glycerin can draw moisture to the skin, without clogging your pores. One of the most controversial additions in this formula however, is denatured alcohol. Unlike fatty alcohols, denatured alcohol does not offer any skincare benefits other than slight penetration enhancement. Additionally, this ingredient is quite high on the ingredients list, so if you have dry skin in particular, this ingredient could be problematic for you. Finally, hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol. also known as pro-xylane, is one of the more active ingredients within this formula. Originally developed by Lancome, this sugar-protein hybrid helps to stimulate the products of glycosaminoglycans or GAGs. These molecules defend the skin against trans-epidermal water loss, which helps to insure that the moisture and hydration that you receive through this serum doesn’t evaporate away as soon as you apply it.
Along with 10% Pro-Xylane, this product also includes 2% licorice root extract, 0.2% purple rice extract and 1.3% hyaluronic acid. Licorice root extract is extremely antioxidant rich, and has been shown to help defend the skin from environmental stressors. Licorice root extract is also a favorite ingredient among those with sensitive skin in particular. Purple rice extract on the other hand works with licorice root extract to help boost the hyaluronic acid’s efficacy. Our skin actually has hyaluronidase enzymes, which breaks down the hyaluronic acid that we naturally store in our skin. To bypass these enzymes and really deliver that hydration boost to the skin, SkinCeuticals included licorice root and purple rich extract to neutralize these enzymes, allowing to hyaluronic acid to be absorbed and used in the skin.
How To Use The HA Intensifier
Like most hyaluronic acid serums, the HA Intensifier is relatively easy to incorporate into your morning and evening routine. Simply apply after cleansing and before moisturizing along with any other serums you’re currently using.
