Active ingredients are designed to address specific skin concerns such as dryness, pigmentation, acne and aging etc. Usually backed by scientific evidence, they deliver benefits that make certain changes in your skin. They are found in almost any skincare product from cleansers to serums and sunscreens. Here, we introduce 5 active ingredients that you should give a shot.
Skincare Products Infused with Active Ingredients
1 Polyglutamic Acid
Hydrating, whitening.
Just like Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) is a humectant that holds water and provides moisturising benefits to the skin. Comparing to HA, it has a higher moisturising capability and can hold up to 5000x its weight in water. It works by stimulating NMF production, a hygroscopic material important for retaining skin’s moisture and inhibiting the activity of Hyaluronidase, responsible for the breakdown of HA in the skin as you age. When HA and NMF content increase, the overall appearance, elasticity and moisture of the skin is improved.
Do you know that PGA also has a less commonly known benefit, whitening? PGA is able to inhibit melanin production in the skin. It is a safer and milder alternative to other whitening agents such as Vitamin C and Kojic Acid. For more information about hyperpigmentation, click here.
A lightweight serum that gives a silky finish. 3% of PGA enhances skin moisturisation, reduces the appearance of fine lines, brightens and evens skin tone. Targeted for dehydrated and dry skin, suitable for application in the day and night.
2 Ectoin
Hydrating, relieving, repairing and protecting.
Ectoin is an extremolyte that protects microorganisms against environmental stressors such as UV radiation and dehydration caused by extreme temperature changes. When topically applied to the skin, it is able to quickly boost skin hydration and provide long-term moisturising effect. Furthermore, it exhibits repairing properties and can effectively resist the damages caused by UVA.
It also relieves the effect of external stimulations and inflammation by
- Protecting the Langerhans cells and enhancing its activity. The Langerhans cells are essential for maintaining skin cell immunity.
- Inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, PGE2, TNF-α which induces inflammation.
Using 1% of Natori Ectoin 100, we can achieve a similar relieving effect as 0.25% of hydrocortisone.
Intensely hydrates, increases the cell activity, strengthens the skin barrier and provides a highly effective anti-irritant and repairing effect. Ectoin is a fantastic active, it is one of the best hydrating agents in the world. By using the product during 14 days, the skin will stay hydrated for an additional 7 days after use.
3 Probiotics
Strengthening, hydrating, improves elasticity.
Probiotics skincare works exactly like the probiotics in your diet, they help you maintain a healthy complexion by balancing your skin flora. Stabilizing the microbiome is known to be beneficial in the following ways:
- Strengthen skin barrier, increasing resistance to external stressors and factors that trigger skin sensitivity and redness.
- Restore healthy pH balance to skin’s surface.
- Enhances skin’s ability to stay hydrated.
Some examples of probiotic ingredients include Lactobacillus/ Soybean Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/ Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate etc. Click here to read more about fermented skincare.
Achieve smoother and brighter looking skin with this gel-like resurfacing enzyme mask. Prebiotics and probiotic extracts help keep skin balance in check. 93% saw healthier skin, 93% agreed skin felt smoother, 90% agreed skin felt hydrated, 90% agreed skin had a healthy glow & skin was glowing, 87% saw brighter & clearer skin.
4 Pro-Xylane
Anti-aging, improves elasticity.
Pro-Xylane or Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol is an anti-aging ingredient derived from a natural sugar, Xylose. It is known to increase the production of skin-building blocks, Glycosaminoglycan (GAGS) in the extracellular matrix and promote the synthesis of collagen resulting in hydrated and firmer skin.
GAGs bind water molecules to fill gaps between collagen and fibers and keep the structure of cells tightened for a smooth skin surface. All in all, Pro-xylane works on the skin’s biomechanical properties by reinforcing the link between the dermis and epidermis. Deep wrinkles are targeted, pigment spots are reduced, achieving visibly younger and plump looking skin.
An incredibly powerful anti-ageing serum that corrects wrinkles, re-densifies and re-surfaces your skin. Enriched with concentrated Pro-Xylane 3% it stimulates and strengthens the support fibres of the skin.
5 Bakuchiol
Hydrating, anti-aging, improves elasticity, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, reduces pigmentation.
Bakuchiol comes from, the Psoralea Corylifolia, is endemic to certain Asian countries such as India Himalayan regions of Pakistan and China. It is proven that they exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-acne benefits.
Bakuchiol has multiple benefits to the skin, similar to Retinol and hence it is also known as a safer alternative to retinol with fewer side effects. When paired with retinol, bakuchiol can help stabilise it and prolong its efficacy. Another benefit of using products that contain both bakuchiol and retinol is that bakuchiol’s calming ability may enable skin to tolerate retinol in higher amounts.
A star anti-aging ingredient, Bakuchiol is able to trigger genetic pathway in skin cells to generate several types of collagen. With increased collagen production and cell turnover, Bakuchiol reduces the look of lines and wrinkles.
Gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types, this bouncy, jelly-textured water-based serum refines the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with the power of natural botanicals. 91% agreed doesn’t cause visible signs of irritation, 85% agreed that their skin looks smoother and dull skin is reduced.
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