6 of the Most Popular Ingredients to Look for in Your Next Skincare Purchase

All skincare products are not created equal – what’s in the bottle really matters. While any two moisturizers may look similar when you apply them, your results are dependent on the ingredients with which they are made. Some ingredients are simply better than others and those are the ones backed by scientific evidence, proven to deliver the results you want. When shopping for skincare products, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer array of options available. It’s important to start your skincare search by considering your skin type and your individual skin concerns. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, the next step is to take a closer look at the products, paying particular attention to the individual ingredients and level of quality.

Look for These 6 Skincare Ingredients

Quality skincare is an investment in your future, so it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re choosing the right products. Here are 6 of the best ingredients to look for in skincare products.

Niacinamide

Also known as nicotinamide, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin). This skincare ingredient helps reduce pigmentation, acne, rosacea, and wrinkles. Niacinamide is commonly found in serums formulated to address specific skin issues, though you can also find it in eye and lip contours, creams, and face masks. This ingredient is best applied after toning but before moisturizing. Here are some of the potential benefits of niacinamide:

• It helps build the skin’s natural moisture barrier
• It reduces redness and inflammation from eczema and acne
• It helps regulate sebum production
• It protects the skin against harmful UV rays
• It may increase collagen production and reduce pigmentation
• It helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles
• It protects the skin against oxidative stress

Niacinamide can be found in Yon-Ka’s Nutri-Defense Crème.

Jojoba Oil

Derived from nuts of the jojoba plant, a perennial plant native to North America, jojoba oil is a popular skincare ingredient. This oil has been used as a remedy for dry skin, acne, and other skin conditions. Jojoba oil is a natural emollient, so it helps seal moisture into the skin, and it has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. It is also non-comedogenic. Here are some of the potential benefits of jojoba:

• It helps prevents moisture loss
• It may help protect the skin against oxidative stress
• It is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.
• It helps regulate sebum production and may prevent acne
• It promotes collagen synthesis for anti-aging benefits
• It stimulates wound healing and treats acne scarring
• It may help soothe drying skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
• It restores vitamin E levels and moisturizes the skin to soothe sunburn

When shopping for skincare products made with jojoba oil, look for pure, cold-pressed jojoba oil. Jojoba oil can be found in Yon-Ka’s Hydra No. 1 Masque.

Centella

Often simply called centella, Centella asiatica is an extract derived from an ancient healing plant known by many names including Indian pennywort, spade leaf, and gotu kola. Centella is packed with beta carotene, amino acids, and fatty acids as well as various phytochemicals. This ingredient helps speed wound healing, stimulates collagen production, and calms inflammation. Here are some of the potential benefits of centella:

• It may help protect against oxidative stress
• It is a hydrating ingredient that can help moisturize the skin
• It helps protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier
• It may mitigate some of the visible effects of sun damage
• It helps stimulate collagen production for anti-aging benefits
• It could help calm inflamed or sensitive skin

When shopping for skincare products made with centella, you’re most likely to find it in moisturizing creams and lotions. Centella can be found in Yon-Ka’s Sensitive Crème Anti-Red.

Squalane

An ingredient naturally found in human sebum, squalane is a colorless poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon liquid. Roughly 10% to 12% of your skin’s natural oil is comprised of squalane, so it’s a very important ingredient for your skin. This ingredient is well-suited for oily and acne-prone skin, known for its antioxidant properties and for being a highly effective emollient. Squalane can help reverse UV damage, lighten freckles and pigmentation, and reduce wrinkles. Here are some of the potential benefits of squalane:

• It is lightweight and noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores
• It can help protect against oxidative stress
• It may boost collagen production, helping improve skin’s firmness
• It can help with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema
• It may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• It helps soften and even out the skin’s texture
• It could help reduce the appearance of sunspots and pigmentation

When shopping for skincare products made with squalane, keep in mind that this ingredient comes in two forms: squalene and squalane. Squalane is the stabler of the two, so it has a longer shelf-life. Be mindful of the environmental impact of harvesting squalane as well – look for oils that are 100% plant-derived. These oils are cruelty-free and sustainable. Squalene can be found in Yon-Ka’s Hydra No. 1 Masque.

Prickly Pear

The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) is commonly distilled into a syrup used in cocktails and juices, but it can also be beneficial for your skin. Prickly pear is rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and is packed with vitamin E. This ingredient is also rich in amino acids which help stimulate collagen production, plus it contains vitamin K which helps with hyperpigmentation. Here are some of the potential benefits of prickly pear:

• It may help protect against UV damage and oxidative stress
• It contains high levels of linoleic acid which are beneficial for hydration
• Its antibacterial properties can be a benefit for acne-prone skin
• It helps brighten the complexion and reduce hyperpigmentation
• It can help improve the overall tone of your skin
• It may help restore the elasticity of skin by boosting collagen production

When shopping for products made with prickly pear, know that prickly pear oil is not an essential oil – it’s typically used as a carrier oil or as a skincare ingredient. Look for products made with 100% pure prickly pear oil and opt for unrefined, cold-pressed, organic, or virgin prickly pear oil when possible. Prickly pear can be found in Yon-Ka’s Nude Perfect.

Peptides

Peptides are simply short chains of amino acids that make up certain proteins that are essential for healthy skin. Also known as polypeptides, peptides can help stimulate the skin to produce more collagen which makes them highly beneficial for anti-aging. Unlike collagen molecules themselves which are too large to absorb through the skin, peptides are easily absorbed. Here are some of the potential benefits of peptides:

• They may help strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier
• They help stimulate collagen production to smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• They help increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin
• They may help ease inflammation and even out your skin tone
• They have antimicrobial benefits which may be beneficial for acne-prone skin

When shopping for skincare products made with peptides, look for products that have prolonged contact with your skin to increase absorption – serums and moisturizers are ideal. Peptides work well in combination with other ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, so look for these ingredients as well. On an ingredients list, peptides may also be listed as “palmitoyl.” Peptides can be found in Yon-Ka’s Elixir Vital, Alpha Peel, Advanced Optimizer Collection, and many more products. Whether you’re looking for a new moisturizer to hydrate dry skin or a serum to tackle hyperpigmentation, it’s all about the ingredients. Yon-Ka Paris products harness the power of plants to deliver a unique and therapeutic skincare experience with scientifically proven efficacy and visible results. Shop Yon-Ka’s selection online or visit your local Yon-Ka Paris partner spa to receive custom product recommendations.