5 Amazing Ingredients in Skincare

Trends come and go. What's old becomes new again, and what's new will be hyped around until something newer emerges.

The beauty industry is no exception. It has been experiencing waves of trendy skincare products over the years, some even reaching skyrocketing popularity. Although trends are exciting, they should not determine what we put on our precious skin

Before buying any skincare products, we should make sure that they contain good ingredients. This means we should choose products with components that contribute to improving skin quality based on our skin type.

The long list of chemicals on your favorite products might seem intimidating. But truth be told, skincare ingredients often adopt chemical names to appear sophisticated.

Familiarizing yourself with the ingredients will help you immensely in choosing the right products for your skin. Here are 5 ingredients that are worth getting to know and could work wonders for our skin.

Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate

Trehalose is a ubiquitous plant-derived natural sugar that comprises two glucose molecules and possesses a water-structure maker (a kosmotrope) which supports its bioprotective action. It can retain and protect cell integrity under extreme environments.

Since it is a natural hydrating agent, it works to moisturize the skin. Its properties as sugar and a humectant reflect the components of our epidermis' Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) that pull moisture in to maintain hydrated skin.

Additionally, its kosmotropic characteristic functions as a protective mechanism. When humectant is in contact with water, it forms a crystalline-structured coating, which adds a protective layer to the skin, especially after cleansing--preventing cells from being damaged by UV exposure, wind, dry conditions, heat, and so forth. Thus, making it a desirable ingredient to include in sensitive skin skincare product formulation.

Another common humectant that's closely related to glycosyl trehalose is Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate (HSH). The water-attracting property of HSH works the same as glycosyl trehalose and makes it a great component of any skincare product, such as GABI+SKIN's Facial Balancing Toner, for supple and dewy skin. Because of their similar function, sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. Either way, whichever name it appears, you know it's a fantastic ingredient for glowy skin.

Functions: humectant, film-forming, moisturizing

Saccharide Isomerate

Also known as PENTAVITIN, Saccharide Isomerate is a plant-derived moisture magnet and it resembles the carbohydrate complex found in our skin that functions as a hydrator. Its unique skin-identical structure allows it to bind stronger to the skin compared to other moisturizing ingredients.

A study indicates that Saccharide Isomerate boosts hyaluronic acid production. Thus, it helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier while also drawing moisture in, keeping the skin hydrated for longer. What's more, it works exceptionally well with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). Research results show that supplementing the AHA product with a Saccharide Isomerate-containing product was more effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Functions: moisturizing, skin-conditioning, anti-wrinkles

Glycerin

Glycerin (or Glycerol) is a water-loving substance that is also naturally produced by our skin's oil glands. Hence, glycerin can penetrate deeper into the inner layer of the skin. A study suggests that its special property as a humectant allows moisture to be drawn from both ways: 1) from the base of the epidermis to the skin surface, and 2) from the humid environment to the skin layer.

Dermatologists consider glycerin as a moisturizing powerhouse that is both moisturizing and smoothing. Because it also has exfoliating properties, prolong use of glycerin-inclusive products will enhance skin elasticity, and improve your skin so it no longer looks dry and becomes softer. Whether you have normal, dry, or even oily skin, you can incorporate glycerin into your skincare routine for extra hydration.

Functions: deeply moisturizing, skin protectant

Tocopheryl Acetate

Tocopheryl Acetate is a specific form of Vitamin E (tocopherol). Although it is not the most effective type of Vitamin E, it is preferred in the formulation of skin care products over pure Vitamin E due to its longer shelf-life.

Thanks to the Vitamin E compound, Tocopheryl Acetate works as a free radical scavenger (antioxidant) to help prevent cell damage. Since we can't really avoid those free radical contributors (think sun exposure, cigarette smoke, and pollution), it's important to get help from antioxidants to protect our skin.

It is also worth noting that combining Vitamin E with Vitamin C is effective for enhancing the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E. Therefore, Tocopheryl Acetate has been utilized in moisturizers, sunscreens, or other products offering anti-aging and UV-protection benefits. On top of that, it also helps softens the skin and reinforce the protective barrier of our skin.

Functions: antioxidant, anti-aging, smoothening

Caffeine

Well-known for being a day kickoff, caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that is widely consumed. But, studies have shown that this amazing active ingredient is also often used in anti-cellulite products because it prevents fat accumulation in cells. The key to its cosmetic benefits lies within its ability to penetrate through the skin.

Just like how it can brighten your mood in the morning, caffeine promotes healthy-looking skin making you look more "awake". Research suggests that its anti-oxidant property prevents free radical-mediated damage and this contributes to its popularity in skincare products.

Curious about what more benefits caffeine brings to our skin? This article dissects deeper about this awesome ingredient.

Functions: antioxidant, anti-aging

Final Thoughts

Many of the above-mentioned ingredients are synthetically produced. This doesn't mean they are inferior to their organically-acquired counterparts. Some might even be better than the natural versions if their chemical structures have been modified to be more stable and easily absorbed. At GABI+SKIN, we are committed to using the best ingredients to create cruelty-free and vegan products that are not only good for our skin but also for our environment.

With that said, what makes up a product is far more important than what's popular, and always consult your dermatologist if needed.