Skincare can be confusing. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of ingredients on the market, most with some pretty powerful and impressive claims. Before purchasing a new product it’s important to know what different ingredients do, how they work, and what type of problem they help with. So, we’ve broken down some of the most popular skincare ingredients, as well as some of our personal favourites in an effort to help you successfully navigate the ingredient cornucopia. 

Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera is a commonly used plant extract that has soothing and calming properties, good-for-you antioxidants, and it helps hydrate skin. Aloe is found in our Micellar Water Lash Wash as one of the ingredients to help soothe and deliver moisture to the skin and eye area. 

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) – Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHA’s, are commonly used for improving signs of aging, exfoliating dry skin, and combating uneven skin tone. It’s important to note that while AHA’s are great for helping keep skin clear and youthful-looking, they do result in increased sensitivity to the sun so sunscreen is a must when using this ingredient. 

Amino Acid – Amino Acids are known for their antioxidant and hydrating properties. Amino acids are often combined with other ingredients that have restorative abilities so they work together to fight the signs of aging. Amino Acids can be found in our Volume Enhancing Foam as an ingredient to help fortify, smooth and condition hair so it appears more youthful.

Benzoyl Peroxide – Benzoyl Peroxide has been widely researched and is considered one of the most effective over-the-counter acne treatments. It’s hailed for its ability to penetrate the hair follicle to kill acne bacteria without too much adverse reaction.

Biotin – Biotin is a popular vitamin for haircare but can also contribute to the overall health of the skin. We added it to AquaBlur^® and our Thickening Conditioner to not only deliver healthy vitamins to the skin, but to aid in fortifying the lashes and brows as well.

Ceramides – Ceramides provide replenishing and skin restoring benefits through their water-retention capacity. Ceramides help protect skin by hydrating and keeping the skin barrier healthy.

Green Tea – Research on Green Tea has shown it to have multiple benefits to the skin, including anti-aging properties. It falls in the category of antioxidants, which are known for their skin-soothing abilities and can help combat sun damage. Green tea is also great for hair, which is why it’s featured in RevitaLash^® Advanced, RevitaBrow^® Advanced, and our Thickening Conditioner to protect and nourish.

Hyaluronic Acid – Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring molecule capable of holding up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it an amazing hydrator for all skin types. Click here to learn more about this all-star ingredient, which can be found in our very own AquaBlur^® as an ingredient to moisturize and nourish the skin, lashes and brows. 

Jojoba – Jojoba Oil or wax is extracted from the seeds of a perennial shrub and is rich in fatty acids. This emollient is known for its abilities to enhance skin’s restorative properties and is a great solution for dry skin. Jojoba is also a great ingredient for hair and can be found in our Thickening Shampoo where it helps to fortify the hair and scalp.

Niacinamide – Niacinamide is also known as B3. This multi-faceted ingredient is known for helping to fight aging and is great for acne-prone skin. It can help improve the appearance of pores, uneven skin tone, dullness and fine lines, making it a great ingredient for all skin types. 

Panthenol – Panthenol is a humectant, meaning it has the ability to attract and hold water. This helps to hydrate skin, improving both the look and the feel. Panthenol’s hydrating properties can also be very beneficial when used on hair which is why we’ve included it in some of our most popular formulas such as RevitaLash^® Advanced, RevitaBrow^® Advanced, and Double-Ended Volume Set where it helps to fortify and condition lashes and brows.

Peptides – Peptides have been shown to soothe skin as well as improve the appearance of wrinkles, help with loss of firmness, and more. Peptides are also amazing ingredients for hair and can be found in many of our products, including our best selling Double-Ended Volume Set, RevitaLash^® Advanced, RevitaBrow^® Advanced, and Volume Enhancing Foam to help strengthen and protect against breakage.

Retinol – Retinol is one of the famous skincare ingredients, and for good reason. Also known as Vitamin A, retinol is one of the best ingredients to enlist in the fight against aging – it smooths the appearance of wrinkles, helps firms skin, and even aids in fighting acne. It’s a do-it-all ingredient highly backed by research, but should be used sparingly and under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Salicylic Acid – Salicylic Acid (also called BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid) is known as one of the best ingredients to address acne. It does this by exfoliating the skin, helping to shed dead skin cells and clear pores.

Shea Butter – Shea Butter is another great ingredient for addressing dry, parched skin. Its rich texture, full of antioxidants, helps soothe and improve dry skin. 

Vitamin E – Vitamin E is a naturally occurring component in healthy skin, but its levels are often depleted due to environmental exposure. Vitamin E offers antioxidant properties to help defend from environmental aggressors such as pollution and sun damage. Vitamin E can be found in our Defining Liner to help condition skin while providing antioxidant benefits as you wear. 

Ready to amp up your skincare (and haircare) routine? Shop our favourite products below: