Getting the most out of your skincare is all about choosing products with the right ingredients. Sometimes referred to as actives, these ensure you get the results you’re after — whether that’s firmer skin, reduced dark spots, or just an extra hit of handsome.
1. HYALURONIC ACID
Prevent winter flaking and dehydration with hyaluronic acid — the holy grail of hydration — paired with caffeine to fight signs of fatigue.
VICHY MINÉRAL 89 EYES, $35
2. NIACINAMIDE
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide can reduce unwanted pigmentation, rosacea, fine lines, and even acne itself.
DERMALOGICA AGE BRIGHT SPOT FADER, $62
3. RETINOIDS
Small doses of retinoids can boost production of collagen — the stuff that keeps skin looking young — without unwanted redness or dryness.
SKINCEUTICALS RETINOL 0.3, $70
4. VITAMIN E
Ward off the free radicals caused by day-to-day stressors like sun exposure and air pollution, reducing dark spots, redness, and slack skin.
VIVIER C E PEPTIDES SERUM, $180
5. ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS
AHAs are a category of acids used to chemically exfoliate skin, removing dead cell buildup to reveal a fresh complexion.
NEOSTRATA GLYCOLIC RENEWAL SERUM, $52
6. VITAMIN C
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C reduces the inflammation that leads to brown spots and skin quality degradation.
