Deciphering ingredient lists on your skincare products can be tricky, but knowing about what you’re putting on your face is super important to making sure you’ve got a skincare routine that works for you. Our Skincare By BEAUTY BAY range is ingredient-led (you’ll find the hero ingredients for each product detailed on the packaging), and all the formulas are created with tried-and-tested ingredients that have been chosen because they lead to real results.
For a crash course on the hero ingredients in our skincare range, we’ve compiled a helpful guide which covers what they do, how they work, and where you can find them. Scroll down to get clued up.
1. Oat lipids
Packed with ceramides and antioxidants, oat lipids strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier by forming a protective layer that plumps skin and retains moisture.
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2. Prebiotics
Prebiotics feed the “good” bacteria which support the skin’s barrier – the first line of defence against external aggressors like pollution and harmful bacteria. They help to balance and strengthen skin, improving its overall health.
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3. Hyaluronic acid
A powerful humectant which attracts moisture to skin, draws it in, and prevents it from escaping. Each molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
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4. Squalane
An oil-based source of moisturising fatty acids derived from olives. Squalane hydrates and replenishes skin by preventing moisture loss and acting as an emollient to restore skin’s suppleness and flexibility.
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5. AHAs
Short for alpha-hydroxy acid, AHAs are chemical exfoliants (in this case glycolic and lactic acids) which dissolve the upper layers of dead skin cells to brighten, smoothen, and decongest skin.
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6. Salicylic acid
An oil-soluble exfoliating acid known as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Features the same benefits as AHAs for breakout control and exfoliation, but also has the ability to penetrate deeper into the pore to target oil-based congestion. Reduces breakouts, including whiteheads and blackheads.
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7. Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant with multiple benefits, including brightening dull skin, fading pigmentation, and protecting skin from environmental aggressors. It works by promoting collagen production and cell renewal, resutling in improved skin tone and texture.
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8. Azelaic acid
A gentle exfoliating acid with benefits for both breakout-prone skin and for targetting signs of aging. Soothes redness and refines skin tone and texture.
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9. Niacinamide
A soothing and restoring ingredient that can visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and excess oil. Niacinamide works by improving cell turnover, regulating sebum production, and strengthening the skin’s barrier to keep moisture in and bacteria out.
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10. Algae
A marine-derived ingredient which hydrates, softens, and soothe the skin.
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11. Grapeseed oil
A vitamin E-rich oil which conditions, protects, and moisturises the skin.
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12. PHA
Poly hydroxy acids (PHAs) chemically exfoliate skin in the same way that a AHAs do, but are made of larger molecules that can’t penetrate as deeply into skin, so provide a gentler exfoliation. They remove dead skin cells and attract moisture to skin, resulting a in smooth, softer, brighter complexion.
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