What are cosmeceuticals?

With skincare jargon thrown around left and right, from k-beauty to slugging and clean beauty, it’s easy to get lost in what works, what’s safe and what’s right for you. Today we’ll look into the world of cosmeceutical skincare products and explain the key differences between what your skin therapist uses and what’s available at Sephora or the pharmacy.

Cosmeceutical skincare products are a hybrid of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They are formulated with active ingredients that have been scientifically proven to provide a therapeutic benefit to the skin, such as reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Unlike traditional cosmetics, which by definition can only enhance the appearance of the skin, cosmeceuticals can actually improve its health and function.

So they have active ingredients right? Doesn’t every product have that nowadays? Yes and no. Many products will produce their product then add active ingredients like niacinamide, peptides or retinol to suit their marketing story. They’re often missing key formulation components like advanced delivery systems that allow those ingredients to actually penetrate the skin and make change - or they may tout high percentages of an active ingredient but not formulate the product to prevent oxidation and irritation.

For example, Vitamin C in its purest form (Ascorbic Acid) is very potent and effective. However, Ascorbic Acid is also very irritating to the skin and very unstable, meaning it will oxidize and become useless extremely quickly. Cosmeceutical formulators have gotten around this problem by using alternative forms of Vitamin C that are more stable (so the product stays effective throughout it’s shelf life) and less irritating so you can use it daily without side effects.

This is only one example of how cosmeceutical products differ from similarly priced luxury skincare sold by makeup or fashion houses. With cosmeceuticals you’re paying for the formula, the research and innovation and the results you will get as opposed to paying for marketing. This is why you will rarely see brands sold in skin clinics being marketed online or in Mecca or Sephora, because they are putting their money into effective formulas instead of influencers and ads.

Lastly, cosmeceuticals are mostly commonly formulated to be used in a clinical setting, prescribed by skin therapists, dermal clinicians and dermatologists. That’s how you know you’re getting the most effective products as the high potency of the formula needs to be recommended to your personal skin condition, unlike retail products that try and be one-size-fits-all. These products are clinically tested before release to ensure they get the results advertised and to ensure they will amplify and maintain the results of clinical treatments such as chemical peels and laser services.

Even if you regularly have facials, the skincare you use makes up 70% of your results as it’s what you apply daily for the 4-6 weeks or longer in between appointments. Therefore, it’s essential that you’re setting yourself up for success by choosing products that are proven to be effective and backed by hard clinical evidence.

To learn more about what skincare is right for you, book in a complimentary skin consultation at Open House Skin today to get started on your skin journey!

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What you need to know before and after a chemical peel.