The Ultimate Guide to Face Serum Ingredients

The evolution of skincare as a science has put a spotlight on active ingredients. For those unfamiliar with the term, ‘actives’ target a sundry of specific skin concerns – acne, pigmentation, dullness, premature ageing and more. Results? Quick, long-lasting results that don’t disappoint. 

Wish to make the most of your skincare routine with these science-backed ingredients? This blog takes you through the most popular actives that grace the labels of the best face serums from Foxtale. From water-loving humectant hyaluronic acid to oil-soluble salicylic acid, peruse at your leisure and learn how they treat your skin from the inside out.

Hyaluronic Acid 

Hyaluronic acid has gained immense popularity amongst skincare enthusiasts due to its unparalleled hydration prowess. The humectant binds water molecules to your skin (X 1000 of its weight), ensuring its soft, plump appearance.

Why Hyaluronic Acid?

1. If you struggle with dry, flaky skin, you must add hyaluronic acid to your skincare rotation. While the active is imbued in many cleansers and moisturizers, a serum guarantees the highest concentration of the active.

2. Continued dehydration of the skin can marr its barrier leading to episodes of inflammation and redness. So, if you are observing inexplicable flare-ups on your skin, hyaluronic acid can be the right fit for your vanity.

3. In the long run, skin dehydration can also pave the way for early signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and more. Add hyaluronic acid to your AM/PM regimen to restore your skin’s youthful radiance.

Best time to use hyaluronic acid: You can use HA in your AM and PM skincare.

Foxtale’s Recommendation: Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

What makes our hyaluronic acid serum stand out?

It carries 6 hydration boosters that make your skin instantly plump.

 Vitamin C 

Synonymous with ‘the best brightening agent’, vitamin C unlocks the latent radiance of the skin. The versatile active possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that bode well for most skin types.

Why Vitamin C?

1. Have the sight of dark spots and pigmentation bogged you down? Get your mitts on Vitamin C STAT! The water-soluble active inhibits melanin production to ensure an even complexion.

2. If your skin has been looking exceptionally dull and beat, add our vit C serum to your AM/PM routine.

3. Don’t let the summer take a toll on your skin’s health. A lather of our vitamin C serum neutralises free radicals generated by UV exposure.

4. If acne scars and blemishes are chipping away at your confidence, make BFFs with Vitamin C. The sought-after active cues healthy turnover of cells and bolsters collagen production.

Best time to use vitamin C: You can use Vit C in your AM/PM regimen. P.S. Using Vit C with your SPF can boost the efficacy of the former.

Foxtale Recommends: Vitamin C Serum

What makes our vitamin C serum different?

The formula is emollient rich and ensures deep moisturisation of the skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, carries antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The workhorse also increases hydration in the dermis, leading to its soft, limber appearance.

Why Niacinamide?

1. Folks who grapple with excessive skin greasiness should add niacinamide to their skincare routine. The active ingredient regulates sebum production, unclogs pores, and prevents future breakouts.

2. Niacinamide is often touted as the holy grail of skin brightening. It impedes the transfer of melanin to skin cells, administering an even, bright complexion.

3. Niacinamide prevents moisture loss from your skin, promoting optimal functionality of the acid mantle. Moreover, it bolsters ceramide synthesis to maintain the structure and integrity of your largest organ.

4. Is your skin prone to episodes of irritation and redness? If yes, you may consider adding niacinamide to your regimen.

When can you use Niacinamide: You can use it for both your AM/PM regimen.

Foxtale Recommends: Niacinamide Serum

What makes our niacinamide serum stand out? 

 Foxtale's Niacinamide Serum grants your skin a gorgeous matte finish, making it the perfect precursor to your glam look.

 Retinol 

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps reverse skin ageing and fight acne amongst other concerns. If you are new to the active, we recommend conducting a patch test on your neck first.

Why Retinol?

1. Retinol has been popularised as an anti-wrinkle agent in the beauty industry. Topical application of the ingredient expedites cellular regeneration in the skin, shields natural collagen from depletion and softens signs of ageing.

2. The build-up of dead cells, sebum, and pollutants on your skin often leads to acne. Employ retinol in your skincare to prevent clogged pores and say hello to clear skin shy of bumps or active eruptions.

When can you use retinol: As retinol helps to regenerate cells, it's best applied at night.

Foxtale Recommends: Anti Aging Retinol Serum

Why makes our retinol serum stand out? 

The serum is formulated with encapsulated retinol that breaks open in the deepest layers of the skin and not on its surface. Results? No purging, not even in the slightest.

 Salicylic Acid

An oil soluble active, salicylic acid is the perfect remedy for whiteheads, blackheads, and active eruption. The gentle exfoliant also possesses mild anti-inflammatory properties.

Why Salicylic Acid?

1. If you have oily skin, salicylic acid should be non-negotiable in your vanity. The active curbs sebum production, ensuring a more balanced microbiome.

2. Salicylic acid buffs away dead cells, grime and pollutants from the pores – the perfect fit for acne-prone skin.

When can you use salicylic acid: You can use it in both your PM skincare routine.

Conclusion: Skincare is not a ‘one size fits all formula’. This is why we encourage all our readers to

1. Decipher your skin type and its underlying concerns 
2. Employ an active in your skincare to throttle the relevant concerns (only after thorough research).

FAQ

1. How can I start using active ingredients in my skincare?

Ans. If you are new to the world of actives, start by using one ingredient at a time.

2. What active is the best for glowing skin?

If you want glowing skin, use Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum on the reg. It reduces the appearance of dark spots and boosts your skin’s radiance.

3. How can I identify my skin type?

If the entirety of your face looks shiny, your skin type is mostly oily. If your face feels uncomfortably tight and looks flaky (before moisturisation), you have dry skin.