Ingredient ≠ Function. Skincare can be simple

One common misconception is that if a skincare product contains an ingredient that was proven to have a certain function, then the skincare product containing this ingredient will perform the same function. Wrong.

Let’s take an example of a serum that contains a form of Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is a known antioxidant, and studies have shown that, when applied to skin, it can reduce sun damage and wrinkling of the skin.

So, science tells us that using products with Vitamin C can help reduce sun damage and wrinkling of the skin, right? Not necessarily. Even if there is overwhelming evidence that Vitamin C can have incredibly positive effects on the skin, this does not mean that consumers will see the same effects by using skincare products containing Vitamin C. Why is that?

One of the main reasons why your serum containing Vitamin C might not work is product interaction. As soon as the Vitamin C or any other ingredient is included in a formulation with 15+ other ingredients, it may not work the same. The interaction of the other ingredients can mean that the ingredients do not work together the same way they would work individually. Worryingly, they may even become toxic in some cases.

Therefore, the only way to know how a product will actually work on the skin is by testing it on the skin. What needs to be tested is the exact formulation. Generalization of potential benefits based on ingredients alone may be misleading. When buying cosmetic skincare products, try to look at evidence from clinical studies done on that exact product, not the ingredient itself.