Every day we come across new ways to take care of our skin. People are becoming more aware of various ingredients in skincare products as they have a plethora of information readily available in the palm of their hands. Every skincare ingredient and its benefits, side effects and its alternatives can now be understood by anyone in minutes. And that is great! If consumers make informed purchases, they can select the right ingredients for themselves and take better care of their skin.
However, it is not always possible to understand the proportion and percentage necessary for ingredients to show results. At times, the combination in which the elements are present also affects the efficacy of various ingredients. Thus, how well a skincare product will work for you is not always understood by reading the ingredient list.
If you’re someone who does not want to apply products that may clog pores, you might avoid ingredients such as shea butter. You might think that it will aggravate your acne breakout and make your skin greasy. However, having acne-prone skin does not mean you have to deprive it of any form of moisture to make it non-greasy. In fact, if present in just the right proportion, shea butter only benefits the skin instead of harming it.
At the same time, when you have dry skin, using ingredients which are not moisturising at all is just a waste of your money. If you want your skin to soak in aloe vera, make sure it is in the product. Similarly, if there is a particular surfactant that you need in your cleanser, ensure that it is present. Narrowing down to the right ingredient as per your skin condition is thus essential.
It is not just the presence of that ingredient that is essential. You should always check if the percentage of that ingredient is safe and ideal to use. Products that give you unrealistic percentage claims or no mention of percentage at all must always be avoided.
Every ingredient serves a purpose. Some cater to hyperpigmentation, some add glow to the skin, some fight off acne-causing bacteria, while a few others boost collagen and have anti-ageing properties. Whatever your skin concern might be, there is a product that has the right ingredients.
At the same time, every skin condition asks for you to avoid certain ingredients. Whether you are allergic or sensitive to some ingredients, or simply do not like the feel of that ingredient on your skin, scanning the ingredient list helps in such cases.
It is easy to fall for clever marketing claims. That is another reason why reading labels and making sense of it is imperative. But this process can get confusing and overwhelming. To make it easier for everyone, keep the following few things in mind.
Ingredients are usually mentioned as their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names. Its common name is mentioned in brackets after the INCI name. Ingredients are mentioned as per their amount in descending order. Generally, allergens are mentioned at the end.
While many products mention hero ingredients as the main ingredient, it is only done to make them appear more attractive. Remember, checking their concentration is crucial as too less of it might have no effect and too much of it might cause severe damage to the skin. The amount of ingredients will determine its eventual effect, not just its name on the packaging.
You also need to avoid certain ingredients which are deemed harmful to the skin. According to most skin experts, natural products are ideal for treating any skin condition. The ingredients that you should definitely be avoided are as follows:
- Parabens
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
- Sodium Laureth Sulphate
- Sodium Benzoate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulphate
- Artificial Fragrances
- Artificial Colours
- EDTA based agents
- Petrochemicals
- Polysorbates
- Talc
You can pat your back after successfully bypassing these harmful ingredients. But this is just step 1. Next, you need to choose the right ingredient for your skincare needs. Whatever concern you might have, mother nature has the antidote for it.
At Kzen, we have been able to harness the true potential of nature mixed with a blend of science. Our customer testimonials are a testament to the potency of our products and we continue to build on this legacy of providing natural solutions to skin problems.
Kzen’s most loved products are mentioned below, along with the natural ingredients in them.
Glow Essence: This is the perfect potent blend of niacinamide, hydrolysed rice protein, moringa and gold mica. Niacinamide (aka Vitamin B) brightens the skin, fades acne and pigmentation, improves skin tone and texture and builds the skin’s ceramide barrier. Moringa has excellent anti-ageing properties. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen in the skin. Gold mica acts as a shot of glow for the skin. It also increases the skin’s elasticity and has anti-ageing properties. Hydrolysed rice protein is a splendid hydrant. It soothes the skin naturally and leaves the skin smooth and calm. Read more about the many benefits of this powerful ingredient here.
Ageless Face Toner: The ingredients in this toner set it apart from drugstore toners. It contains the goodness of pure rose water, which is naturally anti-inflammatory and minimises the appearance of large pores. Vitamin C present in the orange extract actively reduces the appearance of dark spots, and blemishes and adds brightness to the skin. It also helps in controlling excess oil production, thereby keeping acne breakouts in check. Peppermint gives this toner antiseptic property and also helps in controlling acne. Lastly, Vitamin E reduces ageing signs, and fades wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Read this article to know more about hyperpigmentation and other natural ingredients that help in winning over it.
Radiance Face Oil: Concocted with powerful and potent natural essential oils such as kumkumadi oil, orange oil, himalayan turmeric oil, and more, this is one face oil that must be included in your daily skincare ritual. It helps in keeping your skin youthful, plump and radiant for years to come. Turmeric oil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant properties which help the skin on multiple tangents. Curcumin which is present in it, acts as a lightning ingredient and helps heal the skin. The vitamin C in mandarin orange oil boosts collagen and removes fine lines and wrinkles. It even comes with evening Primrose oil which is rich in linoleic acid. This is especially beneficial for controlling acne breakouts. Along with having the perfect blend of natural oils, it is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and that do wonders for your skin.
Bare Glam Gold & Saffron Face Mask: As the name suggests, its hero ingredients are gold and saffron. Further, it also comes with aloe vera extract and who needs an introduction to this beautiful ingredient? It is the oldest and most potent healing herb in nature and soothes the skin, while slowing the signs of ageing. Gold mica in this mask helps in activating the basal skin cells and boosts elasticity. Gold is known for its firming and anti-ageing properties, but few know that it also helps to improve skin complexion. Lastly, saffron acts as a strong dose of antioxidants which help in providing skin illumination and also protection against harmful rays of the sun.
Ageless Face Serum: yet another powerful blend of potent natural ingredients, this serum is ideal for removing pigmentation and fine lines and boosting skin moisture. The hyaluronic acid present in it acts as a big drink of moisture for the skin. It helps in keeping the skin smooth, plump and young. It also helps in protecting the lipid barrier of the skin, strengthening it against the damage that can be caused due to environmental factors such as pollution. Vitamin C protects the skin from UV exposure and helps in fading away hyperpigmentation. It also aids in enhancing skin radiance. Aloe vera in this serum is a cherry on top as it gives the serum its soothing and calming effects.
Zen Lips Mango Detan: This rich blend of luscious butters and oils acts as a boost of hydration for your skin. It helps in removing darkness from the lips and mitigates tanning. It is ideal for bringing back the natural colour of your lips while keeping dryness at bay. Mango butter is rich in Vitamin C. it is this ingredient that helps in lightening dark spots. It also prevents wrinkles and protects against UV rays damage. Lemon oil has antioxidant properties, which keep your lips luscious and prevents damage from free radicals. Shea butter protects the lips from environmental damage and retains moisture. It also provides anti-ageing benefits and reduces pigmentation.
Anti-acne Oil: This excellent face oil contains the goodness of tea tree oil and other essential oils. It aids in treating and curing acne breakouts, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and smaller blemishes. Tea tree oil is a natural alternative to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which act strongly against acne-causing bacteria. This oil is also beneficial for reducing acne spots and redness and helps provide smooth and clear skin. Basil oil is a natural antioxidant and antiseptic. It helps in clearing up clogged pores, which significantly brings down acne formation. It also has astringent properties, which help it soak up excess oil and moisture from the skin’s surface and dry out existing acne fast. Rosemary oil helps in killing acne-causing bacteria and also helps reduce redness and puffiness on the skin. Peppermint oil also controls excess oil from forming on the surface of the skin. It cleanses the skin naturally and has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It has cooling effects which soothe irritated and inflamed skin.
Not just these, Kzen provides an array of targeted solutions for skin and hair issues. From acne to hyperpigmentation, natural ingredients can treat them all, and who understands it better than Kzen. Our products are devoid of harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances and are vegan, cruelty-free and paraben free. Kzen understands how important it is to cure skin problems naturally and ensures your skin gets only the best ingredients. Thus, when you buy a Kzen product, rest assured that you are indulging in the finest skincare regime without harming your skin in any way. Be sure to read the ingredient list on Kzen packaging. All ingredients are mentioned without anything hidden.