Buffalo Milk
Not only does buffalo milk produce the richest mozzarella, but its elevated lipid content makes it something of a marvel when it comes to protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Further, its high calcium levels will help boost elasticity, keeping your face firm and bouncy.
Find it in: After inheriting the family’s buffalo farm in Napoli, Massimiliano Galdiero combined the best of the harvest with a PhD in microbiology to create Bufarma. This new collection of face and body products includes the excellent Replenishing Milk Essence serum and Bare Skin creams plus a Cleopatra-coded Gentle Milky Body Wash.
From £25 bufarma.com
Immortelle
This pretty yellow flower native to Southeastern Europe packs a serious skincare punch. Widely used in medicine to accelerate wound healing, in skincare, it has been proven to stimulate regeneration and also help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Find it in: L’Occitane have recently added to their much-loved Immortelle collection with a new launch, the Overnight Reset Serum. This lightweight oil-based gel is suitable for all skin types and hydrates your face in an instant without any residue or clagginess. Regardless of how many hours of Zzz’s you clock up, your face will wake up looking fresher and more radiant.
£59 uk.loccitane.com
Algae
Pod algae was originally used in WWII to treat burns and wounds suffered by soldiers. These floating pods capture the nutritive benefits of the water’s vitamins and minerals which help replenish the skin’s essential moisture and also stimulate collagen and elastin production.
Find it in: In 1948 Elizabeth Grant became fascinated in by the potential of pod algae when reading about its use in contemporary medical journals. She began playing around with formulae, eventually developing the compound Torricelumn™. The range includes essences, pigmentation serums, moisturisers, night and neck creams and this balm cleanser which is delicately fragranced with essential oils and leaves skin feeling supple and fresh.
Barley
Epidermal Growth Factor (EPG) is a protein which stimulates collagen and elastin production, both of which are vital for keeping skin buoyant and firm. As babies, our skin is rich in EPG but it decreases as we move through adulthood. Happily, this helpful protein can be derived from barley to produce a topical treatment.
Find it in: Bioeffect offer a comprehensive range of skincare saviours, all of which use their barley-based pure Bioeffect EPG produced in ecologically engineered factories in Iceland. The latest in the line-up is the Power Eye Cream which also contains caffeine to snatch and lend its antioxidant protection to the delicate skin of the eye area.
£72 bioeffect.com
Lactic Acid
As you might expect, lactic acid is derived from milk, and it is used in skincare for its exfoliating properties. It’s more gentle than some other acids, making it suitable for use on dry or sensitive skin. By breaking down the bonds which bind together dead skin cells and other debris, lactic acid gives pretty much instant results and regular (weekly) use will maintain a smoother complexion.
Find it in: Votary’s Sensitive Resurfacing Peel pairs lactic acid with the brand’s own blend of Super Seed extracts including horse chestnut to reduce redness and chia seed to work on moisture retention. As with any new exfoliant, the key is to go slow. Apply weekly after cleansing for around three minutes before rinsing off. Gradually you can build up to leaving it on for up to ten minutes for a regular skin reset.
£70 votary.co.uk
Volcanic Clay
Volcanic clay is bursting with minerals and also has the benefit of being naturally antibacterial. Additionally, it is a natural exfoliant which will help decongest the skin. It soaks up excess oil and keeps skin looking fresh.
Find it in: We are huge fans of Korean skincare brand Innisfree and their Super Volcanic Pore Clearing Clay Mask, which promises to tackle issues with blackheads and whiteheads by helping control excessive sebum production. It can also minimise the look of enlarged pores and will work to reduce shine.
£21 sephora.co.uk
Liquorice
Liquorice root extract is a natural antioxidant which is suitable for all skin types and helps to protect the skin against environmental aggressors while evening out pigment and reducing dark spots. It can also calm excessive redness and is often a key ingredient in products designed to help with rosacea flare-ups.
Find it in: French pharmacy brand Embroylisse is loved by makeup artists for its capacity to deliver instant dewy skin on every and any skin type. Their Smooth Active Cream is an effortless multitasker, which includes liquorice extract to soothe, nourish and make radiant.
£23.95 beautybay.com
Candelilla Wax
This vegan alternative to beeswax is brimming with Vitamin A, a key ingredient in regenerating the skin. Its thick texture allows it to form a protective barrier on the skin and the non-comedogenic structure means it won’t block pores. It absorbs beautifully; it won’t irritate if used around the eyes; and it can even help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.
Find it in: Candelilla wax is one of the key components in Wonderbalm, the Korean do-it-all miracle in a pot. So far we’ve tried it as a wound-care balm, a cuticle softener, to smother a minor oven burn, to soften hard skin (heels and cuticles), as a moisturiser, and to create a sleek ponytail. Vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably produced and packaged; what’s not to love?
£29 wonderbalm.com
