Nivea, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Loreal, Elemis and Clarins are some examples of over-the-counter or ‘cosmetic‘ skincare brands. These skin products are usually available to buy in pharmacies or shops like Boots or Brown Thomas.
On the other hand, you can purchase cosmeceutical skin products from skin clinics. Some examples of cosmeceutical brands include Skinceuticals, Image, AlumierMD, ASAP Skincare, Glo Skin Beauty and Environ.
What effect does a cosmeceutical skincare product have on skin?
Salicylic acid, Retinol and Hyaluronic acid are skincare ingredients that are essential to improve the health of our skin cells. Clinical studies show that we need these ingredients at certain pH levels and certain percentages to work.
A cosmeceutical skincare product is developed with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients at clinically proven percentages. So, an AlumierMD serum for example contains enough Retinol or L-ascorbic acid to change the skin cells and give results! Whereas, a Clarins or Vichy serum will contain a very low percentage of active ingredients. Therefore, these will do nothing for the skin in terms of anti-ageing, acne treatment, oil control etc.
To conclude, if you want to control breakouts or prevent lines you need ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid at appropriate percentages. These will not be in a product that you can pick up Tesco or Boots!
I hope this helps you understand the difference between cosmetic and cosmeceutical skincare products. You can shop some of my preferred cosmeceutical brands here. Also, if you need some help choosing skin products to suit you feel free to get in contact.
Maria x