Written by: Tiffany Kantrowitz
Who doesn’t want to look good AND feel great? With pandemic burnout upon us, the worlds of beauty and wellness are colliding right when we need it the most. Beauty routines have long held the secrets to a more youthful appearance, glowing skin, and perfectly accentuated features. Cleopatra used milk and honey to hydrate her skin and kohl to accentuate her eyes. The Geisha of Japan used rice powder to refine and indigo to heal the skin. As routines have evolved over time beauty products have become more clinical and advanced. With medical-grade ingredients and claims of all-day wear there is little our products can’t do, right? But do they actually have the power to transform us from within? A whole new wave of wellness-inspired products are out there with key super-ingredients like adaptogens, antioxidants, and detoxifiers are leading the way to inner and outer bliss!
Ethically produced products paired with clean, high-impact ingredients define the convergence of beauty and wellness worlds. Toxin-free formulas, recyclable packaging, and cruelty-free testing are mainstays for do-it-all formulations. Super ingredients highlight efficacy with powerful and transformative benefits. Adaptogens are powerful ingredients promoting a balanced state by aiding in the body’s return to “homeostasis.” When taken orally they help reduce stress response and counteract inflammation. In skincare, they are used to heal & nourish. When applied topically, adaptogens take down irritation and inflammation common in certain skin conditions like acne and eczema. Antioxidants, commonly found in superfoods, are substances that prevent oxidation or slow cell damage. In beauty formulations, super-charged ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and niacinamide reduce the signs of aging and prevent skin damage. Detoxification is well regarded as beneficial to our health by removing toxins from the body. Removing impurities from the skin with healing ingredients such as clay and charcoal helps to refine the skin and promote a youthful glow. All of these highly beneficial ingredients do the heavy lifting for us in a new generation of wellness derived cleansers, serums, moisturizers, oils, supplements and make-up to boot.
Must-try Adaptogen Beauty Products:
Herbavore / Emerald Hempseed + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil
This omega-rich multi-tasking oil will soothe and hydrate the skin with hemp seed and adaptogens including shiitake and ashwagandha. Vitamin E and turmeric root tame environmental aggressors. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight oil will stave off dullness and dryness while deeply protecting. This brand advocates for the legalization of cannabis promoting its healing properties including incredible skincare benefits. Available at herbivorebotanicals.com.
This apoptogenic formula draws from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda helps reduce stress, improve skin clarity and protect from free radical damage. Pearl Powder, Goji Berries, Schizandra, and Rehmannia help build collagen, hydrate, and firm the skin. Create a youth-enhancing tonic with a scoop of this herbal supplement and soak in the glow-inducing benefits from the inside out. Available at moonjuice.com.
Detoxifiers Doing the Dirty Work:
Farmacy / Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
This cleanser melts away the day with sunflower and ginger oils removing even the most stubborn makeup. Turmeric and moringa extract remove impurities while papaya enzymes clean out pores and smooth skin texture. A sorbet-like texture that magically transforms into a silky, soft oil on the skin will have dirt and makeup on its way in no time. The fresh, sensual scent will transport and renew in seconds. Available at farmacybeauty.com.
Youth to the People / Superfood Cleanser
A green juice cleanse meets skincare product with this multifunctional, super gentle gel cleanser. Green tea deeply purifies in a rich texture that naturally lathers without sulfates. Skin-loving phytonutrients from cold-pressed extracts including kale and spinach gently cleanse impurities and soothe. Plant-powered antioxidants vitamins C, E, and K nourish as they lift out impurities and combat inflammation. This PH-balances formula rinses quickly without drying the face. Available at nordstrom.com.
Antioxidants with Superpowers:
Your Superfoods / Forever Beautiful Organic Superfood Mix
Newbies on the beauty scene are supplements taken orally rather than topically to promote a healthy glow from within. An antioxidant powerhouse with chia, acai, maquui, acerola, maca, and blueberries transforms and tastes great. This beauty supplement powder will have you looking gorgeous and feeling better-than-ever. Supercharge your daily smoothie by adding a scoop and let the antioxidation process do it’s thing. Available at yoursuper.com.
Aixiology / Golden Hour Lip to Lid Trio
This trio packs a punch with its multifunctional use on eyes, lips, and cheeks. An easy-to-use balm texture and crayon-like application makes this product a must for makeup on-the-go. Formulated with skin-loving oils and antioxidants including, elderberry, hemp and plum. This zero waste and cruelty-free product will have you ready for date night at your fav vegan eatery in a snap! Available at credo.com
