Did you know that you don’t need to take supplements for your skin to benefit from vitamins? You might not realise this, but there are so many skincare ingredients that are technically vitamins - just with slightly different names. Some appear in forms that we’re more familiar with, while others are skincare ingredients derived from certain vitamins. Here’s our guide to 4 life-changing vitamins that you can find in your skincare.

Vitamin A

Appears in skincare as: Retinol, Retinal, Retinaldehyde, Retinyl Palmitate

Did you know that all retinoids (including retinol) are derived from Vitamin A? In its pure form, Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant and has a crucial role in cell development. However, pure Vitamin A isn’t truly that effective on the skin. Vitamin A needs to be converted into retinoic acid to have any effect, which is why retinol and other retinoids were created.

There are so many benefits for skin from Vitamin A derived ingredients - stronger retinoids such as adapalene and tretinoin are used to help get acne under control. They also have anti-ageing benefits, but can be irritating for skin - that’s where retinol and other non-prescription Vitamin A derivatives come in. 

These Vitamin A derivatives work wonders when it comes to reversing the signs of ageing, boosting collagen production and fading away dark marks. By increasing collagen levels in skin, retinol helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and firm up skin. Retinol also works hard to increase cell turnover, fading away dark spots and leaving behind flawless, blemish-free skin! 

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules | $190
These capsules ward off fine lines and wrinkles with a combination of ceramides and retinol.

Vitamin B

Appears in skincare as: Biotin (Vitamin B7), Niacin, Niacinamide (B3), Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid (B5)

The B Vitamin family is famous for having many members that benefit the skin, most famously panthenol (Vitamin B5) and niacinamide (Vitamin B3). Panthenol works wonders as a skin-soother, healer, and hydrator, helping to support a healthy moisture barrier for flawless skin.

Niacinamide is an incredibly popular skincare ingredient - and for good reason. Like panthenol, it can help to support a healthy acid mantle - something that’s crucial if you want to have healthy, glowing skin. However, this is just one of the amazing benefits of niacinamide for skin. 

It’s a real workhorse ingredient - niacinamide can also help to relieve inflammation, reduce congestion, balance sebum production, and fade dark spots. Niacinamide is a real superstar ingredient that all skin types will love!

Vine Vera Resveratrol Cabernet Toner | $146
Cleanse and tone skin with this niacinamide-rich toner from Vine Vera.

Vitamin C

Appears in skincare as: L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate

No skin vitamin list would be complete without Vitamin C, a powerhouse antioxidant and anti-ageing ingredient. Unlike Vitamin A, Vitamin C is immediately effective on the skin as L-Ascorbic Acid. However, there are different forms of Vitamin C to choose from that are more stable and gentler for certain skin types - as you can tell from some of the examples that anything with ‘ascorb’ in it is a form of Vitamin C.

Dermatologists and other skin care professionals have been singing Vitamin C’s praises for what seems like forever - and for good reason. This antioxidant is incredibly effective at protecting skin from environmental stressors that can trigger wrinkles and pigmentation in skin. It also helps to kick-start collagen production, firming and smoothing away any fine lines. 

What sets Vitamin C apart from other antioxidants is how effective it is at fading hyperpigmentation - whether they’re dark spots leftover from acne or uneven skin tone from sun damage, Vitamin C brightens them much faster (and prevents more from forming) than other antioxidants. 

Shiseido White Lucent Overnight Cream Mask | $129
Shiseido harnesses the skin-brightening power of Vitamin C in this nourishing overnight mask.

Vitamin E

Appears in skincare as: Tocopheryl, Tocopherol Acetate, 

Vitamin E is often underestimated but is a welcome addition to any skincare product for its double duty as moisturiser and antioxidant. It’s antioxidant benefits work synergistically with Vitamin C - using them together boosts the power of both antioxidants for a skin-shielding boost!

Vitamin E is present in many natural plant oils, and can sometimes be the source of their benefits (as is the case with argan oil). As a lipid-based molecule, Vitamin E helps to moisturise and condition skin, keeping it soft, beautiful, and touchable. It also works to reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier - the part of our skin that’s responsible for keeping external irritants out and good things in.

Inika Organic Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Serum | $99
This serum uses the antioxidant power of Vitamin E with resveratrol, natural oils, and probiotic ingredients for the ultimate renewing skin serum.

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