Top 6 ingredients for radiant and healthy skin that can easily be added to any routine

It seems that every search for glowing skin tips quickly narrows down to just three types of ingredients: vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliating acids. While these ingredients are rightly considered the gold standard for their powerful effects, they can also cause irritation and redness, especially if not used correctly. It’s not uncommon for such a nearly clinical level of caution in your own routine to create a sense of discomfort. Applying a cream or serum should be as simple as brushing your teeth, right? The expectation for an evening routine is to relax, not to stress over dosages and combinations. But as active ingredients have become stronger and more concentrated, even in seemingly simple drugstore formulas, it’s easy to make mistakes and apply incompatible products.

Fortunately, vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliating acids are not the only paths to glowing skin. In fact, that beautiful, radiant look we dream of is the result of healthy skin and a strong skin barrier. And there are many more tools available to achieve it that are gentle for most skin types and can easily fit into any routine.

6 essential ingredients for healthy and radiant skin

Courtesy of Ilia Beauty

1/ Niacinamide

Vitamin B3, or niacinamide, is an ingredient that can be found almost everywhere – from powders, mascaras, and shampoos to creams, masks, and serums. It generally does not cause irritation when kept at an optimal concentration of up to 5 percent and helps even out and brighten the complexion. If you are dealing with dark spots, it works best combined with vitamin C in the morning routine or with exfoliating acids in the evening routine.

• Effect: depending on the concentration, it can hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots
• When to use: can be used in both morning and evening routines
• Ideal for: uneven skin tone, especially for combination and oily skin

2/ Ceramides

As the building blocks of the skin barrier, ceramides are essential for every skin type at any age. These lipids not only strengthen the skin barrier but also help make the skin more elastic. In dry skin, the natural ceramide production (which the skin produces on its own) can be disrupted, so creams or serums with plant-based ceramides are an excellent option at any time of day or night.

• Effect: restore the skin’s protective barrier, increase elasticity
• When to use: can be used in both morning and evening routines
• Ideal for: mature, dry, and sensitive skin

3/ Peptides

Peptides that can stimulate collagen production or help protect it are an excellent addition to any routine – from those focused on preventing aging to those aiming to address signs of premature skin aging. Since they are biomimetic ingredients (mimicking the skin’s natural processes), most people tolerate them very well, and they can also support retinoids for a stronger effect. The result is radiant skin that looks brighter with fewer visible wrinkles.

• Effect: depending on the type, they either stimulate collagen synthesis or prevent its breakdown
• When to use: for peptides that target the appearance of wrinkles, it’s best to use them in the evening routine
• Ideal for: visible wrinkles and early signs of skin aging

Photo: Jana Kukebal

4/ Panthenol

While hyaluronic acid is often synonymous with hydration, panthenol closely follows. This remarkable ingredient offers two key benefits for the skin: it provides deep hydration and reduces discomfort or irritation. If you use strong active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids, your skin will thank you for including panthenol in your routine. You can choose from creams, serums, or toners – the formula and texture are up to you.

• Effect: hydrates the deeper layers of the skin and soothes redness
• When to use: can be used in both morning and evening routines
• Ideal for: dehydrated, irritated, and dry skin

5/ Green Tea Extract

Antioxidants are essential in any routine for radiant and glowing skin. Vitamin C is the ultimate hero, but ascorbic acid can sometimes cause irritation. Because of its potent effect, green tea extract is an excellent antioxidant option that won’t irritate most skin types. You can also use it alongside stronger ingredients, like retinoids, without worrying about redness.

• Effect: reduces redness and helps prevent premature skin aging
• When to use: ideally added to the morning routine for its protective antioxidant benefits
• Ideal for: all skin types

Photo: Junessa Rendon

6/ Probiotics

We are only beginning to understand the importance of a healthy skin microbiome in optimal balance. But if you introduce a toner or cream with probiotics, you will quickly notice their remarkable impact on your skin. The skin will appear softer, smoother, more radiant, and overall healthier.

• Effect: hydrate the skin, soothe irritation, and support the restoration of the skin’s microbiome
• When to use: can be used in both morning and evening routines
• Ideal for: sensitive, dry, and irritated skin