Many common skincare ingredients, when paired with specific actives, can achieve spectacular results.  These dynamic duos kick common skincare woes to the curb. Their pairing creates an improved mechanism that is more than the sum of its’ parts.  This article explores two of our favorite ingredient pairings: Konjac Acid with Hyaluronic Acid and Ferulic with Vitamins C and E.

 

Skincare Dynamic Duos

Many ingredients have excellent synergy. This article focuses on Konjac Acid with Hyaluronic Acid and Ferulic combined with Vitamins C and E.

We love these pairings because they increase the overall efficacy without any added dryness or skin irritation.

 

Konjac Acid + Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid helps actives penetrate the skin.
MSM, Vitamin C, retinol, peptides, B3, and Sea Buckthorn Oil all benefit from Hyaluronic Acid use. These ingredients do their best work within the deeper skin layers.

But the Hyaluronic Acid and Konjac Acid combination do something special.

Both Hyaluronic Acid and Konjac have high hygroscopic properties to pull moisture into the skin.

 

Used Alone

Konjac Acid

Konjac Acid contains glucomannan.

Glucomannan is similar to the kind of hyaluronic acid seen in young skin.

Glucomannan penetrates the upper layer of the epidermis and hydrates the surface and make it look younger.

Konjac root also contains a slew of skin-friendly vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, and E, plus lipids and fatty acids. It smooths fine wrinkles and promotes collagen and elastin production.

Konjac contains copper, a skincare superstar that builds collagen and elastin. Elastin is crucial because it reduces sagging and wrinkles and gives skin a springy and healthy look. Copper is rare and pricey skincare, which makes Konjac Acid a skincare treasure. Copper also plays well with other actives. ^[1]

 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in the skin, but it depletes as we age. It keeps in moisture to provide cushioning in joints and the skin. It can plump a wrinkle, for example, to appear less severe.

Hyaluronic Acid “pulls” moisture from the air into the skin.

It also pulls active ingredients deeper into skin.

The deeper active ingredients can work, the better the overall result.

 

Paired Together

The low molecular weight hyaluronic acid plus the glucomannan in konjac maximize their combined water absorption capacity.

But the really special thing is this: Once they absorb into the skin, they link.  They attract water and swell the skin.

I mean, really, really swell with water. All they can get. So much water.

The result? It gives the skin a nice plump look while simultaneously treating.

 

 

Ferulic, C, and E:  The 3 Amigos

Ferulic, C, and E are all anti-aging antioxidants.

Vitamin C needs no introduction within skincare, nor does Vitamin E. You probably use them daily. But this combination can up your game:

 

Used Alone

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid comes from plant cell walls.

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant. It excels at protecting against aging caused by free radicals and environmental stress factors.

 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C comes in many variants. One is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP).

SAP is a stable precursor of Vitamin C. It ensures a constant delivery of vitamin C into the skin. ^[2] In layperson terms, it won’t turn brown or go bad. SAP has a strong antimicrobial effect.

SAP is a water-soluble C particularly effective in acne treatment and prevention.

 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a protective antioxidant that lessens discoloration.

E makes damaged skin pliable again so that other active ingredients can absorb. Once Vitamin E enables actives to once again penetrate formerly damaged skin, these actives can get to work.

Meanwhile, E reduces wrinkles and fine line formation.

 

Paired Together

Outstanding individually, but together they are special. According to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology:

“Ferulic acid alone (and vitamins C and E) provide partial protection but vitamins C, E and ferulic acid [altogether] provide virtually complete protection.” [2]

Ferulic acid makes Vitamin C more stable. This pairing keeps your products fresh and effective longer.

 

Summary of The Dynamic Duos of Skincare Superhero Ingredients

Konjac Acid and Hyaluronic Acid hold moisture very well and make skin look and act younger. Thanks to Konjac’s Glucomannan, skin looks and behaves younger as it seems to have youthful HA again.

Since they both draw ingredients in, they pair well with a third ingredient active. The deeper ingredients like retinol, Vitamin C or MSM can get into the skin, the better results you will see, especially on scars, texture, and photodamage.

Ferulic Acid, C and E don’t just repair old damage. Together, they protect the skin. Ferulic makes C more stable to keep your C formulations fresh and effective.

 

Was Dynamic Duos In Skincare Superhero Ingredients useful? Then you may also enjoy:

• The Ingredient Overviews
• The Defining Beauty Ingredient Glossary

Two skincare products with SAP Vitamin C in their formulations:

• Civant Skincare Meladerm Pigment Correction an SAP Vitamin C product to reduce hyperpigmentation
• Jeffrey James Botanicals THE SERUM

 

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References

1. A.A, Abdulghani & A, Sherr & S, Shirin & G, Solodkina & Morales Tapia, E & B, Wolf & A.B, Gottlieb. (1998). Effects of topical creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream and melatonin compared with tretinoin on the ultrastructure of normal skin “ A pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes. 1. 136-141. 10.1016/S1088-3371(98)00011-4.
2. Lin, Fu-Hsiung et al., Ferulic Acid Stabilizes a Solution of Vitamins C and E and Doubles its Photoprotection of Skin, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Volume 125, Issue 4, 826 – 832