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If carrots immediately came to mind when you read the word carotenoid, you’re actually not too far off. “Carotenoids are plant and vegetable pigments that are often used in skin care, such as beta-carotene, astaxanthin, lutein and lycopene,” explains cosmetic chemist Ginger King. And yes, carotenoids can be found in carrots as well as other produce like pumpkin, grapefruit, bell pepper and tomato. Their antioxidant benefits help protect organisms from oxidative stressors, says co-founders of Rituel de Fille Katherine and Caroline Ramos. But what does this have to do with skin care?
Featured experts
- Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist
- Katherine and Caroline Ramos are the co-founders of Rituel de Fille
The benefits of carotenoids in skin care
Carotenoids seem to be popping up more and more in skin care recently. They boast hydrating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits for skin, says King. “As antioxidants, they can help protect your skin from oxidative stressors too. Their benefits can be remarkable: carotenoids can neutralize damaging free radicals and reactive oxygen species,” the Ramos sisters note. “Carotenoids can also enhance hydration, improve skin texture, and improve the appearance of melasma from sun damage.” Furthermore, beta-carotene, in particular, is converted to vitamin A, which you may know as retinol.
A warning
“While carotenoids are good antioxidants, overuse of this material may stain skin—just think of carrots, ” says King. “You get better results using low dosage or encapsulated carotenoids.” Trustworthy, expert-approved skin-care products should be formulated with this in mind, so there’s not much to worry about if you use the recommended amount.
Products with carotenoids to try
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King notes that products from Japanese beauty brand DHC tend to be a good place to get astaxanthin in. This anti-aging gel tones, hydrates and brightens skin.
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“There have been some remarkable recent advancements in beauty with carotenoids, and Rituel de Fille has been first to market with two entirely new carotenoid actives in two of our bestselling makeup formulas–both at skincare-level, clinically tested concentrations,” the Ramos sisters say.
This new serum concealer features an ultra-potent carotenoid called deinoxanthin. “In clinical testing, this active has demonstrated amazing benefits for the delicate skin of the under eye, reducing the appearance of under-eye bags, dark circles, and improving skin texture.”
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The Nue Co. calls this bestseller their “ingestible retinol,” which isn’t far off since it does feature beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. It’s designed to promote clear, smooth, bright skin without the irritation that can come with topical retinol.
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This radiance-boosting sunscreen features beta-carotene alongside niacinamide, quinoa seed extract and pea extract to improve skin’s luminosity while protecting it from sun damage. Plus, the soft-focus complexion corrector comes in three different “auras.”
Award Photo: SuperNatural Radiance Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen 5 / 8
If you’re looking to splurge on an antioxidant-packed serum, look no further. Unique ingredients like astaxanthin and dragon’s blood give this product an edge. Reviewers call it “magic.”
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King points to Perricone MD as another brand with reliable astaxanthin, but this time in supplement form. Each packet includes daily supplements to help support skin and immune health.
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“This beautiful foundation went viral when it launched for its amazing coverage (yes, it really does only take three drops for a full-face application), but that’s not the only innovative thing about it,” the Ramos sisters say. The foundation “was the first beauty product in any category–including skin care–to integrate a newly isolated carotenoid: phytoene.”
“What sets phytoene apart from other carotenoids is that it actually isn’t colorful–meaning no orange or red cast–so while it has similar benefits to carotenoid actives like beta-carotene, it can be used at higher active concentrations for greater skin benefits without changing the color of the makeup, or your skin.”
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If you’re looking for a more streamlined approach to infusing your diet with carotenoids than chomping on handfuls of carrots, might we recommend this supplement? Moon Juice Super Beauty protects cell health for improvements in fine lines, collagen production, and skin elasticity.
