10 Incredible Skin Care Ingredients from Around the World
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
In any spot on the globe, the definition of beauty includes healthy-looking skin. Whether it’s a healing mud, magical water or good ol’ fashion maple syrup, there are star ingredients from all over the world waiting to give your beauty routine a revamp.
![Caudalie Vine[Activ] Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/1_Caudalie_SERUM2-VINEACTIV-LIPPMANN.jpg)
The Star Ingredient: Grapeseed Polyphenols
The Hot Spot: Bordeaux, France
Say au revoir to a tired-looking appearance. A milky formula that sinks into skin on contact belies the potent cocktail designed to combat the signs of fatigue, pollution, stress and more. Extracted from the seeds of white wine grapes, and mixed with spruce extract and vitamins C and E, this blend boosts collagen to smooth wrinkles and restore radiance.
Caudalie Vine[Activ] Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum, $68, 30ml, ca.caudalie.com
The Star Ingredient: Moor Mud
The Hot Spot: Budapest, Hungary
An homage to the ancient spa culture of Hungary, this cleanser ticks all the right boxes. Exfoliating-yet-hydrating? Yup, thanks to the high calcium and magnesium content of the moor mud which is mined from the largest thermal lake in Europe. Soothing? Done. That’s where the anti-inflammatory power of zinc oxide comes in. And let’s not forget refreshing: the essential oils of lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus work in tandem to give skin a lift.
Omorovicza Moor Cream Cleanser, $100, 150ml, omorovicza.com
The Star Ingredient: Saffron
The Hot Spot: Kozani, Greece
The precious spice that makes any dish sing could be the secret to aging gracefully. Hand-plucked from the Krocus flower on the one day a year that it blooms, this organic saffron packs an antioxidant punch that bolsters skin against wrinkles, fine lines and dullness. A 95% natural formula, there’s no mineral oil, silicone or parabens lurking in the stunning metallic bottle either.
Korres Golden Krocus Ageless Saffron Elixir, $130, 30ml, beautyboutique.ca
The Star Ingredient: Broccoli Seed Oil
The Hot Spot: Fraser Valley, BC
Greens – they’re good for you inside and out. And this lightweight cream is packed with them! Cold pressed broccoli seed oil plays a leading role for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status, while chlorophyll and parsley stand out in a supporting cast that aids in detoxing and protecting skin. Smelling like a freshly chopped salad in the best of ways, the balanced hydration of this Canadian find also earns marks for what it doesn’t contain. Read: it’s free of fillers, toxic chemicals, phthalates and more.
Graydon Green Cream, 50ml, $35, graydonskincare.ca
The Star Ingredient: Sandalwood Oil
The Hot Spot: Chhattisgarh, India
If dark spots and dull skin are standing between you and an Alicia Keys makeup-free lifestyle then this luxe oil could close the gap. Steeped with sandalwood oil, which reduces inflammation and counteracts hyperpigmentation, thereby promoting an even skin tone, and backed by skin-boosting Neroli, orange and pomegranate oils, this formula promises to make skin issues fade into the background. Laying eyes on the beautiful bottle makes daily usage a treat, too.
Uma Ultimate Brightening Face Oil, 30ml, $190, thenaturalcurator.com
The Star Ingredient: Angelica Archangelica Root Water
The Hot Spot: Iceland
There’s something in the water! A first-hand experience with Iceland’s incredible natural resources at the famed Blue Lagoon is highly recommended, but if a visit isn’t in the budget, this is the next best thing. Drawing on the benefits of Icelandic Glacial Water (one of the purest sources in the world), this intensely hydrating serum targets the eye area to relax the appearance of wrinkles, and fortify skin against loss of firmness and elasticity.
skyn Iceland Brightening Eye Serum with Arctic Peptides, $50, 10ml, in store at beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart
The Star Ingredient: Heaven Grade Ginseng
The Hot Spot: Medicinal Herb Island, South Korea
Korea continues to lead the pack when it comes to what’s new and noteworthy in the beauty world. This toner, part of an innovative line dedicated to the 40+ set, contains the highest class of ginseng, which offers intense anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Blended with six other medicinal herbs, including the 100% natural Pine Mushroom, the collection works to firm up wrinkled skin and rejuvenate elasticity.
The Face Shop Yehwadam Heaven Grade Ginseng Regenerating Toner, 160ml, $62, thefaceshop.ca
The Star Ingredient: Organic Maple Syrup
The Hot Spot: Quebec
To be fair, the sweet stuff is just the beginning here. There’s a lot of Canadian goodness to be found in this mask! Moisture-retaining maple syrup (which also helps fight free radicals) is joined by organic seaweed from Nova Scotia (an ace at renewing damaged skin cells). And there’s plenty of green glacial clay from northern BC, which is renowned for lifting dead skin cells while injecting fresh dermis with key minerals. Slather this on with plenty of national pride, eh?
Province Apothecary Detoxifying + Clarifying Clay Mask, $18, 120ml, provinceapothecary.ca
The Star Ingredient: Kiwi Seed Oil
The Hot Spot: New Zealand
Seeds from the tart juicy fruit provides a nourishing oil that is tailor made for addressing a host of issues around the eyes. Stocked with vitamin C, the 100% natural cream is blended with aloe gel, carrot seed and avocado oils to diminish fines lines, brighten dark circles and send puffiness packing.
Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream, $68, 30ml, thenaturalcurator.com
The Star Ingredient: Bananas
The Hot Spots: Martinique and Guadeloupe
You’ll never look at a banana the same way again. The Caribbean’s humble fruit is revealed to be a skin care powerhouse that boasts loads of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. In the form of a handy balm – a must-have this time of year – it melts into skin to hydrate and repair on contact.
Kadalys Banana Balm, $28, tallanda.com
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