We know how important vitamins are in our diet. But applied to the skin, vitamins also play an important role – each in its own way. Some protect against free radicals, others support cell renewal or strengthen the skin barrier. Here, we go through the vitamins in our formulas, what they do for your skin and where you’ll find them.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A belongs to the retinoid family and is one of the best-documented ingredients for fine lines and wrinkles. It speeds up the skin’s cell renewal, supports collagen production and regulates sebum production, which can also reduce impurities. In our Vitamin A Treatment Cream, we use retinyl palmitate (0.30%), a gentle form of vitamin A, combined with shea butter, ceramides and lecithin that strengthen the skin barrier.
We recommend using vitamin A in your evening routine. If you’re new to vitamin A, start 2–3 times a week and gradually increase to daily use as your skin gets used to it. Vitamin A makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, so protect your skin daily with an SPF of 30 or higher, such as our Facial Sunscreen SPF30 or Facial Sunscreen SPF50.
Our Vitamin A Treatment Cream is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Want to know more? Read our guide: Retinoids 101.
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 and one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare. It strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, reduces redness and minimizes the visibility of pores and dark spots – while giving tired, dull-looking skin a fresher look. Find niacinamide in our Niacinamide Lifting Mist (5%) and Ultra-Rich Cream (3%) – and for hands and body in our Restoring Antioxidant Hand Lotion and Niacinamide Repair Body Lotion.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well-documented antioxidant that protects the skin against free radicals and supports its natural collagen production, which maintains the skin’s firmness and elasticity. It also reduces the visibility of dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Pure vitamin C breaks down easily, so we use ascorbyl glucoside – a stable form that gradually converts into active vitamin C in the skin. Find it in our Skin Perfector 2% BHA, Skin Perfector SeboClear and Ultra-Rich Cream.
Vitamin C is also found naturally in cloudberries and sea buckthorn. Read more about them in our blogpost: Antioxidants in skincare.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin against environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. It also moisturizes the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface.
You’ll find vitamin E in:
- Vitamin Face Oil
- Daily Hydra Cream and Daily Hydra Cream Sensitive
- 24-Hour Hydra Gel
- Daily Mineral Gel
- Ultra-Rich Cream
- Blemish Control Clarifying Gel
- Vitamin A Treatment Cream
- Facial Sunscreen SPF30 and Facial Sunscreen SPF50
For hands and body, you’ll find it in our:
- Repairing Hand Balm
- Restoring Antioxidant Hand Lotion
- Niacinamide Repair Body Lotion
- Nourishing Body Oil
‘Vitamin F’ (fatty acids)
Vitamin F isn’t actually a vitamin, but a name for the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-6 and omega-3). The skin can’t produce them itself, yet they are an important part of the skin barrier: they strengthen it, reduce moisture loss and keep the skin soft and supple. We get vitamin F from plant and berry oils such as sea buckthorn, blueberry, cloudberry and sunflower.
Find it in our:
Tip: Apply our Vitamin Face Oil as the last step of your routine to seal in moisture.
Vitamins in your routine
Vitamins work well together, and you don’t need many products to benefit from them. In the morning, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E pair well with sunscreen. In the evening, give vitamin A room to work, and finish with a facial oil rich in fatty acids, such as our Vitamin Face Oil.