We’ve all had those days. You’ve run out of your go-to moisturiser, and after a hectic day, you find yourself in the supermarket, grabbing dinner essentials. While you’re there, it’s tempting to browse the skincare aisle and pick up a quick replacement. But is there a real difference between the moisturiser recommended by professionals and the one labelled “#1 Dermatologist Approved” at the store?
The truth is, when you switch from professionally curated skincare to off-the-shelf options, your skin may not feel as nourished or balanced as before. Let’s explore why that is!
Affordable Skincare Alternatives
When it comes to choosing between skincare found at the supermarket and professional-grade options, it's important to understand that no one should feel guilty for opting for a cheaper alternative. We all have budgets to consider, and sometimes a more affordable product is the best option for the moment.
However, if you're aiming to get the most out of your skincare routine and see real, long-term results, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when making your next skincare purchase.
Active Ingredients for Therapeutic Change
One of the main differences between supermarket and professional skincare is the concentration and quality of active ingredients. Professional skincare products often contain higher levels & several variations of active ingredients, such as botanical extracts, ceramides, or enhanced delivery systems, which are designed to create noticeable therapeutic changes in your skin. These ingredients can work at a deeper level, helping to address specific concerns like hydration, ageing, or acne. Supermarket options, while they may contain some of these ingredients, often include them in lower concentrations (for marketing claims), which may not provide the same level of efficacy.
Types of Ingredients Used
Beyond the concentration of active ingredients, professional skincare tends to use higher-quality, carefully sourced ingredients that are specifically chosen for their success rate at delivering key ingredients for skin health and bringing about desired results. On the other hand, supermarket products may contain materials that can sometimes lead to irritation or deliver temporary results without truly addressing the needs of the skin. If you're looking for a range that’s gentle yet effective, it's worth paying attention to the ingredients list as a starting point (more on this later).
The Outcome You Are Looking For
Finally, it's essential to think about your skincare goals. Are you simply looking for a product that provides daily moisture, or do you have specific concerns like acne, ageing, or dullness? Professional skincare is often formulated with a particular outcome in mind and tailored to address specific skin needs. Supermarket brands, on the other hand, may be more basic in their approach, which could make it harder to achieve long term results.
Understanding Ingredients When Choosing Skincare
We get it - reading the ingredients list on the back of a skincare product can feel overwhelming. Decoding complex names and figuring out what they do isn't always easy, and not everyone has the time or interest to research every single ingredient. That’s why we’re here to offer a few quick, easy tips to help you get started on your skincare journey with confidence.
Learn More About Functional Ingredients
Functional ingredients are often the backbone of any skincare formulation, and many of them are essential for the product to perform properly. Let’s take a look at some of the functional ingredients we use at Bare Roots that still take into consideration the health of your skin, the environmental impact and the quality of the ingredient:
Emulsifiers - help to blend oil and water based components, ensuring the product has a smooth texture
Lecithin – A natural substance made up of fatty acids that function as an emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol – A fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil that is non-irritating and helps stabilise emulsions
Glyceryl Stearate – A plant-based emulsifier that also provides moisture to the skin
Sorbitan Olivate – Derived from olive oil, it helps emulsify and has skin-conditioning properties
Preservatives - necessary to keep bacteria at bay and prevent harmful microbes from growing so you can safely enjoy your skincare for longer
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle Flower Extract) – Used to preserve formulas in a natural way to prevent bacterial growth
Humectants - draw moisture into the skin, providing lasting hydration
Glycerin – A natural humectant that attracts water from the environment into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated
Hyaluronic Acid – Known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, this humectant provides deep hydration
Aloe Vera – A natural plant-derived humectant that soothes and hydrates the skin. Also the base of all products in the Bare Roots range!
Sodium PCA – A naturally occurring humectant in human skin, which is highly effective at maintaining moisture balance
Surfactants - help to cleanse the skin and improve the products spreadability
Coco-Glucoside – A mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and sugar, non-irritating and biodegradable
Decyl Glucoside – A very mild, plant-based surfactant suitable for sensitive skin, derived from corn
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate – A gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil and amino acids, ideal for sensitive skin.
Choosing Ingredients for Your Skin Type
Rather than basing your skincare purchase on price, it's essential to choose products tailored to your specific skin concerns. If you have dry skin, seek out moisturisers that contain rich ingredients like shea butter, bio compatible oils or ceramides, which deeply nourish and help the skin retain moisture. For instance, Bare Roots Vital Cream is a fantastic option as it contains a high percentage of ceramides that can help fortify your skin barrier, control inflammation, and leave your skin feeling balanced & healthy.
If you're acne-prone, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogging pores. We love Bare Roots Gentle Foaming Cleanser, as it offers effective cleansing without stripping the skin, while Omega Oil is abundant in essential fatty acids and provides nourishment without heaviness, making it great for calming inflammation and supporting healthy skin repair.
In the end, choosing the right moisturiser comes down to understanding your skin's unique needs and finding products that offer the quality ingredients your skin deserves. Whether you opt for a supermarket brand or a professional-grade option, being mindful of the ingredients and their purpose can help you make informed decisions.
At Bare Roots, we believe in providing high-quality, effective skincare solutions that cater to specific concerns, ensuring your skin gets the care it deserves. After all, great skin is an investment in your confidence and well-being.
