What Does The Word Cosmeceuticals Actually Mean?

Skin Therapists and beauty clinics often use the word "cosmeceuticals" to describe a certain skincare brand or product.

But what does this word mean exactly? In other words, what is cosmeceutical skincare and what's the difference between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals?

Also read: The Four Skin Types and How to Find Out Mine

Cosmeceuticals are put through real-life, real skin testing and research to make sure they can correct or change even severe conditions.

Cosmeceuticals are the closest to prescription pharmaceuticals that you can get.

Cosmetics are, in reality, skincare that "feels good on the skin", but doesn't really penetrate deep into your skin (where the change actually happens) and doesn't really offer results.

Cosmetics don't have a high formulation of active ingredients to deliver change within the skin. Instead, with a much lower percentage of active ingredients, they only sit on the surface of the skin, the stratum corneum.

They are unable to penetrate the skin through to the dermis.

Cosmetics cannot correct or change the skin or treat a severe skin condition.

Cosmeceutical skincare has specific ingredients to correct particular skin concerns or conditions.

For example, they have high percentages of salicylic acid and niacinamide to correct oily to acne-prone skin. They have tyrosinase inhibitors and kojic acid to regulate melanin production for pigmentation, among other examples.

• Acne
• Congestion
• Scarring
• Hyperpigmentation/Melasma
• Ageing
• Dryness/dehydration
• Rosacea skin
• Fine lines/wrinkles
• Sensitive skin
• Eczema
• Psoriasis

1. Corrects and changes your skin from within, acting in the deepest layers of the skin.
2. The active ingredients are accelerated into the skin with a well-formulated and widely researched delivery system to change your skin.
3. Well-formulated active ingredients to correct a skin condition
4. Scientifically proved and tested on real skin conditions.
5. A very high percentage of active ingredients is used in the formulation of cosmeceuticals.

1. Unable to penetrate the dermis layer of the skin
2. Only sits on the surface of the skin, where this will be washed off later that day
3. Often have no research or scientifically developed tests or results to back up the product
4. They are not formulated with higher active ingredients
5. Can not change or correct a skin condition, especially severe ones

Although there is no doubt you'll get results with cosmeceutical skincare, sometimes it can be hard to choose from so many options, and using the wrong producs can result in worsening your skin concerns.

Here at Skinmart we only sell Cosmeceutical Skincare, and we offer Complimentary Skin Consults, where you can talk to a Professional Skin Therapist that will be able to guide you through the best skin regimen for your skin condition/concern and skin type.

Book you consult now!

My name is Sari Pols,
I have been in the skincare industry for over 15 years. My passion lies in ‘Health’. Health for the skin and body. My philosophy is if we have good well-being on the inside, then it shows our vitality on the outside.
I have furthered my knowledge of Skin Anatomy, Skin Concerns, and Fitness. I am a true believer in how to make my clients feel their best both inside and out. My emphasis is on guiding my clients through their journey of skin concerns and conditions. I like to educate my clients and find the potential triggers for their concern or condition, so together we can eliminate the root of the cause. I aim to give personalised consultations with treatment and correct prescribed skin products.