Photo by Matthew Tkocz on Unsplash
Here at Pure Beauty, we’re well aware of the fact that new buzzwords come along all the time which often makes something which is pretty run of the mill sound new and exciting. However, when it comes to encapsulation, this isn’t the case – we’re genuinely enthusiastic about this process! Here, we’re giving you the lowdown on encapsulated ingredients and which products have them:
What is ‘encapsulation’?
The process of encapsulation involves molecular change. Imagine a shiny coating covering the ingredient molecules; this is how the polysaccharide shell protects them. The active compounds in your skincare—i.e., the ingredients that can change your skin—are carried by this encapsulated coating, which acts as a carrier system. When you apply a skincare product with encapsulated chemicals to your skin, the coating starts to disappear and the active ingredients gradually begin to come out.
Why should I look for products with encapsulated ingredients?
There are many advantages to covering active substances with a protective encapsulation. In the first place, it makes components even milder BUT more effective. Encapsulated coatings shield your actives and release them gradually over time as opposed to instantly activating them on the surface of your skin. This enables it to penetrate your skin’s deeper layers, where the active components will work to your greatest advantage. Ingredients are gradually released as the shell covering wears away, so your skin will benefit from them for a longer period of time. Encapsulation also stabilises molecules by protecting them from environmental factors, like UV light, that causes them to break down or lose their effectiveness.
Which products have encapsulated ingredients?
REN Clean Skincare Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream targets only uneven pigmentation on all skin types and tones – without affecting or lightening your natural skin tone. It contains an encapsulated algae complex which targets the appearance of excessive pigmentation.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect is a daily moisturiser with a high level of sun protection to prevent sun-induced premature signs of skin ageing. It utilises encapsulated photolyase to optimise penetration into the skin, delivering next-generation anti-ageing results that include healthier-looking and more resilient skin with a natural glow.
This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray is a fast acting natural remedy to help restore healthy sleep patterns for restless sleepers. A natural, aromatherapeutic blend of lavender, camomile and vetivert is encapsulated within this sleep spray which, thanks to motion activated technology, is released continuously throughout the night to support a longer, less interrupted sleep.
Dermalogica Oil Free Matte is a lightweight, ultra-sheer broad spectrum sunscreen that helps prevent shine, regulate oil production and soothe inflammation. It is suitable for skin with excess oil production and contains an encapsulated complex of antioxidant vitamins C and E which scavenge UV-induced free radicals while enhancing photoprotection.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix is the next generation Pro-Collagen with Smart Drone Technology. Pro Collagen Overnight Matrix targets areas of the face where stress shows most. With encapsulated Peptide4 and Hetra-Peptide, this dual action formulation works both to protect the delivery of the actives and to help with the penetration into the skin’s surface.