Buying new beauty products can be an overwhelming task.
Entering a beauty store and seeing shelf upon shelf of different options can make anyone feel like a deer in the headlights.
And in those moments the easiest way to judge something’s quality is to look at the price tag – the higher the cost, the higher the quality, right?
While some may think choosing the most expensive items or the high-end brands might be the safest bet, a beauty expert has now revealed why the pricier items aren’t always better.
Georgina Tang, founder beauty company YNNY, explained to the Daily Mail that splashing out on serums and creams doesn’t always guarantee better results.
Instead of focusing on the cost, Tang said you should take a look at the ingredient list.
‘Price isn’t always a reflection of performance,’ Tang said. ‘Sometimes you’re paying for the packaging, marketing or the name rather than the formulation itself.
‘In fact, some of the most effective ingredients in skincare – such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides – are widely available at affordable price points.
While some may think choosing the most expensive beauty products or the high-end brands might be the safest bet, expert Georgina Tang has revealed why pricier items aren’t better
Tang, founder beauty company YNNY, explained that instead of focusing on price, you should take a look at the ingredient list when buying new products (stock image)
‘What really matters is how much of those ingredients are in the product, and how they’re combined.’
While Tang noted that the ingredient list can sometimes be long and confusing, she broke down the key ingredients to look for when picking out beauty products.
First, she explained that good quality face creams should include emulsifiers – the molecules that allow oil and water to mix to create a stable, rich formulation.
‘Look for ingredients such as Gylceryl stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate and Olivem 1000, as they are quality ingredients derived from coconut and sustainably sourced palm kernel oil,’ she suggested.
‘The reason for looking out for these 100 percent natural emulsifiers is because the finished product leave a silky, smooth and non-greasy feel on the skin.
‘People pay a fortune for this feeling and texture but it’s not necessary if you know what to look for.’
Another vital thing to look for in your skincare products and creams according to Tang is high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which attracts and and holds water in the skin to keep it plumped and hydrated.
‘Look for high molecular weight hyaluronic acid,’ she recommended. ‘This form sits on the surface of the skin, instantly firming and plumping without irritation.’
Another vital thing to look for in your skincare products and creams according to Tang is high molecular weight hyaluronic acid
Tang (seen with her son) said you should look for products that boast vitamin C ‘to brighten and boost collagen production’ and niacinamide or vitamin B3 ‘to strengthen the skin barrier’
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, ‘penetrates deeper, past the stratum corneum and into the lower layers of the epidermis.’
‘This may sound good, but in some formulations it can cause irritation and also this ingredient is potentially pro-inflammatory if not used appropriately,’ added Tang.
Tang said you should look for products that boast collagen production like vitamin C and niacinamide or vitamin B3 ‘to strengthen the skin barrier.’
‘You don’t need to spend a fortune to get effective skincare. Look for products that combine these multiple main active ingredients,’ she continued.
‘You can find these combinations in more affordable ranges as well as in premium products, but you need to know what you’re looking for.’
In addition, Tang advised against buying super-sized products since they’re often ‘watered down.’
‘Many larger bottles are formulated with higher water content for cost-effectiveness, so even though you’re paying less for more product, the active ingredient dose per use may be lower,’ she dished.
She said some ingredients ‘degrade over time’ so it’s better to get a smaller, concentrated product that will be used up quickly rather than a large one that will sit in your bathroom for months.
‘While the big bottle may feel like a great deal, you could end up spending more in the long run if you need to layer extra products to get the same results,’ she said.
‘When it comes to skincare, concentration and quality often matter far more than quantity and expense.’
