Dawn Siler

Chances are you’ve never heard of Ensulizole. But what if I told you it’s in almost every chemical sunscreen you’ve ever used in your life?

Truth bomb: the safest, hardest-working ingredients are often the ones that don’t get any press. Time to fix that, don’t you think?

Here’s all you need to know about Ensulizole in sunscreen:

What The Heck Is Ensulizole?

Ensulizole is the nickname for Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, a chemical UV filter.

In the form of free acid, ensulizole (phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid) is poorly soluble in water. That means it’s a pain to formulate with so no one uses it.

In your sunscreens, you’re more likely to find one of its salts forms. Soluble in water, this form of Ensulizole retains all its photo protective properties but feels lighter and non-greasy even on oily skin. Win win.

Ensulizole Benefits: What Does It Do For Skin?

I’ve kinda given this away already. You know Ensulizole is an UV filter. But how well does it protect you from the sun?

Ensulizole is mainly a UVB filter. It does a great job at neutralising them before they can wreak havoc on your skin.

With UVA rays, things get a little trickier. Ensulizole protects skin from short UVA (UVA-2) but not long UVA (UVA-1) rays.

You know what that means? You can’t use Ensulizole alone. You need to add at least one other UVA filter, like Avobenzone or Zinc Oxide, to the sunscreen to give it broad spectrum protection.

Related: Is Zinc Oxide The Best UV filter ever?

SHOP SUNSCREENS

Is Ensulizole Stable?

The problem with most chemical UV filters? They’re super unstable and degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight.

Take Avobenzone, for instance. After a couple of hours under the sun, it becomes totally useless. That’s why you need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours…

Ensulizole fares better than most UV filters here. The little research on it shows it doesn’t degrade much. Best of all, it may even help other UV filters (hello Avobenzone!) from degrading so fast, too!

Related: Is Avobenzone In Sunscreen Dangerous?

Does Ensulizole Have Any Side Effects?

Good news: Ensulizole has a good safety profile. Sure, like any other ingredient out there, it can cause irritations in some people. But these cases are very rare.

This is an UV filter you can use safely – even if you have sensitive skin.

Related: Why Mineral Sunscreen Is Better For Sensitive Skin

What Are The Best Sunscreens With Ensulizole?

The Bottom Line

Ensulizole is a common, stable UV filter with a good safety profile. In other words, proof that not all chemical UV filters are bad for you. But you can’t use it alone. Make sure your sunscreen has at least another UVA filter.

Do you use sunscreens with Ensulizole? Share your experience with this UV filter below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

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Vitamin A is for antiaging.

Vitamin C is for brightening.

Vitamin K is for dark circles.

Vitamin E…

What the heck does vitamin E do? Ok, it’s an antioxidant, but does it have any special superpowers? Yes, quite a few:

What The Heck Is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E isn’t just one ingredient. It’s a group of ingredients. The most common are:

• alpha-topcoherol
• alpha-tocotrienols
• beta-tocopherol
• beta-tocotrienols
• gamma-tocopherol
• gamma-tocotrienols

Basically, if you see “tocopherol” or “tocotrienols” somewhere on the packaging, that’s vitamin E in disguise.

This fat-soluble group of vitamins is present in a lot of foods, too. My faves are avocado and nuts, but you can also find it in green and yellow vegetables, meat, corn and some diary products.

By the way, if you see the “d” prefix (such as d-alpha-tocopherol), it means it comes from a natural source. If you see the “dl” prefix (such as dl-alpha-tocopherol), it’s made in a lab.

They both work well, but the natural kind seems to do the job a little bit better.

Superpower #1: Vitamin E Has Antioxidant Properties

Let’s start with the obvious: vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It constantly patrols your body, looking for free radicals. When it finds one, it quickly destroys it.

Problem is, the vitamin E your body naturally makes depletes with age and sun exposure. Yep, the more time you spend in the sun without sun protection, the sooner your body goes through its supply of vitamin E.

That’s why you want to add some back through your skincare – you’ll replenish the stock and kill even more free radicals. Take that, wrinkles!

Superpower #2: Vitamin E Has Photoprotective Properties

Vitamin E gives you some protection from the sun, too.

Before you get too excited, no, it’s NOT a substitute for your sunscreen. Vitamin E can help boost its protection, but it won’t replace it.

Studies show vitamin E reduces the severity of your sunburn and improves the effectiveness of the UV filters in your sunscreen. Isn’t it awesome?

While it’s capable of doing this alone, Vitamin E provides better photo protection when used with its BFFs, vitamin C and ferulic acid.

Superpower #3: Vitamin E Has Moisturising Properties

Vitamin E (especially the a-tocopherol acetate form) is a great moisturiser, too.

Here’s how it works: vitamin E strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, reducing water loss. Now that moisture’s locked into your skin, it softens and plumps it up.

Superpower #4: Vitamin E Is A Preservative

It’s not over. Vitamin E has one more trick up its sleeve. It helps your skincare products last longer.

Vitamin E isn’t your usual antioxidant. It doesn’t kill bacteria and germs that find their way into your precious lotions and potions.

Instead, it prevents the light from oxidising (i.e. making ineffective) the active ingredients in your products. Without its help, they wouldn’t last you as long.

Can Vitamin E Heal Scars, Too?

You’ve probably noticed I haven’t included scar healing as a superpower. Turns out, this is a job vitamin E CAN’T do.

Studies shows that vitamin E can’t help scars heal. If anything, it can make things worse.  In 90% of cases, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars.

What can I say? Nothing’s perfect.

Related: Why Vitamin E Won’t Heal Your Scars

Does Vitamin E Has Any Side Effects?

Vitamin E is pretty innocuous. But, it can cause allergies or irritations in some people. It’s rare, but it can happen.

What Are The Best Skincare Products With Vitamin E?

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The Bottom Line

Vitamin E doesn’t often get the recognition it deserves, but it can do wonders for your skin. It prevents wrinkles, protects you from the sun, moisturises your skin and even helps your skincare products last longer. But it won’t heal your scars.

Do you use Vitamin E in your skincare routine? Share your faves in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

I don’t use an eye cream.

Well, most of the time. I do use them when I get one of those skincare sets that also happens to have an eye cream, or a PR sends me one, because I don’t want them to go to waste. But, actually go out and buy a full-size jar of eye cream with my own money?

Never.

When I was young, I’d tell myself I didn’t need it and would think about buying one when the first few lines would appear (which is SO wrong, because by then it’s usually too late). And, when they appeared , I already knew enough about skincare to know what a con they are.

Turns out, there really is no difference between a facial moisturizer and an eye cream. Well, actually there’s a difference: the price. With eye creams, you’re paying more for less product.

Told you, it was a con. Here’s why:

Eye Creams Don’t Contain Any Special Ingredients

The skin around our eyes is thinner and super delicate, so there must be some special ingredients just for it, right?

Wrong. Take a look at your fave moisturizers and eye creams. Their formulas are almost identical: same moisturizing ingredients, same antioxidants, some sunscreen actives….

Truth is, the ingredients that provide these benefits are the same for all types of skincare products.

Wait, what about ingredients for dark circles and puffy eyes?

Ok, those, like caffeine, aren’t usually found in facial moisturizers. But, have you ever found an eye cream that can really get rid of puffy eyes or undereye bags?

Me neither.

Sure, some can help. But, you know why? Because they have light-reflective particles and silicones that fill in wrinkles and make them look smaller.

The same light-reflective particles and silicones that are used in facial moisturizers. Need I say more, girls?

Related: Can Vitamin K Treat Dark Circles?

But, wait again! Eye Creams are more gentle

Some of them, maybe. But, you’d be surprised how many eye creams contain fragrance, alcohol, and lots of other stuff that’s irritating for the thicker skin of your face, let alone the delicate skin of your eyes.

Just because it is labelled EYE cream, it doesn’t mean it is suitable for the eye area.

Just because it is labelled EYE Cream, it doesn’t mean it’s suitable for the eye area. It can still contain irritants.Click to Tweet

The Exception To The Rule

Every rule has one. This one has two. Using a separate eye cream may be worth it in two cases:

1. When your facial moisturizer isn’t suitable for the eye area.

If it contains alcohol, fragrance, or any irritating ingredients, it may be best not to use it on the eye area. But, in this case, why not switch to a fomula you can use all over?

2. The eye area has different needs

If yoru skin is drier under your eyes and oilier everywhere else, for example, then using two separate products makes sense. But, they don’t need to be a face cream and an eye cream. It could be two face creams. Just look at the formula, not the label.

Shop Eye Creams

The Bottom Line

Your undereye area needs just what your face needs: a well-formulated moisturizer that hydrates, helps fight premature aging, and provides sun protection. So, save yourself some money, and buy yourself a good facial moisturizer you can use all over, eye area included.

Do you think an eye cream is necessary? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

I know what you’re thinking: “Why is she using a moisturiser in a jar?! Didn’t she always say jars are’t hygienic and don’t keep the actives inside stable and effective for long?”

Guilty as charged. But Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day doesn’t come in just any jar. This baby is housed in an airless jar: as you press down the lid, only the pea-sized amount cream you need for every application pops out of the opening.

The rest stays well tucked inside, well away from the light and air that could spoil it. If only every jar was this smart…

Jar aside, how does the juice inside fare? Let’s put it to the test:

Key Ingredients In Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day

Niacinamide: The Most Versatile Ingredient In Skincare

A from of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is a force to reckon with. Studies show it can do everything your skin needs it to:

I’m glad Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day slipped it in. Any product that takes advantage of niacinamide gets a thumbs up from me.

Related: 5 Antiaging Superstars You Should Add To Your Skincare Routine

Glycerin To Hydrate Skin

Glycerin is one of the most underrated humectants out there.

FYI, humectant is a fancy way of calling ingredients that hydrates skin by drawing moisture into it from the air. Glycerin is so good at this, you’ll be hard pressed to find a product that doesn’t use it.

Yet, it never gets the recognition it deserves. People think it’s a given. You know what? It’s those underrated ingredients that often give you results and keep your skin soft and hydrated for hours.

Related: What The Heck Are Humectants And Why Are There In Your Skincare Products?

Mica To Brighten Skin

Mica plays tricks with the light. Literally.

It’s a shimmery powder that reflects light from the face, so that it looks smoother and brighter. It’s like being blinded by the sun. Instead of seeing wrinkles or large pores, you only see a bright glow.

Let’s get one thing straight: the mica in Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day is so fine, you won’t have any shimmers stuck on your face. It’ll just glow as if lit-from-within.

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day is a lightweight lotion with a gel-like finish. It’s a new kind of gel-cream texture brands are playing around with at the moment. I’m sure it’ll become more mainstream in the upcoming months.

Super hydrating and extra light at the same time, it’s perfect for combination and oily skin that needs a fast-absorbing, non-greasy moisturizer for the daytime.

It’s also a great option for anyone looking for a lighter cream for the summer months when your skin doesn’t need the extra protection from the harsh winds and low temperatures.

Summer hasn’t really arrived here in London so I still need a richer moisturizer to make my dry cheeks happy. My oilier t-zone, on the other hand, lapped it up pronto. There, the cream kept my skin soft and smooth for hours.

I think I’ll keep it for my summer holidays. I can see it working really well when I go back to Italy to visit my family in a couple of months.

I’ve also noticed Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day gives my skin a beautiful glow. It makes my look fresh and awake even when I didn’t get much sleep at night.

The only thing I’m on the fence about is the scent. Fragrance is one of the most irritating ingredients in skincare and a no-no for sensitive skin.

My skin can take it, but I still prefer to opt for fragrance-free products whenever possible. But resisting this one is hard. Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day smells like a bouquet of roses.

It’s absolutely delightful and does make me want to use it again and again and again…

Available at: £65.00 at Beauty Bay, Feel Unique, Nordstrom, Selfridges and SpaceNK

Have you tried Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ingredients: Aqua+(Water), Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-11, Xylitylglucoside, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Anhydroxylitol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethiconol, Xylitol, Benzyl Alcohol, Mica, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glucose, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, Polysorbate 60, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tin Oxide, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Palmitoyl Decapeptide-21, Zinc Palmitoyl Nonapeptide-14, Decapeptide-22, Oligopeptide-78, Glyceryl Caprylate, Diamond Powder, Phenylpropanol, Trisodium EDTA, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Limonene, CI 17200 (FD&C Red No 33), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

What are the best Perricone MD skincare products?

I admit I’m partial to the supplements. I try to eat as healthily as possible, but there are times when life gets in the way and I fall back on sandwiches and frozen foods. Popping a supplement on those days helps.

I’m glad that Dr Perricone admits diet is a huge piece of the skincare puzzle. But skincare products play a part, too. That’s what I want to focus on today.

The Perricone MD range relies a bit too much on jars (not hygienic) and fragrance (irritating) for my taste, but you can still find a few gems to fight wrinkles, fade away dark spots and make your complexion glow. Here are my top picks:

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum ($69.00)

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum is often out of stock online – and for a good reason. This brightening serum uses Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that penetrates skin deeper than other forms (including L-Ascorbic Acid, the pure form of Vitamin C!). Once there, it fights free radicals, boosts collagen production and brightens the complexion. It works even better when paired with fellow antioxidants ferulic acid and Vitamin E. Guess what? They’re here, too! Plus, a few drops of hyaluronic acid and natural oils to hydrate skin. Get yours while you can!

Available at: Dermstore, Feel Unique and Ulta

Related: Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate The Best Form Of Vitamin C?

Perricone MD No:Rinse Exfoliating Peel ($45.00)

Want to jump on the chemical exfoliating bandwagon but are afraid that AHAs (glycolic acid & co) may be too irritating for your skin type? Perricone MD No-Rinse Exfoliating Peel uses a mixture of urea and gluconolactone (a gentler acid than glycolic acid) to dissolve the glue that holds skin cells together so they can slough off without leaving your skin dry and red. Urea has another superpower: it’s super hydrating and can restore moisture even in the most dehydrated of skin types. Add Hyaluronic Acid, a moisture magnet that attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water – and you’ve got a powerful peel that exfoliates and hydrates skin at the same time.

Available at: Feel Unique, Nordstrom, Sephora, SpaceNK and Ulta

Related: The Complete Guide To Layering Acids In Your Skincare Routine

SHOP THE BEST PERRICONE MD SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Amine Face Lift ($99.00)

Want to get rid of dark spots? Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Amine Face Lift helps in two ways. One: it’s loaded with glycolic acid, a hydrating exfoliant that dissolves the glue that holds skin cells together so they can slough off. In other words, it gets rid of the darker cells on the surface of your skin and reveals the newer, more even-toned ones that were hiding underneath. Two: it has Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a Vitamin C derivative that fights wrinkles and fades away dark spots. The only thing this serum can’t do? Lift your skin.

Available at: Blue Mercury, Feel Unique, Nordstrom, Sephora and Ulta

Related: The Complete Guide To Glycolic Acid: What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It

Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser ($38.00)

The name says it all. Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser is so gentle, even sensitive skin can use it without experiencing any dryness of irritation. It uses a gentle mix of surfactants (ingredients that help water mix with oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away) to remove every last trace of dirt, makeup and impurities from your skin. Plus, it’s fragrance free and has a skin-friendly pH.

Available at: Dermstore, Feel Unique, Sephora and Ulta

Related: Is Your Cleanser pH Balanced? Here’s Why It Matters

Perricone MD Lightweight Moisturizer ($55.00)

Perricone MD Lightweight Moisturizer may be aimed at men, but that doesn’t mean that us ladies can’t use it! This lightweight cream is loaded with CBT oil, shea butter and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate skin. Yet, it’s so lightweight, even combination and oily skin types can use it. Plus, it has a big dollop of niacinamide, a multitasker that does everything: it moisturises skin, fight wrinkles, fades away dark spots, soothes rosacea and even helps treat acne!

Available at: Feel Unique

Related: 5 Anti-Aging Superstar You Should Add To Your Skincare Routine

What do you think are the best Perricone MD skincare products? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.