You’ve been seeing the word bandied around by your favorite beauty brands, but what exactly is an adaptogen? To start, it’s an umbrella term encompassing non-toxic plant extracts that help reduce stress and restore balance to the body. Up until recently, the term has largely been used in the context of herbal supplements — but now it’s quickly gaining traction in the beauty world.
The jump from herbal supplements to skin care might seem like a big one, but think of it this way: like the rest of your body, your skin could definitely use some de-stressing. And as Dr. Craig Kraffert, board-certified dermatologist and president of Amarte Skin Care, explains, employing adaptogens to reduce these stressors “will benefit skin by promoting a calm and normalized appearance and by delaying the changes that occur in skin appearance and function with time.”
Though the term “adaptogen” may be on the newer side, the methods are not. “Many protective, brightening and rejuvenative aspects of skin care are the result of adaptogens,” says Kraffert, who estimates that the actual amount of adaptogens out there is “likely in the hundreds to thousands.” In fact, you’ve probably been using adaptogens in your skin care routine since day one — after all, he counts popular ingredients like witch hazel and sulfur as members of the club (though not a plant extract, Kraffert counts sulfur as “fully adaptogenic,” for the record).
It’s time to get better acquainted with all the adaptogenic products and ingredients currently making their way through the beauty sphere — read on for some of our favorites.
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This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
"Adaptogens" Is Skin Care's Buzziest New Word, Here's Why
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The adaptogen: Ashwagandha
What it does: Traditionally used as an Ayurvedic remedy, ashwagandha is best known for its stress-relieving and healing properties.
Interested? Try: Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream, $58 at Sephora
This new moisturizer from Youth to the People is actually made with a whole bunch of adaptogens, including the aforementioned ashwagandha, as well as rhodiola, reishi mushroom and holy basil (more on those in a second). You'll find the texture of this cream to be lightweight yet hydrating and thanks to all those adaptogens, it's oh-so-comforting to stressed-out skin. -
The adaptogen: Prickly pear cactus extract
What it does: According to Kraffert, prickly pear cactus extract (aka opuntia ficus-indica extract) is "a natural humectant rich in antioxidants including flavonoids and vitamins C, A and E." He also notes that it has anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-cancer effects. Suffice it to say, there's a reason why cactus-based products have been all the rage lately.
Interested? Try: Huxley Secret of Sahara Light and More Oil, $58 at Nordstrom
Korean skin care brand Huxley actually has a whole line based around prickly pear cacti — and this serum is absolutely packed with the beneficial adaptogenic ingredient. -
The adaptogen: Turmeric
What it does: Turmeric has certainly made the rounds as a popular dietary supplement and skin care ingredient (just ask Priyanka Chopra!) and it's easy to see why. Like ashwagandha, it's long been used in Ayurvedic medicine and boasts natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Interested? Try: Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask, $48 at Sephora
This mask utilizes turmeric to help brighten skin tone while calming redness and providing antioxidant protection. The mask also contains skin-clearing ingredients like aspen bark and papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate the skin, revealing a glowier complexion. -
The adaptogen: White ginseng
What it does: White ginseng is thought to have invigorating effects and has traditionally been used to strengthen the immune system, while also helping to ward off stress.
Interested? Try: Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum, $200 at Nordstrom
Though pricey, this serum is pure joy to use. It has a lightweight gel texture that hydrates like a treat, while the white ginseng in the formula helps boost radiance. -
The adaptogen: Holy basil
What it does: Holy basil, or tulsi, is yet another Ayurvedic favorite. It's been shown to help regulate stress and bolster the immune system, while also offering protection from pollutants. It also happens to be anti-microbial (which is always a plus).
Interested? Try: Origins Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion, $34 at Nordstrom
This soothing toner actually has a lot of adaptogens in its formula — in addition to holy basil, it also features ingredients like reishi and chaga mushroom extracts and turmeric. As such, it works nicely to calm irritated skin, while also adding in a nice dose of hydration. -
The adaptogen: Phellinus linteus
What it does: Popular in traditional Korean medicine, this adaptogenic mushroom extract is one for the books. According to Kraffert, it "possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been recently shown to provide benefit for those with eczema." He also notes that there's research showing it to be a promising anti-cancer ingredient.
Interested? Try: Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Toner, $30 at Glow Recipe
Along with humectant ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, and other botanicals, like centella asiatica extract, the Phellinus linteus extract in this formula helps soothe, hydrate, and plump your complexion. -
The adaptogen: Wild thyme
What it does: This potent adaptogenic antioxidant has been shown to have potential anti-cancer effects.
Interested? Try: Amarte Ultra Veil Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+, $39 at Dermstore
You've probably noticed that a few adaptogens listed here have been noted to have potential anti-cancer properties. Now, this innovative sunscreen utilizes several of these cancer-fighting adaptogens (including the aforementioned wild thyme extract, plus prickly pear cactus extract, phellinus linteus extract and more) to help provide extra protection against skin cancer — in addition to its traditional SPF 50, of course. -
The adaptogen: Reishi mushroom
What it does: Reishi mushroom is great for de-stressing and may also boost immunity. You'll also find that it's quite hydrating and antioxidant-rich.
Interested? Try: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, $100 at Sephora
Meant to be used as a first step after cleansing, this lightweight serum preps your complexion perfectly for the rest of your skin care routine. -
The adaptogen: Aloe vera
What it does: Aloe vera is known for its naturally hydrating qualities, as well as for its abilities to soothe and calm skin (especially as a post-sun treatment).
Interested? Try: SkinFood Aloe Vera 93% Soothing Gel, $8 at Ulta
Though you can always just apply the stuff straight from the source (as a succulent, aloe makes for a super low-maintenance house plant), you can step things up a notch with an easy-to-use gel like this one. -
The adaptogen: Licorice root
What it does: Licorice root is known for its brightening properties, which is why it's a common ingredient in dark spot treatments. It also has antioxidant properties to help protect against free radicals.
Interested? Try: EmerginC Lighten-Up Under-Eye Circle Fighter, $67 at Dermstore
With this eye cream, licorice root works together with other skin brighteners like vitamins E and A, as well as green tea. -
The adaptogen: Rooibos
What it does: Rooibos (aka the superstar ingredient behind red tea) is absolutely packed with antioxidants, which makes it good for you inside and out. According to Kraffert, it also includes healthy flavonoids quercetin and luteolin.
Interested? Try: Derma E Essentials Radiance Toner, $14.95 at Ulta
Along with good ol' glycolic acid, the rooibos in this glow tonic helps pave the way to a healthy, brighter complexion. You'll also find the formula packed with other nourishing, hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract and vitamin B5. -
The adaptogen: Maca root
What it does: Originally used in Peru, the antioxidant-rich maca root has invigorating properties and can also help with regulating hormones (which makes it good for fighting monthly breakouts).
Interested? Try: The Creme Shop Maca Root Face Mask, $3 at The Creme Shop
This sheet mask uses maca root to help revitalize your complexion, making it an especially good pick for waking up dull skin. -
The adaptogen: Moringa
What it does: This Ayurvedic favorite is ultra hydrating and boasts a high antioxidant content that helps protect against pollution.
Interested? Try: Allies of Skin Molecular Multi-Nutrient Day Cream, $89 at Dermstore
Moringa is just one of many of the "mutli-nutrients" in this hydrating day cream. Along with fellow antioxidants like licorice root extract and green tea, the moringa helps to protect your skin.
