Drugstore Ingredients: A Guide to the Best Brands and Products

During the epidemic, both our skin and our beauty attitude changed dramatically (hello, maskne!). Many of us have adjusted our daily routines to accommodate changes in our skin and taken the time to think about what we’re putting on our faces.

Boots Ingredients recognized the changing nature of skincare requirements and developed a range to meet those needs. “As we look forward to a return to ‘normal,’ the need for simpler, more efficient, but equally effective regimens is growing,” says Anisha Raghavan, chief marketing officer of No7 Beauty Company. To put it another way, the brand’s single-ingredient products seek to help us reach our finest skin yet with simple formulas that actually work—but that’s not all.

Boots Ingredients is the newest in a line of skin care goods developed by the Boots research team. Boots Pharmacy was founded in 1849 and is a popular UK retailer. The retailer, according to the company, has been at the forefront of the beauty industry for almost a century, so it’s only natural that they know exactly what customers were seeking for when the pandemic hit. “This predicted shift in behavior, combined with increased interest in single-ingredient formulae driven by consumers looking for simple solutions that they can tailor to their unique skincare needs, prepared the road for us to deliver this range to our American customers,” Raghavan explains.

The Boots team understood what was sweeping the industry and how consumers were adapting their routines to changing situations when developing the brand. For example, as more people work from home, there has been a greater emphasis on skincare as part of our self-care regimen (and TikTok’s popularity only added to this), as well as a need to simplify longer rituals. “Boots intended and succeeded in generating single-ingredient solutions that have the capacity to alter consumer habits in a simple, straightforward way with the support of the embedded Boots Pharmacy science team,” Raghavan explains.

The Boots Ingredients brand debuted in the UK in 2020, as soon as the team discovered out the secret sauce. In fact, according to the firm, Americans visiting the UK were bringing back things to use in their daily routines. Boots Ingredients is finally making its debut in the United States, thanks to rising demand. Take a look at all of the top Boots Ingredients products to start streamlining your regimen.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum promotes hydration without irritation or redness by using plant-derived hyaluronic acid. “I have very dry skin that often seems like it needs a hydration boost,” says Dr. Ellie Bradley, the scientific credentialing manager on No7 Beauty Company’s research team.

Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser

This moisturiser, made with the same plant-derived hyaluronic acid as the serum, leaving your skin feeling intensely moisturized and silky after each application. Dr. Bradley suggests using it after the matching serum for an added burst of hydration. After you’ve applied your serums, gently massage the product into your face and neck until it’s completely absorbed.

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that helps the skin look and feel younger. With just one pump, your skin will be brighter and more revitalized. Gently massage this Boots Ingredients serum into washed skin until absorbed to give your skin a morning or evening boost.

Squalane Cleanser

This gentle cleanser uses plant-derived squalane to remove grime, residue, and pollutants without drying you out. Raghavan likes it because it hydrates his skin: “I notice that after using the cleanser, my skin is completely makeup-free and feels cleaned and hydrated—the it’s greatest!”

Niacinamide Serum

Vitamin B3, commonly known as niacinamide, is a go-to substance for just about any skin issue. This serum helps to keep skin hydrated while also reducing redness and inflammation. Even better, it makes skin appear less oily, lowering the risk of breakouts and other skin problems.

AHA Serum

AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids, are a group of acids that are used to treat a variety of skin conditions and issues. This one, in instance, combines lactic and glycolic acids to give skin a smoother appearance and feel. The lotion gently exfoliates the skin with each usage, resulting in a smoother texture and more refined pore look.

Glycolic Acid Toner

Glycolic acid, the toner’s key ingredient, produces a clear, even skin tone with an instant glow. With only one swipe, you can eliminate hyperpigmentation, boost brightness, and rejuvenate your skin. It’s essentially your own personal miracle worker.

Hyaluronic Acid Sleep Mask

Is your skin in desperate need of some additional TLC during hot weather or dry winter air? Simply put on this mask before going to bed. Every time you apply it, you’ll wake up with moisturized, revitalized skin because to its extremely moisturizing recipe.

Caffeine Eye Cream

This eye cream is great for lightening dark circles and minimizing fine wrinkles since it contains the antioxidant caffeine. Each application will rejuvenate, moisturize, and smooth the area around your eyes, allowing you to think you slept instead of watching your favorite Netflix show last night. Furthermore, the mild solution is suitable for use on the delicate skin around the eyes.

Retinol Serum

This serum is formulated with retinol, a vitamin A derivative and all-around powerhouse ingredient, and is great for anyone wishing to boost cell turnover and diminish symptoms of aging. The product evens out skin tone, improves suppleness, and increases collagen synthesis. As with any retinol treatment, you should only use it once or twice a week at first (and gradually increase if your skin reacts well), as it can irritate sensitive skin.