Like our bodies, our skin needs plenty of nutrients to look and feel its best. Scientists continually find new sources from which to extract these nutrients for our skincare products. But other than laboratory-created ingredients, where do our skincare ingredients come from?

Nutritional skincare ingredients are extracted from plants, flowers, seeds and nuts, herbs, spices and even fruit! And while you might not think “skincare” when you see an orange, grapefruit or pineapple, these are popularly used in skincare formulations because of their nutritional content. 

Fruits are also packed with vitamins, another popular addition to skincare products. As much as vitamins feed and nourish our bodies, they also feed and nourish our skin. 

We take a closer look at a few star ingredients you should be incorporating in your daily skincare regime:

Pineapple

When it comes to skincare, the word “pineapple” is usually closely followed by the word “enzyme.” That’s because pineapples are rich in bromelain, a group of enzymes that have the ability to gently, yet effectively, exfoliate the skin. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, which makes pineapple good at reducing swelling and redness in breakouts. These enzymes slough away dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of blackheads without irritating the skin. 

Pineapple-rich products to try:

*new* wet n wild Prime Focus Brightening Primer Serum (R219.95)

This water-based primer serum boosts your skin’s radiance as it preps and primes it for makeup. Formulated with a luxurious blend of pineapple, calendula, and other flower and fruit extracts that help to brighten, refine, and condition the skin, this face serum will leave you feeling positively radiant.

*new* wet n wild Prime Focus Pore Minimizing Primer Serum (R219.95)

This water-based pore-refining primer serum blurs and softens the appearance skin as it preps and primes it for makeup. It reduces the appearance or pores with the help of Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative known to improve skin texture, as well as other naturally-derived ingredients like antioxidant-rich dragonfruit extract, lavender extract, pineapple and calendula.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a popular breakfast fruit and boasts an amazing array of health benefits. Not only is it high in vitamin C, but it contains fibre, is high in antioxidants, helps promote a healthy body weight and is good for the heart. When utilised in skincare, grapefruit has the ability to tone the skin, balance oily or acne-prone skins and brighten dull or uneven complexions. Grapefruit is packed with antioxidants, which help combat harmful free radicals (naturally-occurring in pollution and sunlight) that can lead to premature ageing and skin damage. 

Grapefruit-rich products to try:

Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Wash (R69.95)

This refreshing cleanser effectively removes dirt and impurities while invigorating the skin to help encourage a fresh, healthy looking complexion.

Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Scrub (R69.95)

Gently exfoliate and unclog pores with this face scrub to help promote a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Papaya

Papaya contains powerful anti-inflammatory enzymes that help promote healing, and is also full of antioxidants. Papain, an enzyme present in papaya, is known to help soothe skin irritations and its strong anti-inflammatory properties makes it an ideal ingredient for blemish-prone skin. Like the enzymes present in pineapples, papaya enzymes gently exfoliate skin, effectively removing dead skin cells and flaky patches to reveal a brighter complexion. 

Papaya-rich products to try:

Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits Skin Radiance Moisturiser (R89.95)

Working to enhance skin’s natural radiance, this moisturiser promotes a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Formulated with vitamin C, natural fruit acids and enzymes, this skin-loving
formula is lightweight and refreshing.

Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits 2% Bright Eye Serum (R115.95) 

This is a lightweight eye cream fortified with vitamin C, natural fruit acids and enzymes, to rejuvenate and replenish the under eye area as well as minimise the appearance of dark circles.

Vitamin C

Renowned for its ability to boost our immune systems and general wellbeing, vitamin C is a skincare ingredient you do not want to be without. Also known as Ascorbic Acid, vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants. It protects our skin from environmental extremities such as pollution and blue light from cellphones, tablets and computers. It is also a brilliant pigmentation fighter. Vitamin C helps to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase (a catalyst that aids melanin production), thereby helping prevent melanin production, and in turn, prevent hyperpigmentation and dark marks. It has the ability to aid healing in the skin and assists the skin with collagen production. 

Vitamin C-rich products to try:

*new* wet n wild Take Your Vitamins Super Nutrient Face Mist (R199.95) 

Boost your skin with the ultimate vitamin-packed primer water from wet n wild. Blended with the skin-loving ingredients you crave (vitamins C, F, B3 and B5), this primer water acts as the perfect prep for any skincare routine, while helping to hydrate, firm, and brighten the skin. Simply spray it on and enjoy the rejuvenating effects of this ultra-fine mist.

NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Cleanser (R250.00)

Cleanse your way to fresh, glowing skin with the Vitamin C Fix Cleanser. This daily-use gentle cleanser helps to protect skin from everyday environmental pollutants whilst revealing clearer brighter skin. Wash away dirt and impurities and leave skin refreshed and glowing.

NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Serum (R295.00) 

This serum uses a powerhouse of antioxidants to leave skin brightened and refreshed. Vitamin C helps to protect skin against environmental damage and decreases fine lines and wrinkles, whilst acai berry acts as a cooling anti-inflammatory.