All You Need For Good Skin Is A ‘Miracle’ Cream
June 12 | 4 minute read
Words by Amber Kallor
In recent years, multi-step skincare regimens have become synonymous with self-care. From tweens to A-list celebrities, it seems like everyone is doing the most and calling upon a plethora of products and highly active ingredients that promise to hydrate, brighten, and smooth – which is fine, so long as you have a resilient complexion and plenty of time to capture your #GRWM routine.
However, a new era of efficiency is dawning as ‘skin streaming,’ a viral trend where fewer products are used to address various needs, strengthens its grip on social media and a fresh wave of fast, reliable, do-it-all super creams and serums enters the chat.
Dr Divya Shokeen, a double board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, California, says she’s noticed more people adopting a “less-is-more approach” to satisfy their cravings for “simplicity and cost-effectiveness.” She adds that a more streamlined routine can reduce the risk of irritation (often caused by too many products or active ingredients) and help balance the skin’s pH, leading to better barrier function. It can also make “finding what works and doesn’t work for you an easier task and ensure that the ingredients in your skincare products are doing their jobs,” adds LA facialist Sora Connor, who gets stars like Lucy Hale, Lori Harvey and Halsey glowing for the red carpet.
All-in-one formulas that address multiple concerns simultaneously are at the forefront of this skincare revolution, swiftly replacing single-ingredient serums and creams.
“As a cosmetic chemist, I’m not going to rely on one ingredient to be the silver bullet,” explains Ron Robinson, a beauty veteran who’s created countless products for some of the biggest names in the business (among them Hailey Bieber’s range, as well as Lancôme and Clinique). “I know that most ingredients are limited and you need to combine them in the right way in order to see that synergy.”
When concocting multipurpose marvels in the lab, Robinson regularly reaches for hyaluronic acid, glycerine, ceramides and shea butter – all excellent moisturisers that benefit most complexions. Peptides – which can be used to hydrate, support the skin’s barrier, soothe angry skin and help relax facial muscles – are another favourite ingredient that “plays well with others,” says Robinson.
While it’s tempting to curate your own ‘skincare cocktail’ or flood your complexion with a flurry of actives that are trending on TikTok, this delicate balancing act is best left to the pros.
Some actives, such as retinol or exfoliating acids, can be used solo to prevent potential irritation, notes Dr Shokeen, while Robinson adds, “Formulations and percentages [of ingredients] matter.”
A supercharged serum or cream that features “ingredients that are intended to work harmoniously together can take the guesswork out of your skincare routine,” says Connor. Depending on the purpose of your one-and-done formula, allow it to shine by rounding out the rest of your regimen with a gentle cleanser and – of course! – sunscreen, advises Dr Shokeen.
Ready to clear space in your bathroom by replacing an entire lineup of incompatible products with a one-and-done wonder? Meet four superior multitaskers.
Powered by an innovative Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8®) – a supercharged blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides inspired by 30 years of research – this ultra-luxe formula addresses fine lines, redness and discolouration in one pump.
Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and avocado, evening primrose and argan oils to soothe, hydrate and protect. Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine, an LA facialist and Augustinus Bader ambassador, used it to prep everyone from Naomi Campbell to Kelsea Ballerini for the Met Gala. (Give yourself the superstar treatment using his signature massage technique, too!)
This silky cosmeceutical-grade serum is clinically proven to inhibit the muscle contractions responsible for fine lines by 96% after 48 hours.* It’s infused with active ingredients – including a proprietary neuropeptide complex and a ground-breaking new form of hyaluronic acid – that work together to smooth and plump skin while rebuilding and enhancing its underlying structure.
*Independent 3D in vitro testing (2024)
The concentrated power of a face mask meets the ease and speed of moisturiser in this fast-absorbing treatment that hydrates, firms, protects, brightens and refines skin’s texture. It’s spiked with seven brighteners, eight antioxidants (including an oil-soluble form of vitamin C), seven peptides, and 3 percent teprenone to minimise the visible signs of premature skin ageing.
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is the gold-standard ingredient for reducing signs of skin ageing, but it has a reputation for leaving it dry, red and flaky. This creamy serum contains a unique high-dose form of the potent active, Retinol 8, which it claims is eight times more effective than standard retinol but half as irritating. Coupled with moisturising hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich turmeric and skin-strengthening peptides, this formula addresses tone, texture, clarity and luminosity while remaining gentle to skin.
