The Best Skincare-Grade Ingredients to Level-Up Your Body Care

Most of us are conditioned to understand the importance of skincare, but neglect that our body deserves the same skincare-grade ingredients we treat our face. Why are most of us willing to spend hundreds of dollars on face creams, serums, and treatments, but have no problem using cheap, synthetic ingredients below the neck? 

As the largest organ of the body, our skin acts as a protective barrier, shielding us from environmental stressors and pollutants. Hence why nurturing our skin is paramount, not just for aesthetic reasons, but for maintaining our overall well-being. At The Detox Market, we never compromise on pure ingredients and clean formulas, recognizing their crucial role in supporting the longevity of our skin. This summer, we invite you to embrace a science-based approach to body care with active ingredients that help you glow from head-to-toe. 

These are the best skincare-grade ingredients you need in your body care routine:

Retinol

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, known as the most powerful ingredient to reduce the visible signs of aging. Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, collagen production, as well as tightening, smoothing, and plumping the skin. Due to its cell production capabilities, it can also help to unclog pores and reduce acne. When it comes to body care, retinol is great for smoothing uneven skin tone, combats discolouration, and promotes the appearance of firmer skin. 

Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient—but not all skin types can tolerate it’s harsh side effects. Depending on the concentration of retinol you are using, side effects can include irritation, peeling, burning, and redness. We recommend starting with a lower percentage of retinol once or twice a week, and build up your tolerance. Or, try a retinol alternative! Bakuchiol, plant stem cells, and azelaic acid, are all viable alternatives that work just as hard as retinol—with no irritating side effects. 

Always pair retinol with an SPF! Retinol increases your cell turnover, bringing newer and more delicate cells to the surface, meaning skin is more susceptible to sun damage. 

Nécessaire - The Body Retinol

Price: $55

To incorporate retinol into your body care routine, we recommend starting with the multi-award winning The Body Retinol by Nécessaire. This  repairing serum is infused with 0.1% Pure Encapsulated Retinol and 10% AHA to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, spots, scars, marks and bumps. Use this serum at night, and let the dermatologist-tested formula work its magic overnight! 

Vitamin C

Looking to brighten up your body care? You need vitamin C in your routine to shield against sun spots and promote even, youthful skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that promotes collagen production, as well as fights off toxins and free radicals that come into contact with your skin. As we age and sun spots and hyperpigmentation become more prevalent, vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis in the skin, so dark spots are less likely to form. If brighter, bouncier skin is on your 2024 forecast, we adding vitamin C to your summertime routine.

Odacité - C-Glow Hydra-Firm Body Oil

Price: $48

The beloved skincare brand has now entered the world of body care with a skincare-grade, vitamin C-infused body oil for a head-to-toe-glow. This luxurious oil is formulated with highly stable clinical active, and raw nature vitamin C sources to brighten, firm, and protect against free-radical damage. Plus, it features Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids to boost barrier function (meaning more hydration, for longer!) and cold pressed Wild Carrot and Safflower Oil to promote fast absorption—meaning you can get on with your day right after application! 

AHAs

Alpha-hydroxy acids (or AHAs for short), are the natural acids that take care of texture. Known as the holy grail of exfoliators, AHAs have a number of benefits for your skin, like brightening, tightening, and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dead skin cells that remain on the skin’s surface can lead to acne, wrinkles, and age spots, which is why exfoliating is so important. That being said, so many drugstore body exfoliators contain abrasive exfoliating beads that remove far more than just the dead skin cells (and feel like sandpaper in the shower—no thanks!). AHAs are gentle exfoliators that only sweep away dead skin cells, and keep your skin barrier happy and undisrupted.  

Kosas - Good Body Skin Wash in Juicy Clean

Price: $22

We love the Kosas Good Body Skin Wash for its easy-to-use, skincare-quality ingredients. This AHA body wash uses fruit enzymes to gently clear away impurities and dead skin cells that can cause bumps and breakouts, all while soothing and moisturizing your skin. It’s gentle enough to use daily, and you can expect a totally smooth shower experience—without any harsh microbeads or sulfates. Plus, the Juicy Clean scent will transport you to a tropical paradise with every wash!

Ceramides

Ceramides are a form of lipids that play a vital role in maintaining the health of our skin. As we age, our skin gradually becomes less able to retain moisture, resulting in dryness and lack of firmness and tone. Ceramides help prevent moisture loss by creating a barrier on the skin’s surface resulting in hydrated, plump, and firm skin. This barrier also protects against environmental damage, bacteria, and irritants. Essentially, ceramides are your skin’s shield against the harmful outside world.

Fitglow - Cloud Ceramide Body Cream

Price: $38

For radiant and hydrated skin, we love the Cloud Ceramide Cream by Fitglow Beauty. Enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and cloudberry oil to nourish and moisturize, and gotu kola and arnica brighten, this fast absorbing cream melts effortlessly into your skin—without ever feeling greasy. The best part is that this cream works hard so you don't have to! It helps repair and restore your skin’s natural barrier so nothing can dull your glow. 

Niacinamide 

Known as one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in skincare, niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that has a variety of skin benefits, including brightening, tightening, improving the appearance of pores, and reducing signs of premature aging. It can help keep blemishes and ingrown hairs at bay by breaking down sebum and dead skin cells that can clog pores, and makes a great spot treatment to tackle darkness and discolouration.  

Kaia Naturals - The Takesumi Bright Deodorant

Price: $26

This powerful multi-use stick acts primarily as a deodorant, and can be used as brightening spot treatment all over your body. Packed with niacinamide and aloe vera, this super stick protects against odor-causing bacteria, while cooling and soothing your skin (great for after shaving or hair removal!). The formula is free of baking soda and other common deodorant irritants, with a fresh citrus scent to keep you fresh all day.

SPF

SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’, and is crucial for safeguarding our skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can lead to a multitude of skin concerns, including premature aging, sunburns, and even skin cancer. SPF should be worn every day to protect your skin from harm but also preserve your natural radiance. 

Solara Suncare - Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Daily Sunscreen

Price: $28

 Whether you’re new to clean, mineral sunscreens or a total expert, Solara’s Clean Freak SPF 30 is a fan fave for its sheer protection for your whole body. Unlike chemical formulas, mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier on your skin to protect against harmful UV rays. Infused with 10 antioxidant-rich botanical actives, this hydrating formula absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast. Its best-kept secret? Adaptogenic Ashwagandha, an ancient healer known to protect the body from external stressors, helps keep skin calm and collected throughout the day.

How we chose the best body care formulas with skincare-grade ingredients on this list