PRIMARK
Oat Balm & Cleanser

Skincare & Makeup

Your Skincare Dictionary

Seen something on our beauty shelves but not sure what it does or where to start? We’re here to help demystify the world of skincare.

May 16 · 24 min read

A pro at skincare, or just starting to build your first skin routine? Our handy guide will help decode the most important skincare ingredients, the concerns they target and where to add them in your stash, so you can easily identify which of our products are best for your skin type and skincare goals.

AHA/PHA

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and PHAs (poly hydroxy acids) offer gentle chemical exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and increasing cell turnover, resulting in a brightening and smoothing effect that's perfect for targeting dull and uneven skin tones.

AHA/PHA

AHA/PHA Toner

How To Use It

Our AHA / PHA skin resurfacing and brightening toner is specially formulated with an effective blend of Lactic Acid (5%) and Polyhydroxy acid (1%) to boost skin radiance and leave skin looking healthier. Apply morning or night post cleansing, with no need to rinse. Use may increase your skin’s sun sensitivity, so always use sun protection in combination with this product and limit sun exposure.

Caffeine

Caffeine, from (you guessed it) coffee, is a naturally-derived antioxidant. Giving smoothing, plumping, and firming results, it’s ideal for giving skin an instant boost – so it's great at tackling dark under-eye circles and puffiness.

Caffeine Eye Serum $4.50

Caffeine Eye Serum $4.50

How To Use It

After cleansing, massage a small amount our Caffeine Eye Serum onto the eye contour both morning and evening for a wide-awake look.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its superior hydration boosting properties, ideal for targeting dehydrated skin its moisturizing properties make it great for nourishing dry skin.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum & Moisturizer

Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum $4.50, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer $4.50

How To Use It

Our Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum is specially formulated with an effective blend of Hyaluronic acid (2%) and Pro-Vitamin B5. Apply morning or night after cleansing to leave skin feeling intensely moisturized. Got thirsty skin? Follow up with our Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer for extra hydration.

Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid is a mild chemical exfoliant that gently resurfaces skin, leaving it more radiant. It’s best used to target dull, lackluster skin, leaving complexions brighter and smoother.

Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid Booster Serum $4.50

How To Use It

Specially formulated with an effective blend of lactic acid (10%) and hyaluronic acid (1%), our Lactic Acid Booster can be added into your day or night skincare routine. Apply 3-4 drops directly to the face or use your hand to mix it in with your favorite day and/or night cream, gently massaging into the skin until fully absorbed.

Multi Peptides

Multi peptides are short chains of amino acids that aid the skin’s production of collagen and elastin. Ideal for targeting the signs of ageing, multi peptides are great for firming and repairing.

Multi Peptides

Multi Peptide Serum $7

How To Use It

Our Multi Peptide Serum can be used day and night after cleansing. Containing a potent blend of peptides, our serum is designed to revitalize skin by leaving it feeling firmer, while helping fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B, renowned for its brilliant skin calming properties. Ideal for targeting imperfections or soothing signs of irritation and redness.

Niacinamide Serum & Powder

Niacinamide Booster Serum $4.50, Niacinamide Powder $3.50

How To Use It

Available as a Niacinamide Booster Serum or Niacinamide Powder, these products can be used to target imperfections. Apply the serum direct to your face or mix the powder with your favorite serum or moisturizer. Use in the AM or PM after cleansing.

Oat

Oat Kernel Oil is a natural Oat Oil that has soothing, moisturizing, and calming properties. Great for irritated and sensitive skin types, it can be used to target dryness, dehydration and redness.

Oat Cleanser

Oat Balm Cleanser $6

How To Use It

Formulated with Oat Kernel Oil, our Oat Balm Cleanser is a multi-use rich cleansing balm that effortlessly melts away makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum without drying the skin. Gently massage a small amount onto dry skin, add a splash of warm water to emulsify and remove oil-based impurities, then rinse thoroughly. For an extra boost of nourishment, use as a mask and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Retinol

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and renowned for its excellent skin smoothing properties making it ideal for targeting signs of ageing. It also helps perfect uneven skin tone and age spots.

Retinol Serum, Eye Gel & Night Serum

Retinol Serum $4.50, Retinol Eye Gel $4.50, Super Retinol Night Serum $5

How To Use It

Use our Retinol Serums at night time only, and combine with a daytime SPF (since Retinol can increase sun sensitivity). New to Retinol? Introduce it gradually into your routine, starting with once or twice a week until your skin builds tolerance. Our Retinol Booster Serum is specially formulated with an effective retinol complex (0.5%) and luxurious blend of sweet almond, organic rosehip and jojoba oils. Our Super Retinol Overnight Serum is a concentrated night treatment. In the evening apply 2 drops of your chosen product to cleansed face, avoiding the eye, outer eye and lip areas. For the eye area, tap our Retinol Eye Gel into the eye contour.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid derived from willow bark, best known for its skin clearing benefits. Used for targeting impurities, breakouts, excess oil production and enlarged pores, it can help reduce spots and clear up imperfections.

Salicylic Acid Serum

Salicylic Acid Serum $4.50

How To Use It

Our Skin Clearing Salicylic Acid is specially formulated with an effective blend of salicylic acid (2%), willow bark and licorice root extract. Apply 3-4 drops directly to the face or mix in your hand into your favorite day or night cream, gently massaging into the skin until fully absorbed.

Squalane

Plant-derived Squalane is a highly effective emollient and antioxidant used to hydrate and moisturize dry skin and help prevent excess oil and sebum production. Great for all skin types, squalane is especially great for dry skin that needs an extra boost.

Squalane Facial Oil & Cleanser

Squalane Facial Oil $6, Squalane Cleanser $4

How To Use It

Our 100% plant-based Squalane Facial Oil is specifically formulated to help hydrate and maintain skin suppleness. Apply a few drops as needed, day or night. Team with our Squalane Cream Cleanser: specially formulated with Squalane (2%) to cleanse skin and remove makeup without over drying, it’s ideal for all skin types. Apply all over face and gently massage in, before removing with a cotton ball.

Tiger Grass

Tiger Grass (also known as Centella asiatica or cica) is a botanical antioxidant known for its skin recovery benefits. Great at calming, rebalancing and reducing redness, it soothes skin while evening out skin tone.

Tiger Grass Serum & Correcting Treatment

Tiger Grass Serum $4.50, Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment $7

How To Use It

Our Tiger Grass Color Correcting treatment cream works perfectly worn alone or as a primer under makeup. It soothes and helps neutralize the look of redness, while also boosting skin’s moisture. Our Tiger Grass Serum can be used AM or PM to tackle redness and irritation.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that targets signs of dullness, hyperpigmentation and scarring, giving lackluster skin a brightening boost.

Vitamin C booster serum

Vitamin C 10% Booster Serum $8

How To Use It

Specifically formulated to help deliver brighter and more radiant skin, our Vitamin C Booster Serum is best used in your daytime routine. Apply 3-4 drops directly to the face or mix in your hand with your favorite day and/or night cream, gently massaging into the skin until fully absorbed.


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