5 products that make a case for actives in your body care

Actives, or acids, are the big thing in the beauty world right now. From salicylic acid and glycolic acid to the wildly popular hyaluronic acid and retinol, they’re in almost every skincare product on our shelves. The question is, why just use them on our faces when we can let our bodies in on the fun (and the many benefits) too?

Cosmo lists the body washes and lotions enriched with actives that your body care absolutely needs.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Acne Clear Body Wash

Active ingredient: AHA and BHA

Face acne can be annoying but body acne, is even more so. And while it is entirely normal to break out and have scars (we’re all about acne positivity here!) sometimes it can be inconvenient or painful. For those situations, pick a body wash with actives for chemical exfoliation to get rid of body breakouts and prevent them in the future. This one by Pyunkang Yul features both AHAs and BHAs for two-fold exfoliation. Plus, centella asiatica soothes inflamed skin and gets rid of redness. 

Price: ₹2,063

Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap

Active ingredient: Glycolic Acid

Another body wash that uses AHA, glycolic acid in this case, Mario Badescu’s body soap is perfect if you’ve just started incorporating actives in your body care routine. As always, it’s best to start slow by using it only two-three times a week before working up to more frequent usage. The grapefruit scent will leave you smelling delicious, and the ginseng will give you that bright glow!

Price: ₹725

Chemist at Play Exfoliating Body Wash 

Active ingredient: Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid

If you’re wary of stronger actives and would like to take it easy, then lactic acid will fit the bill perfectly. Chemist at Play’s exfoliating body wash comes with two per cent lactic acid and two per cent zemea along with vitamin E. If you want to smoothen out bumps and strawberry skin, then this creamy wash with ceramides is the ideal candidate to add to your shower routine—it gently removes dead skin cells and revives dull skin for the ultimate brightening effect.

Price: ₹699

Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment 

Active ingredient: Retinol

Retinol is the MVP of actives, thanks to its potency that improves uneven skin tone, reduces signs of ageing and gives it a youthful and plump appearance. Honestly, what’s not to like? But most of us limit its usage to our face, when the truth is, our body could also do with some retinol TLC. Paula’s Choice skin-smoothing retinol body treatment is a body lotion that is fortified with 0.1 per cent pure retinol, along with natural butter and plant oils to help reduce pigmentation and make the skin smoother and firmer. The rich but non-greasy texture is perfect for the winter season, or for those with dry skin. 

Price: ₹4,950

Victoria’s Secret Water Lotion Replenishing Body Lotion 

Active ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is the skincare world’s favourite active at the moment—with the ingredient finding its way into everything from face washes and shampoos, to moisturisers. Victoria’s Secret utilises its hydrating properties in its water lotion. The formula, which transforms from a gel consistency to moisture-rich droplets, is super-light and sinks into the skin immediately, giving it a dewy finish. If you’re looking for a lightweight lotion which moisturises without being greasy, then go for this one!

Price: ₹2,299