Latest news with #luxuryskincare
The Independent
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
This $15 anti-aging serum delivered ‘impressive results in very little time'
The Ordinary needs no introduction. It is renowned for creating affordable yet innovative skincare products that work. One of its latest launches is no exception: a growth factor face serum that addresses multiple visible signs of aging at a fraction of its competitors' prices. But does it deliver? I put it to the test before it launched. Growth factors are fast becoming the next buzz-worthy skincare ingredient. They are proteins that naturally occur in our skin cells — simply put, they act as messengers to various mechanisms in the skin, signaling it to repair and rejuvenate. They do so by stimulating skin cell turnover and the production of collagen and elastin — the fundamentals of keeping skin smooth and firm. With age, growth factors deplete, so the skin is less able to repair itself from environmental damage like UV light and pollution, leading to premature signs of aging. By replenishing these growth factors, old skin cells start acting like younger skin cells again. The science isn't new — growth factors were first discovered by scientists in the 1950s who went on to win a Nobel Prize for their work, and luxury skincare brands started infusing their formulas with the regenerating ingredient in the 1990s. But what is new is having access to this advanced science for the first time at a bargain price. Typically, it's only high-end and hugely expensive skincare brands that carry growth factor skincare, excluding The Inkey List's offering, although it's hard to compare when it's not as highly concentrated. But The Ordinary's serum is cheap at $15.50 — so I wanted to see how it performed. How I tested I am an experienced beauty editor in my 40s with typical signs of skin aging, including pigmentation, fine lines, and a loss of firmness. I tested the product every day for three weeks (both in my morning and evening skincare routines) under the same moisturizer.
Entrepreneur
18-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Luxury Skincare Redefiner
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Economics graduate Shubhika Jain joined her family business in 2015 but soon pursued her passion—authentic luxury skincare. Witnessing the rise of synthetic products disguised as natural solutions, she felt compelled to create a truly authentic, high-performance skincare brand. RAS Luxury Skincare was born from this determination, bringing the Farm-to-Face®️ approach to life by sourcing botanicals from their farms in Raipur. "The skincare market lacked truly 100% natural, effective products crafted with authentic ingredients at the right dosages," Shubhika Jain, Founder and CEO of RAS Luxury Skincare, shared. "Today, RAS offers meticulously researched products that address genuine skin concerns with nature's most potent actives." Shubhika credits her biggest supporters—her mother, Sangeeta Jain, and her sister, Suramya Jain—who joined her as co-founders. "Our breakthrough in the luxury hospitality space came when St. Regis Mumbai and Four Seasons Mumbai became our first hotel partners, trusting our products to elevate their guest experience," added Shubhika. A major milestone came in 2022 when Sixth Sense Ventures invested in RAS, marking the beginning of its rapid expansion. RAS secured three funding rounds to drive its growth: USD 2 million from Sixth Sense Ventures (May 2022), USD 1.5 million from Green Frontier Capital (April 2023), and a USD 5 millio Series A (January 2025) led by Unilever Ventures, with Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund and existing investors backing its vision for premium skincare. With 85 award-winning SKUs, RAS has built a cult following, boasting bestsellers like the 24K Gold Beauty Boosting Radiance Face Elixir, Super Charge Multivitamin Day Cream SPF 30, Super Recharge Bakuchiol Night Cream, Advanced Booster Serums and Lipsticks are a cult classic. "From A-list celebrities to 300,000 consumers, RAS is on everyone's wish list!" said Shubhika. Breaking barriers as a female entrepreneur, Shubhika faced skepticism—especially regarding a INR 3,000 face oil. "Yet, Face Elixir remains our bestseller to this day," she proudly stated. Overcoming biases against women-led startups from Tier II cities, RAS secured investor trust, culminating in Unilever Ventures' backing. Looking ahead, RAS aims to become India's #1 Luxury Natural Skincare Brand by 2026, opening 50 exclusive stores and expanding globally. The Mumbai-based startup, which started with three women founders, now proudly employs nearly 100 women, fostering an inclusive, empowering workplace. With impressive financial growth—INR 14 Cr in FY23, INR 33 Cr in FY24, and a projected INR 65 Cr in FY25—Shubhika Jain is redefining luxury skincare, making RAS a force to be reckoned with. Facts:
Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Aesthetics guru Dr Barbara Sturm reveals the ultimate anti-ageing routine
While lots of things get better with age — wine, jeans, relationships, when it comes to the world of beauty, many of us associate ageing with less lovely things such as fine lines, wrinkles and an overall loss of plumpness. Because of this, the world of luxury anti-ageing skincare, from creams, serums, treatments and peels, is positively booming. But with more products promising to reverse time than ever, it's hard to decipher between fact and fiction. To help, keep scrolling for a guide to the ultimate anti-ageing skincare routine. It's a simple fact our skin changes as we get older. Cellular function begins to decline and we produce less collagen and elastin. A loss of volume can have an effect on the skin's luminosity and brightness and a decrease in hyaluronic acid in the skin can result in dryness and fine lines. The leading German dermatologist Dr Barbara Sturm says: 'At the same time, the telomeres (the protective end caps of our DNA) naturally shorten, which further impacts the skin's ability to regenerate and repair.' Unsurprisingly the shifts in hormones as we age also has an effect and increases the skin's sensitivity, 'women can lose about 30% of their skin collagen within the first five years after menopause,' Sturm says. Essentially vitamin A in different forms, retinoids are one of the most frequently used anti-ageing compounds to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen in the skin. The most common, over the counter derivative is retinol (a more gentle form compared to prescription choices such as tretinoin and adapalene), that can be gradually incorporated into a skincare routine to potentially fade age spots, roughness and hyperpigmentation. Also known as Vitamin B3, using Niacinamides can help minimise the appearance of pores, potentially improve the skin's texture and tone, while reducing inflammation. Chemical exfoliants such as AHA (Alpha Hydroxy acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy acids) work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together to promote cell turnover and can give the appearance of a more youthful, brighter complexion. Used over time, hyaluronic acid can help maintain the skin's elasticity and plumpness while being soothing and nourishing on even the most sensitive of skin. Skincare with added Vitamin C gets to work neutralising free radicals in the body which are known to cause oxidative stress — for your skin that means a defence against dull and tired-looking skin. It's best used in the morning as it can also provide added protection against daily aggressors such as pollution and UV rays while potentially evening skin tone and having a brightening effect. While ceramides are naturally found in the skin, as we age the quality of these fats decreases, therefore, they need to be replenished by ceramide-rich anti-ageing skincare products. Known as the mortar that holds skin cells together, ceramides form a protective layer and help to prevent moisture loss which in turn strengthens the skin barrier and can give the effects of more supple skin. Despite the swanky science names, acids and enzymes, an effective anti-ageing regime doesn't need to be complicated. Like any skincare routine, it should start with a cleanser and an exfoliator should be added twice weekly to help invigorate the skin and remove dead skin cells. Arguably a potent anti-ageing serum is the most important step. The best? 'One packed ingredients like purslane, skullcap and glutathione offers an even deeper level of nourishment and is enriched with skin-identical ceramides and peptides to strengthen the skin barrier,' Sturm says. • This article contains affiliate links that earn us revenue 'My hyaluronic serum is fundamental. It is the 'white t-shirt' of any skincare routine,' Sturm says. Inside there's a combination of low, medium and high weight hyaluronic acid molecules to provide instant hydration at the surface, as well as deeper nourishment to support the skin barrier and target fine lines and wrinkles caused by dehydration. £85 for 10ml, Dr Barbara Sturm While it's important to incorporate a facial exfoliant into your anti-ageing skincare routine a couple of times a week, you want to make sure it's gentle and never stripping. 111SKIN's clever cleanser transforms from a fine powder to a light foam and features the brand's signature NAC Y²™ complex to help sweep away dead skin cells and leave a more radiant, even complexion. £60 for 40g, 111SKIN Focussing on recharging and reactivating the skin, this two step mask from legendary longevity science label La Prairie comprises a high potency concentrate of hyaluronic acid and collagen (handily encapsulated in a monodose vial to preserve it perfectly) to plump and revive the skin, as well as a nourishing cream mask full of powerful peptides. £1,275, La Prairie at Harrods It's refreshing to see an anti-ageing cream specially created for men hit the crowded, female-focussed skincare sphere. This lightweight moisturiser from Italian brand Seed to Skin can be used to calm and comfort irritated skin post-shave. It is enriched with multi-vitamins and anti-inflammatory, botanical ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane to nourish the skin's barrier. £183 for 50ml, Seed to Skin at Space NK A frequent mature skin woe is the loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin that can leave you feeling your face is lacking the natural contours it once possessed. Thankfully Sisley-Paris' anti-ageing line, which first launched in 1999, contains sweet Majoram extract, a new active ingredient and antioxidant which acts like an alarm clock for the skin in boosting cells into action by reducing inflammation. £435 for 30ml, Sisley-Paris at Space NK La Mer's silky serum offers a boost of hydration as the brand's signature Miracle Broth, the luxury skincare brand's unique elixir of sea kelp, vitamins and minerals, gets to work soothing the skin and an additional restructuring ferment plumps. The brand recommends applying with flat fingers in upward sweeping motions to enhance definition. £650 for 75ml, La Mer at Space NK A gentle retinol, perfect for beginners, Eve Lom's hydrating serum has a combination of wrinkle-fighting Liposome Encapsulates Retinol and a microbiome re-balancing prebiotic to protect the skin from the inside. They've managed to also incorporate AHAs to help exfoliate dead skin cells in this sleek, gold bottle, too. £145 for 30ml, Eve Lom It's rare you find a single-ingredient serum, but this fast-absorbing gel from Westman Atelier contains only one hundred per cent THD Ascorbate —- a vitamin C derivative crafted in Japan that is oil-soluble rather than water-soluble, meaning it is more stable and can penetrate deeper into the skin. It's loved for its antioxidant properties that work to help diminish hyperpigmentation and provide a hit of hydration. £300 for 20ml, Westman Atelier at Harrods Nothing says luxury like the addition of caviar into your skincare, but if you're worried about a fishy face, fret not, you're in safe hands with La Prairie's Skin Caviar range. The Swiss skincare line uses caviar infinite and caviar micro-nutrients in the form of tiny yellow caviar beads and a light serum that mixes together as you pump to give the effects of brighter, smoother under eyes. £450 for 20ml, La Prairie at Space NK Founded in 1997, SkinCeuticals is the skincare brand that forgoes fussy and fancy labels for straight-talking serums that simply do the job. Its latest eye serum has been designed to tackle dark circles specifically while helping smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by collagen decline. The silky formula glides on and has an instantly tightening effect thanks to the addition of caffeine, glycyrrhetinic acid which helps counter dull tone and Matrixyl 3000 which supports the skin's natural firmness and elasticity. £105 for 15ml, SkinCeuticals at Look Fantastic Sue Nabi, former president of Lancome and L'Oreal Paris, founded luxury skincare line Orveda with Nicolas Vu to create vegan, bio-fermented products that work with your skin, not against it. In terms of anti-ageing, all its highly-concentrated treatments can be used, as they target the effects of past damage, including overprocessing that can occur from years of using too many different skincare products. Inside Orveda's most potent serum, the Omnipotent Concentrate, there's 16 actives, concentrated at 24%, including soothing bio-tech schisandra sphenantera, biomimetic tripeptide to help firm skin texture and bio-activated gallic acid derivative to aid a natural glow. £405 for 30ml, Orveda at Harrods
Times
08-05-2025
- Health
- Times
The best luxury products for your body
Finally streamlined your skincare routine to include vitamin C serums to brighten, niacinamides to soothe, and perhaps even a £1,000 moisturiser for that real touch of luxury? Well, it's now time to advance to level two: body skincare. 'Your skin doesn't cease at your chin, so why should your skincare?' says Dr Alexis Granite, a consultant dermatologist and founder of the body care line, Joonbyrd. 'The skin is our first line of defence against environmental aggressors, infection, dehydration and mechanical damage and 96 per cent of it is on our body.' As a dermatologist she was inspired by the common skin challenges patients sought advice for: from dry flakes in the winter to strawberry bumps on the backs of the arms, crepey knees and mottled chests, as well as pigmentation, blemishes and an overall loss in elasticity. Just like our face, how we feel about our skin has an impact on our emotions, which in turn affect our skin health, Granite says. So, a solid body care routine can do more than boost your confidence come summer — it can transform your overall well-being. The good news is that you might need less room in the bathroom than you think. Dermatologists recommend cleansing in the shower, exfoliating several times weekly and using targeting treatments like serums as needed. Keep skin hydrated with a moisturiser and protected when it's exposed to the elements. Keep scrolling for the best luxury skincare products below. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Advertisement Best for cleansing Augustinus Bader The Body Cleanser The newest formulation from coveted beauty brand Augustinus Bader, this lightweight gel turns into a rich lather in the shower and uses the powers of Bader's patented TFC8 ingredient (the Trigger Factor Complex which comprises natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, peptides and synthesized molecules naturally found in skin) to help improve textured skin and calm any existing redness or irritation. 'Skincare does not stop at the face,' says Dr Bader, whose science-backed skincare was originally used to treat burns victims but is now loved by celebrities like Victoria Beckham. All our skin is vulnerable to damage from daily stressors and ageing which is why this sulfate-free body cleanser is designed to purify and invigorate the skin while removing impurities without stripping or drying its barrier. £44, Augustinus Bader Dermalogica conditioning body wash Inspired by the essential oils diffused in traditional Turkish hammam steam baths, this gentle body wash uses a beautiful blend of French rosemary, Chinese eucalyptus, sandalwood and lavender to cleanse and hydrate the skin. £35, Dermalogica at Liberty London Agent Nateur ageless resurfacing body cleanser While we are classing exfoliating as another step in our body skincare routine, there's nothing stopping you from also diminishing dead skin cells with a foaming body cleanser like Agent Nateur's resurfacing oil. This three-phase cleanser turns from gel to oil and then a creamy foam and hydrates the skin with soothing almond and jojoba oil. Despite its exfoliating powers (thanks to natural peony root extract) that combat dullness, product buildup and any ingrown hairs, this wash is still suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. £45, Agent Nateur at Liberty London Best body skincare products for exfoliating Sisley-Paris energizing foaming exfoliant While you shouldn't be using body scrubs daily, an exfoliant a couple of times a week will tackle any dry skin and rough patches. Sisley-Paris's foaming cleanser is a combination of a classic shower gel but contains exfoliating microparticles and properties found in more traditional skin care, as well as lavender and rosemary oils for a boost of hydration. £110, Sisley-Paris at Space NK Omorovicza gold sugar scrub Buff away dead skin cells and polish your body with this gold sugar scrub from Hungarian brand Omorovicza, which contains grains of sugar cane. The formula also contains skin-loving active ingredients like vitamin C, which is said to encourage micro-circulation for a healthier glow. £68, Omorovicza Advertisement Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta exfoliating body treatment If body blemishes or texture such as keratosis pilaris are your main skin concern, this exfoliating treatment by Dr Dennis Gross should be your first port of call. Each packet contains one towel soaked in AHAs to help boost cell production and BHAs that penetrate deep into the pores to clear them of any dirt or debris. The sheet also contains hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid to ensure skin is sufficiently moisturised. For optimal results use twice a week. £60 for 8 treatments, Dr Dennis Gross at Space NK Best for hydrating 111SKIN Celestial black diamond body cream Developed by Dr Yannis Alexandrides, a former Harley street cosmetic surgeon and founder of luxury skincare brand 111SKIN, this daily use body cream features the brand's topical NAC Y2™, a blend of NAC with brightening vitamin C and horse chestnut extract, as well as gently exfoliating diamond microparticles. The aim of this rich formula is to strengthen and plump the skin which, in turn, will give it a more youthful, supple appearance. £135, 111SKIN La Mer The Body Cream The star of the show when it comes to La Mer's body cream (and any of the swanky skincare line's products, in fact) is sea kelp. The algae first inspired the brand's founder Dr Max Huber with its natural self-regenerating powers, and is now part of what forms La Mer's Miracle Broth — an elixir prevalent in all the brand's treatments. It helps skin to retain water for a smoother appearance. £245, La Mer at Lookfantastic Tata Harper revitalising body oil Unlike buttery body creams, body oils work best when they are applied and massaged into damp skin straight after showering. This Tata Harper iteration is fast-absorbing so won't leave you wafting around the bathroom waiting for it to sink in. Formulated with all natural ingredients like nourishing seed and olive oils as well as fruit and flower extracts, this dry skin saviour can also be used as a pre-shampoo hair treatment to soothe a dry scalp and as an oil to ease flyaways and soften ends. £107, Tata Harper at Space NK Best for tightening and brightening Joonbyrd smoothing body serum If pigmentation is a major skin concern on your body, Joonbyrd's new serum can be applied daily to target areas of contention. It works to treat any roughness thanks to active ingredients like shikimic acid (which is extracted from star anise) and brightening azelaic acid. £78, Joonbyrd Advertisement Paula's Choice 5% niacinamide body serum Paula's Choice body serum is the perfect antidote to those pesky bumps you get following hair removal. The lightweight cream formula contains niacinamide to even skin tone, 5 per cent d-panthenol to help fade any discoloration and prickly pear extract to aid moisture levels. Use a thin layer of this daily on troublesome spots — just be sure to layer sun protection on top. £34, Paula's Choice at Space NK Best for protecting Lancaster Sun Beauty body milk SPF 30 Studies show that some exfoliating acids can make skin more sensitive to UV rays, while sun exposure in general can trigger hyperpigmentation and advance signs of ageing. So it's particularly important to protect your skin from the sun using a body SPF like Lancaster's milk. This velvety formula is sweat and water resistant so you don't have to worry about reapplying all that often. £35, Lancaster at Harrods Shiseido Expert sun protector face & body lotion SPF 50+ Shiseido's sun cream provides protection against UVB and UVA and is actually strengthened by heat and water thanks to a clever veil-like layer. There's also skincare built in so you don't have to layer up products on hot holidays — there's hypotaurine to help protect your body from blue light and a seaweed complex to soothe and calm red or irritated skin. £51, Shiseido at Harrods Dior The Protective Milk SPF 30 Dior's milky SPF is easily applied thanks to the spray applicator that has a much-appreciated cooling effect when it touches the skin. The formula contains omegas 6 and 9 which were chosen to help strengthen the skin barrier, as well as an infusion of the brand's tan beautifying complex which contains ingredients to increase melanin synthesis and help your tan last longer. £39, Dior at Harrods Best tools Dr Dennis Gross Spectralite bodyware pro The use of LED face masks have become commonplace in many beauty lovers' skincare routines, so unsurprisingly, there are now versions available for those who wish to use the light therapy on their bodies too. This iteration from Dr Dennis Gross features 148 LEDs, and both red and blue light settings to help plump and combat acne-causing bacteria and blemishes. It is designed to lay flat on your back or chest but it can also be wrapped around any area you wish to target and treat. £465, Dr Dennis Gross at Space NK Advertisement Foreo Bear 2 Body sculpt and tone supercharged set Microcurrent devices needn't be reserved for the face. This Foreo tool uses the power of microcurrents and massage to boost collagen production and aid lymphatic drainage across the body. The results can give the appearance of a more toned physique, as well as potentially smoothing unwanted dimples in fat-storing areas like the thighs, buttocks, arms and stomach. £303.60, Foreo at Lookfantastic Dr Barbara Sturm body brush Not only does dry brushing exfoliate the skin for a smoother finish but it can also boost blood circulation and lymph flow as well as reducing puffiness and water retention. Dr Barbara Sturm's body brushes are available in two variations: the soft is more suitable for sensitive skin types. £35, Dr Barbara Sturm How often should I do my body care routine? 'Body care follows the same pattern as facial care in many way,' says Granite. When it comes to exfoliation two to three times per week should be sufficient and just like your face, you should be moisturising once or twice daily. Granite advises the best time to apply moisturiser to the body is just after bathing 'when the skin is still damp to help lock in moisture'.
