Usually, we associate capsules with pills and medicine — but in the beauty world lately, the word's started to take on a whole new meaning. The latest wave of capsules go beyond cold and flu season... and they're not meant for eating, either. You see, beauty capsules are designed to be applied topically to faces and they pack a potent punch: You can basically think of them as a potion for skin.
There are some classic capsule skin care products (such cult favorites from brands like Estee Lauder and Elizabeth Arden), but the format has seen a resurgence thanks to K-beauty. The recent batch of capsule beauty products play into the skintertainment trend and utilize some of the latest innovations. There are also some new products shaking up the game including capsule masks.
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Capsule skin care benefits
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky reveals that traditional serums and creams are generally exposed to air as soon as they are opened. This causes an instant degradation in quality, since most active ingredients are prone to oxidation and start to deteriorate in the presence of air. Oxidation is especially common with essential oils and vitamins, like vitamin A and C. That said, there are ways to combat this: Prystowsky points out that many products are packaged in "airless" pumps to prevent breaking down, plus, some products come packaged in opaque bottles to prevent photo-oxidation.
Capsules are another way to help prevent this decrease in potency. Dr. Anna Guanche, board-certified dermatologist and celebrity beauty expert, explains that capsule beauty products are protected from oxygen, heat and light thanks to their single-use design. This means highly concentrated active ingredients are more likely to stay in their active form.
Capsules also solve the dilemma of not knowing how much product to apply. "They're individually measured out so you're using just the right amount for a one time use," explains Bella Schneider, CEO and founder of LaBelle Day Spas and formulator of Bella Schneider Beauty. "You are receiving the freshest, highest grade ingredients when you use a capsule to restore a youthful appearance, hydrate skin and achieve a glowing, smoother complexion." And you know what? They're also great for traveling. Sold.
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What are beauty capsules?
We're obviously focused on the powerful ingredients inside the capsules, but you're probably curious about what the outsides are made of too. Prystowsky explains that capsules are typically made out of gelatin, an animal-derived protein product. There are also vegetable-based gel capsules, however, she cautions these often come with a higher price tag. Vegans and vegetarians can also look out for seaweed and algae capsules.
Read on to see the beauty capsules that prove good things do come in small packages.
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This Estee Lauder evening treatment is one of the OG capsule beauty products. It might seem like an investment up front, but each package comes with 60 ampoules which means they cost about $1.92 per treatment (which is actually less than your average sheet mask, when you think about it). They're specifically meant for calming stressed skin and keeping it that way. Use in tandem with the cult favorite Advanced Night Repair Serum to strengthen your skin's barrier and kiss irritation goodbye.
At night, twist the end off one of the plant-based capsules to release the potent anti-aging serum. The peptide formula helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and stops new ones from forming. Bonus: The formula increases your glow and is made with tocotrienol, an antioxidant that's part of the vitamin E family, to help protect against UV damage.
