Good to use on your face and scalp, hyaluronic acid is a humectant (meaning it can preserve moisture) that can hold over 1,000 times its own weight in water.

In practice, that humectant quality allows your cells to retain more moisture, hydrating the surface layers of skin and working to improve its appearance by plumping fine lines.

It has a similar effect when it’s used in shampoo or conditioners too – not only does it lock in moisture, calm frizz and add volume, but it can help add moisture to dry, flaky areas on the scalp.

Not only that, but research indicates that hyaluronic acid also has antioxidant properties, helping to shield your skin from some of the damaging effects of air pollution.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring but levels of it deplete as we age, which is why it’s a good idea to boost your natural stores with a supplementary product.

Where can you find it?

With plant-derived hyaluronic acid, Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser leaves skin feeling smoother, hydrated and looking brighter.

Then for your hair, try Boots Ingredients Moisture Shampoo With Hyaluronic Acid – formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid and cold pressed extra virgin chai seed oil, it gently cleanses hair while adding a hearty dose of moisture for shiny-looking, smooth finish. 

A much-loved, scientifically-proven antioxidant, vitamin C works to protect skin from environmental stressors like pollution. 

By impeding melanin production, vitamin C can also have a brightening effect on your complexion, while it also helps to boost collagen production, resulting in a smoother, bouncier complexion.  

Apply it before sunscreen as part of your morning routine for best results.

Where can you find it?

Lightweight and easy to apply, Boots Ingredients Vitamin C Serum has a water-like texture that gives skin a refreshing boost. 

Follow with a sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF50+ for the ultimate daytime protection.

Working at a far deeper level than most topical solutions, salicylic acid is a go-to tool for those with oily, acne-prone skin. 

A naturally-occurring, plant-based compound, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with a unique molecular structure that makes it oil-soluble. 

Why is that important? Well, oil-soluble ingredients are better at penetrating the lipid layers between skin cells than their water-soluble counterparts, which is why salicylic acid is able to dissolve pore-blocking debris before acne begins to form.

In addition to that, salicylic acid also works on the skin’s surface layer, sloughing away dead skin cells and helping to get rid of blackheads. 

A highly versatile ingredient, salicylic acid is used in a whole range of products, from hair care to potent exfoliating toners designed for use once or twice a week and cleansers suitable for everyday use.

Where can you find it?

Cleanse skin and help to remove excess oil with Boots Ingredients Salicylic Acid Cleanser - it’ll help skin look less oily but it won’t leave it feeling dry.

Instead it’ll deeply cleanse away dirt, oil and make-up, leaving your complexion feeling refreshed and ready for follow-up skincare.

You can also work salicylic acid into your haircare routine with Boots Ingredients Exfoliating Scalp Serum With Salicylic Acid – a pre-shampoo treatment formulated with salicylic acid.

Use it once or twice a week to gently exfoliate the scalp, helping to reduce flakes while ensuring it stays moisturised.

Niacinamide is a does-it-all ingredient that really is one of the biggest unsung heroes of the skincare world.

A water-soluble form of vitamin B3, niacinamide helps to encourage the synthesis of lipid components, strengthening your skin barrier in its efforts to retain precious moisture.

It also helps with the production of keratin, a type of protein that boosts skin elasticity.

Factor in its suitability for both morning and nighttime use, and you’ve got a real multi-tasking hero.

Where can you find it?

Boots Ingredients Niacinamide Clay Mask gently cleanses away dead skin cells and removes excess oil, leaving skin feeling soothed and nourished.

Apply a thin, even layer to cleansed skin and leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes, before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Use two or three times a week for best results.