If there is one celeb that you can guarantee is always going to sport a killer glow then it has to be Alicia Keys.
Since deciding to ghost her entire make-up kit nearly five years ago, the Grammy award winner's complexion is one that's the most sought-after thanks to its flawless, ethereal warmth that can legitimately out glow every IG filter going.
So, what are the ingredients she swears by in order to gain such beautiful-looking skin? Speaking to WH at the launch of her much-anticipated body care line, Soulcare Body, Keys revealed the hero skincare ingredients she can't live without...
Everything you need to know about Alicia Keys skincare routine
After using make-up for the best part of ten years, the singer/actress said in an interview that she took a cosmetics hiatus after realising that she'd become dependent on them to make her feel confident. From then on out Keys made it her mission to nourish and protect her skin so that she didn't need to rely on make-up.
Her newfound beauty philosophy saw her launch Keys Soulcare, a skincare line that consists of elevated skincare basics including cleanser, moisturiser, balm, mask, exfoliant, and mist (there is also a scented candle and obsidian roller to boost your routine and induce a sense of calm). All the products—which Keys calls “offerings”—are cruelty-free, clean, and co-created by dermatologist Renée Snyder, M.D.
You also might be surprised to learn that Alicia's skin wasn't always so flawless. 'It took me forever to get this skin,' she revealed in an interview with Elle UK. For years, she struggled with spots that were caused by a combination of heavy make-up and performances under hot lights, which as you can imagine made her sweat for hours. 'I know how it feels to have a face full of bumps and pimples. I lived through that in the public eye.'
The skincare ingredients Alicia Keys swears by
As for the ingredients that help her to achieve that flawless glow she become so famous for? Keys explained that the skincare ingredient she can't live without is lactic acid. ‘I really like lactic acid and hojicha powder. There’s something about that combination that that feels very fresh to me'.
Lactic acid is an important active that's found on the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) hitlist. Loved by derms because it's gentler than other AHAs, its molecules are bigger so they don't penetrate the skin as deeply to trigger an intense peeling action. If you have dry or sensitive skin, this is a good thing.
Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfoliator
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
THE INKEY LIST Lactic Acid Serum
Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
At low concentrations, lactic acid acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin so it mildly exfoliates while also hydrating, making it a great tag team. It’s also been shown to have a better effect on hyper-pigmentation, so it can effectively wage war on sun damage.
That said, dramatic overnight results are hard to come by when used alone and it works best when paired with friends such as glycolic acid, retinol, and antioxidants.
When it comes to natural skincare ingredients, Keys also said ‘I’m really loving turmeric, we put in it our offerings. [That and] manuka honey. I can drink it, eat it, wash with it, put it in the bath! There is something about it that feels so attractive to me. The colour and texture are just beautiful.’
Keys Soulcare Harmony Mask
Keys Soulcare Golden Cleanser
As for her new body care line, you'll find only three hero products (we love that the collection is paired back to the point). There's a Renewing Body + Hand Wash that smells sublime thanks to sage and oat milk and the formula works to soften skin and unwind the most frazzled of minds.
Next up is the Scared Body Oil, think of this as a healthy smoothie for your skin. It teams maurula, baobab and jojoba oils to deeply nourish and condition skin, but without clogging pores. Expect silky limbs come morning.
Finally is the Rich Nourishing Body Cream that's packed with ceramides, oat milk and rose, which work to repair a compromised skin barrier and restore skin back to its glowing former glory. It's a brill product to keep in your gym bag and slather onto clean skin after a workout or swim.
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