Superfood Skin Care: 8 Foods Go Off the Plate & Into the Products

Superfoods are a staple in our smoothies and salads, but that’s not what has piqued our interest the most. These days, these trendy, good-for-you ingredients are making cameos in skin care aisles too, in the form of serums, creams, face masks, and more. Truth be told, we can’t say we’re unhappy about this. Below, find out which superfoods are popping up in the formulas you use on your skin—plus, our favorite beauty-boosting buys. 

QUINOA

Our favorite buy: Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

Quinoa husk contains saponins and polyphenols, and L’Oréal researchers have proven exfoliating properties of the quinoa husk extract—which just so happens to be a key ingredient in this nightly leave-on serum. The formula helps accelerate the skin’s cell turnover process, revealing fresher, smoother, younger-looking skin. Bye, bye dull surface skin, we won’t miss you.

PAPAYA 

Our favorite buy: Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub

This exfoliating scrub—suitable for all skin types—is formulated with small pieces of actual pineapple and papaya fruit, as well as finely ground scrub grains, to gently exfoliate the skin. Skin will look and feel noticeable soft, smooth, and clean. 

COCONUT OIL 

Our favorite buy: The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter

With all the hype around coconut oil these days, chances are you already have this cult-favorite oil in your kitchen cabinet. Even bigger chance you’re already up to speed on all of its amazing skin benefits. Coconut oil is a hydration powerhouse on its own and when mixed into skin care formulas, like this rich and creamy coconut body butter by The Body Shop. It absorbs quickly to help condition, soften, and smooth skin while keeping dryness at bay.

AVOCADO

Our favorite buy: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado 

Pair your avocado toast with a creamy, moisturizing eye treatment formulated with avocado oil. This barely requires any convincing, but just for good measure, it’s worth noting that this blend—boasting a concentrated texture that does not migrate into eyes—hydrates the delicate eye area superbly, if we may say so. 

CILANTRO

Our favorite buy: Kiehl’s Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque

You may not be a fan of cilantro in your food—read: guacamole—but the same will likely not be said about this nighttime mask that defends against impurities and environmental aggressors. With continued use, dull skin is renewed, radiant and protected against the visible effects of pollution. Big city dwellers, this one’s calling your name. 

KOMBUCHA

Our favorite buy: Vichy Idéalia BB Cream 

Lest you’ve been living under a rock, you’re likely aware that kombucha—a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast—is super trendy amongst wellness aficionados. Though none of its health claims have been supported by scientific evidence, it’s widely popular and can be found in this BB cream by Vichy. The lightweight texture blends easily onto a skin, leaving a natural, luminous finish that helps conceal imperfections, moisturize skin, and smooth out an uneven tone.

TURMERIC

Our favorite buy: Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant used for centuries to help brighten the appearance of dull, fatigued skin. That’s why it comes as no surprise that this facial mask—formulated with cranberry extract, micronized cranberry seeds, and turmeric extract—does just that. Recharge your skin’s youthful glow and help restore a rosy-looking appearance over time. 

CUCUMBER

Our favorite buy: Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol Free Toner 

Cucumber has long been recognized for its beneficial uses to the skin. It’s extremely cooling and refreshing. No surprise here, cucumber fruit extract can also be found in many skin care products, like this mild toner by Kiehl’s. Ideal for dry and sensitive skin types, the alcohol-free formula leaves skin soft, clean, and soothed.