Why Concentrated Ingredients Matter in Men's Skincare

When it comes to men's skincare, it's not just about having a laundry list of ingredients on the label. It's about the quality and concentration of those ingredients. High-quality ingredients used in effective concentrations are what make a skincare product truly beneficial.

In this blog we will explore the science behind concentrated men's skincare, unmask industry tricks and also why using products that contain efficacious concentrations of certain ingredients are beneficial for men's skin.

The Science Behind the Concentration

Whenever someone wants to start a skincare brand, they will typically work with a formulating chemist who will ask them to submit a brief as to what they want. Depending on the brief, the business model and goals, each formula will be extremely different.

For us, we knew when we started the brand in 2014 that we wanted to create unique, high quality formulations that put the customer first no matter the cost. We didn't want to just make a simple product that focused on maximising profit margins, or just be a brand that delivers an okay product and focuses on nice packaging and marketing. Our goal was to deliver products that were highly concentrated, delivered results, felt and looked different to what we had used over the course of 20+ years and required less use meaning the products lasted longer.

The effectiveness of a skincare product lies in its formulation, guided by scientific studies. These studies determine the right concentration of an ingredient to ensure it delivers results. For instance, an ingredient like Vitamin C is not just about being present in the formula; it's about being present in a concentration that is proven to work on the skin.

Unmasking Industry Tricks

In the skincare industry, the primary focus for many is profit, leading to cost-cutting measures that compromise product efficacy. A common tactic is using key ingredients in minimal quantities - just enough to make the label claim but not enough to be effective.

Example: The Cost-Effectiveness of Ingredients

Let's consider ingredient X which is effective at 1.7% concentration as per scientific studies, costing about $1000 per kilogram. If a brand uses only 0.1% of this peptide, the cost per unit is significantly lower, making the product cheaper to produce. However, at this minimal concentration, the ingredient is unlikely to be effective. They can still include it on the label, they can still market this ingredient as a hero ingredient in their product to convince the public of it's quality, but the reality is the product is all talk and no substance.

On the other hand, using it at the effective 1.7-2% concentration increases the cost per unit significantly but ensures that the product actually delivers the promised benefits. Like the above example, the brand can put it on the label (you'll notice it sits higher up on the ingredients listing compared to the one with 0.1%), they can market it as a hero ingredient and you will likely notice the product will be more expensive. This is simply because of the unit economics.

If the product with 0.1% of ingredient X, along with all the other ingredients in the formula, costs $2.50 per unit total to manufacture but doesn't do much for the skin, and the concentrated formula with all it's other ingredients costs 3-4 times the amount, but delivers effective results, you can see why the more expensive product will have a higher end cost in market.

This is why premium skincare brands do not compete on price or a volume based model.

The Benefits of Concentrated Men's Skincare

Efficacy

Concentrated products contain higher levels of active ingredients, which means they are more potent and effective. When ingredients are used at their optimal concentrations, as determined by scientific research, they are more likely to deliver the results they promise, such as reducing signs of aging, hydrating the skin, or combating acne.

Faster Results

Due to their potency, concentrated products often yield faster results. Users may notice improvements in their skin's texture, tone, and overall health more quickly compared to using diluted products, which may contain lower levels of active ingredients and therefore take longer to show any noticeable effect.

Less Is More

With concentrated products, a little goes a long way. Since they contain a higher percentage of active ingredients, you generally need to use less product per application. This not only makes them cost-effective in the long run but also reduces the risk of overloading the skin with too many products, which can lead to irritation or other skin issues.

Targeted Treatment

Concentrated products are often formulated to target specific skin concerns more effectively. For example, a serum with a high concentration of Vitamin C can be more effective in targeting hyperpigmentation and promoting collagen production than a product where Vitamin C is present in a lower concentration.

Skin Barrier Health

Products with higher concentrations of key ingredients can be more effective in strengthening the skin barrier over time. A strong skin barrier is essential for maintaining skin hydration, elasticity, and overall resilience against environmental stressors.

Reduced Exposure to Fillers and Additives

Diluted products often contain a higher proportion of fillers, preservatives, and other additives that may not contribute to skin health and, in some cases, might be irritating or harmful in the long term. Concentrated products focus more on active ingredients, reducing unnecessary exposure to these additives.

Sustainability

Concentrated products can be more sustainable. They often require less packaging and generate less waste since you need to purchase them less frequently due to their efficacy and smaller required usage amounts.