What is Phytosphingosine & What Are the Benefits?

We’ll be the first to admit that it’s not a very friendly sounding ingredient, but Phytosphingosine — pronounced fi-toss-fingo-seen — is beneficial to many skincare regimens. It’s an especially important ingredient in your routine if you’re prone to acne breakouts. Below we’ve done a full sweep on what Phytosphingosine is; how it helps promote healthy-looking, beautiful skin; and which products are worth incorporating into your routine.

What is Phytosphingosine?

Phytosphingosine is “a naturally occurring lipid that’s used in cosmetics and personal care,” says Rene Serbon, a skincare educator. “If you want to go a bit further, it’s what we call a ‘phospholipid,’ or a type of lipid that is a significant component of all biological membranes.”

Alright, What Are Lipids?

For those unfamiliar, the backstory on lipids is that they’re an essential component of our skin and they play a key role in the strength of our skin’s barrier. So what do lipids do? Not only do they help defend our skin from environmental gunk, but they also keep skin moisturized, plump and healthy-looking.

Phytosphingosine: A Skin-Bolstering Superhero  

Serbon adds that because naturally occurring lipids, including Phytosphingosine, have been shown to replenish the skin’s natural barrier function, such ingredients are often added to moisturizing and anti-aging products.

Phytosphingosine in Beauty Products

Serbon adds that Phytosphingosine “provides a skin moisturizing effect that works to keep the skin’s surface intact, supple and hydrated.”

So all this is why Phytosphingosine is a hero ingredient in our bareMinerals BLEMISH RESCUE Anti-Redness Mattifying Primer, which is also formulated with skin-soothing Chamomile, and nourishing botanical extracts. While it works in real time to improve the look of your skin, it also neutralizes redness with green pigment, absorbs oil and helps enhance the makeup application experience.

bareMinerals BLEMISH RESCUE Skin-Clearing Spot Concealer also has Phytosphingosine so you can harness its skincare benefits while covering existing blemishes. In addition, this full-coverage concealer also contains Mushroom Stem Extract to help soothe your skin and Licorice Extract to help brighten the look of your complexion. Plus, it doesn’t leave skin dry or flaky like some products can (you can thank a touch of Squalane for that). It’s formulated for all skin types, mattifies skin and has an amazing built-in sharpener.

Which Skin Types Benefit Most from Phytosphingosine?

This unsuspecting ingredient can be found across a host of different skincare products. Though many skin types can benefit from Phytosphingosine products, they may be particularly beneficial to those dealing with a compromised skin barrier.

Illustrations by Kayla Moffatt

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