There will always be ingredients that we know and love that consistently steal the spotlight, but here at Sunday Riley HQ, we’re equally excited about innovative and powerful ingredients that are a little more under the radar. One such ingredient is lutein.
Lutein is a carotenoid (which naturally occurs in your skin to protect against UV damage) and is derived from plants. “Lutein is responsible for the bright colors of many fruits and vegetables like spinach, kale, and yellow carrots,” says Dr. Jennifer David of Dermatology Partners and founder of Skin & Scripts Virtual Dermatology. “Its strong antioxidant properties have made it useful for skincare products to prevent sun damage in skin cells and premature aging,” she says. Studies have shown that lutein significantly improves skin brightening and reduces oxidative stress when applied topically. Further, practically anyone can use lutein in their routine: “Lutein is great for all skin types,” she says. And it plays well with other potent antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to provide even more protection for your skin.
Though it’s possible this is the first time you hear about the potent ingredient, luckily, we’ve been in the know for a while, and it’s a star ingredient in some of our most beloved products. Below, find out more about how lutein plays a role in these three skincare game-changers.
C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream
Our brand-new face cream is designed to give you a long-lasting, healthy glow. The non-greasy, satiny texture easily smooths over skin to brighten and even your skin tone, plump skin with all-day moisture, and protect it from environmental stressors. It features vitamin C (THD ascorbate that is clinically proven to diminish signs of premature aging and brighten skin), ergothioneine (an antioxidant that stabilizes the vitamin C), and sodium hyaluronate (a powerful humectant). The gorgeous yellow tint? That’s thanks to the antioxidant lutein derived from marigolds.
Light Hearted Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This breathable, lightweight SPF features a combination of sunscreens (octisalate, octocrylene, and zinc oxide) to provide sun protection that doesn’t leave an ashy, white cast. It’s combined with turmeric extract that evens out your skin tone, plus plant-based xanthophyll (a.k.a. lutein) that naturally defends the skin from blue light.
Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
This award-winning eye cream eliminates the look of dull, tired eyes by instantly lifting and depuffing the entire eye area. Think of it as the skincare version of your daily coffee boost: Caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root extract work together to reduce dark circles that are a tell-tale sign of overworked, dull eyes. Concentrated horse chestnut and acmella oleracea extracts smooth the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines. And there’s lutein that gently gives that delicate skin around the eye a radiant glow.
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