When a makeup foundation promises to hydrate your skin and protect it from sun damage, it sure seems like a steal. Similarly, when a concealer claims to not only cover blemishes but also treat them, it seems like a bargain. Due to the increasing interest in skin care, makeup brands are now launching products with skin care benefits, creating a new hybrid category.

This skincare-makeup hybrid has, in fact, become the foundation of many new brands emerging on the market. From foundations and concealers infused with hyaluronic acid, to complexion-correcting creams with SPF protection, to serums—blushes and mascaras with vitamin-enriched formulas, makeup products with skin-care benefits are making waves in the beauty landscape. Lip oil, the beauty product of the moment, also fits into this beauty-cum-skin care category.

But are these hybrid products worth the hype, or are they just clever promises?

Makeup can harm your skin

Dermatologists say that while this shift toward hybrids is a step up from traditional makeup, it can also be confusing. These hybrid products can essentially benefit people who wear makeup regularly, as many makeup products can damage the skin in different ways.

Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Geetika Srivastava says, “How makeup affects your skin depends on many factors, like how often you wear it, how long you keep it on, the quality of the products and most importantly. , your skin type.”

Makeup can cause clogged pores, ultimately resulting in dull complexion and acne.

“Makeup, especially when the bottle is open and exposed to the environment, is prone to contamination. Brushes and beauty blenders can contain bacteria, and when those bacteria come in contact with your skin, they can cause rashes and even pus-filled pimples,” says Dr Srivastava.

Wrong makeup can make dry skin more dry and oily skin more oily. Many makeup products also cause perioral pigmentation (darkening or discoloration of the skin around the mouth). “Certain lipsticks, especially mattifying lipsticks with unnatural shades, can cause pigmentation around the lips due to ingredients like bromic acid and lead,” explains Dr Srivastava.

A lot also depends on your habits. For example, not washing makeup brushes and sponges is a quick recipe for disaster, as is using expired beauty products. Sleeping with makeup on or keeping makeup on for a long time also causes damage to the skin. Often, poor product selection is also to blame.

How do makeup-skincare hybrid products help?

The rise of makeup associated with skin care stems from the idea that, because makeup remains on the skin for long periods of time, it can also contribute to protection and healing. Common skin care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, salicylic acid, plant-based oils, niacinamide and ceramides are added to these beauty product formulations and marketed accordingly.

For example, makeup products containing salicylic acid are often promoted as anti-acne. Those enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid or plant-based oils are labeled as ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturizing’. However, it all depends on the quality and concentration of the skin care ingredients used.

“Active skin care ingredients in makeup are meant to protect, not repair. They help by adding an extra layer of antioxidants and anti-pollution agents to the skin. “To prepare the skin for makeup and for skin repair at night, you still need toner, eye cream, serum, moisturizer and moisturizer,” says Dr Rinke Kapoor, dermatologist and skin-surgeon at The Aesthetic Clinics, Mumbai. Sunscreen requires a basic routine.”

“Incorporating skin care benefits into makeup is a positive development. Traditional makeup focuses primarily on coverage and aesthetics, but new products with ingredients like SPF, antioxidants, or hyaluronic acid provide additional skin protection and hydration. These hybrid products can help prevent common problems like dryness, irritation or sun damage while you do your makeup, making them a better option for long-term skin health,” says Mumbai-based celebrity esthetician Dinyar. Workingboxwala says.

Meanwhile, some experts see these hybrid products as ‘jack of all trades, master of none’.

“Oftentimes, makeup doesn’t contain high enough amounts of active ingredients, like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, to really deliver results,” says Dr. Srivastava.

“Also, the way makeup is applied – often in thin layers – can further reduce the potential benefits,” says Dr Akanksha Sanghvi, dermatologist and founder of Oprava Aesthetics, Mumbai.

It’s important to pay attention to the concentration of skin care ingredients, especially when paying more for skin care-makeup products.
Additionally, these hybrid products cannot replace a dedicated skin care routine.

“Makeup products containing active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants or SPF can provide surface-level benefits like hydration or protection. However, for deeper skin concerns like anti-aging or acne treatments, it is important to complement makeup with a dedicated skin care routine,” says Workingboxwala.

Even brands selling hybrid products agree on this.

“Skincare-infused makeup helps protect and nourish the skin, especially when you’re wearing it for long periods of time. It’s like a mini treatment that works while you’re out. As dermatologists often emphasize, there is no complete substitute for a solid skin care regimen. However, when it comes to skin care, makeup can be thought of as a complementary layer of care,” says Ananya Kapoor, Founder, Type Beauty.

“If you’re using foundation with sunscreen, it doesn’t mean you don’t need regular sunscreen, it just means touch-ups will be easier. Similarly, acne-fighting makeup will reduce the chance of breakouts, but it is not a cure for acne, and jojoba oil lipstick will reduce the need to apply lip balm as often,” says Dr Rinki Kapoor.

So, who needs makeup based on skin care?

Using skincare-infused makeup is not a necessity, but can be beneficial for those who frequently use beauty products. Using them as an extra layer of protection (provided the concentration of skin care ingredients is high) should be the mindset. These hybrid products, in most cases, cannot repair or cure the skin and must be complemented with a proper skin care routine.

“If you wear makeup regularly, hybrid products can definitely be worth the investment,” says Workingboxwala.

For example, some concealers claim to treat acne within four days. Although you can use straight anti-acne treatments, if wearing makeup is important, it is better to opt for a hybrid product. This way, it not only protects your skin from causing further damage but also helps in quick recovery.

Similarly, it may also be a good idea to use blushes that contain skin care ingredients.

“Blushers can be problematic for individuals with dry skin, as using powder blusher makes the cheeks appear papery and flaky. Containing argan oil, shea butter and other ingredients, they are great for people with dry skin who want soft, supple skin,” says Dr. Sanghvi.

If you don’t use makeup often, there are still ways to keep makeup-related damage under control — such as buying products tailored to your skin type, following a proper skin care routine, using clean makeup tools, and more. , Remove makeup gently, using non. Avoid sharing comedogenic products, and your makeup.