Which skincare product suits you?

Overview of common skincare. At Plenthera we currently stock tallow balms, pure oils and butters, mask powders and supplements for the skin.

What is skincare?

Skincare covers cleansing, caring for and protecting the face and body. Natural skincare opts for recognisable ingredients — plant oils, butters and animal fats such as tallow — without parabens or synthetic fragrances. Nutrition and supplements complement this from within.

An effective basic routine is simple: cleanse gently, care for your skin with a product that suits your skin type, and protect against the sun during the day. If you want more, add a serum or a weekly mask.

Tallow — purified beef fat — has become popular in recent years as a natural alternative to synthetic moisturisers. Its fatty acid profile resembles that of the skin's own sebum, which explains why many people find it pleasant on dry or sensitive skin.

For the skin from within, nutrients are important: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin, and zinc and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.

What does science say about skincare?

External skincare falls under the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009. Cosmetic products cleanse, care for and protect the skin — they are not intended to treat conditions. Supplements fall under the rules for food supplements; for the skin, these authorised EFSA claims apply, among others:

"Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin."

"Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin."

"Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin."

Hydrolysed collagen (2.5–10 g per day) is being studied in relation to skin hydration and elasticity (de Miranda et al. 2021). In combination products such as Plent Beauty Blend and Laviesage Skin Boost & Lift, vitamin C, zinc and biotin carry the official claims.

Skincare at Plenthera and other products on the market

Plent Tallow Balm — at Plenthera

Balm based on purified beef fat, in four 120 ml variants: Natural (no additives), with vitamin E, with castor oil, and Eucalyptus (For Men). Also available as a Skincare Pack with Plent Pure Marine Collagen Natural.

Pure oils and shea butter — at Plenthera

Almond, avocado, grapeseed and castor oil and shea butter from Now Foods, and organic cold-pressed coconut oil from KiKi Health (500 ml). Read more about the differences in our category skin oil.

Mask powders — at Plenthera

KiKi Health Zeolite Powder (superfine clinoptilolite, 120 g) and Activated Charcoal Powder from coconut shells (70 g) are used in homemade cleansing face masks, mixed with water.

Supplements for the skin — at Plenthera

Collagen from brands including Plent (Pure Marine and Beauty Blend), Vital Proteins, Big Food and KiKi Health; the Skin Base and Skin Boost & Lift skin formulas from Laviesage (fish collagen with vitamin C and zinc, among others); Doctor's Best Hyaluronic Acid with BioCell® collagen; Plantforce Vitamin C-Complex; and liquid and chelated zinc.

Other skincare on the market

Cleansers, serums (for example with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid), day and night creams, eye creams and sunscreen. We do not currently stock these.

How do you use skincare?

1. Cleanse your skin gently, preferably with lukewarm water.
2. Apply a small amount of tallow balm or a few drops of oil to slightly damp skin.
3. During the day, use sun protection that suits your skin and the season.
4. A homemade mask with zeolite or charcoal powder: once a week, not around the eyes, then rinse off thoroughly.
5. Test new products on a small patch of skin first.
6. Care for your skin from within with a varied diet and, if desired, collagen or vitamin C — and allow at least 8 weeks for this.

Myths and misconceptions about skincare

Myth 1: "Natural is always better."

Not necessarily. Natural ingredients can also cause irritation or allergic reactions. What counts is whether a product suits your skin.

Myth 2: "Collagen in a cream is built into the skin."

Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate deep into the skin. In a cream, collagen mainly acts as a moisture retainer on the surface. Oral collagen is broken down in the gut into peptides and amino acids.

Myth 3: "Tallow always clogs pores."

Many people actually find tallow pleasant on dry or sensitive skin. If your skin is prone to blemishes, it is wise to test on a small area first.

Myth 4: "An expensive product works better."

Price says little about effectiveness. Consistency and a product that suits your skin type make the difference.

Combining skincare with supplements

• Collagen: hydrolysed collagen is being studied in relation to the skin.
• Vitamin C: contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin.
• Zinc: contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
• Hyaluronic acid: a substance naturally present in the body that binds water, also available as a supplement.
• Beautiful Skin from Within: all skin supplements at a glance.

Frequently asked questions

What is natural skincare?

Skincare with recognisable ingredients such as plant oils, butters and tallow, without parabens or synthetic fragrances. There is no legal definition of 'natural'.

What is tallow?

Purified beef fat. Plent Tallow Balm comes in four variants: Natural, with vitamin E, with castor oil, and Eucalyptus (For Men).

Is tallow suitable for my skin?

Many people use it on dry or sensitive skin. If your skin is prone to blemishes: test on a small patch first.

Does vitamin C help the skin?

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin — when taken via food or supplements.

Is the skincare vegan?

The oils, shea butter and mask powders are. Tallow is of animal origin and not vegan. A vegan formula around the theme of skin and collagen is Sunwarrior Beauty Greens.

Are the products cruelty-free?

In the EU, animal testing for cosmetics is banned (Regulation (EC) 1223/2009).

Sources

• Regulation (EU) 432/2012 — claims for vitamin C, zinc and biotin.
• Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 — European Cosmetics Regulation.
• de Miranda RB., Weimer P., Rossi RC., "Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis", Int J Dermatol (2021).
• Lin TK., Zhong L., Santiago JL., "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils", Int J Mol Sci (2017).