The Best Skincare Ingredients for Menopausal Skin: Gentle Yet Effective
The Best Skincare Ingredients for Menopausal Skin: Gentle Yet Effective
Research shows that we lose up to 30% of our collagen in the first year of menopause, leading to sometimes dramatic changes in appearance. But it’s not just collagen—our skin also produces fewer ceramides and humectants, which results in increased sensitivity and dryness. However, many gold-standard anti-aging ingredients, such as retinoids, AHAs, and Vitamin C, can be too irritating for menopausal skin. That’s why it’s essential to choose skincare ingredients that are both effective at boosting collagen and gentle on the skin barrier.
"Talking about menopausal skin shouldn’t be a taboo," says Elisa Park, Regelica’s founder. "It’s a reality for millions of women, and we should embrace skincare that supports our skin through this transition."
At Regelica, we carefully select ingredients that address the unique needs of menopausal skin. Here are some of our favorites and why we love them:
🦠 Postbiotics
A healthy microbiome is key to reinforcing skin immunity and resilience. We strongly believe that the microbiome will be at the center of future breakthroughs in anti-aging and longevity. While larger studies are still ongoing, smaller studies already link certain microbiome ingredients to DNA repair, particularly in relation to photoaging. One such ingredient is Micrococcus lysate, a postbiotic known for its role in DNA repair and protection against environmental stressors. This is why we’ve included it in our Immunity Essence—to help reinforce the skin’s defense mechanisms and resilience.
Additionally, Liquid Essences helps the skin act like a sponge, allowing other ingredients to penetrate more effectively. By prepping the skin with microbiome-supporting ingredients, we create an optimal foundation for deeper hydration and nourishment.
🪻 Bakuchiol: A Gentle Collagen Booster
After 50, all aging-related processes accelerate unfortunately: collagen production slows down dramatically, the skin barrier weakens, and sensitivity increases. Retinoids have long been the gold standard for collagen production, but they can be too harsh for menopausal skin. That’s why we selected bakuchiol. Studies about bakuchiol show similar benefits to retinol—stimulating collagen and improving skin texture but with less irritation. It’s an ideal choice for those who want results without compromising their skin barrier.
That’s why there are so many new bakuchiol products on the market. However, many of these products contain only a tiny amount of bakuchiol—just enough to include it in marketing claims. We made sure to include a study-backed 0.5% concentration in our anti-aging cream for real, visible results. Plus, bakuchiol isn’t just a great alternative to retinol; it’s also a powerful antioxidant that helps stabilize retinoids, making it a helpful addition to any routine that includes them. And unlike retinol, bakuchiol can be used in the morning, making it perfect for those who want to double down on collagen support day and night.
⚗️ Ceramides: Strengthening the Skin Barrier
🍊 Stable Forms of Vitamin C: Brightening Without Irritation
By the time women reach late 40s, skin becomes more sensitive, and ascorbic acid—the most potent form of Vitamin C—could be too harsh, causing irritation and redness. Therefore, we turned to stable Vitamin C derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. These forms are less likely to cause irritation while still effectively targeting hyperpigmentation, dullness, fine lines, and even aiding in post-breakout healing. They provide all the glow-boosting benefits of Vitamin C without compromising the skin barrier. After making the switch, your skin would look brighter, more even, and noticeably more radiant—without the sensitivity.
🧪 Mandelic Acid: The Gentle Exfoliant for Baby-Soft Skin
Many people avoid exfoliation as they age, fearing it will be too harsh. However, the right exfoliant can actually improve skin texture and renewal without irritation. Mandelic acid, the gentlest AHA due to its larger molecular size, penetrates the skin more slowly, reducing the risk of irritation while effectively refining pores, smoothing fine lines, and enhancing skin turnover.
That’s why Regelica formulated the Renewal Serum with a potent 8% mandelic acid and reinforced it with skin-native squalane to maintain hydration, along with a blend of powerful antioxidants like resveratrol and edelweiss extract to protect against environmental damage. Unlike many exfoliating serums, it provides hydration rather than stripping the skin—creating an effect that some customers describe as “voodoo magic.”
Regelica founder Elisa Park shares, "Despite my age, my skin feels as soft and plump as it did decades ago, all thanks to this powerhouse formula."
🧬 Niacinamide: A Multi-Tasking Essential
Niacinamide has been a staple in the skincare routine, and we found that a 2% concentration is the sweet spot for menopausal skin. It helps improve elasticity, reduce redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and fade dark spots—all without irritation. This versatile ingredient has made a noticeable difference in keeping your skin looking even-toned and resilient.
Final Thoughts Menopause doesn’t mean giving up on radiant, healthy skin. By choosing ingredients that support collagen production and strengthen the skin barrier, we can maintain a glowing, youthful complexion without irritation. At Regelica, we believe in formulating skincare that works with your skin, not against it!
