Is your skin barrier actually damaged — or is it just throwing a little tantrum? In this episode, Ella breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in skincare: how to tell the difference between temporary irritation and true barrier damage. You’ll learn what your barrier really is, how it protects you, the common mistakes that wreck it, and simple, science-backed steps to heal and strengthen your skin again.

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🧴 Ingredients to Know

Surfactants (Cleansing Agents)

These are the ingredients that make cleansers foam and remove dirt, oil, and makeup. The right surfactant will cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

Gentle surfactants to look for:

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
• Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
• Coco-Glucoside / Decyl Glucoside
• Disodium / Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

Stripping surfactants to avoid (especially as the first ingredient):

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• TEA-Lauryl Sulfate

Humectants (Hydration Magnets)

Humectants are ingredients that attract and hold onto water in the skin — kind of like a sponge pulling moisture from your environment or your deeper skin layers. They keep your complexion plump, soft, and hydrated.

Common humectants to look for:

• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Beta-Glucan
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Sodium PCA

Soothing + Calming Ingredients

When your barrier is feeling sensitive or reactive, these ingredients help calm inflammation and support repair. They can be found in toners, serums, or moisturizers.

Soothing superstars:

• Centella Asiatica (Cica)
• Ectoin
• Allantoin
• Madecassoside
• Bisabolol
• Green Tea Extract
• PDRN (for advanced skin repair)