A definitive answer to whether skincare in makeup actually works.

ICYMI, these days you'll be pretty hard-pressed to find makeup products that don't have buzzy ingredients like 'peptides', 'hyaluronic acid' or 'niacinamide' slapped on the front of the packaging. They're absolutely everywhere, and hybrid formulas have very much become part and parcel of new beauty products right now.

Think: Ole Heinriken Peptide Lip Treatment. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. Clarins Comfort Lip Oil — that kind of vibe.

But we have an important question we reckon you probably have, too: Do these ingredients in makeup actually… do anything for your skin?

Watch: Speaking of beauty, have you seen Mamamia write Juna Xu's lipstick hack? It's good. CLEVER. Worth a try. Post continues below.

The short answer? Yes. But before you get too excited, there are some things you need to consider.

Because the effectiveness of skincare ingredients in makeup depends on a few different factors, including the specific ingredients used, their concentration, and how they are formulated into the product.

Ready to get into it? Off we go.

What's the deal with skincare in makeup?

According to cosmetic chemist Dr Michelle Wong (aka @labmuffinbeautyscience), "It depends on the ingredient and the formulation, but it's possible."

"It's really hard to say with all the variables involved: different ingredients, formulations, and order of application all make a difference," she told us. "But it is harder to formulate an effective makeup product with skincare ingredients — most people don't apply as much makeup, and usually the makeup performance will be prioritised over the skincare benefits."

Translation? It's complicated.

What are the benefits of skincare in makeup?

The good news? There are some legitimate benefits to having skincare in your makeup. Not only can it streamline your routine (we love good time-saver), but some ingredients, like squalene, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid can actually be really beneficial when they're included in makeup, especially for those with dry or irritated skin.

For example, hyaluronic acid and glycerin can have immediate benefits and can help plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Meaning? Your makeup might sit better on your skin!

Niacinamide, which is known for its ability to improve skin texture and reduce inflammation, can also be effective in makeup formulations. There are also ingredients like vitamins C and E that can provide some antioxidant protection when incorporated into makeup.

The not-so-good news? Before you throw out all your serums, there are some things you should know.

Firstly, keep in mind that the concentration of active ingredients is usually way lower than in your regular skincare. It's also important to remember that not all ingredients play nice in makeup formulas — and that SPF in your foundation? Yeah, not enough. Unless you're planning to use half a bottle of foundation (please don't), you're not getting proper sun protection.

Some ingredients also need specific conditions to work — and your foundation might not be it.

Does skincare in makeup actually work?

While makeup can be helpful, think of it more like a bonus feature than the main event. It's like a cute backup dancer for your actual skincare routine, not the lead singer. Because while skincare-infused makeup can offer some benefits, it also has its limitations.

You've also got to take the concentration of active ingredients into account. This is typically lower than in dedicated skincare products, meaning the effects may be more subtle or take longer to become noticeable. Then, there's the formulation. The effectiveness of skincare ingredients can be affected by how they are formulated into the makeup product. Some ingredients require specific pH levels or delivery systems to function optimally, which may not always be possible in makeup formulations.

It's important to note that the way makeup is applied and how long it remains on the skin can impact the effectiveness of skincare ingredients. Products that stay on the skin longer, like foundation, may have more opportunity to deliver benefits compared to products that are quickly removed, like lipstick.

Dr Wong puts it perfectly: "In general, it's probably safer to go with a dedicated skincare product."

Also, don't be fooled by what's plastered all over the packaging. As Dr Wong notes, "It's a bit tricky to tell if skincare ingredients in makeup will work or if they're just marketing, but checking for testing claims can give you an idea!"

The verdict.

If you find a foundation with hyaluronic acid that makes your skin feel amazing? Fantastic! Keep using it! But don't ditch your regular skincare routine just yet.

Think of skincare-infused makeup as the cherry on top of your beauty routine — nice to have, but not the whole sundae. It's best to view these products as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, a comprehensive skincare regimen.

As with all things beauty, it's crucial to remember that the effectiveness of skincare in makeup can vary depending on individual skin types and concerns — what works for one person may not work for another.

And please, for the love of all things beauty, don't rely on the SPF in your foundation. Your future self will thank you.

What's your take on skincare in makeup? Have you found any products that actually deliver on their skincare promises? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Erin Docherty.