Is skincare-infused makeup worth the hype?

When a makeup foundation promises to hydrate your skin and protect you from sun damage, it certainly sounds like a steal. Similarly, when a concealer claims to not only cover but also treat blemishes, it feels like a win-win. Thanks to the growing interest in skincare, makeup brands are now launching products with skincare benefits, creating a new hybrid category.

This skincare-makeup hybrid has, in fact, become the foundation for many new brands emerging in the market. From foundations and concealers infused with hyaluronic acid, colour-correcting creams with SPF protection, to serum-blushes and mascaras boasting vitamin-rich formulas, makeup products with skincare benefits are creating a buzz in the beauty scene. Lip oils, the It beauty product of the moment, also fit this beauty-cum-skincare category.

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

Makeup can harm your skin

Dermatologists say that while this shift towards hybrids is a step up from traditional makeup, it can also be misleading. These hybrid products can essentially benefit those who regularly wear makeup, as several makeup products can harm the skin in various ways.

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

Makeup can lead to clogged pores, which can eventually result in a dull complexion and acne.

“Makeup, especially once the bottle is open and exposed to the environment, becomes prone to contamination. Brushes and beauty blenders can harbour bacteria, and when those bacteria come into contact with your skin, they can cause breakouts and even pus-filled pimples,” adds Dr Srivastava.

The wrong makeup can leave dry skin drier, and oily skin oilier. Several makeup products also cause perioral pigmentation (dark or discolored skin around the mouth). “Some lipsticks, especially mattifying ones with unnatural shades, can lead to pigmentation around the lips due to ingredients like bromic acid and lead,” explains Dr Srivastava.

A lot also depends on your habits. For instance, not washing makeup brushes and sponges is an instant recipe for disaster, as is using expired beauty products. Sleeping with makeup on or wearing it for extended periods also damages the skin. Often, poor product selection is to blame as well.

How do makeup-skincare hybrid products help?

The rise of skincare-infused makeup stems from the idea that, since makeup stays on the skin for long periods, it can also contribute to protection and healing. Common skincare 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 instance, makeup products containing salicylic acid are often promoted as anti-acne. Those enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or plant-based oils are labelled as ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturising’. However, it all depends on the quality and concentration of the skincare ingredients used.

“Active skincare ingredients in makeup are meant for protection, not repair. They help by adding an extra layer of antioxidants and anti-pollution agents to the skin. You still need the basic routine of toner, eye cream, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen to prepare the skin for makeup and for repair at night,” says Dr Rinky Kapoor, dermatologist and dermato-surgeon at The Esthetic Clinics, Mumbai.

“The inclusion of skincare benefits in makeup is a positive development. Traditional makeup has primarily focused on coverage and aesthetics, but newer products with ingredients like SPF, antioxidants, or hyaluronic acid provide additional skin protection and hydration. These hybrid products can help prevent common issues like dryness, irritation, or sun damage while you wear makeup, making them a better option for long-term skin health,” adds Dinyar Workingboxwalla, a Mumbai-based celebrity aesthetician.

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

“Often, there isn’t enough concentration of actives like Vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in makeup for it to actually deliver results,” says Dr Srivastava.

“Additionally, 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 skincare ingredients, especially when paying more for skincare-makeup products.
Additionally, these hybrid products cannot replace a dedicated skincare routine.

“Makeup products containing active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, or SPF can provide surface-level benefits such as hydration or protection. However, for deeper skin concerns like anti-ageing or acne treatment, it’s important to supplement makeup with a dedicated skincare routine,” says Workingboxwalla.

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 hours. It’s like a mini treatment that works while you’re out and about. As dermatologists often emphasise, there’s no absolute substitute for a solid skincare regimen. However, skincare-infused makeup can be thought of as a complementary layer of care,” says Ananya Kapur, founder of Type Beauty.

“If you’re using a foundation with sunscreen, it doesn’t mean you don’t need regular sunscreen, it only means that touch-ups will be easier. Similarly, acne-fighting makeup will reduce the chances of breakouts but is not a treatment for acne, and a jojoba oil lipstick will reduce the need for applying lip balm often,” says Dr Rinky Kapoor.

So, who needs skincare-infused makeup?

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

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

For example, some concealers claim to treat acne within four days. While you could directly use an anti-acne treatment, if wearing makeup is important, it’s better to opt for a hybrid product. This way, it not only avoids further damaging your skin but also aids in quicker healing.

Similarly, using a blush containing skincare ingredients can also be a good idea.

“Blushers can be problematic for individuals with dry skin, as they tend to appear papery and flaky on the cheeks when using powder blushers. Those infused with argan oil, shea butter, and other ingredients are great for people with dry skin seeking a supple, dewy finish,” 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 suited to your skin type, following a proper skincare routine, using clean makeup tools, removing makeup gently, using non-comedogenic products, and avoiding sharing your makeup.