As the temperatures drop and the heaters go up, our skin and hair often pay the price. Dryness, dullness, and irritation become the uninvited guests of the season. At Crafted, we’re all about formulating smarter — blending science with a touch of creativity to help brands (like yours) create products that truly work.

So, let’s unwrap some of the top winter ingredients that keep formulations (and skin!) happy all season long.

Glycerin – The Humectant Hero

Think of Glycerin as your skin’s friendly sponge, it draws moisture in and refuses to let it go. Found in everything from toothpaste to conditioners, it’s a multitasker that helps keep skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. Perfect for winter when the air outside is cold and the indoor heat is… too much.

Why we love it: It’s versatile, dependable, and keeps moisture where it belongs — in your skin.

Shea Butter – The Comfort Blanket

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is basically a warm hug for your skin and hair. Deeply nourishing and rich in fatty acids, it helps soften rough patches, smooth split ends, and restore elasticity.

Why we love it: It doesn’t just moisturise — it protects, forming a barrier that locks in hydration. Think of it as your personal winter armour.

Sodium Hyaluronate – The Hydration Magnet

Meet the ingredient that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Sodium Hyaluronate (the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid) is a skin-conditioning pro that hydrates deeply while reinforcing the skin’s barrier. It plumps, smooths, and softens — all while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Why we love it: It gives your skin that dewy, healthy glow that winter usually steals.

Ceramides – The Barrier Builders

If your skin barrier had a support team, Ceramides would be the MVPs. These lipids occur naturally in the skin, but as we age (and as the wind bites), their levels drop. Adding ceramides back in helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce water loss, and improve overall resilience.

Why we love it: They work from within — rebuilding what time and weather take away.

Niacinamide – The Brightening All-Rounder

A form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a multitasking legend. It smooths, brightens, strengthens, and soothes — tackling everything from redness to uneven tone. Basically, it’s the ingredient equivalent of a good night’s sleep (in a bottle).

Why we love it: It’s gentle enough for daily use but powerful enough to make a visible difference.

Cold air, low humidity, and central heating might try to sabotage your skin, but the right ingredients can turn things around. From humectants like Glycerin to barrier boosters like Ceramides, these winter essentials are the secret to skin that feels as good as it looks.

At Crafted, we specialise in developing formulations that not only perform but also tell a story — your brand’s story. Whether you’re dreaming up a rich winter cream or a hydrating hair mask, we’re here to make it happen.

Looking to formulate your next winter skincare hero? Get in touch with Crafted, where innovation meets formulation.