Finding new beauty products that are actually effective can be a challenge. With shelves stacked with tons of products, many labeled with complicated lists of ingredients, it can be difficult to decide on what brands to trust.
Across the globe, there are beauty secrets that have been passed down for generations, providing fixes for issues ranging from dandruff to dry skin.
To let you in on these beauty secrets, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman recently stopped by TODAY with Jenna & Friends to share her favorite products from around the world. From Brazil to Japan, read on to discover these globally loved picks.
Beauty products around the world seen on Jenna & Friends
Japan
Drinking matcha isn't just a trend — it has some health benefits, too. While it is good for the inside, matcha-infused skin care can treat common skin concerns, too. For instance, this matcha cleanser from Tatcha contains Japanese Kyo-Matcha, which "is rich in antioxidants to calm skin," explains Engelman. Plus, it uses "Japanese mugwort to support skin barrier and coix seed and willow bark to decongest pores and even skin tone," the dermatologist adds.
Scotland
Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner is TikTok viral for a very good reason. If you have dry and/or sensitive skin, the toner uses a barrier lipid complex, among other ingredients, to soothe dryness and strengthen the skin barrier. Per the brand, it is clinically proven to provide lasting hydration and reduce sensitivity for more radiant and soft skin.
UAE, Dubai
“This doctor-developed brand is all about ‘Skin Longevity:’ Making sure not only your skin looks great, but is actually healthy,” explains Engelman. Their balm-to-oil serum is a good example of that, as it’s inspired by the ancient Gua Sha technique with a stick formula that instantly melts into your skin as you glide.
“Formulated with ceramides, resveratrol and squalane, [the serum] strengthens the skin barrier, visibly smooths skin and helps even tone for glow-like-glass skin,” adds the dermatologist.
France
For those looking for bruise relief, Engelman claims she uses the Arnicare Pain Relief Roll-On for patients who are prone to bruising, whether from injectables or other factors.
"Powered by Arnica, the quickly absorbed formula delivers relief for muscle pain, stiffness, swelling from injuries, and bruises," details Engelman. Plus, the gel is super easy to apply, as it is in a cooling metal roller that is equally soothing as it is easy to glide on.
Brazil
Engelman calls the Body Badalada Lotion from Sol de Janeiro "body confidence in a bottle" for all that it offers and represents. "The key ingredient is Brazilian sugarcane and seven hyaluronic acids to provide 24-hours of weightless hydration, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth," she says. "Embrace your inner magnetism and confidence with this product."
More beauty products from around the world
Engelman previously joined TODAY to share more of her favorite products from around the world.
Brazil
Engelman says this oil-to-foam body wash from Sol de Janeiro "nourishes and hydrates skin as it cleanses." The brand contributes those effects to its Brazilian oil blend, which includes Brazil nut seed oil and coconut oil, among other delicious oils, that soften and balance the skin after every use.
South Korea
We get it — skin care routines can be time-consuming. This unique face mask, however, is all about convenience. "It protects and enhances your skin’s elasticity with our collagen wrapping film, delivering eight hours of intensive care while you sleep," explains Engelman. It applies and comes off in one piece, and just requires you to wear the mask overnight. "Perfect for waking up with firmer, more resilient skin," she adds.
Canada
The eye area, especially the lids, is a delicate part of the skin, says Engleman. SkinFix's eye cream was designed to deeply hydrate and brighten, from the lids to the under eyes, and is one of Engelman's most loved products for this area.
Mexico
Get ready for moisturized skin with this body lotion from Santu Beauty. The born-in-Mexico brand has its roots in its products, with the body lotion containing locally harvested Mexican lime, Guerrero eucalyptus and rosemary de la madre tierra for a deeply rich and radiant formula.
"The ancestral benefits of copal resin, sourced from the trees native to Costa Grande, will give your body a luminous glow," notes Engelman. You can also shop for more scents here.
United States of America
Not all dry shampoos are alike, and Commence's 2-in-1 dry shampoo proves just that. Created by supermodel and actress Brooke Shields, this product promises to instantly refresh the hair and scalp by absorbing excess sebum and oil and moisturizing dry areas. Plus, if you're looking for a boost of volume, "It['s] revitalizing hair at the root for thicker, fuller looking hair," adds Engelman.
Colombia
Founded by actress Sofia Vergara, “this product is like a three-in-one: [It] delivers antioxidants to the skin like a serum, provides broad spectrum SPF 50+ mineral protection and works perfectly as a makeup primer,” says Engelman. We attribute this to its soft beige pigment, which the brand labels as a universal formula, and the velvety finish.
China
“Oil-based cleansers are fantastic for removing makeup and are actually a great way to gently cleanse for most skin types, including dry, sensitive or oily/acne-prone skin,” suggests Engelman. So, all skin types should enjoy the perks of this product. It contains a blend of jojoba oil, squalane and olive oil that deeply cleanses and moisturizes the skin. So as it is removing away makeup and dirt, your skin shouldn’t feel stripped of moisture.
Switzerland
Those with dry, rough skin should indulge in the ultra-hydrating benefits of this Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream. It is filled with “rosemary, chamomile, and pansy in a nourishing base of sunflower and sweet almond oils to help unlock the look of radiance,” says Engelman It can be used on the cuticles, elbows, knees and anywhere else that needs hydration. And as a final pro tip: “You can even use it for flyaways in your hair!” she adds.
United Kingdom
“These vitamin patches are meant to be worn for eight to 12 hours as the vitamins and adaptogens are absorbed transdermally (which means through your skin) as you wear it,” explains Engelman. You apply the product as you would a band-aid, and simply stick to your arm.
“They have different ingredient blends depending on your supplement goals: Daily Defense for daily immune support, Skin Support which has ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacin, and biotin, and Travel Well for a healthy mind & body on the go,” she adds.
This night serum is a favorite in the United Kingdom and has won over 23 awards to prove it. The star ingredient inside is retinaldehyde, which the brand defines as a “next-generation form of vitamin A that is proven to deliver results up to 11x faster than traditional retinol.” This alone will help to reduce dark spots and improve the appearance of fine lines. But if you’re new to vitamin A, don’t fret: The product comes in five progressive strengths to accommodate every level.
South Korea
“Milk is a very traditional ingredient in South Korean culture,” explains Engelman. “And this product is enriched with amino acids and lactic acid derived from cow milk, which helps care for skin elasticity and gently exfoliates dead skin cells.” Dr. Dendy recommends applying two to four pumps, twice daily, before your moisturizer and SPF (in the morning) for optimal results. Expect a boost of hydration, supple skin and a luminous glow after use/over-time.
After a long workday, we want our nighttime routines to be quick and simple. That’s where Medicube’s Daily Quick Mask enters the picture. It is described as a daily sheet mask that instantly smoothes, cools and moisturizes the skin. Give it just 60 seconds to experience such results, and use either day or night (or both!).
Netherlands
This beard serum conditions the beard and skin without clogging the pores — talk about a win-win. The product achieves these results through its lightweight and hydrating formula, which consists of sunflower, argan and coconut oils. After application, the beard should feel soft and the hair more tamed. But if you’re still not convinced, this serum was developed by world-renowned barbers based in the Netherlands.
For a lot of people, the eye area is one of the most common aging concerns. After all, it is one of the most delicate parts of the skin, but a gentle eye product — such as this one from Reuzel — can help treat the area. “This men’s eye cream is a lightweight, quick drying, fragrance-free formula that helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles,” says Engelman. It contains caffeine, calendula extract, shea butter and apricot oil to simultaneously moisture, hydrate and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Denmark
Most hand washes can dry out the skin, but this Denmark-based brand claims its version does the opposite. The primary ingredients inside this wash, such as organic glycerin and Danish spring water, are incredibly moisturizing for all skin types. This is especially helpful during the cooler months when you want to take extra care of your hands. There are also other scents to choose from if you’re looking for something lighter or more seasonal.
Meet the expert
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist.
How we chose
Dr. Dendy Engelman shared with the Shop TODAY team her favorite and most recommended beauty products from various countries, as well as tips for proper usage.
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