How to Build an Effective Skincare Routine: A Guide to Active Ingredients That Work

Creating a skincare routine can feel overwhelming. With so many serums, actives, and buzzwords floating around, knowing what your skin actually needs is half the battle. At Pt78 Skin & Body, we believe in cutting through the noise with a routine that’s grounded in results, supported by science, and elevated by Australian botanicals.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your ritual, here’s what to include — and why it works.

Step 1: Cleanse Gently, But Effectively

A solid skincare routine begins with a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin. Our botanical-based cleansers use Aloe Vera and native fruit extracts like Quandong and Lilly Pilly to leave the skin soft, clear, and ready to absorb actives. Gentle cleansing is especially essential for sensitive skin, oily skin, and those prone to congestion.

Step 2: Vitamin C in the Morning

If you’re not already using a vitamin C serum, now’s the time to start. This antioxidant powerhouse helps neutralise environmental damage, brighten dull skin, and stimulate collagen production.

We use a stabilised form of vitamin C — Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate — in our Highlight C Serum, paired with native Kakadu Plum, which holds the highest known natural concentration of vitamin C. This makes it ideal for those targeting pigmentation, dullness, or uneven skin tone.

Step 3: Hydrate Deeply with Hyaluronic Acid

Dehydrated skin is one of the most common (and fixable) concerns. A hyaluronic acid serum helps pull moisture into the skin and keep it there, softening fine lines and prepping the skin for moisturiser.

Our Brighten B Serum combines hyaluronic acid with vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and B5 (panthenol) to hydrate, refine pores, and balance the skin barrier — a great option for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Step 4: Retinol at Night — Start Slow

Few ingredients have been studied as extensively as retinol. It supports collagen production, evens tone, and smooths the appearance of fine lines. Our Refine A Serum uses a low-irritation, time-release 0.4% retinol, buffered with soothing bisabolol and antioxidant-rich Kakadu Plum, making it ideal for first-time retinol users.

If you’re targeting fine lines, texture, or breakouts, start using retinol once per week and build up slowly to avoid irritation.

Step 5: Don’t Forget Your Eyes

The delicate under-eye area is often the first place to show signs of stress and fatigue. A lightweight eye cream for dark circles can make a noticeable difference. Our Illuminate Eye Cream includes Cucumber Oil, Quandong Extract, and Kakadu Plum, helping to brighten, hydrate, and reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines.

The Bottom Line

A great skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be consistent, ingredient-focused, and suited to your skin. At Pt78, we formulate each product with a clear purpose: to deliver results without compromising skin health. Whether you’re looking to brighten, smooth, hydrate or rebalance, our range supports every step of the journey.

Ready to build your ritual? Explore our full range of organic, vegan skincare made in Australia, and find the active ingredients that work best for your skin.