Skincare Capsules Are a Frequent-Flyer’s BFF—These Are the Best 5 to Try

If you're a frequent traveler, may I introduce you to skincare capsules? When you're flying with hand luggage, keeping all your liquids within TSA restrictions can be frustrating, especially if you pride yourself on a Korean-style 12-step regimen. Skincare capsules are basically microdoses of a skincare product—just enough for one application. This means you can decant the exact number of capsules you need for the duration of your stay, and still have plenty of space leftover in that clear plastic bag. In fact, even if you're not flying, these skincare capsules will prevent you from being weighed down by hefty bottles and jars. Another benefit: the single-use capsules are far more hygienic than dipping your finger into jars of cream day in, day out, or letting air into bottles when you remove the lid. It's true: Skincare capsules are one of the most convenient and potent ways to deliver active ingredients into your skin. Below are five of the best skincare capsules you can buy today.

This pot contains two different capsules: green for night and pink for day. These tiny capsules are packed with antioxidants that help protect your skin from the environment during the day (ideal for city-dwellers) and assist your skin's natural repair processes while you sleep. If your complexion is looking dull and lackluster, these are for you.

You'll find a potent dose of retinol tucked inside these capsules from Elizabeth Arden. In fact, Arden claims their retinol is 76% more potent than retinol that isn't housed in its own capsule. Retinol is seriously active and able to soften the appearance of lines, reduce pigmentation and increase radiance, but the downside is that it can cause irritation. That's why these capsules contain ceramides too, which help to fortify the skin's barrier and also peptides, which increase skin elasticity for an extra youth-boosting effect.

Vitamin C is another ingredient that degrades when it comes into contact with air, water and even light, which is why a Vitamin C capsule makes so much sense. Exuviance has packed its single-dose vessels with 20% ascorbic acid, the most potent form of vitamin C to boost skin smoothness, firmness and brightness.

If fine lines are your concern, then this three-month supply of night capsules could be your solution. Each contains two potent ingredients: hexapeptide, a combo of six amino acids naturally found in the skin that work to soften and smooth wrinkles (especially good for the delicate eye area and even the forehead), and the antioxidant tocotrienol, which prevents collagen breakdown and protects the skin from UV rays come morning.

These biodegradable, waterless capsules are packed with hyaluronic acid, which diffuse into the skin to hydrate, smooth and plump. Pentapeptide 8 and tetrapeptide 8 prevent the skin's aging processes from taking place. For anyone with dehydration issues or genuine anti-aging concerns, these would make a great addition to your regimen. Sign-up to the Beauty Pie subscription program and you'll get these $65 capsules for just under $12.

Next up, this serum promises to stop "inflammaging".