Why Gold Is The Hottest Skin Care Ingredient RN

As of late, you have probably noticed that more and more beauty products include 24 karat gold as an ingredient. And while it may seem like a superfluous luxury, you may be surprised at what gold in skin care actually does. Because this metal isn't just for wearing, it's also for slathering all over your face. NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, explained to Instyle.com that gold is used not only for anti-aging but also to help reduce inflammation, which can be a cause of acne and hyper-pigmentation.

Aesthetician at the Ritz Carlton's La Prarie Spa in Manhattan, Mary DeRolph, further explained to HarpersBazaar.com that in addition to protecting the skin from fine lines and discoloration with continued use, it also has an immediate effect of brightening the skin. This is because the gold particles work to reflect light, giving the skin a luminosity. While this all sounds pretty amazing, it's always good to take every claim with a grain of salt. In this particular case, it is still worth noting that there isn't any conclusive evidence on the efficacy of gold's anti-aging properties. (Plus, gold-infused beauty can be pretty pricey.) However, I have to say I can't imagine how gold would not offer some totally covetable radiance. So if you feel like you want a little 24k in your beauty routine, here are nine gold-infused products worth trying.

1. Cleansing Butter

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Cleansing Butter, $55, Sephora

Because is there a more luxurious way to remove your makeup than with creamy gold?

2. Sugar Scrub

Omorovicza Gold Sugar Scrub, $90, Nordstrom

The gold in this scrub helps to heal micro-damage while the cane sugar evens texture.

3. Serum

Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum, $95, Sephora

In the short term? It provides that lit-from-within glow. In the long term? Firmer skin.

4. Face Mask

Orogold 24K Collagen & Seaweed Mask, $298, Orogold Cosmetics

This mask works to restore volume, firmness, and moisture to aging skin with the help of gold, seaweed, and collagen.

5. Sheet Mask

Passport To Beauty Gold Radiance Luxury Facial Mask With Collagen And Rose Oil, $65, Passport To Beauty

I won't lie: This mask looks kind of creepy. But it will rejuvenate and restore your skin. Plus, you can even store it in the fridge for a pleasant cooling sensation.

6. Eye Cream

Chantecaille Nano Gold Energizing Eye Cream, $265, Nordstrom

If there were a miracle product to help target dark circles and puffiness, it's probably gold.

7. Eye Mask

La Pure 24K Gold Eye Treatment Mask, $20, Amazon

A gold treatment doesn't get much easier (or better) than in the form of eye gels.

8. Moisturizer

Chateau Absolute Gold 24K Lifting Day Moisturizer, $30, Amazon

OK seriously, these pearls of gold-infused moisturizer are just so cool.

9. Primer

Guerlain L'Or Primer, $74, Sephora

Prep your skin for the best makeup application with this smoothing and illuminating gold primer.

It doesn't really get more luxurious than this.

Images: @peterthomasroth_tr/Instagram; Courtesy of Brands