Skincare Ingredients
Your guide to skincare ingredients. Learn what each active does, how to use it, and which ingredients work well together.
🔬Retinoids
Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and is considered the gold standard for anti-aging. It's available over-the-counter in various strengths.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a prescription-strength retinoid that's more potent than over-the-counter retinol. It's the most studied anti-aging ingredient with decades of research backing its effectiveness.
Adapalene (Differin)
Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid originally prescription-only, now available OTC as Differin. It's gentler than tretinoin while still being effective for acne and anti-aging.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient often called 'natural retinol.' Studies show similar benefits to retinol for fine lines and pigmentation, but without irritation.
🍊Antioxidants
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, protects against free radical damage, and boosts collagen production.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant found in red grapes, berries, and red wine. In skincare, it protects against environmental damage and has anti-aging properties.
Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant found in plant cell walls that enhances the stability and effectiveness of other antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E.
💧Hydrators
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. It occurs naturally in skin and is used in skincare to provide deep, lasting hydration.
Squalane
Squalane is a lightweight, stable oil derived from olives or sugarcane that mimics your skin's natural sebum. It moisturizes without clogging pores.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that make up over 50% of your skin's barrier. In skincare, they help repair and strengthen the barrier, locking in moisture and keeping irritants out.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that draws water into the skin. It's one of the most effective and well-researched moisturizing ingredients, found in countless skincare products.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a nutrient-rich oil from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree. It's high in vitamin E and fatty acids, making it excellent for moisturizing skin and hair.
Snail Mucin
Snail mucin (snail secretion filtrate) is a K-beauty staple known for its hydrating, healing, and anti-aging properties. It contains glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid naturally.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is a nutrient-rich oil pressed from rose bush seeds. It's high in essential fatty acids and vitamin A (retinol), making it beneficial for scars, fine lines, and dry skin.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Panthenol is the provitamin form of vitamin B5. It's a humectant and emollient that attracts moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and promotes healing—making it ideal for sensitive or damaged skin.
Urea
Urea is a powerful humectant and keratolytic found naturally in skin. At low concentrations it hydrates; at higher concentrations it exfoliates and softens rough, thickened skin.
✨Exfoliants
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to clear out sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It's the gold standard for acne-prone skin.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It has the smallest molecular size of all AHAs, allowing it to penetrate deeply and effectively exfoliate.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk. It exfoliates while also hydrating, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a multitasking ingredient that treats acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. It's gentle, safe for pregnancy, and works well for sensitive skin types.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) derived from almonds. Its larger molecular size makes it gentler than glycolic acid, ideal for sensitive skin and those prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
🧬Peptides
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the skin. Different peptides target different concerns—from collagen production to muscle relaxation.
Copper Peptides
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are peptides bound to copper ions. They have powerful wound healing, anti-aging, and hair growth properties backed by significant research.
Matrixyl
Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 and related peptides) is one of the most studied anti-aging peptides. It signals skin to produce more collagen and has clinical evidence for wrinkle reduction.
Argireline
Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) is known as 'Botox in a bottle.' It works by reducing muscle contractions that cause expression lines, though less dramatically than actual Botox.
🧪Other Actives
Niacinamide
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a versatile ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, and regulates oil production. It's gentle enough for most skin types.
Alpha Arbutin
Alpha arbutin is a brightening ingredient derived from bearberry. It inhibits melanin production to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation without the irritation of hydroquinone.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes). It's one of the most effective OTC acne treatments and is available in various strengths.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most important anti-aging product. It protects against UV damage that causes 80% of visible skin aging, prevents skin cancer, and protects other skincare investments.
Collagen
Collagen is the main structural protein in skin. While topical collagen can't penetrate skin, collagen supplements and collagen-boosting ingredients can support skin firmness.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent derived from the Hamamelis virginiana plant. It's commonly used as a toner to minimize pores and control oil, though it may be too drying for some skin types.
Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid is a powerful brightening ingredient that inhibits melanin production. Originally used to treat bleeding, it's now one of the most effective treatments for melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's commonly used for acne but must be diluted as pure tea tree oil can be irritating.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a natural brightening ingredient derived from fungi (particularly in sake production). It inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production and treat hyperpigmentation.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Centella Asiatica, also known as cica or tiger grass, is an herbal ingredient renowned for its soothing and healing properties. It's a cornerstone of K-beauty and ideal for sensitive, irritated skin.
Allantoin
Allantoin is a gentle, soothing compound naturally found in comfrey plant. It promotes cell regeneration, soothes irritation, and is so gentle it's used in baby products.
Caffeine
Caffeine in skincare is primarily used for under-eye products to temporarily reduce puffiness and dark circles by constricting blood vessels and reducing fluid retention.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Originally a blood pressure medication, it was discovered to stimulate hair growth as a side effect.
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