Skincare ingredient lookup
40 common actives: what they do, who they suit, how to use them and what not to mix.
Hydrating
- Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic acid is a humectant naturally present in skin that can bind a large amount of water relative to its weight. …Very gentle
- GlycerinGlycerin is the classic and most-studied humectant in skincare. It draws and holds water in the outer layer, supports b…Very gentle
- UreaUrea is part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. At low concentrations it hydrates and supports the barrier; at …Gentle
- Snail Secretion FiltrateSnail secretion filtrate contains glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, allantoin and small amounts of natural acids. It h…Gentle
- Collagen (Hydrolyzed Collagen)Collagen in skincare is too large to penetrate and become the skin's own collagen. Instead, it forms a moisture-holding…Very gentle
- Beta-GlucanBeta-glucan is a polysaccharide extracted from oats, yeast or mushrooms. It forms a moisture-holding film, helps soothe…Very gentle
Barrier
- CeramidesCeramides are lipids that make up a major part of the 'mortar' between surface skin cells, keeping the barrier sealed a…Very gentle
- SqualaneSqualane is the hydrogenated, stable form of squalene, a lipid naturally present in skin's sebum. Usually derived from …Very gentle
Exfoliants
- Salicylic AcidSalicylic acid is an oil-soluble BHA that can get into pores and loosen the mix of sebum and dead cells. This helps red…Moderate
- Glycolic AcidGlycolic acid is the smallest AHA molecule; it loosens the bonds between surface cells so skin sheds more evenly. With …Fairly strong
- Lactic AcidLactic acid is an AHA with a larger molecule than glycolic acid, so it penetrates more slowly and feels gentler. Beside…Moderate
- Mandelic AcidMandelic acid is a large-molecule AHA that penetrates slowly and stings less, making it a good first acid or option for…Gentle
- PHA (Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid)PHAs such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are large-molecule acids that exfoliate very gently at the surface. Th…Gentle
Brightening
- NiacinamideNiacinamide is a water-soluble, stable form of vitamin B3 that blends easily into most formulas. Studies show it helps …Gentle
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals generated by UV and pollution, and it is a cofactor the…Moderate
- Tranexamic AcidTranexamic acid is a derivative of the amino acid lysine that helps interrupt some of the signals triggered by UV and i…Gentle
- Alpha-ArbutinAlpha-arbutin is a glycoside related to hydroquinone but far more stable and gentle. It helps inhibit tyrosinase, the k…Gentle
- Kojic AcidKojic acid is a by-product of fermentation by certain fungi (as in sake brewing). It helps inhibit tyrosinase and suppo…Moderate
- Licorice Root Extract (Glabridin)Licorice root extract contains glabridin and liquiritin, compounds that help limit tyrosinase activity and calm the ski…Very gentle
- Rice Extract / Rice Ferment (Oryza Sativa)Rice extracts and ferments contain starches, amino acids, B vitamins and antioxidant compounds. They help hydrate, soft…Very gentle
Anti-aging
- RetinolRetinol is a form of vitamin A that the skin converts in two steps into retinoic acid, the active form. It is one of th…Fairly strong
- Retinal (Retinaldehyde)Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a vitamin A form only one conversion step away from retinoic acid, so it usually works faste…Fairly strong
- BakuchiolBakuchiol is a compound extracted from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (babchi). It is not structurally a retinoid, b…Gentle
- PeptidesPeptides are short chains of amino acids. Skincare uses signal peptides (such as palmitoyl pentapeptide-4), carrier pep…Very gentle
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an oil-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin lipids from free radicals and softens skin…Gentle
Soothing
- Centella AsiaticaCentella asiatica extract contains triterpenoids such as madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid.…Very gentle
- MadecassosideMadecassoside is a purified triterpenoid isolated from centella, with fairly well-studied anti-inflammatory and skin-re…Very gentle
- PanthenolPanthenol is the precursor of vitamin B5 and converts to pantothenic acid in the skin. It hydrates, soothes and support…Very gentle
- AllantoinAllantoin occurs naturally in comfrey root and is widely synthesised for skincare. It soothes, softens and gently helps…Very gentle
- Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis)Green tea extract is rich in polyphenols, especially EGCG, which are antioxidant and calming. It helps limit free-radic…Very gentle
- Propolis ExtractPropolis is a resinous mix collected by bees, rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antibacter…Moderate
- Mugwort (Artemisia)Mugwort (Artemisia) extract contains flavonoids and antioxidant compounds, and Korean skincare uses it to calm red, unc…Gentle
- Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata)Heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata) extract contains flavonoids such as quercitrin, with antioxidant and calming properties.…Very gentle
- EctoinEctoin is an 'extremolyte' that bacteria living in salty, hot environments produce to protect their cells. On skin it h…Very gentle
Acne support
- Azelaic AcidAzelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid found in grains. It helps keep pores clear, limits acne-related bacteria, calms red…Moderate
- Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Some studies suggest tea t…Moderate
- SulfurSulfur is a long-standing acne-support active commonly found in spot products and masks. It helps shed surface cells, a…Moderate
- Benzoyl PeroxideBenzoyl peroxide is an acne-support active commonly found in spot products and cleansers, and in many markets it is reg…Strong, use with care