Your complete guide to skincare ingredients. Learn what they do, how to use them, and which products contain them. No marketing fluff—just honest, science-backed information.
12 ingredients found
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and one of the most researched anti-aging ingredients. It works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
Start with 2-3 times per week at night, gradually increasing frequency. Always use sunscreen during the day as retinol increases sun sensitivity. Apply to clean, dry skin and wait 20 minutes before moisturizer.
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously. It strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, and has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated skin.
Can be used morning and night. Apply after cleansing and before moisturizer. Safe to combine with most other ingredients. Concentration of 5-10% is most effective.
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin. It's naturally found in our bodies but decreases with age. Topical application helps restore hydration and plumpness.
Apply to damp skin morning and night before moisturizer. Works best when skin is slightly wet. Follow with an occlusive moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Ceramides are lipids that make up 50% of your skin's barrier. They act like mortar between skin cells, keeping moisture in and irritants out. Essential for maintaining healthy, resilient skin.
Use morning and night as part of your moisturizer. Especially beneficial after exfoliation or when skin feels sensitive. Can be layered with other actives.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against environmental damage while brightening and evening out skin tone. L-Ascorbic Acid is the most potent form but also the most unstable.
Apply in the morning before sunscreen for maximum antioxidant protection. Start with 10% concentration. Store in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation. Tingling is normal.
Snail mucin is a K-beauty favorite packed with glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid. It helps skin retain moisture while promoting healing and regeneration. Despite the name, it's lightweight and non-sticky.
Apply after cleansing, before heavier serums and moisturizers. Can be used morning and night. Pat gently into skin until absorbed. Safe for sensitive skin.
Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid that's less irritating than traditional retinol but equally effective. It's FDA-approved for acne treatment and also provides anti-aging benefits by increasing cell turnover.
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin at night. Start 3x per week and gradually increase. Use sunscreen daily. Expect a purging period for 4-6 weeks. Avoid combining with other strong actives initially.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. They signal skin to produce more collagen, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Apply morning and/or night after cleansing. Can be layered with other actives. Works well with retinol and vitamin C. Results take 8-12 weeks of consistent use.
Zinc is a mineral with anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties. It helps calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and control excess oil production. Also provides some UV protection.
Often combined with niacinamide for enhanced oil control. Can be used morning and night. Safe for sensitive skin. May cause slight white cast if concentration is too high.
Glycerin is a humectant that draws water into the skin from the environment and deeper skin layers. It's one of the most effective and well-tolerated moisturizing ingredients available.
Found in most moisturizers and serums. Works best when followed by an occlusive to seal in moisture. Can be used morning and night. Safe for all skin types including sensitive.
Panthenol is a humectant and emollient that penetrates deep into skin layers to provide long-lasting hydration. It has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes wound healing, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.
Can be used morning and night. Safe to combine with all other ingredients. Especially beneficial after exfoliation or when skin is irritated. Found in many moisturizers and healing ointments.
Hydrocolloid is a gel-forming material used in wound care that creates a moist environment for optimal healing. In acne patches, it absorbs excess fluid from blemishes while protecting them from bacteria and picking.
Apply to clean, dry skin over active blemishes. Leave on for 6-8 hours or overnight. Remove gently and replace if needed. Most effective on whiteheads or after extraction.
Navigating the world of skincare ingredients can be overwhelming. With thousands of ingredients and conflicting information online, it's hard to know what actually works and what's just marketing hype.
Our ingredient glossary cuts through the noise with honest, science-backed information about the most important skincare ingredients. We explain what each ingredient does, how to use it properly, and which products in our reviews contain it.
Whether you're looking to address specific skin concerns like acne, aging, or dryness, or you're simply trying to understand what's in your products, this glossary is your go-to resource for ingredient education.