Skincare ingredients

Browse ingredient groups or search by name.

Actives

Usually the clearest clue a product may help with a skin goal.

Retinoids

Vitamin A family for texture, acne, and fine lines.

Retinol, Retinal, Adapalene

Open group

Ascorbic Acid

Pure vitamin C; best studied, less stable.

Ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid

Open group

Vitamin C Derivatives

Alternative vitamin C forms; evidence varies by form.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Ascorbyl glucoside, Ethyl ascorbic acid

Open group

Vitamin C

Antioxidant for brightening and photoprotection.

Ascorbic acid, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Ascorbyl glucoside

Open group

Salicylic Acid

Oil-soluble exfoliant for pores and breakouts.

Salicylic acid, Beta hydroxy acid

Open group

AHA

Surface exfoliants for texture, dullness, and uneven tone.

Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Mandelic acid

Open group

PHA

Gentler exfoliants with added hydration support.

Gluconolactone, Lactobionic acid

Open group

Azelaic Acid

Useful for redness, acne, and post-breakout marks.

Azelaic acid

Open group

Benzoyl Peroxide

High-evidence acne treatment; can be drying.

Benzoyl peroxide

Open group

Alpha-Arbutin

Pigment-focused active for dark spots.

Alpha-arbutin

Open group

Thiamidol

Targeted dark-spot active for stubborn pigmentation.

Thiamidol

Open group

Bakuchiol

Retinoid-adjacent plant active; not a retinoid.

Bakuchiol

Open group

CBD

Anti-inflammatory candidate; evidence still developing.

Cannabidiol, CBD

Open group

Peptides

Amino acid chains for repair and collagen.

Copper tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Acetyl hexapeptide-8

Open group

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 for barrier, oil, and tone.

Niacinamide, Nicotinamide

Open group

Vitamin E

Antioxidant that protects and supports healing.

Tocopherol, Tocopheryl acetate

Open group

Hydration and barrier

Useful when skin is dry, tight, over-treated, or easier to upset.

Things to watch for

Most useful as exclusions if your skin is reactive or you are simplifying.

Sunscreen filters

Useful when sunscreen feel, tolerance, or filter type matters.

Formula support

Often important for safety, stability, or texture, but not usually the main reason a product works.