Niacinamide

The multi-tasking B3 vitamin that does almost everything right.

Hyaluronic Acid

A humectant that holds 1000x its weight in water for instant plumping.

Retinol

The gold-standard vitamin A derivative for cellular renewal and anti-ageing.

Vitamin C

A potent antioxidant that brightens, protects, and boosts collagen.

Salicylic Acid

The oil-soluble acid that goes deep into pores to dissolve congestion.

Glycolic Acid

The smallest AHA with the deepest penetration for serious resurfacing.

Lactic Acid

A gentler AHA that exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously.

Azelaic Acid

The gentle multi-tasker safe for rosacea, acne, and hyperpigmentation.

Benzoyl Peroxide

The most effective OTC ingredient for killing acne bacteria on contact.

Ceramides

The essential lipids that form your skin barrier and lock moisture in.

Peptides

Amino acid chains that signal skin to produce more collagen and elastin.

Zinc Oxide

A mineral UV filter that sits on skin to physically reflect harmful rays.

Squalane

A weightless emollient identical to your skin's own natural oil.

Centella Asiatica

The calming botanical that heals, soothes, and rebuilds the skin barrier.

Tranexamic Acid

A targeted brightening agent that tackles stubborn pigmentation at multiple pathways.

Alpha Arbutin

A stable, skin-friendly hydroquinone derivative for targeted dark spot fading.

Bakuchiol

A plant-based retinol alternative that delivers similar results with less irritation.

Ferulic Acid

An antioxidant booster that doubles the efficacy of vitamin C and E.

Allantoin

A soothing agent that calms irritation and speeds up skin cell renewal.

Panthenol

Vitamin B5 that acts as a humectant, emollient, and skin healer all in one.

Glycerin

The most effective and affordable humectant in skincare.

Shea Butter

A rich emollient packed with fatty acids and vitamins that deeply nourishes dry skin.

Jojoba Oil

Technically a wax ester that mimics sebum and balances oil production.

Rosehip Oil

A vitamin-rich facial oil high in linoleic acid for brightening and anti-ageing.

Tea Tree Oil

A potent antimicrobial essential oil clinically proven for acne at the right concentration.

Mandelic Acid

The gentlest AHA — a large molecule that exfoliates slowly for sensitive skin.

Kojic Acid

A fungus-derived tyrosinase inhibitor that targets melanin production at the source.

Green Tea Extract

A polyphenol-rich antioxidant that protects against UV damage and soothes inflammation.

Coenzyme Q10

An energy-producing antioxidant that declines with age, fighting fine lines from within.

Zinc PCA

A sebum-regulating zinc salt that tackles oiliness and acne without drying the skin.

PHA

The gentlest chemical exfoliant — all the benefits of AHAs with none of the sting.

Titanium Dioxide

A mineral UV filter that sits on skin and physically deflects UV rays.

Vitamin E

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects and nourishes the skin barrier.

Retinal

The powerful retinoid one step from retinoic acid — faster results, fewer steps to convert.

Argireline

A topical peptide that mimics Botox by relaxing expression lines.

Copper Peptides

Nature's wound healer — stimulates collagen and regenerates the skin matrix.

Matrixyl 3000

One of the most studied peptide complexes for reducing wrinkles and boosting collagen.

Polyglutamic Acid

A fermented humectant that holds 4x more moisture than hyaluronic acid.

Beta Glucan

A deeply soothing polysaccharide that hydrates and calms inflamed skin.

Marula Oil

A lightweight African seed oil packed with oleic acid and antioxidants.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

One of nature's richest sources of skin-protective antioxidants — powerful but use sparingly.

Ascorbyl Glucoside

A stable Vitamin C derivative that brightens without the instability or irritation of L-Ascorbic Acid.

Adenosine

A naturally occurring molecule that firms skin, reduces wrinkles, and calms redness.

Licorice Root Extract

A plant extract that fades dark spots and soothes irritation without purging.

Witch Hazel

A botanical astringent that tightens pores and balances oily skin — but choose alcohol-free.

Propolis

A bee-derived resin with potent antibacterial and healing properties for acne-prone skin.

Colloidal Oatmeal

An FDA-approved skin protectant that soothes eczema, itch, and irritation instantly.

Bisabolol

A chamomile-derived molecule that calms sensitive skin and enhances active absorption.

Resveratrol

A powerful plant polyphenol that activates longevity genes and protects from oxidative damage.

Argan Oil

Morocco's liquid gold — a lightweight oil rich in oleic acid and Vitamin E.

Sodium PCA

A key component of the skin's own Natural Moisturising Factor — a natural humectant.

Madecassoside

The purified active from Centella Asiatica — more targeted healing and collagen stimulation.

Snow Mushroom

A fungal humectant from traditional Asian medicine that outperforms hyaluronic acid in moisture retention.

Mugwort Extract

A traditional Asian herb that calms sensitive skin, fights acne, and reduces pores.

Neem Oil

A potent Ayurvedic oil with strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Dimethicone

A silicone that leaves skin silky, protected, and primed for makeup.

Petrolatum

The gold-standard occlusive that seals in moisture better than almost anything.

Cetyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol that thickens creams and softens skin — nothing like the drying kind.

Cetearyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol blend that gives creams their rich, cushiony feel.

Butylene Glycol

A lightweight humectant that hydrates and helps actives absorb better.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

A lightweight, odourless oil derived from coconut that absorbs without greasiness.

Phenoxyethanol

The most widely used modern preservative — keeps your products safe and stable.

Aloe Vera

Nature's soothing gel — calms redness, hydrates, and speeds up skin recovery.

Caffeine

Wakes up tired eyes and protects skin from UV-induced damage.

Urea

A natural skin moisturiser that also gently dissolves dead skin at higher concentrations.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

A stable, gentle form of Vitamin C that brightens without the irritation.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

A powerful cleansing agent that can strip skin barrier with frequent use.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that cleans without stripping.

Alcohol Denat

A fast-drying solvent that can disrupt the skin barrier with regular use.

Kaolin

A gentle white clay that absorbs excess oil and unclogs pores.

Sunflower Oil

A lightweight, linoleic-rich oil that replenishes the skin barrier.

Sweet Almond Oil

A classic, nourishing oil that softens and conditions skin.

Coconut Oil

A deeply moisturising oil beloved by many — but best avoided if you're acne-prone.

Mineral Oil

A highly refined petroleum-derived oil that's one of the safest occlusives in skincare.

Fragrance

The single most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis — worth watching.

Linalool

A common fragrance component found in lavender — a top fragrance allergen.

Limonene

The citrusy fragrance compound that's a well-known skin sensitiser.

Retinyl Palmitate

A gentler, slower-acting form of Vitamin A — good for retinoid beginners.

Ethylhexylglycerin

A gentle preservative booster that also conditions the skin.

Caprylyl Glycol

A multitasking ingredient that preserves, hydrates, and softens in one.

Carbomer

The ingredient that turns watery serums into satisfying gels.

Xanthan Gum

A natural ferment-derived thickener that stabilises formulas.

Glyceryl Stearate

A natural emulsifier that holds creams together and softens skin.

Stearic Acid

A fatty acid that thickens formulas and leaves skin feeling soft.

Citric Acid

A gentle AHA from citrus that adjusts pH and mildly exfoliates.

Sodium Hydroxide

A pH balancer present in almost every skincare product — completely safe at trace levels.

Propylene Glycol

A common humectant and solvent — effective but occasionally sensitising.

Methylparaben

The most-studied cosmetic preservative — safe at approved concentrations.

Propylparaben

A paraben preservative commonly paired with methylparaben for broader protection.

Potassium Sorbate

A food-grade preservative widely used in natural and clean beauty formulas.

Sodium Benzoate

A widely used preservative that's most effective in low-pH formulations.

Avobenzone

The most common UVA filter — essential for full-spectrum sun protection.

Octocrylene

A UVB/UVA filter that also stabilises avobenzone in sunscreen formulas.

Grapeseed Oil

A lightweight, linoleic-rich oil with antioxidant polyphenols.

Olive Oil

A rich Mediterranean oil — nourishing for very dry skin but heavy for oily.

Evening Primrose Oil

A GLA-rich oil that calms inflammation and supports the skin barrier.

Avocado Oil

A deeply penetrating, nutrient-dense oil for dry and mature skin.

Hemp Seed Oil

A uniquely balanced oil with a near-perfect omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.

Chamomile Extract

A time-tested botanical that calms redness, irritation, and sensitive skin.

Calendula Extract

The healing marigold — soothing, anti-inflammatory, and ideal for sensitive skin.

Rose Extract

A classic floral toner with mild astringent and antioxidant properties.

Lecithin

A natural phospholipid that mimics skin lipids and strengthens the barrier.

Zinc

A trace mineral that regulates sebum, calms acne, and supports wound healing.

Turmeric Extract

The golden spice with potent anti-inflammatory and brightening properties.

Polysorbate 20

A gentle emulsifier that helps oil-based ingredients blend into water formulas.

Cholesterol

A skin-identical lipid that is essential for a healthy, resilient barrier.

Phytosphingosine

A ceramide precursor that rebuilds the barrier and has natural antimicrobial properties.

Pentylene Glycol

A lightweight humectant and preservative booster popular in modern serums.

Chlorphenesin

A broad-spectrum preservative often paired with phenoxyethanol.

Disodium EDTA

A chelator that improves product stability and boosts preservative efficacy.

Methylpropanediol

A highly effective solvent that enhances the delivery of salicylic acid and other actives.

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

A gentle, skin-compatible emulsifier that also helps deliver ceramides.

Myristic Acid

A natural fatty acid that softens skin and stabilises cleansers.

Palmitic Acid

A natural skin-identical fatty acid that supports the barrier and softens skin.

Propanediol

A plant-derived humectant that hydrates lightly and boosts active delivery.

Sodium Lactate

A natural moisturising factor component that keeps skin deeply hydrated.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of skin protein that hydrate and support barrier function.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

A next-generation retinoid that works without the irritation of retinol.

Sodium Ascorbate

A stable, water-soluble Vitamin C salt that is gentle on sensitive skin.

Oxybenzone

An effective UVB/UVA filter — but one of the more controversial sunscreen ingredients.

Octinoxate

The most widely used UVB filter globally — effective but under increasing scrutiny.

Homosalate

A UVB filter often used in high-SPF formulations to boost protection.

Tinosorb S

A next-generation EU-approved filter with exceptional broad-spectrum stability.

Bifida Ferment Lysate

A probiotic lysate that strengthens the barrier and reduces inflammation.

Lactobacillus Ferment

A fermented probiotic extract that supports a healthy skin microbiome.

Dimethiconol

A heavier silicone that creates a long-lasting protective, smoothing film.

Cyclopentasiloxane

A volatile silicone that gives serums a silky, fast-evaporating feel.

BHT

A synthetic antioxidant that prevents products going rancid.

Triethanolamine

A widely used pH balancer and emulsifier found in many creams and lotions.

Lanolin

One of the most effective natural occlusives — mimics human sebum.

Beeswax

A natural wax that seals in moisture and gives balms their firm texture.

Isopropyl Myristate

A lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient — but a noted pore-clogger for some.

Silica

A finely milled mineral that blurs pores and controls shine.

Linoleic Acid

An essential omega-6 fatty acid that is often deficient in acne-prone skin.

Oat Extract

A calming grain extract that relieves itching and soothes irritated skin.

Sea Kelp

A mineral-rich sea extract that hydrates and protects against environmental stress.

Pomegranate Extract

A potent antioxidant extract that brightens and protects against ageing.

PCA

One of the skin's own humectants — highly effective at binding moisture.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

A gentler version of SLS — effective cleansing with less barrier disruption.

Coco Glucoside

A plant-derived, ultra-gentle surfactant ideal for sensitive and baby skin.

Decyl Glucoside

A mild, plant-derived cleanser that's gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin.

Stearyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol that conditions skin and gives creams a rich, stable texture.

Benzyl Alcohol

A dual-use preservative and fragrance component — and a known allergen.

Ethylparaben

A paraben preservative commonly used alongside methylparaben.

DMDM Hydantoin

A formaldehyde-releasing preservative — effective but increasingly avoided.

Octisalate

A UVB-only filter commonly used to boost SPF and improve texture.

Mica

A natural mineral that adds luminosity and a subtle sheen to skincare.

Cucumber Extract

A cooling, hydrating botanical that calms puffiness and soothes irritated skin.

Sesame Oil

A warming emollient oil with natural antioxidant activity.

Adapalene

A third-generation retinoid available OTC — highly effective for acne and ageing.

Astaxanthin

One of the most powerful antioxidants in nature — up to 6000× stronger than Vitamin C.

Betaine

A beet-derived humectant that hydrates and soothes — a K-beauty staple.

Snail Secretion Filtrate

The K-beauty cult ingredient that hydrates, heals, and renews skin.

1,2-Hexanediol

A mild preservative and humectant widely used in K-beauty formulations.

Trehalose

A sugar humectant used by nature to protect organisms from dehydration.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

A highly stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C that penetrates deeper and doesn't oxidise.

Cetearyl Olivate / Sorbitan Olivate

An olive-derived emulsifier that mimics skin lipids and reinforces the barrier.

Macadamia Oil

A luxurious oil with the highest palmitoleic acid content of any plant oil.

Tromethamine

A gentle pH adjuster popular in K-beauty formulations.

Geraniol

A rose-scented fragrance component and EU-designated allergen.

Citronellol

A floral fragrance compound and EU-designated allergen found in many perfumed products.

Rosemary Extract

A natural antioxidant that protects formulations and skin from oxidative damage.

Sorbic Acid

A natural preservative effective against mould and yeast at low pH.

Green Tea Seed Oil

A lightweight Japanese beauty oil rich in oleic acid and antioxidant catechins.

Saccharide Isomerate

A carbohydrate humectant that binds to skin keratin for long-lasting moisture.

Acetyl Glucosamine

A sugar molecule that brightens skin and boosts hyaluronic acid production.