Skincare Ingredient List
Browse our dictionary for all the skincare ingredients in your favorite products, with trusted insights from dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and more.
Find an Ingredient by its first letter
Aloe Vera
Type of ingredient: Skin soother
Main benefits: Calms, soothes, and hydrates the skin
Who should use it: In general, anyone looking to soothe burns, including sunburn and windburn, and moisturize their skin.
How often can you use it: Apply two to three times daily.
Works well with: Anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Alpha Arbutin
What it is: Alpha Arbutin is a gentle skin-brightening agent that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
What it does: a gentle skin-brightening agent that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Alpha Arbutin is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Azelaic Acid
What it is: Azelaic Acid is a multifunctional ingredient that treats acne, reduces redness, and evens out skin tone.
What it does: a multifunctional ingredient that treats acne, reduces redness, and evens out skin tone.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Azelaic Acid is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
BHA (Salicylic Acid)
What it is: Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid) exfoliates deep within the pores to prevent acne and blackheads.
What it does: Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid) exfoliates deep within the pores to prevent acne and blackheads.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: BHA (Salicylic Acid) is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Benzoyl Peroxide
What it is: Benzoyl Peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces breakouts.
What it does: Benzoyl Peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces breakouts.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
What it does: Benzoyl Peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces breakouts.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Ceramides
What it is: Ceramides are lipids that help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.
What it does: Ceramides are lipids that help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Ceramides is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Centella Asiatica
What it is: Centella Asiatica, also known as Cica, is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
What it does: known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Centella Asiatica is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
CoQ10
What it is: CoQ10 is an antioxidant that energizes skin cells and helps reduce signs of aging.
What it does: an antioxidant that energizes skin cells and helps reduce signs of aging.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: CoQ10 is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Glycolic Acid
What it is: Glycolic Acid is an AHA that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and brightens the complexion.
What it does: an AHA that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and brightens the complexion.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Glycolic Acid is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Glycerin
What it is: Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated.
What it does: a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Glycerin is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Green Tea Extract
What it is: Green Tea Extract is rich in antioxidants and helps calm irritated or inflamed skin.
What it does: rich in antioxidants and helps calm irritated or inflamed skin.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Green Tea Extract is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Hyaluronic Acid
What it is: Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates and plumps the skin by retaining moisture.
What it does: Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates and plumps the skin by retaining moisture.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Kojic Acid
What it is: Kojic Acid brightens the skin and fades pigmentation caused by sun damage or acne.
What it does: Kojic Acid brightens the skin and fades pigmentation caused by sun damage or acne.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Kojic Acid is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Lactic Acid
What it is: Lactic Acid is a gentle exfoliant that smooths skin texture and increases cell turnover.
What it does: a gentle exfoliant that smooths skin texture and increases cell turnover.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Lactic Acid is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Licorice Root
What it is: Licorice Root Extract brightens the skin and soothes irritation.
What it does: Licorice Root Extract brightens the skin and soothes irritation.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Licorice Root is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Mandelic Acid
What it is: Mandelic Acid is a mild exfoliating acid ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
What it does: a mild exfoliating acid ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Mandelic Acid is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Matrixyl 3000
What it is: Matrixyl 3000 is a peptide complex that boosts collagen production and reduces fine lines.
What it does: a peptide complex that boosts collagen production and reduces fine lines.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Matrixyl 3000 is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Mugwort Extract
What it is: Mugwort is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
What it does: known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Mugwort Extract is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Niacinamide
What it is: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps reduce pores, regulate oil, and brighten skin tone.
What it does: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps reduce pores, regulate oil, and brighten skin tone.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Niacinamide is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Panthenol (B5)
What it is: Panthenol is a moisturizing ingredient that helps soothe and repair the skin.
What it does: a moisturizing ingredient that helps soothe and repair the skin.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Panthenol (B5) is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Peptides
What it is: Peptides are amino acid chains that help firm skin and stimulate collagen production.
What it does: Peptides are amino acid chains that help firm skin and stimulate collagen production.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Peptides is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Retinol
What it is: Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that improves cell turnover, treats acne, and reduces wrinkles.
What it does: a Vitamin A derivative that improves cell turnover, treats acne, and reduces wrinkles.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Retinol is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Rosehip Oil
What it is: Rosehip Oil is rich in Vitamin A and essential fatty acids that help even skin tone and improve texture.
What it does: rich in Vitamin A and essential fatty acids that help even skin tone and improve texture.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Rosehip Oil is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Salicylic Acid
What it is: Salicylic Acid penetrates pores to clear acne and exfoliate dead skin cells.
What it does: Salicylic Acid penetrates pores to clear acne and exfoliate dead skin cells.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Salicylic Acid is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Squalane
What it is: Squalane is a lightweight hydrator that mimics the skin’s natural oils.
What it does: a lightweight hydrator that mimics the skin’s natural oils.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Squalane is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Snail Mucin
What it is: Snail Mucin repairs, hydrates, and improves the texture of the skin.
What it does: Snail Mucin repairs, hydrates, and improves the texture of the skin.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Snail Mucin is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Sulfur
What it is: Sulfur reduces acne by removing dead skin cells and excess oil.
What it does: Sulfur reduces acne by removing dead skin cells and excess oil.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Sulfur is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Tea Tree Oil
What it is: Tea Tree Oil is a natural antibacterial that helps treat acne and inflammation.
What it does: a natural antibacterial that helps treat acne and inflammation.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Tea Tree Oil is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Tranexamic Acid
What it is: Tranexamic Acid brightens the skin and helps fade stubborn dark spots.
What it does: Tranexamic Acid brightens the skin and helps fade stubborn dark spots.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Tranexamic Acid is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
What it is: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that brightens the complexion and protects against free radicals.
What it does: a potent antioxidant that brightens the complexion and protects against free radicals.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.
Zinc Oxide
What it is: Zinc Oxide is a mineral sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV rays and soothes irritation.
What it does: a mineral sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV rays and soothes irritation.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking to target specific concerns like acne, aging, or dryness.
Common Pairings: Complements well with other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
Fun Fact: Zinc Oxide is one of the most researched and trusted skincare ingredients in the beauty industry.