Ingredient Guide
Skincare Ingredients Explained
51 active ingredients analyzed across 1278 products. Understand what each ingredient does and find the best products that contain it.
Hydration
Hyaluronic Acid
A powerful humectant that attracts and retains up to 1000x its weight in water, plumping skin and reducing fine lines.
Dry/DehydratedAging/MatureDull/Uneven Texture +1
Glycerin
One of the most effective humectants in skincare, drawing moisture into the skin for lasting hydration.
Dry/DehydratedSensitiveEczema-Prone
Polyglutamic Acid
An advanced humectant derived from soybeans that holds up to 5000x its weight in water, providing intense hydration.
Dry/DehydratedAging/Mature
Brightening & Anti-Inflammatory
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
A versatile B vitamin that regulates sebum, fades dark spots, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces redness.
OilyAcne-ProneHyperpigmentation +3
Licorice Root Extract
A botanical brightener that inhibits tyrosinase, fades dark spots, and soothes inflamed or irritated skin.
HyperpigmentationSensitiveRosacea +1
Antioxidant
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
A lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radical damage and supports skin barrier function.
Aging/MatureDry/DehydratedSensitive
Ferulic Acid
An antioxidant that doubles the photoprotection of vitamins C and E when combined, and enhances their stability.
Aging/MatureHyperpigmentationDull/Uneven Texture
Brightening & Antioxidant
Soothing & Hydration
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
A provitamin that deeply hydrates, soothes inflammation, and supports wound healing and skin barrier repair.
SensitiveDry/DehydratedEczema-Prone +1
Aloe Vera
A botanical extract with powerful anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that calms and hydrates irritated skin.
SensitiveDry/DehydratedEczema-Prone +1
Beta-Glucan
An advanced humectant that retains moisture, calms inflammation, and supports the skin's immune function.
SensitiveDry/DehydratedEczema-Prone +1
Anti-Aging
Peptides
Signal molecules that stimulate collagen production, improve firmness, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Aging/MatureDry/Dehydrated
Adenosine
A naturally occurring molecule that boosts cellular energy, reduces wrinkles, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Aging/MatureSensitive
Retinol (Vitamin A)
The gold-standard anti-aging ingredient that accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen, and reduces wrinkles.
Aging/MatureAcne-ProneHyperpigmentation +2
Exfoliant & Acne Treatment
Moisturizing & Barrier Repair
Squalane
A lightweight, plant-derived lipid that mimics the skin's natural sebum for non-greasy hydration and barrier support.
Dry/DehydratedSensitiveCombination +1
Shea Butter
A rich emollient packed with fatty acids and vitamins that deeply nourishes, protects, and repairs dry or compromised skin.
Dry/DehydratedEczema-ProneSensitive
Soothing & Barrier Repair
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
A healing botanical rich in madecassoside and asiaticoside that calms inflammation, repairs the barrier, and boosts collagen.
SensitiveRosaceaAcne-Prone +1
Colloidal Oatmeal
An FDA-approved skin protectant that temporarily relieves minor skin irritation and provides anti-inflammatory barrier support.
Eczema-ProneSensitiveDry/Dehydrated +1
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory
Exfoliant
Lactic Acid (AHA)
A gentle alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates while hydrating, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.
Dull/Uneven TextureDry/DehydratedHyperpigmentation +1
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
The most widely used alpha hydroxy acid, exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover for smoother, brighter skin.
Dull/Uneven TextureAging/MatureHyperpigmentation +1
Gluconolactone (PHA)
A gentle polyhydroxy acid that exfoliates while providing humectant and antioxidant benefits with minimal irritation.
SensitiveDull/Uneven TextureDry/Dehydrated
Mandelic Acid
A large-molecule AHA with antibacterial properties that exfoliates gently, making it suitable for sensitive and darker skin tones.
Acne-ProneHyperpigmentationDull/Uneven Texture +1
Soothing & Healing
Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Inflammatory & De-Puffing
Sunscreen (Mineral)
Occlusive Moisturizer
Moisturizing & Anti-Inflammatory
Hydration & Exfoliation
Acne Treatment
Tea Tree Oil
An essential oil with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties effective against acne-causing bacteria.
Acne-ProneOily
Benzoyl Peroxide
An antibacterial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and unclogs pores.
Acne-Prone
Sulfur
An antibacterial and keratolytic agent that dries blemishes, absorbs excess oil, and helps unclog pores.
Acne-ProneOily
Brightening & Anti-Aging
Sebum Control & Anti-Inflammatory
Antioxidant & Brightening
Barrier Repair & Antimicrobial
Brightening
Arbutin
A gentle tyrosinase inhibitor derived from bearberry that gradually fades dark spots and evens skin tone.
HyperpigmentationDull/Uneven Texture
Tranexamic Acid
An anti-inflammatory brightener that inhibits melanin synthesis by blocking plasmin, effective for stubborn pigmentation.
HyperpigmentationRosaceaAcne-Prone
Kojic Acid
A potent tyrosinase inhibitor that blocks melanin production at the enzymatic level for targeted dark spot correction.
HyperpigmentationDull/Uneven Texture