Skincare ingredients
Your A - Z skincare ingredient guide
Understanding the positive effects of each skincare ingredient will help you learn which ingredients work best for your skin type.
Whether you want to soothe redness and rosacea or banish dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles and acne, incorporating the best skin care ingredients is where you should start.
Some common skincare ingredients and their benefits
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of plant and animal-derived acids used in a variety of skincare products. These include daily anti-aging products, such as serums, toners, and creams, as well as occasional concentrated treatments like chemical peels.
Most over-the-counter AHAs contain either glycolic or lactic acid, as these two AHAs are less likely to cause irritation. AHAs are used to exfoliate, promote collagen & blood flow and improve the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles. AHAs are also effective in preventing acne and breakouts.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Firming, Smoothing, Non-Acenegenic
Almond oil can enhance complexion and skin tone in addition to calming dry skin. It’s highly emollient, which means it helps to balance the absorption of moisture and water loss. Because it is antibacterial and full of vitamin A, almond oil can be used to treat acne
Most over-the-counter AHAs contain either glycolic or lactic acid, as these two AHAs are less likely to cause irritation. AHAs are used to exfoliate, promote collagen & blood flow and improve the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles. AHAs are also effective in preventing acne and breakouts.
Ideal for
UV Damage, Signs of Aging, Irritation
Benefits
Hydrating, Soothing
Aloe vera is a plant known for its skin healing properties. Immensely moisturising, Aloe Vera can help treat various skin conditions like acne, eczema, and sunburn.
Ideal for
Irritated Skin, Sunburn, cuts & burns
Benefits
Soothing – Hydrating
A type of acid synthesized by yeast, barley, and wheat that’s believed to have a gentle exfoliating effect. It can combat acne and spot growth, alleviate the redness and swelling of rosacea, and reduce other skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, melasma and acne scars. Azelaic acid comes in prescription and over-the-counter forms.
Ideal for
Acne & Breakouts, Hyperpigmentation
Benefits
Soothing – Hydrating
Bakuchiol is a plant extract that improves skin brightness, sorts uneven skin tone, minimises enlarged pores & fine lines, boosts firmness and smooths out texture. In short, it offers all the same plus points as retinol – but with less risk of irritation. Bakuchiol helps to calm skin making it a good option for those whose skin shows signs of sensitivity. When paired with retinol, bakuchiol can help stabilise it and keep it effective for longer.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Uneven skin texture, fine lines & wrinkles
Benefits
Firming – Smoothing
Benzoyl peroxide works to treat and prevent acne by killing bacteria underneath the skin, as well as helping the pores shed dead skin cells. It’s often recommended to use both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to help manage mild to moderate acne. For more severe acne, a retinoid or other prescription treatment may be necessary. When using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, it’s important to use a moisturiser as both substances can irritate or dry out skin.
Ideal for
Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Non-Acnegenic
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin. BHAs are known to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Some names for BHAs are:
Salicylic acid (or related ingredients, like salicylate, sodium salicylate, and willow extract)
Beta hydroxybutanoic acid
Tropic acid
Trethocanic acid
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Fine Lines & wrinkles, Uneven skin texture
Benefits
Firming – Smoothing
Component of the essential oil of chamomile. Soothes redness and irritation. Bisabolol is a common skin care ingredient due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-microbial qualities.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Rosacea
Benefits
Firming – Soothing – Anti Inflammatory
Fatty lipids that help to hold moisture into the skin. Topical ceramides may be present in both prescription treatments for eczema and over-the-counter products. Ceramides keep the skin hydrated, but also protects it from allergens and external aggressors.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Protection from external aggressors such as eather & pollution
Benefits
Hydrating – Plumping
Chamomile oil and extracts may help address redness, hyperpigmentation, and acne when applied to the skin. It soothes sensitive skin and is effective in healing wounds. Chamomile will tighten pores and slow down the effects of aging.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Acne & Breakouts, Hyperpigmentation, Rosacea
Benefits
Soothing – Non-Acnegenic – Brightening
Its gritty texture makes it an effective and natural exfoliant. It will also soak up oil present due to its absorbent qualities. Using charcoal on your face can remove debris and dead skin cells built up on your skin to reveal your smooth, fresh skin underneath. Charcoal will help reduce the appearance of large pores as well as minimise breakouts.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Soothing – Non-Acnegenic
Colloidal oatmeal is made from grinding oats and mixing them with water or other liquid. It binds to your skin, locking in moisture, giving your skin a chance to rehydrate. It also softens your skin and soothes itching. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for people who have dry skin, because it helps balance your skin’s natural pH levels.
Ideal for
Dry, Irritated Skin
Benefits
Soothing – Hydrating
A component found in the skin, Glycerin as an ingredient is a must-have humectant that is suitable for all skins and ages. Glycerin not only hydrates the skin but also upholds the skin’s protective moisture barrier, making it so effective on combination skin.
Humectants are substances that attract water from the air or from deeper in the skin
Ideal for
All skins & ages
Benefits
Hydrating
Glycerol has strong moisturising and emollient properties. It moisturises and treats the skin.
Ideal for
Dehydrated Skin
Benefits
Smoothing – Hydrating
An all-natural product extracted from grape seeds after they’ve been used to make wine. Grapeseed oil can moisturise dull, dehydrated skin, even out your skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark circles, sun damage
Benefits
Firming – Hydrating – Brightening
A
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of plant and animal-derived acids used in a variety of skincare products. These include daily anti-aging products, such as serums, toners, and creams, as well as occasional concentrated treatments like chemical peels.
Most over-the-counter AHAs contain either glycolic or lactic acid, as these two AHAs are less likely to cause irritation. AHAs are used to exfoliate, promote collagen & blood flow and improve the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles. AHAs are also effective in preventing acne and breakouts.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Firming, Smoothing, Non-Acenegenic
Almond oil can enhance complexion and skin tone in addition to calming dry skin. It’s highly emollient, which means it helps to balance the absorption of moisture and water loss. Because it is antibacterial and full of vitamin A, almond oil can be used to treat acne
Most over-the-counter AHAs contain either glycolic or lactic acid, as these two AHAs are less likely to cause irritation. AHAs are used to exfoliate, promote collagen & blood flow and improve the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles. AHAs are also effective in preventing acne and breakouts.
Ideal for
UV Damage, Signs of Aging, Irritation
Benefits
Hydrating – Soothing
Aloe vera is a plant known for its skin healing properties. Immensely moisturising, Aloe Vera can help treat various skin conditions like acne, eczema, and sunburn.
Ideal for
Irritated Skin, Sunburn, cuts & burns
Benefits
Soothing – Hydrating
A type of acid synthesized by yeast, barley, and wheat that’s believed to have a gentle exfoliating effect. It can combat acne and spot growth, alleviate the redness and swelling of rosacea, and reduce other skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, melasma and acne scars. Azelaic acid comes in prescription and over-the-counter forms.
Ideal for
Acne & Breakouts, Hyperpigmentation
Benefits
Soothing – Hydrating
B
Bakuchiol is a plant extract that improves skin brightness, sorts uneven skin tone, minimises enlarged pores & fine lines, boosts firmness and smooths out texture. In short, it offers all the same plus points as retinol – but with less risk of irritation. Bakuchiol helps to calm skin making it a good option for those whose skin shows signs of sensitivity. When paired with retinol, bakuchiol can help stabilise it and keep it effective for longer.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Uneven skin texture, fine lines & wrinkles
Benefits
Firming – Smoothing
Benzoyl peroxide works to treat and prevent acne by killing bacteria underneath the skin, as well as helping the pores shed dead skin cells. It’s often recommended to use both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to help manage mild to moderate acne. For more severe acne, a retinoid or other prescription treatment may be necessary. When using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, it’s important to use a moisturiser as both substances can irritate or dry out skin.
Ideal for
Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Non-Acnegenic
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin. BHAs are known to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Some names for BHAs are:
Salicylic acid (or related ingredients, like salicylate, sodium salicylate, and willow extract)
Beta hydroxybutanoic acid
Tropic acid
Trethocanic acid
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Fine Lines & wrinkles, Uneven skin texture
Benefits
Firming – Smoothing
Component of the essential oil of chamomile. Soothes redness and irritation. Bisabolol is a common skin care ingredient due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-microbial qualities.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Rosacea
Benefits
Firming – Soothing – Anti Inflammatory
C
Fatty lipids that help to hold moisture into the skin. Topical ceramides may be present in both prescription treatments for eczema and over-the-counter products. Ceramides keep the skin hydrated, but also protects it from allergens and external aggressors.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Protection from external aggressors such as eather & pollution
Benefits
Hydrating – Plumping
Chamomile oil and extracts may help address redness, hyperpigmentation, and acne when applied to the skin. It soothes sensitive skin and is effective in healing wounds. Chamomile will tighten pores and slow down the effects of aging.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Acne & Breakouts, Hyperpigmentation, Rosacea
Benefits
Soothing – Non-Acnegenic – Brightening
Its gritty texture makes it an effective and natural exfoliant. It will also soak up oil present due to its absorbent qualities. Using charcoal on your face can remove debris and dead skin cells built up on your skin to reveal your smooth, fresh skin underneath. Charcoal will help reduce the appearance of large pores as well as minimise breakouts.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Soothing – Non-Acnegenic
Colloidal oatmeal is made from grinding oats and mixing them with water or other liquid. It binds to your skin, locking in moisture, giving your skin a chance to rehydrate. It also softens your skin and soothes itching. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for people who have dry skin, because it helps balance your skin’s natural pH levels.
Ideal for
Dry, Irritated Skin
Benefits
Soothing – Hydrating
G
A component found in the skin, Glycerin as an ingredient is a must-have humectant* that is suitable for all skins and ages. Glycerin not only hydrates the skin but also upholds the skin’s protective moisture barrier, making it so effective on combination skin.
Humectants are substances that attract water from the air or from deeper in the skin
Ideal for
All skins & ages
Glycerol has strong moisturising and emollient properties. It moisturises and treats the skin.
Ideal for
Dehydrated Skin
Benefits
Hydrating – Smoothing
An all-natural product extracted from grape seeds after they’ve been used to make wine. Grapeseed oil can moisturise dull, dehydrated skin, even out your skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark circles, sun damage
Benefits
Hydrating – Firming – Brightening
H
Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic abilities which may benefit oily and acne-prone skin. It helps moisturises and hydrates skin, soothes inflammation, and clarifies to open up pores
Ideal for
Dry, Irritated Skin, Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Hydrating – Anti Inflammatory – Non-Acnegenic
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin and acts as a humectant, meaning it can draw moisture into the skin; products with these molecules allow moisture to bind to the skin without feeling greasy or heavy.
Ideal for
Dry, Irritated Skin, Signs of Aging, Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Benefits
Hydrating – Firming – Smoothing
L
Lavendar oil has many skincare benefits. It can help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. By unclogging pores and reducing inflammation, lavender helps prevent acne from developing while treating existing blemishes.
Ideal for
Signs of aging, Fine lines & wrinkles, Uneven skin tone
Benefits
Firming – Non-Acnegenic – Brightening
N
This is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) that can be applied to the skin. There is some research to suggest that it can be helpful for managing acne, rosacea, and signs of aging including hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles
Ideal for
Acne & breakouts -signs of aging, Uneven skin tone, fine lines & wrinkles, dullness
Benefits
Non- Acnegenic – Firming – Brightening
P
Vitamin B5 or panthenol belongs to the group of B vitamins. It’s a powerful moisturising agent, essential for maintaining the health of skin cells. It helps improve skin’s hydration, elasticity, and smooth appearance.
Ideal for
Signs of aging, Uneven skin texture, fine lines & wrinkles, Dehydrated skin
Benefits
Smoothing – Firming – Hydrating
Peptides are known as the building blocks of proteins. They’re made up of short chains of amino acids. Using a serum or moisturiser that contains peptides can lead to firmer, younger-looking skin and maybe even fewer breakouts
Ideal for
Signs of aging, Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Non-Acnegenic – Firming
Pink Clay is rich in Silica, which may help to improve skin elasticity and cell renewal, resulting in supple, younger-looking skin. Gently exfoliating and light on the skin, Pink Clay leaves skin feeling silky-soft and smooth. Plus, it can help to minimise blackheads and promote a radiant and balanced complexion
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Non-Acnegenic – Smoothing
R
These compounds—retinol, retinal (or retinaldehyde), retinoic acid, and synthetic retinoids reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. Retinoids, which are forms of vitamin A, work by stimulating the skin-cell-shedding process from below, leading to smoother skin and a reduction in both signs of aging and acne.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Uneven skin texture, fine lines & wrinkles
Benefits
Firming – Smoothing
S
Salicylic acid (SA) is a beta hydroxy acid that occurs naturally in plants such as willow bark. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, working as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. Many face washes or skin care products for acne contain SA in varying strengths
Ideal for
Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Non-Acnegenic – Anti Inflammatory
Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, combined with its easy-to-spread consistency, make it a great product for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning your skin. In addition to moisturising the skin, Shea Butter can treat many skin problems, including blemishes, wrinkles, itching, sunburns, small skin wounds, eczema, skin allergies, insect bites and other skin conditions
Ideal for
Smoothing, Soothing & Conditioning Skin
Benefits
Hydrating – Smoothing -Soothing
Squalane is a light moisturizing oil that mimics a component of sebum, the oily substance our skin produces. When applied topically, squalane has tremendous benefits. Boosting hydration can help your skin appear more vibrant and healthier. The antioxidants in these oils and creams also fight skin damage and free radicals, which can both accelerate the aging process. According to research , squalane is also a detoxifier.
Ideal for
Signs of aging, Wrinkles, sagging & age spots
Benefits
Hydrating – Plumping – Firming
Sunflower seed oil is a great source of vitamin E, rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It targets skincare issues like acne, inflammation, general redness and irritation. Sunflower oil has emollient properties that help the skin retain its moisture
Ideal for
Acne & breakouts, Inflammation Rosacea
Benefits
Non-Acnegenic – Anti Inflammatory – Soothing
UV rays can also contribute to other kinds of damage, over and above UV damage. And that damage can cause dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Be sure to use a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 and provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen in your moisturiser can count towards your daily SPF even though the sunscreen in your makeup doesn’t, provided that you apply it on your neck and ears in addition to your face.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Wrinkles, sagging & age spots
Benefits
Sun Protection – Firming
V
Vitamin A (Retinyl palmitate), often called “skin smoother” or “rejuvenating agent”, has strong anti-aging, antioxidant and moisturizing action. Helps in the creation and maintainance of healthy skin and soft tissues.
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, uneven skin texture, fine lines & wrinkles
Benefits
Smoothing – Hydrating
Topical vitamin C is a science-backed, dermatologist-favorite ingredient that may help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. You should incorporate vitamin C at a concentration of about 10% in order for it to be effective at fighting sun damage. Also know that vitamin C often appears on the label as these derivatives: look for ingredients such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl 6-palmitate, ascorbic acid sulfate, or L-ascorbic acid (also referred to simply as ascorbic acid).
Ideal for
Signs of Aging, Wrinkles, dark spots, sun damage and acne
Benefits
Sun Protection – Brightening – Firming
Vitamin E is a naturally occurring antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage. Vitamin E improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation (particularly when used in oil form), stretch marks, and scars.
Ideal for
Sun Protection, Signs of Aging, Hyperpigmentation
Benefits
Sunscreen – Smoothing – Firming
W
Almost all skin types can benefit from using white clay as it gently removes dirt and buildup from the skin’s surface and absorbs excess oil that could clog pores.You can get clear, radiant skin by using white clay as a moderate exfoliator to remove dry, dead skin cells.
Ideal for
Acne & Breakouts, Dull Skin
Benefits
Brightening – Purifying
Z
Zinc Oxide is known to minimise irritation, support wound healing, seal in moisture and protect the skin against the effects of UV rays. Often found in sunscreen and products focused on treating acne.
Ideal for
Sun Protection, Acne & Breakouts
Benefits
Sunscreen – Anti-Acnegenic
