Remember those old skincare commercials overselling products that promised miracles for your skin thanks to questionable ingredients? Fortunately, the era of aggressive non-proved marketing is over — proofess components out, scientific-based facts in. Even though now we have access to a wide range of information sources to help us make conscious choices on what to do with our skin, all those components might be confusing to understand. But fear not! To make this process easier for you, we compiled the key ingredients into a handy dictionary that will assist you with navigating the world of countless skincare products with confidence. 

Note: This guide provides brief information about the properties of key skincare ingredients. However, when using multiple products simultaneously, it is crucial to consider the compatibility of their components to avoid skin irritation as well as potential intolerance to certain ingredients.

Aloe Vera — Soothes and hydrates skin, making it feel cool and refreshed

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) — Gently exfoliate and brighten your skin for a fresh look

Azelaic Acid — Clears up blemishes and brightens your skin, making it look more even

Vitamin E — An antioxidant that protects and nourishes your skin, keeping it healthy

Enzymes  — Gently exfoliate your skin to reveal a fresh, glowing complexion

Vitamin C — Brightens your skin and boosts collagen for a healthy glow

Caffeine — Reduces puffiness and dark circles, giving your skin a refreshed look

Collagen — Helps to keep your skin firm and elastic, reducing signs of aging

Centella Asiatica — Soothes and heals your skin, reducing redness and irritation

Ceramides — Strengthen your skin's barrier and lock in moisture

Chamomile — Calms and soothes your skin, reducing redness and irritation

Vitamin E — An antioxidant that protects and nourishes your skin, keeping it healthy

Enzymes  — Gently exfoliate your skin to reveal a fresh, glowing complexion

Ginseng Extract — Energizes your skin and helps to brighten it up

Glycerin — Draws moisture into your skin, keeping it hydrated and soft

Glycolic Acid — Exfoliates your skin to improve texture and minimize wrinkles

Green Tea Extract — Packed with antioxidants to protect and calm your skin

Hyaluronic Acid — Superhero in hydrating your skin, making it plump and smooth

Hemp Seed Oil — Balances oil production and provides hydration without clogging pores

Jojoba Oil — Moisturizes and balances your skin without feeling greasy

Lactic Acid — Gently exfoliates to improve skin texture and tone

Lipids — Strengthen your skin’s barrier and keep in moisture for a healthy glow

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — Reduces redness, minimizes pores, and improves skin elasticity

Olive Extract — Nourishes and hydrates your skin, leaving it soft and smooth

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) — Hydrates and soothes your skin, promoting healing and softness

Peptides — Boost collagen production to keep your skin firm and youthful

Probiotics — Balance the skin's microbiome, promoting a healthy and resilient complexion

Resveratrol — A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin and reduces signs of aging

Retinol (Vitamin A) — Promotes cell turnover, smoothing out wrinkles and improving texture

Retinal (Retinaldehyde) — A gentler form of retinol that smooths out wrinkles and improves skin texture

Rosehip Oil — Rich in vitamins, it nourishes and brightens your skin

Salicylic Acid — Penetrates pores to clear out oil and help prevent acne

Shea Butter — Deeply moisturizes and soothes dry skin

Snail Extract — Moisturizes and repairs your skin, giving it a youthful look

Silicones — Smooth out your skin’s surface, making it feel silky and look flawless

Squalane — Hydrates your skin without clogging pores, mimicking natural oils

Tea Tree Oil — Fights acne with its natural antibacterial properties

Zinc Oxide — Provides sun protection and soothes sensitive skin