Every ingredient we cover, in plain words. Pick one to see what it does, who it suits, who should skip it and how to use it.
A B C E F G H K M N P R S T U V
A
- Adapalene: The over-the-counter retinoid for breakouts.
- AHA, BHA and PHA: The three acid families and which one fits your skin.
- Alpha arbutin: A gentle fader for dark spots.
- Azelaic acid: Calms redness and helps with breakouts and dark spots.
B
- Bakuchiol: The plant-based option people try instead of retinol.
- Bemotrizinol: The newer sunscreen filter everyone is waiting on.
- Benzoyl peroxide: The classic acne fighter, and how not to bleach your towels.
- Beta-glucan: A soothing hydrator for dry or irritated skin.
C
- Caffeine: Mostly for puffiness under the eyes.
- Centella asiatica (cica): The calming plant in so many K-beauty creams.
- Ceramides: The fats that hold your skin barrier together.
- Colloidal oatmeal: Finely ground oats that calm itchy, dry skin.
- Copper peptides: A blue serum ingredient aimed at firmness.
E
- Ectoin: A moisture-holding ingredient for stressed skin.
- Exosomes: The buzzy newcomer, and what we know so far.
F
- Fermented ingredients: What fermenting does to skincare, if anything.
- Frankincense: An old resin with new claims.
G
- Glycerin: The cheap, reliable hydrator in almost everything.
- Glycolic acid: The strongest common AHA for smoother skin.
- Green tea: An antioxidant, and what it can and can't do.
H
- Heartleaf (houttuynia): A calming K-beauty plant for oily, red skin.
- Hydroquinone: The strongest dark spot fader, and its risks.
- Hypochlorous acid: A gentle spray that calms irritated skin.
K
- Kojic acid: A dark spot fader made from fungi.
M
- Mandelic acid: A slow, gentle AHA for sensitive skin.
- Mugwort: A soothing herb in K-beauty essences.
N
- Niacinamide: Vitamin B3, the easy all-rounder.
P
- Panthenol: Vitamin B5, a soothing hydrator.
- PDRN (salmon DNA): The salmon DNA trend, explained.
- Polyglutamic acid: A hydrator that sits on top of skin.
- Propolis: A bee-made ingredient for calm, glowy skin.
R
- Retinal (retinaldehyde): A faster-working cousin of retinol.
- Retinol: The best-studied ingredient for fine lines.
S
- Salicylic acid: The BHA that clears out pores.
- Snail mucin: The hydrating K-beauty favorite.
- Squalane: A light oil that suits almost every skin type.
T
- Tranexamic acid: A fader for stubborn dark spots and melasma.
- Tretinoin: The prescription retinoid.
- Turmeric: The spice in masks, and the hype around it.
U
- Urea: A hydrator that softens rough, dry skin.
V
- Vitamin C: The brightening antioxidant, and why yours may not work.