INGREDIENT GLOSSARY
Exploring the world of skincare can be overwhelming, especially with so many active ingredients promising transformative benefits. Understanding what each ingredient does, its benefits, and any potential concerns can help you make informed choices for your skincare routine. Our Ingredient Glossary is here to break down popular skincare ingredients, offering insights into how they work and who might want to avoid them.
Let’s find out!
Benefit:
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, fades hyperpigmentation, and boosts collagen production for a youthful, radiant complexion.
Who shouldn’t use?
Those with sensitive or reactive skin may experience irritation with high concentrations of vitamin C. It’s best to patch-test before use and avoid pairing it with strong exfoliants or retinol.
Benefit:
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that nourishes and protects the skin, helping to heal scars and reduce inflammation.
Who shouldn’t use?
Those prone to acne or with very oily skin might find Vitamin E too heavy and comedogenic.
Benefit:
Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, promotes cell turnover, reduces fine lines, clears acne, and improves skin texture and tone over time.
Who shouldn’t use?
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid retinol. Additionally, those with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin may find it too harsh.
Benefit:
Aloe Vera calms and hydrates the skin, reducing redness and irritation while promoting healing.
Who shouldn’t use?
Those allergic to aloe plants should avoid it. It may not be ideal for very oily skin as a standalone moisturizer.
Benefit:
Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration powerhouse, drawing moisture into the skin to plump and smooth, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Who shouldn’t use?
Generally safe for all skin types, but individuals in very dry climates may need to layer it with an occlusive to avoid dryness.
Benefit:
Also known as panthenol, Vitamin B5 hydrates, soothes, and supports skin healing, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
Who shouldn’t use?
Safe for most skin types, though rare sensitivities may occur.
Benefit:
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) reduces redness, minimizes pores, controls oil, and strengthens the skin barrier, making it an excellent all-rounder.
Who shouldn’t use?
Rarely causes irritation, but in high concentrations, it may not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin.
Benefit:
Squalane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that deeply moisturizes and soothes the skin, suitable for all skin types.
Who shouldn’t use?
Squalane is generally well-tolerated and unlikely to cause issues, even for sensitive skin.
Benefit:
This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is a go-to for acne-prone skin, unclogging pores, exfoliating, and reducing inflammation.
Who shouldn’t use?
People with very dry or eczema-prone skin may find it overly drying or irritating.