Are you tired of trying out different skin care products without knowing what really works? Look no further!
This guide is here to break down the most commonly used ingredients in skin care products, so you can make an informed decision about what to put on your skin. From A-Z, we'll explore the benefits, uses and potential side effects of each ingredient.
By the end of this guide, you'll have a better understanding of what ingredients are in your skin care products and how they can benefit your skin. Say goodbye to guessing games and hello to beautiful, healthy skin!
Allantoin: A soothing and moisturizing ingredient that helps to calm irritated skin
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): A group of exfoliating acids that help to brighten and even out skin tone. Examples include: glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid.
Aloe vera: A natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe irritated skin.
Argan oil is derived from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that can help to protect and moisturize the skin. It can also help to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin, making it look and feel softer and smoother.
Arnica: A natural anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce redness and swelling
Ascorbic acid: A form of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to brighten and protect the skin from damage
Azelaic acid: An anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredient that can help to reduce redness and acne
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): An exfoliating acid that helps to unclog pores and reduce acne. Examples include: salicylic acid
Butylene glycol: A humectant that helps to keep the skin hydrated
Caffeine: An ingredient that can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes
Calendula: A natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help to soothe irritated skin
Centella asiatica: A natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help to promote healing
Ceramides: Ceramides are a type of lipid (fat) that are found naturally in the skin. They are a key component of the skin's barrier, which helps to keep moisture in and irritants and bacteria out. Ceramides can be found in moisturizers, serums and face creams. They are suitable for all skin types, but especially for dry, mature, and sensitive skin.
Collagen: A protein that helps to plump and firm the skin
Copper peptides: An ingredient that can help to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): An antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage and improve overall skin health.
Cucumber: A natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe irritated skin - and we thought it was just good for our eyes! Read our article on the properties and awesome benefits of the humble cucumber here.
Dimethicone: A silicone-based ingredient that can help to smooth and moisturize the skin
DMAE: An ingredient that can help to firm and tone the skin
Elastin: A protein that helps to keep the skin elastic
Elixirs: A natural oil or extract that can be used to nourish and moisturize the skin
Enzymes: A natural exfoliant that can help to remove dead skin cells
Evening primrose oil: A natural oil that is high in linoleic acid and can help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier
Ferulic acid: A natural antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage
Glycerin: Glycerin is a liquid that is used in many skincare products because it helps to keep the skin hydrated. It attracts water from the air and helps to lock in moisture, which makes the skin look and feel better.
Glycerin is naturally found in the skin, and it helps to protect the skin from losing water, which can lead to dryness. It is a safe and effective ingredient that is commonly found in many different skin care products and is good for most skin types.
Glycolic acid: An AHA that can help to exfoliate, brighten and improve the skin texture
Green tea: A natural antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage
Grapeseed oil: A natural oil that can help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier
Guarana: A natural ingredient that can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes
Hyaluronic acid: A moisturizer that helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Jojoba oil is derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, which is native to the American Southwest. It is similar to the natural oils that our skin produces, making it easily absorbed by the skin. It is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that can help to nourish and moisturize the skin. It's also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Kaolin clay: A natural clay that can help to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin
Lactic acid: An AHA that can help to exfoliate, brighten and improve the skin texture
Lecithin: A natural ingredient that can help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier
Licorice root: A natural ingredient that can help to brighten and even out skin tone
Linoleic acid: An essential fatty acid that can help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier
Matrixyl: A peptide that can help to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Meadowfoam seed oil: A natural oil that can help to moisturize and protect the skin
Melatonin: An ingredient that can help to regulate the skin's natural sleep cycle and improve overall skin health
Linoleic acid: An essential fatty acid that can help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier
Matrixyl: A peptide that can help to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Meadowfoam seed oil: A natural oil that can help to moisturize and protect the skin
Melatonin: An ingredient that can help to regulate the skin's natural sleep cycle and improve overall skin health
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A natural ingredient that can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce inflammation
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to brighten and even out skin tone. It can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of dry, dull skin.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine: An ingredient that can help to brighten and even out skin tone
Oat extract: A natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe irritated skin
Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential fatty acids that can help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier
Papaya: A natural exfoliant that can help to remove dead skin cells
Papain: An enzyme that can help to remove dead skin cells
Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that can help to promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Phenoxyethanol: A preservative that helps to keep the product fresh
Phytoceramides: Lipids that help to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated
Phytosterols: Natural compounds that can help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier
Pine bark extract: A natural antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage
Polyglutamic acid: An ingredient that can help to hydrate and plump the skin
Propylene glycol: A humectant that helps to keep the skin hydrated
Pro-vitamin B5: An ingredient that can help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier
Retinol: A form of vitamin A that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture
Rosehip oil is derived from the seeds of the rose bush. It is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that can help to nourish and moisturize the skin. It is s high in linoleic acid that can strengthen the skin barrier. It's also known for its anti-aging properties, and can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and help to even out skin tone.
Rosemary: A natural antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage
Salicylic acid: A BHA that can help to unclog pores and reduce acne
Shea butter: Shea butter is a natural fat that is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Shea butter is known for its ability to deeply moisturize and hydrate the skin, which makes it a popular ingredient in lotions, creams, and other skincare products. It can help to soothe dry, irritated skin and improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Sodium hyaluronate: A form of hyaluronic acid that can help to hydrate and plump the skin
Squalane: A natural oil that can help to moisturize and protect the skin
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a natural oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It is considered both an antiseptic and an antimicrobial that can help to reduce acne, and prevent future outbreaks.
Tocopherol: A form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage
Tranexamic acid: An ingredient that can help to reduce redness and hyperpigmentation
Turmeric: A natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help to brighten and even out skin tone
Ubiquinone: A form of Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to brighten and even out the skin tone, it also can help to improve the texture and tone of skin.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, educe the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin health
Xylitol: A natural ingredient that can help to hydrate and plump the skin
Zinc oxide: A natural mineral that can provide sun protection and can help to soothe irritated skin
Zirconium: A natural mineral that can provide sun protection
Zinc PCA: An ingredient that helps to regulate oil production and can help to reduce acne.
Some of the ingredients listed above have multiple functions and may be beneficial for various skin concerns.
This list is not exhaustive and new research and discovery of new ingredients are being made.
It is important to also check the ingredient list of the product you are using and to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities you may have to certain ingredients.