Skincare ingredients

Understanding what’s in your products

When it comes to skincare, knowing what’s in your products is just as important as knowing how to use them. With a huge variety of skincare ingredients on the market, it can be challenging to understand what each one does for your skin and whether it’s right for your needs. Here, we break down some of the most common skincare ingredients, their benefits and what to look for based on your skin type and concerns.

Understanding your skin concerns

Once you know your skin type, the next step is to identify your skin concerns. These concerns will determine which ingredients you should focus on. Here are some common skin concerns and the best ingredients to target them:

Acne: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil and niacinamide help clear pores and reduce inflammation (Source).
Dryness: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and squalane lock in moisture and hydrate the skin (Source).
Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C brightens skin, while AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate and even out tone (Source).
Ageing: Retinol boosts collagen production and cell turnover, while peptides and hyaluronic acid firm skin and reduce wrinkles (Source).
Redness & Sensitivity: Niacinamide calms irritation, and aloe vera and chamomile soothe sensitive skin (Source).

Guides to popular skincare ingredients

With so many skincare ingredients available, it can be overwhelming to figure out what each one does for your skin and whether it suits your specific needs. Here we break down some of the most popular skincare ingredients – click on the individual guides to discover their benefits and how they can help different skin types and concerns.