Everything You Need To Know About The Best Skincare Ingredients
Skincare is a part of our daily routine, after a long use of different products we probably understand what’s best for our skin, but understanding every ingredient is important too. If we accidentally mix one ingredient with another, that is not compatible, we may cause irritation and inflammation. One skincare product cannot be equal to another product, that’s why we should understand how every ingredient works. We’ve put together the 10 best skincare ingredients, that you need to look for in skincare products.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring humectant, meaning it attracts, locks in moisture, and hydrates the skin. It can hold up to 1000x its water weight, which makes it perfect for hydration and maintaining moisture balance. HA can be used in serums, moisturizers, face masks, and lip balms.
Pros
Cons
- Hydrates
- Anti-Ages
- Lightweight
- Soothes
- Doesnt suit all skin types
- Could cause allergic reactions
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant also known as ascorbic acid, it helps to protect the skin from damage, that free radicals have caused. It maintains skin elasticity and firmness, as it boosts collagen production.
Pros
Cons
- Protects from environmental factors like UV radiation
- Brightens
- Helps to produce collagen
- Can Irritate very sensitive skin
- Slow results
3. Retinol
Retinol also called Vitamin A, might be one of the most effective anti-aging skincare ingredients there is, as it helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. It belongs to a class of compounds which are called retinoids. Retinoids stimulate collagen production and work to accelerate cell turnover.
Pros
Cons
- Anti-Age
- Treats Hyperpigmentation
- Renews Skin
- Can cause dryness and peeling
- Can cause irritation If mixed with some other skincare ingredients (AHA, Salicylic acid).
4. AHA
Alpha hydroxy acids or fruit acids, exfoliate the skin and help to remove dead skin cells from the surface while promoting new cell turnover. AHAs can be found in toners, serums, and moisturizers.
Pros
Cons
- Exfoliates
- Brightens
- Hydrates
- Anti-Ages
- Can Increase Skins Sensitivity to Sun
- Could Cause Redness
Our Fave Picks Containing Some of The Mentioned Ingredients
COSRX AHA/BHA Toner
Curel Healing Lotion With Ceramides
TruSkin Vitamin C Face Serum
Versed Dew Point Moisturizer
The Ordinary Retinol
5. BHA
Beta Hydroxy Acid also known as salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores to remove excess oil, unclog pores, and remove dead skin cells. It is effective for oily acne-prone skin as it removes all forms of acne heads.
Pros
Cons
- Treats Acne
- Helps Reduce Redness
- Controls Oil
- Might Be Too Harsh on Sensitive skin
6. Niacinamides
Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 is known to improve the texture of the skin and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to control sebum production, which prevents breakouts.
Pros
Cons
- Improves Skin Texture
- Minimizes Pores
- Regulates Sebum
- Other Skincare Ingredients Can Conflict With Niacinamides
- Might Irritate
7. Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid, probably a less-known ingredient, will help to unclog pores and reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It also helps to calm redness and irritation, caused by sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Pros
Cons
- Reduces Acne
- Improves Skin Texture
- Controls Sebum
- Not Suitable For Pregnant Individuals
8. Peptides
Peptides are smaller versions of proteins. There are different types of peptides, some may moisturize the skin and smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, while others may target hyperpigmentation or inflammation. They are often used in serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and face masks.
Pros
Cons
- Firms The Skin
- Anti-Age
- Moisturize
- Expensive Products
9. Ceramides
Ceramides are lipid molecules that are on the skin’s outer layer, They help to maintain hydration, protect skin from the environment, and calm irritated sensitive skin. They can often be found in moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and balms.
Pros
Cons
- Hydrates
- Calms
- Improves Skin Texture
- In Rare Cases, It Triggers Acne
10. Green Tea Extract
Green Tea Extract is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. There are many skincare benefits to using this ingredient. Most notably it calms irritation, fights acne, and helps to neutralize free radicals.
Pros
Cons
- Suits Any Skin Type
- Reduces Redness
- Fights Acne
- Skin Irritation For Some People