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Skincare Ingredients 101

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Great Skincare Ingredients To Look For!

To choose the correct and effective skincare products for you and your skin goals, you must know the common skincare ingredients. Here is a long list of popular skincare ingredients to know for your foundation of skincare knowledge.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that is mostly water. It is great for dry skin because it calms, soothes, and hydrates the skin. A moisturizer with aloe vera for example would be great for dry skin. Aloe vera is also good for healing post-acne breakouts because it moistens the dry skin. Aloe vera is also great for burns, itchiness, and irritation because it soothes them. Never use aloe vera with alcohol as it will diminish the beneficial properties of aloe vera.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA): AHA is a type of chemical exfoliant. This acid exfoliates the top layers of the skin. This improves dullness and evens out texture. AHAs can be used by mostly everyone, like people with sensitive skin, because they are the least irritating than other acids. Never use an AHA with a retinoid/retinol on the same day. 

Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid is an acid produced naturally on your skin by yeast. This acid removes dead skin cells by going deep within the pores and fights acne because of its antibacterial properties. It reduces red bumps and inflammation and treats rosacea. It also lightens dark spots and evens out skin tone. Azelaic acid can be used by mostly everyone, like people with acne-prone skin, rosacea-prone skin, and hyperpigmentation. 

Bentonite Clay: Bentonite clay is a mineral-rich clay made out of weathered volcanic ash. This clay is used in face masks to absorb excess oil and reduce the appearance of pores. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Bentonite clay is perfect for people with oily skin and acne-prone skin. Never use bentonite clay with an acid or retinoid/retinol on the same day.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an organic acid in the peroxide family. This is antibacterial. This acid treats acne breakouts by killing the bacteria and removes excess oil and dead skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide is perfect for people with mild to moderate acne. Only use one benzoyl peroxide product at once. Never use benzoyl peroxide with a Vitamin C product in the same routine. 

CBD Oil: CBD oil is a compound derived from both hemp and marijuana plants. This oil is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe irritation and redness caused by acne, control oil production, and protects the skin from free radicals, which improves skin texture and skin tone. CBD oil is perfect for people with oily skin and acne-prone skin as well as people with sensitive skin because it is more gentle than benzoyl peroxide. Never use CBD oil with alcohol as it will diminish the beneficial properties of CBD oil.

Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant. It has soothing properties and antioxidant benefits. It helps reduce wrinkles and inflammation and brighten skin. Caffeine is great for people with concerns about wrinkling or aging.

Castor Oil: Castor oil is pressed from castor seeds. Not only is castor oil a moisturizer for skin but also a moisturizer for hair and nails. It protects against wrinkles and soothes dry skin and other skin conditions. Castor oil should only be used by people with super dry skin. 

Ceramides: Ceramides are a part of the complex family of fats and lipids, the sphingolipid. They are naturally derived from the skin. They restore the skin barrier, soften and soothe skin, and protect the skin from environmental pollutants. They also reduce inflammation, redness, swelling, and signs of visible aging. Ceramides can be used by mostly everyone, particularly for people with dry skin or interested in anti-aging properties.

Citric Acid: Citric acid is a type of an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is extracted from citrus fruits. It offers the same benefits of an AHA. It also has antioxidant and astringent properties. It helps to brighten skin and dry out excess oil. This acid also helps to maintain the skin’s pH levels, which maintains normal skin barrier function. Citric acid can be used by mostly everyone, except for people with super sensitive skin. Never use citric acid with a retinoid/retinol on the same day.

Copper Peptides: Copper peptides have antioxidant properties. They also promote collagen and elastin production. This helps soften the appearance of fine lines and make the skin more smooth and firm. Copper peptides could be used by people with hyperpigmentation. Never use copper peptides with a Vitamin C product at the same time. 

Ferulic Acid: Ferulic acid is an antioxidant known for reducing signs of aging. It improves the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, and brown spots. It also protects against free-radical damage from pollution, UV light, and infrared radiation. Ferulic acid can be used by mostly everyone. Never use ferulic acid with glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid on the same day.

Glycerin: Glycerin is an effective moisturizer as it attracts moisture from the air into the top layer of the skin and continues to draw moisture to the deeper layers. It makes the skin smooth and appear dewy. It also helps protect the skin against harsh products. Glycerin can be used by mostly everyone.

Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is a type of an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugarcane. It offers the same benefits of an AHA. It also prevents the formation of clogged pores because it removes dead skin cells. This acid also promotes collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. Glycolic acid is one of the stronger AHAs, but it still can be used by mostly everyone.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a well known hydrator. It has great benefits like retaining moisture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can be used by mostly everyone. 

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an antiseptic agent used in wound cleaning. It kills bacteria and dries out pimples. Hydrogen peroxide could be used by people with cystic acne. Never use hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl peroxide at the same time.

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a natural oil or wax ester that mimics natural sebum, conditioning, and retaining moisture in the skin, without clogging pores or creating acne. It soothes, softens, and smoothes the skin out while keeping the skin hydrated. It also offers antioxidant protection and protects the skin barrier. Jojoba oil treats acne and does not clog pores because it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Jojoba oil can be used by mostly everyone, particularly for people with dry or acne-prone skin. 

Kojic Acid: Kojic acid brightens skin and fades spots because it inhibits pigment production. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Kojic acid can be used by mostly everyone, particularly for people with darker complexions. 

Lactic Acid: Lactic acid is a type of an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is a byproduct of fermented sugar and starch in sour milk via bacteria. It offers the same benefits of an AHA. This type of acid is a light peeling agent that kills bacteria, reduces acne, and diminishes wrinkles because it increases cell turnover. It also helps retain moisture in the skin. Lactic acid can be used by mostly everyone, particularly for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Never use lactic acid with benzoyl peroxide or other acids on the same day. 

Malic Acid: Malic acid is a type of an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from apples. It offers the same benefits of an AHA. It also attracts and retains moisture in the skin and balances the skin’s pH. Malic acid can be used by mostly everyone, particularly for people with sensitive skin because it is gentler than lactic or glycolic acid. Never use malic acid with retinol or other acids on the same day.

Mandelic Acid: Mandelic acid is a type of an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from almonds. It offers the same benefits of an AHA. It also reduces hyperpigmentation. Malic acid can be used by mostly everyone, particularly for people with sensitive skin because it is gentler than lactic or glycolic acid. Never use mandelic acid with retinol, other acids, or other peels on the same day. 

Marula Oil: Marula oil is a natural oil derived from the marula tree found in Africa. This oil seals in moisture and does not clog pores. It also has antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Marula oil can be used by mostly everyone, particularly for people with dry skin.

Niacinamide / Vitamin B3: Niacinamide (or Vitamin B3) is an antioxidant known for reducing inflammation and redness. It also improves discoloration and hyperpigmentation and calms and soothes the skin. It also has anti-aging benefits like improving discoloration and wrinkles. Niacinamide can be used by mostly everyone. 

Olive Oil: Olive oil is a natural oil derived from olives. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as it protects against environmental damage and heals wounds. It also protects against premature aging and moisturizes the skin by reducing water loss. Olive oil can be used by mostly everyone except for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. 

Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly is a mixture of natural mineral oils and waxes. It doesn’t moisturize the skin, but it helps seal moisture in the skin. Because petroleum jelly forms a barrier over the skin, it also protects wounds and accelerates healing. Petroleum jelly can be used by mostly everyone, except for people with very oily, acne-prone skin. 

Polypeptides: Polypeptides are small chemical compounds composed of short-chain amino acids. Peptides tell your skin cells to produce more collagen. This can prevent wrinkles, dehydration, discoloration, loss of firmness, and dullness. In other words, peptides preserve skin’s youthful appearance. It also repairs damaged skin and strengthens skin barrier. Polypeptides can be used by mostly everyone. Never use polypeptides with AHAs on the same day.

Resveratrol: Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in the skin of grapes, peanuts, berries, and chocolate. It protects the skin from negative environmental influences like UV damage. It also slows aging, hydrates the skin, and reduces redness. Resveratrol also improves skin texture and brightens skin. Resveratrol can be used by mostly everyone.

Retinol: Retinol is an antioxidant and a derivative of Vitamin A. It increases cell turnover, which leads to reducing signs of aging and clearing acne. It also boosts collagen production, which leads to improvement in skin texture and skin tone. Retinol can be used by mostly everyone, except for people with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Only use retinol at night. Never use retinol with AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or Vitamin C in the same routine. 

Rosehip Oil: Rosehip oil is a pressed seed oil that is derived from the fruit that sits beneath the rose. It regenerates and heals the skin while combating acne because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Rosehip oil increases collagen production, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the skin’s moisture level, and skin brightening. It also calms and soothes irritation and inflammation. Rosehip oil can be used by mostly everyone. 

Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). It combats acne and exfoliates dead skin, which leads to improvement in skin texture and more even skin tone. It removes excess oil, which leads to reducing the appearance of pores. It also removes the contents of clogged pores and prevents whiteheads and blackheads. Salicylic acid can be used by mostly everyone, particularly for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Never use salicylic acid with another exfoliant in the same routine.

Snail Mucin: Snail mucin is naturally created and used by snails to protect themselves. It stimulates collagen production, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also moisturizes the skin and soothes irritation. Snail mucin can be used by mostly everyone. 

Soybean Oil: Soybean oil is a vegetable oil extracted from crushed soybeans. It reinforces the moisture barrier and improves moisture retention. Soybean oil can be used by mostly everyone, except for people with oily or acne-prone skin. 

Stearic Acid: Stearic acid is a saturated, long-chain fatty acid that’s found in various animal and plant fats. It strengthens the skin barrier and softens the skin, which can decrease signs of aging. It also helps cleanse the skin without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Stearic acid can be used by mostly everyone, particularly by people with dry or sensitive skin. 

Squalane: Squalane is a lipid naturally found in the skin and secreted by the oil glands. It moisturizes the skin, locks in hydration, and softens the skin. It also calms redness and inflammation and regulates oil production. Squalane can be used by mostly everyone. 

Succinic Acid: Succinic acid is a compound either derived from amber or sugar cane or naturally found in plant and animal tissues. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It also hydrates the skin and promotes skin rejuvenation. Succinic acid can be used by mostly everyone. 

Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is natural oil derived from sunflowers. Sunflower oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It strengthens the skin barrier and doesn’t trigger breakouts. It also soothes irritation and helps heal wounds. Sunflower oil can be used by mostly everyone, particularly by people with dry skin. 

Tamanu Oil: Tamanu oil is derived from the seeds of the tamanu nut tree. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It also stimulates collagen production, which helps heal wounds and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Tamanu oil can be used by mostly everyone. 

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from a plant native to Australia. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. It kills bacteria and treats acne. Tea tree oil should be used by people with acne-prone skin or fungal skin conditions. Never use tea tree oil with benzoyl peroxide, AHA, BHA, or retinol on the same day. 

Turmeric: Turmeric is made from a ginger root native to southeast Asia. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It regulates oil production and treats acne. It also brightens skin and improves fine lines and wrinkles. Turmeric can be used by mostly everyone, particularly by people with oily or acne-prone skin. Never use turmeric with lime as it lightens skin when combined together.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a retinoid that offers anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. It stimulates cell regeneration and collagen production. This leads to improvement in skin texture and skin tone and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. It also treats acne and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin A can be used by mostly everyone. Use Vitamin A at night. Never use Vitamin A with AHA on the same day.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant known for brightening the skin and evening skin tone. It also supports collagen production as it improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin C can be used by mostly everyone, except for people with sensitive skin. Use Vitamin C in the morning. Never use Vitamin C with benzoyl peroxide, retinol, AHAs, or BHAs in the same routine.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant known for softening and smoothing the skin. It protects and heals the skin from sun damage. It also has antioxidant properties. Vitamin E can be used by mostly everyone, particularly by people with dry skin and except for people with sensitive skin. Never use Vitamin E with Vitamin A or retinol on the same day. 

Vitamin K: Vitamin K has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes wound healing and combats wrinkles. It also reduces the appearance of dark spots. Vitamin K can be used by mostly everyone.