Hyaluronic Acid
A humectant that occurs naturally in the body and is produced commercially for skin care. It attracts water and helps hold it at the surface of the skin.
Read guide: Hyaluronic Acid Shop products with Hyaluronic Acid
Shop by ingredient
Shop by Ingredient
Ingredient lists can feel like a foreign language. Pick an ingredient to read a plain-English guide, then shop products that include it.
Ingredient lists can feel like a foreign language. Pick an ingredient to read a plain-English guide, then shop products that include it.
01Skin care
Skin care ingredients
What each one is, why it is commonly used, and where it fits in a simple routine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant. On labels it may appear as L-ascorbic acid or as gentler, more stable derivatives such as ascorbyl glucoside.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that is stable in most formulas. It is not the same as niacin.
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that occur naturally in the outer layer of skin, alongside cholesterol and fatty acids. In products they are produced commercially.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They are a broad family, and labels name them by type, such as palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
Retinol
Retinol is an over-the-counter form of vitamin A. Prescription retinoids are a separate category and are not the same thing.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that dissolves in oil. It is a chemical exfoliant that helps loosen dead skin cells.
Read guide: Salicylic Acid Shop products with Salicylic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that dissolves in water. It is a chemical exfoliant that helps loosen dead skin cells on the surface.
More skin care ingredients
This content is for general cosmetic and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or skin condition. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant or nursing, or have concerns about a product, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.