Ingredients
Skincare ingredients with mechanisms, evidence, and where they appear in the literature.
102 ingredients total.
Most cited ingredients
NiacinamideNiacinamide is a versatile form of vitamin B3 used for barrier support, uneven-looking tone, oiliness, and redness-prone routines.
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic acid is a water-binding humectant used to make skin look temporarily plumper and feel more hydrated.
GlycerinGlycerin is a classic humectant that helps moisturizers pull and hold water in the outer skin.
CeramidesCeramides are barrier lipids used in moisturizers to support dry, tight, or easily irritated skin.
Salicylic AcidSalicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid used for blackheads, clogged pores, and acne-prone routines.
MatrixylMatrixyl is a cosmetic signaling peptide best known by its INCI name Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (also written Pal-KTTKS).
RetinolRetinol is a cosmetic retinoid used for fine lines, texture, and photoaging support, but peeling is a sign the routine may be exceeding tolerance.
Vitamin CVitamin C is an antioxidant category used for brightening, photoaging support, and uneven-looking tone.
All ingredients
Browse every published ingredients alphabetically.
AdapaleneAdapalene is a retinoid best known for acne and clogged pores, with some aging-routine overlap because it belongs to the retinoid family.
AllantoinAllantoin is a skincare ingredient used for skin sensitivity, weak skin barrier, dry skin routines.
Alpha ArbutinAlpha arbutin is a brightening-positioned skincare ingredient used in cosmetic formulas for dark-spot appearance and uneven-looking tone support.
- Amino Acids
Amino acids are skin-conditioning and humectant-support ingredients that can appear in peptide or hydration formulas.
ArgirelineArgireline is acetyl hexapeptide-8, a named cosmetic peptide used for expression-led wrinkles.
AsiaticosideAsiaticoside is a skincare ingredient used for skin sensitivity, weak skin barrier, facial redness routines.
AstaxanthinAstaxanthin is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
AvobenzoneAvobenzone is an organic sunscreen filter valued for UVA protection, which is critical for photoaging and pigmentation routines.
Azelaic AcidAzelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used for blemish-prone skin, uneven-looking tone, and redness-prone routines.
BakuchiolBakuchiol is a plant-derived cosmetic ingredient often marketed as a gentler retinol alternative.
Benzoyl PeroxideBenzoyl peroxide is an acne active that targets acne-associated bacteria and inflammatory-looking pimples, but it is also drying and can irritate sensitive barriers.
Beta-GlucanBeta-Glucan is a skincare ingredient used for weak skin barrier, dry skin, skin sensitivity routines.
BisabololBisabolol is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
CaffeineCaffeine is a small xanthine molecule used in many eye products for a temporary more-awake, less-puffy look.
Capryloyl Salicylic AcidCapryloyl Salicylic Acid is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
Centella AsiaticaCentella asiatica is a plant extract used in calming, barrier-supportive skincare, especially for redness-prone or easily irritated routines.
- Ceramides
Ceramides are barrier lipids used in moisturizers to support dry, tight, or easily irritated skin.
Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
Collagen Peptide ComplexCollagen Peptide Complex is a consumer-friendly way to describe a peptide blend used in cosmetic skincare for smoother-looking and firmer-looking skin.
Colloidal OatmealColloidal oatmeal is a soothing, protective ingredient used in dry, itchy, or irritated-feeling skin formulas.
Copper Tripeptide-1Copper Tripeptide-1 is a skincare ingredient used for wrinkles, fine lines, loss of firmness routines.
- Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a silicone-based skin-conditioning ingredient used for slip and barrier-support feel.
EctoinEctoin is a skincare ingredient used for weak skin barrier, dry skin, skin sensitivity routines.
- Encapsulated Retinol
Encapsulated retinol is retinol delivered in a format designed to moderate release or improve formula handling, but it still needs retinoid caution.
- Epidermal Growth Factor
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a specific signaling protein used in some cosmetic anti-aging serums.
Eucalyptus OilEucalyptus oil is an essential oil named on the official Dermagist Foot & Heel Revitalizing Cream page.
EyelissEyeliss is a named cosmetic blend used in eye-area products positioned for the appearance of under-eye puffiness and bags.
- Ferments
Ferment ingredients are used as skin-conditioning ingredients in many prestige formulas.
Ferula FoetidaFerula foetida is a botanical ingredient named on the official Dermagist Hydro Renewal Hand Cream page.
Ferulic AcidFerulic Acid is a plant-derived antioxidant used in some skincare formulas to support antioxidant performance and stabilize vitamin C pairings.
- Film-Forming Tighteners
Film-forming tightening ingredients create a temporary surface film that can make skin look smoother or tighter until removed.
FragranceFragrance is a skincare ingredient used for skin sensitivity routines.
GluconolactoneGluconolactone is a skincare ingredient used for skin sensitivity, dullness, weak skin barrier routines.
- Glycerin
Glycerin is a classic humectant that helps moisturizers pull and hold water in the outer skin.
Glycolic AcidGlycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can help uneven-looking tone by exfoliating surface buildup, but it can also worsen the look of dark spots if irritation and sun exposure are not controlled.
Green Tea ExtractGreen Tea Extract is a botanical skincare ingredient used for antioxidant and calming appearance support.
- Growth Factors
Growth factors in cosmetic skincare are signal-protein inspired ingredients marketed for visible aging support.
Hadasei-3 ComplexHadasei-3 Complex is Tatcha’s brand-positioned fermented Japanese superfood complex.
HaloxylHaloxyl is a named eye-area peptide complex used in cosmetic formulas for the appearance of blue-purple or vascular-looking dark circles.
- Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding humectant used to make skin look temporarily plumper and feel more hydrated.
Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateHydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a retinoid-family cosmetic ingredient, often sold under the trade name Granactive Retinoid.
Hypochlorous AcidHypochlorous Acid is a skincare ingredient used for adult acne, skin sensitivity routines.
Karanja OilKaranja oil is a plant oil named on the official Dermagist Foot & Heel Revitalizing Cream page.
Kojic AcidKojic acid is a brightening-positioned skincare ingredient used in cosmetic discoloration formulas for dark-spot appearance and uneven-looking tone support.
Lactic AcidLactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates while also having humectant properties.
Lactobionic AcidLactobionic Acid is a skincare ingredient used for skin sensitivity, dullness, dry skin routines.
LanolinLanolin is a skincare ingredient used for chapped lips, dry skin routines.
Licorice ExtractLicorice extract is a botanical skincare ingredient often used in formulas positioned around a more even-looking tone.
MadecassosideMadecassoside is a skincare ingredient used for facial redness, skin sensitivity, weak skin barrier routines.
Mandelic AcidMandelic Acid is a skincare ingredient used for skin sensitivity, adult acne, uneven skin tone routines.
Manuka OilManuka oil is a botanical oil named on the official Dermagist Foot & Heel Revitalizing Cream page.
- Matrixyl
Matrixyl is a cosmetic signaling peptide best known by its INCI name Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (also written Pal-KTTKS).
MelasylMelasyl is La Roche-Posay’s proprietary brightening-positioned ingredient story for the Mela B3 serum family.
MethylisothiazolinoneMethylisothiazolinone is a skincare ingredient used for skin sensitivity routines.
Mugwort ExtractMugwort Extract is a skincare ingredient used for facial redness, skin sensitivity routines.
N-Acetyl GlucosamineN-Acetyl Glucosamine is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
Neem OilNeem oil is a plant oil named on the official Dermagist Foot & Heel Revitalizing Cream page.
- NIA-114 / Niacinamide Derivative
NIA-114 is StriVectin’s niacin-related positioning ingredient and should be discussed as niacinamide-adjacent product language.
- Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a versatile form of vitamin B3 used for barrier support, uneven-looking tone, oiliness, and redness-prone routines.
Nonapeptide-1Nonapeptide-1 is the peptide ingredient callout in RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum.
OctinoxateOctinoxate is an organic UVB sunscreen filter used in some hybrid sunscreen formulas, including EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46.
- Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are emollient skin-conditioning ingredients used to support softness and barrier feel.
OxybenzoneOxybenzone is a chemical sunscreen filter, also known as Benzophenone-3, used to absorb UV energy in sunscreen formulas.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a skincare ingredient used for wrinkles, fine lines routines.
- Panthenol
Panthenol is a soothing humectant used to make stressed skin feel more comfortable while supporting hydration.
- Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids used in anti-aging, hydration, and barrier-support formulas.
- Petrolatum
Petrolatum is a highly effective occlusive moisturizer ingredient that reduces water loss from the skin surface.
Polyglutamic AcidPolyglutamic Acid is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
- Polyhydroxy Acids
Polyhydroxy acids, or PHAs, are exfoliating acids often positioned as gentler-feeling texture ingredients.
Potassium Azeloyl DiglycinatePotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
- Pro-Retinol
Pro-retinol is a consumer-facing term commonly used for milder retinol-related ingredients in cosmetic moisturizers.
PycnogenolPycnogenol is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
RenovageRenovage is a Sederma/Croda cosmetic active associated with Teprenone and used here for cautious pore, tone, redness, and texture appearance support.
ResorcinolResorcinol derivatives such as 4-ethylresorcinol are brightening-positioned cosmetic ingredients used in formulas for dark-spot appearance and uneven-looking tone support.
ResveratrolResveratrol is an antioxidant polyphenol used in some acne-prone cosmetic formulas.
RetinaldehydeRetinaldehyde is a cosmetic retinoid one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol.
- Retinoid Blend
A retinoid blend combines vitamin A related ingredients and should be handled with the same gradual-use caution as retinol products.
RetinoidsRetinoids are vitamin A–related ingredients used for acne, texture, photoaging, and fine lines, but they are also among the most common causes of peeling and irritation when introduced too fast.
- Retinol
Retinol is a cosmetic retinoid used for fine lines, texture, and photoaging support, but peeling is a sign the routine may be exceeding tolerance.
- Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid used for blackheads, clogged pores, and acne-prone routines.
SesaflashSesaflash is a film-forming cosmetic ingredient named in Dermagist Neck Restoration Cream.
Snail Secretion FiltrateSnail Secretion Filtrate is a skincare ingredient used for dry skin, weak skin barrier routines.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a vitamin C derivative used in brightening and antioxidant-positioned formulas.
Sodium PCASodium PCA is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
SqualaneSqualane is a skincare ingredient used for dry skin, skin sensitivity, weak skin barrier routines.
SulfurSulfur is used in skincare as a support ingredient for adult acne, oily skin.
Super Sterol LiquidSuper Sterol Liquid is named on the official Dermagist Hydro Renewal Hand Cream page as a moisturizing and barrier-comfort ingredient.
- Synthe-6
Synthe-6 is a Matrixyl-family peptide name used in cosmetic peptide-serum positioning for visible wrinkle support.
Tea Tree OilTea Tree Oil is a skincare ingredient used for adult acne, oily skin routines.
TFC8 Trigger Factor ComplexTFC8 Trigger Factor Complex is Augustinus Bader’s proprietary skincare complex.
Titanium DioxideTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter used in sunscreens, especially for UVB and some UVA protection depending on particle size and formulation.
Topical CollagenTopical Collagen means collagen, hydrolyzed collagen, soluble collagen, marine collagen, or collagen-peptide ingredients used in creams and moisturizers.
Tranexamic AcidTranexamic acid is a tone-support ingredient used in some dark spot and melasma-oriented cosmetic formulas.
Tremella Mushroom ExtractTremella Mushroom Extract is a cosmetic skincare ingredient best judged by formula context, concentration, delivery system, and skin tolerance.
Tripeptide-32Tripeptide-32 is the INCI peptide associated with Estée Lauder’s Night Peptide positioning in Advanced Night Repair.
UreaUrea is a moisturizing ingredient that can hydrate and soften rough, thick, flaky skin, with keratolytic effects at higher strengths.
ViniferineViniferine is Caudalie’s proprietary brightening-positioned grapevine-shoot ingredient.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant category used for brightening, photoaging support, and uneven-looking tone.
- Vitamin C Derivatives
Vitamin C derivatives are stabilized ascorbate-related ingredients used for brightening and antioxidant-positioned skincare.
Vitamin EVitamin E, often listed as tocopherol, is an antioxidant ingredient used in skincare formulas for skin-feel, barrier-comfort, and antioxidant pairing.
- Vitamin F / Fatty Acids
Vitamin F usually refers to essential fatty acid support in skincare formulas, used for barrier feel and comfort.
Zinc OxideZinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen filter that helps protect against UVA and UVB when used in a properly tested sunscreen.