Every ingredient, decoded.
Filter by category, skin type, or the concern you're treating — then read the peer-reviewed guide.
- anti-aging
Argireline
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A synthetic hexapeptide marketed as a topical alternative to neurotoxin injections for expression lines.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Adenosine
Smooths fine lines and calms skin by supporting cellular energy and repair processes.
Read the guide → - soothing
Allantoin
Soothes irritation, softens rough or flaky skin, and supports healing of the outer barrier.
Read the guide → - soothing
Aloe Vera
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Calms irritation, hydrates the skin surface, and supports minor wound healing.
Read the guide → - brightening
Alpha-Arbutin
Inhibits tyrosinase to gradually fade dark spots and even out tone without the irritation risk of hydroquinone.
Read the guide → - barrier
Argan Oil
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Softens skin and supplies antioxidants that support elasticity and barrier function.
Read the guide → - soothing
Mugwort
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Soothes redness and calms reactive skin with traditional Korean herbal antioxidants.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Vitamin C
Ascorbic Acid
Neutralizes free radicals, brightens dull skin, and supports collagen production.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Delivers a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that converts to active ascorbic acid in skin.
Read the guide → - soothing
Asiaticoside
A triterpenoid saponin isolated from Centella asiatica, studied for wound healing and collagen support.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Astaxanthin
A carotenoid antioxidant derived from microalgae, studied for reducing oxidative damage and supporting skin elasticity.
Read the guide → - soothing
Colloidal Oatmeal
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Calms itching, redness, and irritation while reinforcing the skin barrier.
Read the guide → - brightening
Azelaic Acid
Fades post-acne marks and rosacea redness while gently unclogging pores.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Bakuchiol
Delivers retinol-like smoothing and firming without the flaking or sun sensitivity.
Read the guide → - active
Benzoyl Peroxide
A potent antibacterial that kills acne-causing bacteria and clears breakouts fast.
Read the guide → - soothing
Beta-Glucan
Forms a lightweight, breathable film that calms irritation and helps skin hold on to water.
Read the guide → - humectant
Betaine
An osmoprotectant humectant, derived from sugar beet, that hydrates skin and supports its resilience to dryness and stress.
Read the guide → - barrier
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Strengthens the skin barrier and calms sensitivity using fermented probiotic filtrate.
Read the guide → - sunscreen
Tinosorb S
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB absorption while remaining highly photostable.
Read the guide → - soothing
Bisabolol
A chamomile-derived terpene alcohol used to calm irritation and support a more comfortable skin barrier.
Read the guide → - sunscreen
Avobenzone
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Absorbs UVA1 radiation broadly, offering the deepest UVA coverage among common organic filters.
Read the guide → - barrier
Shea Butter
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Delivers intense emollient moisture and helps calm dry, irritated skin.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Caffeine
A stimulant antioxidant that constricts blood vessels and helps reduce puffiness, redness, and photoaging markers.
Read the guide → - soothing
Calendula
Calendula Officinalis Extract
A marigold-derived botanical extract traditionally used to soothe irritated skin and support wound healing.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
EGCG (Green Tea)
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
The main polyphenol in green tea, delivering strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.
Read the guide → - soothing
Centella Asiatica
Centella Asiatica Extract
Calms redness and inflammation while supporting collagen synthesis and wound healing.
Read the guide → - soothing
Gotu Kola
Centella Asiatica Extract
Calms redness and irritation while supporting collagen synthesis and wound healing.
Read the guide → - barrier
Ceramides
Ceramide NP
Replenishes the lipids that hold the skin barrier together, locking in moisture and blocking irritants.
Read the guide → - soothing
Chamomile
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
A classic calming botanical extract that reduces redness and supports comfort in irritated skin.
Read the guide → - barrier
Cholesterol
A key lipid that, alongside ceramides and fatty acids, rebuilds and reinforces the skin barrier.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Citric Acid
A citrus-derived AHA that exfoliates the surface and adjusts formula pH.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)
Copper Tripeptide-1
A copper-binding tripeptide studied for stimulating collagen production and supporting wound healing and skin firmness.
Read the guide → - barrier
Ectoin
Protects skin cells from environmental stress and locks in moisture at a cellular level.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Neutralizes free radicals and dramatically boosts the stability and potency of vitamin C.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Fullerene
Fullerenes
A carbon-cage nanomaterial studied as a potent free-radical scavenger for anti-aging formulations.
Read the guide → - brightening
Galactomyces Ferment
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
A yeast fermentation filtrate rich in vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, used to improve tone, texture, and radiance.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
PHA (Gluconolactone)
Gluconolactone
Exfoliates gently while hydrating, making it the mildest chemical exfoliant available.
Read the guide → - brightening
Glutathione
A tripeptide antioxidant studied for lightening overall skin tone and buffering oxidative stress.
Read the guide → - humectant
Glycerin
Draws water into the outer skin layer and reinforces the barrier that keeps it there.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Glycolic Acid
Dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells for smoother texture and brighter tone.
Read the guide → - brightening
Licorice Root
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Inhibits tyrosinase to fade discoloration while calming inflammation-driven redness.
Read the guide → - soothing
Witch Hazel
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Tightens the look of pores, reduces oil, and calms mild inflammation.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Sea Buckthorn
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil
A carotenoid- and fatty-acid-rich oil that supports antioxidant defense and skin barrier repair.
Read the guide → - soothing
Heartleaf (Houttuynia)
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
A Korean-skincare botanical extract used to calm redness and support blemish-prone, reactive skin.
Read the guide → - humectant
Collagen
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides that hydrate the surface and support the skin's own structural proteins.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Granactive Retinoid
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Binds directly to retinoid receptors without requiring conversion, offering retinoid effects with less irritation.
Read the guide → - brightening
Kojic Acid
Fades dark spots by blocking the enzyme that produces melanin.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Lactic Acid
Exfoliates dead skin cells while pulling moisture into the skin at the same time.
Read the guide → - barrier
Lactobacillus Ferment
A probiotic-derived ferment filtrate that supports barrier function and skin microbiome balance.
Read the guide → - barrier
Linoleic Acid
An essential omega-6 fatty acid that reinforces the skin barrier and helps normalize sebum composition.
Read the guide → - soothing
Madecassoside
A purified Centella asiatica compound that calms inflammation and accelerates visible healing of compromised skin.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Provides a stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that supports brightening and antioxidant defense.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Malic Acid
Exfoliates the skin surface as an alpha-hydroxy acid, often blended with other AHAs for a mild, balanced effect.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Mandelic Acid
A large-molecule AHA from bitter almonds that exfoliates gently while calming acne-prone skin.
Read the guide → - humectant
Honey
Mel
A natural humectant with mild antimicrobial and soothing properties, historically used for wound care and dry skin.
Read the guide → - active
Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Reduces acne-causing bacteria and calms inflamed breakouts.
Read the guide → - brightening
Noni
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Delivers antioxidant polyphenols that help fade dullness and support a more even tone.
Read the guide → - brightening
Noni Fruit Ferment
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Ferment
A fermented form of noni fruit extract that brightens tone and delivers antioxidant support.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Niacinamide
Calms redness, tightens the look of pores, and rebuilds the skin barrier.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Oligopeptides
Oligopeptide-1
Short chains of amino acids that signal skin cells to behave younger — more collagen, better repair.
Read the guide → - brightening
Rice Extract
Oryza Sativa Extract
A traditional brightening and soothing botanical rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and starches.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Peptides (Matrixyl)
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Signals skin to produce more collagen, gradually softening fine lines.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A fatty-acid-conjugated peptide fragment of collagen, studied for stimulating collagen synthesis in aging skin.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Ginseng
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Supplies ginsenosides that fight oxidative stress and support firmer, more radiant-looking skin.
Read the guide → - humectant
Panthenol
Hydrates, soothes irritation, and supports barrier repair by converting to vitamin B5 in the skin.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Phytic Acid
Gently exfoliates and chelates metal ions that trigger dullness and discoloration.
Read the guide → - barrier
Phytosphingosine
A skin-identical lipid that rebuilds the barrier and calms acne-related inflammation.
Read the guide → - humectant
Polyglutamic Acid
A fermentation-derived humectant that holds up to four times more water than hyaluronic acid and forms a smoothing surface film.
Read the guide → - brightening
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD)
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
A water-soluble, gentler derivative of azelaic acid used to even skin tone and calm redness.
Read the guide → - humectant
Propanediol
A lightweight humectant and solvent, often plant-fermentation-derived, used to hydrate skin and improve texture and absorption of other ingredients.
Read the guide → - soothing
Propolis
Propolis Extract
Calms irritation and supports the skin barrier with natural antibacterial resin from bees.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Resveratrol
A potent plant polyphenol that neutralizes free radicals and supports collagen-protective antioxidant defense.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Retinal (Retinaldehyde)
Retinal
A fast-acting retinoid, one conversion step from retinoic acid, that speeds cell turnover and rebuilds collagen.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Retinol
Speeds up cell turnover and stimulates collagen, smoothing texture and softening fine lines over months.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
Retinyl Palmitate
Provides the mildest, slowest-converting retinoid ester, offering gentle anti-aging support.
Read the guide → - barrier
Rosehip Oil
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Nourishes dry skin and supplies antioxidants and essential fatty acids that support the barrier.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic Acid
Penetrates oil-filled pores to clear congestion and calm acne-related inflammation.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Willow Bark
Salix Alba Bark Extract
A botanical extract containing salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, used for mild exfoliation and blemish control.
Read the guide → - barrier
Marula Oil
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Provides fast-absorbing emollient hydration with a high antioxidant fatty acid content.
Read the guide → - barrier
Jojoba Oil
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Mimics the skin's natural sebum to moisturize without a heavy feel.
Read the guide → - barrier
Snail Mucin
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Hydrates, soothes, and supports barrier repair with a mix of glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Delivers a stable vitamin C derivative with additional evidence supporting anti-acne and antioxidant activity.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
PDRN (Salmon DNA)
Sodium DNA
A polydeoxyribonucleotide derived from salmon DNA, used in serums for tissue regeneration and skin repair support.
Read the guide → - humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Draws water into the skin's surface for an immediate, visible plumping effect.
Read the guide → - humectant
Sodium Lactate
A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) component and humectant that attracts water to the skin and adjusts formula pH.
Read the guide → - humectant
Sodium PCA
A natural moisturizing factor component that attracts and holds water in the outer skin layers.
Read the guide → - barrier
Squalane
A stable, lightweight emollient that mimics skin's natural sebum to soften and protect the barrier without greasiness.
Read the guide → - active
Sulfur
A mineral active with keratolytic, antibacterial, and oil-absorbing properties used to treat acne and oily skin.
Read the guide → - exfoliant
Tartaric Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid derived from grapes that exfoliates the skin surface and adjusts formula pH.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
THD Ascorbate
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Offers a highly stable, oil-soluble vitamin C form that penetrates the skin barrier efficiently.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Thioctic Acid
A potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin C and E.
Read the guide → - sunscreen
Titanium Dioxide
Physically reflects and scatters UVB and short UVA rays as a mineral sunscreen filter.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Tocopherol
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin lipids from oxidative damage and works best paired with vitamin C.
Read the guide → - brightening
Tranexamic Acid
Targets stubborn melasma and post-inflammatory marks by calming the pigment-triggering pathway.
Read the guide → - antioxidant
CoQ10
Ubiquinone
A mitochondrial antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and supports collagen-producing cells.
Read the guide → - humectant
Urea
Draws water into the stratum corneum and, at higher concentrations, softens and lifts excess keratin.
Read the guide → - barrier
Grapeseed Oil
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Provides lightweight moisture and antioxidant polyphenols that help protect the skin barrier.
Read the guide → - sunscreen
Zinc Oxide (SPF)
Zinc Oxide
Physically reflects and scatters UVA and UVB rays, protecting skin from sun damage and photoaging.
Read the guide → - active
Zinc PCA
A water-soluble zinc salt that regulates oil and keeps acne-causing bacteria in check.
Read the guide → - anti-aging
EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)
sh-Oligopeptide-1
A signaling protein that tells skin cells to proliferate and repair, supporting firmer, more resilient skin over time.
Read the guide →