Plain-English explanations of common skincare ingredients — what they actually do, what concentration matters, and what the research supports.
Vitamin B3 derivative with strong evidence for pore appearance, uneven tone, and the skin barrier. One of the most versatile and well-tolerated actives available.
A naturally occurring polysaccharide that draws water into skin. Molecular weight matters significantly — here's what "multi-weight" actually means.
The gold-standard anti-ageing active. Decades of clinical evidence, but also the most common source of irritation in skincare routines. What to know before you start.
A beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pore, not just on the surface. The go-to ingredient for blackheads, whiteheads, and congested skin.
A potent antioxidant and brightening ingredient — but notoriously unstable. Why L-ascorbic acid is the gold standard and what the derivatives actually offer.
Lipids that make up roughly 50% of the skin barrier. Essential for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin — and what to look for on a label.