Ingredient Glossary 🧪

Adenosine

What it does: A naturally occurring molecule that smooths wrinkles, boosts skin elasticity, and promotes wound healing. Gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Best for: All skin types, especially mature and sensitive skin

Pro tip: Look for it in night creams and serums — it works well in leave-on products.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid

Allantoin

What it does: Calms irritated skin, promotes cell regeneration, and softens the skin. Often found in post-procedure products.

Best for: Sensitive, irritated, and dry skin

Pro tip: Great in combination with active ingredients to offset potential irritation.

Pairs well with: Centella Asiatica, Panthenol, Ceramides

Aloe Vera

Also known as: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

What it does: Hydrates, soothes sunburn and irritation, and delivers vitamins and antioxidants to the skin.

Best for: All skin types, especially sunburned or irritated skin

Pro tip: Keep a pure aloe gel in the fridge for instant sunburn relief.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica, Green Tea Extract

Arbutin

Also known as: Alpha-Arbutin, Beta-Arbutin

What it does: Inhibits melanin production to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. A gentler alternative to hydroquinone.

Best for: All skin types dealing with dark spots or uneven tone

Pro tip: Alpha-arbutin is more potent and stable than beta-arbutin. Use it in your AM routine paired with sunscreen.

Pairs well with: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid

Azelaic Acid

What it does: Fights acne, reduces redness and rosacea, and fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A true multitasker.

Best for: Acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and hyperpigmented skin

Pro tip: Available OTC at 10% and by prescription at 15-20%. It may tingle at first but skin adjusts.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Retinol

Bakuchiol

What it does: A plant-based retinol alternative that stimulates collagen, reduces wrinkles, and improves firmness without irritation.

Best for: Sensitive skin, pregnant/nursing individuals, retinol-intolerant skin

Pro tip: Safe to use AM and PM. It won't cause sun sensitivity like retinol does.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Peptides

Benzoyl Peroxide

Also known as: BPO

What it does: Kills acne-causing bacteria and clears clogged pores. One of the most effective OTC acne treatments available.

Best for: Acne-prone and oily skin

Pro tip: Start with 2.5% — it's just as effective as 10% with far less irritation. It bleaches fabrics, so use white towels.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid (avoid mixing with retinol or vitamin C)

Bisabolol

Also known as: Alpha-Bisabolol

What it does: A chamomile-derived ingredient that calms inflammation, soothes redness, and helps heal damaged skin.

Best for: Sensitive, redness-prone, and irritated skin

Pro tip: Look for it in products formulated for sensitive or post-procedure skin.

Pairs well with: Centella Asiatica, Allantoin, Panthenol

Centella Asiatica

Also known as: Cica, Tiger Grass, Gotu Kola

What it does: Calms inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and accelerates wound healing. A K-beauty superstar.

Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone, and compromised skin barriers

Pro tip: Look for products listing Madecassoside or Asiaticoside — these are the active compounds.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol

Ceramides

What it does: Lipid molecules that make up 50% of your skin barrier. They lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage.

Best for: All skin types, especially dry and eczema-prone skin

Pro tip: Most effective when combined with cholesterol and fatty acids (look for all three on the label).

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Cholesterol

Chamomile

Also known as: Matricaria Recutita, Chamomilla Recutita

What it does: A natural anti-inflammatory that calms redness, soothes sensitive skin, and provides antioxidant protection.

Best for: Sensitive and redness-prone skin

Pro tip: If you're allergic to ragweed, patch test chamomile products first as they're related plants.

Pairs well with: Aloe Vera, Allantoin, Bisabolol

Coenzyme Q10

Also known as: CoQ10, Ubiquinone

What it does: A powerful antioxidant that energizes skin cells, reduces oxidative damage, and diminishes fine lines.

Best for: Mature and environmentally stressed skin

Pro tip: Our natural CoQ10 levels drop with age, making topical supplementation especially valuable after 30.

Pairs well with: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Peptides

Collagen

What it does: As a topical, it acts as a humectant to hydrate and plump skin. Topical collagen cannot replace lost collagen but improves skin texture.

Best for: Dry and mature skin

Pro tip: For actual collagen building, use retinol or peptides instead. Topical collagen is more of a hydrator.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Peptides

Glycerin

Also known as: Glycerol

What it does: One of the most effective humectants — draws water into the skin and keeps it plump and hydrated all day.

Best for: All skin types

Pro tip: It's in nearly every well-formulated product. If it's in the top 5 ingredients, the product is deeply hydrating.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Squalane

Glycolic Acid

Also known as: AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)

What it does: The smallest AHA molecule, so it penetrates deeply to exfoliate dead skin, boost cell turnover, and improve texture and tone.

Best for: Normal, oily, and sun-damaged skin

Pro tip: Always wear sunscreen the next day. Start with low concentrations (5-8%) and work up.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide (avoid mixing with retinol)

Green Tea Extract

Also known as: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, EGCG

What it does: A potent antioxidant that calms inflammation, fights free radicals, and can help regulate sebum production.

Best for: All skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin

Pro tip: Works best in serums and moisturizers. Look for it high on the ingredient list for maximum benefits.

Pairs well with: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Caffeine

Honey

Also known as: Mel, Manuka Honey

What it does: A natural humectant with antimicrobial and healing properties. Draws moisture into the skin while fighting bacteria.

Best for: Dry, acne-prone, and dull skin

Pro tip: Manuka honey is the gold standard for skincare. Look for UMF-rated products for potency.

Pairs well with: Propolis, Oat Extract, Aloe Vera

Hyaluronic Acid

Also known as: HA, Sodium Hyaluronate

What it does: Holds up to 1000x its weight in water, providing deep hydration and plumping the skin to reduce fine lines.

Best for: All skin types, especially dehydrated skin

Pro tip: Apply to damp skin and seal with a moisturizer. Multi-weight HA (low + high molecular) gives the best results.

Pairs well with: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Ceramides

Jojoba Oil

Also known as: Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

What it does: Technically a liquid wax that mimics skin's natural sebum. Moisturizes without clogging pores and balances oil production.

Best for: All skin types, including oily and acne-prone

Pro tip: Use as a facial oil, makeup remover, or mix a drop into your moisturizer for extra nourishment.

Pairs well with: Squalane, Vitamin E, Rosehip Oil

Kojic Acid

What it does: Derived from fungi, it inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production and lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Best for: Hyperpigmented and uneven skin tones

Pro tip: Can be sensitizing — start with lower concentrations and always pair with sunscreen. Kojic dipalmitate is a more stable version.

Pairs well with: Vitamin C, Arbutin, Niacinamide

Lactic Acid

Also known as: AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)

What it does: A gentle AHA that exfoliates the skin surface while also hydrating — making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Best for: Dry, sensitive, and AHA-beginner skin

Pro tip: Start with 5% concentration. It's gentler than glycolic acid while still delivering visible results.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide

Licorice Root Extract

Also known as: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Glabridin

What it does: Brightens skin, fades dark spots, and reduces redness. Contains glabridin, which inhibits melanin production.

Best for: Hyperpigmented, sensitive, and redness-prone skin

Pro tip: One of the gentlest brightening ingredients — safe for even very sensitive skin.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Arbutin

Madecassoside

What it does: An active compound from Centella Asiatica that reduces inflammation, promotes collagen synthesis, and speeds up wound healing.

Best for: Sensitive, post-procedure, and acne-scarred skin

Pro tip: Often more effective than generic Centella extract because it's a concentrated active compound.

Pairs well with: Panthenol, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid

Mandelic Acid

Also known as: AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)

What it does: A large-molecule AHA that exfoliates gently and evenly. Also has antibacterial properties that help with acne.

Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone, and darker skin tones (less risk of PIH)

Pro tip: The best AHA for melanin-rich skin because its large molecule size means it's less likely to cause hyperpigmentation.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Azelaic Acid

Niacinamide

Also known as: Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide

What it does: The ultimate multitasker — minimizes pores, regulates oil, brightens skin, strengthens the barrier, and reduces redness.

Best for: All skin types (seriously, everyone benefits)

Pro tip: 5% is the sweet spot for most people. Higher concentrations (10%+) can sometimes cause flushing.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Peptides, Zinc

Oat Extract

Also known as: Colloidal Oatmeal, Avena Sativa

What it does: Soothes itching and irritation, forms a protective barrier, and delivers antioxidants. FDA-recognized as a skin protectant.

Best for: Eczema-prone, dry, sensitive, and itchy skin

Pro tip: Colloidal oatmeal baths are an age-old remedy for eczema flare-ups and work wonderfully.

Pairs well with: Ceramides, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera

Panthenol

Also known as: Pro-Vitamin B5, Dexpanthenol

What it does: Deep moisturizer that penetrates the skin, soothes irritation, and supports barrier repair. Also promotes wound healing.

Best for: All skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin

Pro tip: Works great in both leave-on and rinse-off products. You'll find it in the best barrier-repair formulas.

Pairs well with: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Madecassoside

Peptides

Also known as: Copper Peptides, Matrixyl, Argireline

What it does: Short chains of amino acids that signal skin to produce more collagen and elastin, reducing wrinkles and improving firmness.

Best for: Mature, aging, and sun-damaged skin

Pro tip: Different peptides do different things — Matrixyl is for wrinkles, Argireline is for expression lines, copper peptides are for healing.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid)

Also known as: Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid

What it does: The gentlest chemical exfoliant. Removes dead skin cells while also hydrating and providing antioxidant benefits.

Best for: Very sensitive skin, rosacea-prone, and eczema-prone skin

Pro tip: If your skin can't tolerate AHAs or BHAs, PHAs are your best bet. They don't increase sun sensitivity as much.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica

Propolis

Also known as: Bee Propolis, Bee Glue

What it does: A resinous substance from bees with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Nourishes and protects damaged skin.

Best for: Acne-prone, damaged, and dull skin

Pro tip: K-beauty propolis serums and ampoules are some of the best on the market. Patch test if you have bee allergies.

Pairs well with: Honey, Niacinamide, Snail Mucin

Retinal

Also known as: Retinaldehyde

What it does: A form of vitamin A one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol. More potent and faster-acting, with antibacterial properties.

Best for: Those who tolerate retinol and want to level up

Pro tip: Up to 11x faster than retinol at delivering results. It also fights acne-causing bacteria directly.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide

Retinol

Also known as: Vitamin A, Retinoid

What it does: The gold standard for anti-aging. Boosts collagen production, accelerates cell turnover, smooths wrinkles, and fades dark spots.

Best for: Aging, sun-damaged, and acne-prone skin

Pro tip: Start low (0.25%) and slow (2x/week). Always apply at night and use SPF daily. Expect purging in the first 4-6 weeks.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides

Salicylic Acid

Also known as: BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

What it does: Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin, and blackheads from the inside out.

Best for: Oily, acne-prone, and congested skin

Pro tip: 2% is the max OTC concentration. Use it as a leave-on treatment for best results, not a cleanser (too short contact time).

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Tea Tree Oil

Snail Mucin

Also known as: Snail Secretion Filtrate

What it does: Rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid. Hydrates, repairs damaged skin, and fades acne scars over time.

Best for: All skin types, especially dry and acne-scarred skin

Pro tip: The COSRX 96% Snail Mucin Essence is the cult favorite. Apply to damp skin for maximum absorption.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Propolis

Sodium PCA

Also known as: Sodium Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid, NaPCA

What it does: A naturally occurring humectant in human skin. Part of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) that keeps skin hydrated.

Best for: All skin types, especially dehydrated skin

Pro tip: Works best when combined with other NMF components like urea and amino acids.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Urea, Ceramides

Squalane

Also known as: Hydrogenated Squalene

What it does: A lightweight, stable oil that mimics skin's natural sebum. Locks in moisture without clogging pores or feeling greasy.

Best for: All skin types, including oily and acne-prone

Pro tip: Plant-derived squalane (from olives or sugarcane) is preferred. Apply as the last step of your serum routine.

Pairs well with: Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Vitamin C

Sulfur

What it does: Draws out excess oil, unclogs pores, and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Especially effective for cystic acne.

Best for: Acne-prone and very oily skin

Pro tip: Sulfur masks and spot treatments are classic acne remedies. The smell is strong but results are worth it.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Zinc, Centella Asiatica

Tea Tree Oil

Also known as: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

What it does: A natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory that kills acne bacteria and reduces redness and swelling of breakouts.

Best for: Acne-prone and oily skin

Pro tip: Never apply undiluted — always use products with 5% or less concentration, or dilute with a carrier oil.

Pairs well with: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica

Titanium Dioxide

What it does: A mineral UV filter that sits on the skin's surface and physically blocks UVB and some UVA rays from penetrating.

Best for: Sensitive and acne-prone skin

Pro tip: Best paired with zinc oxide for full-spectrum protection. Look for micronized versions to reduce white cast.

Pairs well with: Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E, Niacinamide

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Also known as: Vitamin E, Alpha-Tocopherol

What it does: A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radical damage, moisturizes, and supports skin healing.

Best for: Dry, mature, and sun-exposed skin

Pro tip: Vitamin E + Vitamin C together are exponentially more effective than either alone. Look for this combo in serums.

Pairs well with: Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, Squalane

Tranexamic Acid

What it does: Reduces hyperpigmentation by interfering with the UV-induced melanin pathway. Especially effective against melasma.

Best for: Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots

Pro tip: One of the best ingredients for stubborn melasma. Can be layered with other brightening actives without irritation.

Pairs well with: Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Arbutin

Urea

Also known as: Carbamide

What it does: A humectant and mild keratolytic. At low concentrations (2-10%) it hydrates; at higher concentrations (20-40%) it exfoliates rough skin.

Best for: Very dry, rough, and keratosis pilaris-prone skin

Pro tip: 5% urea creams are excellent daily moisturizers. 10%+ is great for rough elbows, feet, and KP on arms.

Pairs well with: Ceramides, Lactic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Also known as: L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

What it does: A potent antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, boosts collagen synthesis, and protects against UV-induced free radicals.

Best for: Dull, hyperpigmented, and sun-damaged skin

Pro tip: L-Ascorbic Acid (10-20%, pH under 3.5) is the most studied form. Store in a dark place — it oxidizes quickly.

Pairs well with: Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid

Zinc Oxide

What it does: A mineral sunscreen filter that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin

Pro tip: The only single sunscreen ingredient that covers the full UV spectrum. Tinted versions eliminate white cast.

Pairs well with: Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide, Vitamin E