Ingredients

A pharmacist-led guide to cosmetic actives. Every ingredient explained with scientific evidence: what it does, how to use it and what to combine it with.

Topical Vitamin C: concentration, use, and suitable skin types
anti-wrinkle
Topical Vitamin C: concentration, use, and suitable skin types
Antioxidant, brightening, and effective against fine spots: this is how topical vitamin C works when the formula is w...
Published: 20 May 2026
Elastin in cosmetics: what it can really do for your skin
anti-wrinkle
Elastin in cosmetics: what it can really do for your skin
Topical elastin is primarily used as a conditioning and moisturizing ingredient. I'll explain what results are realis...
Published: 20 May 2026
Apple Stem Cells: Real Benefits and How to Use Them Properly
anti-inflammatory
Apple Stem Cells: Real Benefits and How to Use Them Properly
Apple stem cells in cosmetics do not regenerate your skin like a living cell, but they can help protect it from oxida...
Published: 13 May 2026
Adenosine: what it's for and how to use it on your skin
anti-wrinkle
Adenosine: what it's for and how to use it on your skin
Adenosine is a well-tolerated anti-wrinkle active that helps improve the appearance of fine lines and skin function, ...
Published: 10 May 2026
DMAE in cosmetics: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it correctly
anti-wrinkle
DMAE in cosmetics: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it correctly
DMAE bitartrate can provide firmness and antioxidant effects, but the evidence is limited. I'll explain what the scie...
Published: 08 May 2026
Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu): what they are, what they are for, and how to use them
anti-wrinkle
Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu): what they are, what they are for, and how to use them
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) can support skin repair and improve fine wrinkles, but not all of them are created equal: I'...
Published: 08 May 2026
Argireline® 10%: Real Benefits, Common Mistakes, and How to Apply It
anti-wrinkle
Argireline® 10%: Real Benefits, Common Mistakes, and How to Apply It
Pharmaceutical guide on Argireline®: what it is, what concentration to use, what results it can provide, and what mis...
Published: 04 May 2026
Complete guide to bakuchiol for face care
anti-wrinkle
Complete guide to bakuchiol for face care
Bakuchiol is a naturally derived active ingredient with evidence for wrinkles, texture, and tone. I'll explain at wha...
Published: 04 May 2026
What is Matrixyl and how can it help your skin
anti-wrinkle
What is Matrixyl and how can it help your skin
Matrixyl is a cosmetic peptide used to improve the appearance of wrinkles and firmness. I'll explain what it does, th...
Published: 04 May 2026
Peptides in cosmetics: what they do for your skin and how to make the most of them
anti-wrinkle
Peptides in cosmetics: what they do for your skin and how to make the most of them
A clear guide to peptides in cosmetics: what they are, what they are for, how to use them, and which active ingredien...
Published: 03 May 2026
Retinal (Retinaldehyde): What It Does for Your Skin and How to Make the Most of It
acne
Retinal (Retinaldehyde): What It Does for Your Skin and How to Make the Most of It
Retinal is an effective cosmetic retinoid for wrinkles, texture, and acne. I'll explain what concentration to use, ho...
Published: 03 May 2026
Exosomes in cosmetics: everything you need to know
anti-wrinkle
Exosomes in cosmetics: everything you need to know
We analyze what exosomes are in cosmetics, what evidence they have, how to use them, and what results are realistic t...
Published: 03 May 2026

What are cosmetic active ingredients

Cosmetic active ingredients are the components responsible for making a product do what it promises. Unlike excipients (which provide texture, preservation or fragrance), actives are the ones that produce a real, measurable effect on the skin: stimulating collagen, inhibiting melanin, strengthening the skin barrier or accelerating cell renewal.

The problem is that most brands do not explain which actives they use, at what concentration or why. This pharmacist-led guide to cosmetic ingredients was created to change that: each article analyses an active ingredient with the available scientific evidence, without exaggeration or empty promises.

How to use this ingredient guide

Each article in this guide includes a summary card with the INCI name, effective concentration, potency, recommended skin type, routine step and compatibility with other actives. You will also find information on use during pregnancy and verifiable scientific references.

All content is written and reviewed by a licensed pharmacist with over 20 years of experience. This is not a standard cosmetic ingredient list — it is a professional guide designed to help you make informed decisions about your skincare.

Arancha Grediaga
Author and reviewer
Pharmacist · Dermocosmetics Expert · COFA License #6497
+20 years of community pharmacy experience · Technical Lead at EVUE Cosmetics