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.

Laminaria extract: when it truly fits into a soothing routine
antioxidant
Laminaria extract: when it truly fits into a soothing routine
An interesting marine active for sensitive, dehydrated or altered skin, with more soothing than spectacular benefits.
Published: 25 May 2026
Ivy extract in cosmetics: when it can be beneficial
anti-inflammatory
Ivy extract in cosmetics: when it can be beneficial
It's not one of the most decisive botanical extracts, but it can fit into soothing and antioxidant formulas with real...
Published: 25 May 2026
Rosemary extract in cosmetics: benefits and ideal applications
antimicrobial
Rosemary extract in cosmetics: benefits and ideal applications
Not all botanicals are soothing. Rosemary extract can provide antioxidant and astringent action, but it's important t...
Published: 25 May 2026
Ethyl macadamiate: light emollience and silky finish
antioxidant
Ethyl macadamiate: light emollience and silky finish
A light emollient that improves formula spreadability and leaves skin feeling soft, with less greasy residue than oth...
Published: 25 May 2026
Ginseng extract: when it adds value to your routine
antioxidant
Ginseng extract: when it adds value to your routine
An interesting botanical active when seeking antioxidant support and a revitalizing effect, but it's important to adj...
Published: 25 May 2026
Fucus extract: when it makes sense in cosmetics
antioxidant
Fucus extract: when it makes sense in cosmetics
An interesting marine active ingredient for its moisturizing and antioxidant profile, although its more ambitious eff...
Published: 25 May 2026
Green tea extract: useful antioxidant or cosmetic claim
anti-inflammatory
Green tea extract: useful antioxidant or cosmetic claim
An interesting antioxidant active ingredient, especially in soothing and urban formulas, but with more modest results...
Published: 25 May 2026
Topical vitamin B2: when it benefits the skin
anti-inflammatory
Topical vitamin B2: when it benefits the skin
Riboflavin in cosmetics: what role it plays, when it fits into a formula, and what realistic results can be expected ...
Published: 25 May 2026
Oat extract on sensitive skin: when it truly brings calm
antioxidant
Oat extract on sensitive skin: when it truly brings calm
A useful aid for sensitive, dry or reactive skin when the formula is well-planned and not expected to deliver more re...
Published: 25 May 2026
Ginkgo biloba extract: when it makes sense in cosmetics
antioxidant
Ginkgo biloba extract: when it makes sense in cosmetics
An interesting botanical active for its antioxidant and soothing profile, although one should not expect major change...
Published: 25 May 2026
Cucumber extract: when it provides comfort to the skin
antioxidant
Cucumber extract: when it provides comfort to the skin
A gentle botanical active that can provide freshness and comfort, but it's important to understand what it truly does...
Published: 20 May 2026
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
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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