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.

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: 03 June 2026
Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics: real benefits and how to use it
anti-wrinkle
Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics: real benefits and how to use it
What coenzyme Q10 is, what it's really for, what concentration makes sense, and how to use it in your routine without...
Published: 03 June 2026
Calendula extract for skin: what to expect and what not to
antioxidant
Calendula extract for skin: what to expect and what not to
Calendula extract is a soothing and antioxidant botanical active, useful for sensitive or irritated skin. I'll explai...
Published: 03 June 2026
Resveratrol: the cosmetic antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress
antioxidant
Resveratrol: the cosmetic antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress
Resveratrol is an interesting antioxidant in cosmetics due to its support against oxidative stress, dull skin tone, a...
Published: 03 June 2026
Horse chestnut: uses, precautions, and combinations
anti-inflammatory
Horse chestnut: uses, precautions, and combinations
Horse chestnut is primarily used for its calming, antioxidant, and decongestant effects. I'll tell you what the evide...
Published: 03 June 2026
Aceite de almendras dulces: para qué sirve y qué beneficios tiene para la piel
antioxidant
Aceite de almendras dulces: para qué sirve y qué beneficios tiene para la piel
El aceite de almendras dulces es un emoliente clásico que ayuda a suavizar, reducir la tirantez y reforzar la barrera...
Published: 03 June 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: 03 June 2026
What is rose water and how can it help your skin
antioxidant
What is rose water and how can it help your skin
Pharmaceutical guide to rose water: what it is, what it's really for, which skin types tolerate it best, and what mis...
Published: 03 June 2026
Kojic Acid in Cosmetics: Everything You Need to Know
antioxidant
Kojic Acid in Cosmetics: Everything You Need to Know
Kojic acid is a depigmenting agent useful for blemishes and dull skin tone. I'll explain what the evidence says, at w...
Published: 03 June 2026
Licorice Root Extract for Skin: What to Expect and What Not To
antioxidant
Licorice Root Extract for Skin: What to Expect and What Not To
Licorice root extract is a calming and antioxidant active ingredient that is very useful for sensitive or blemished s...
Published: 03 June 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: 03 June 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: 03 June 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