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.

Enoxolone: What is it used for in the skin? A Pharmaceutical Guide
anti-inflammatory
Enoxolone: What is it used for in the skin? A Pharmaceutical Guide
Enoxolone is a soothing and anti-inflammatory active ingredient derived from licorice, useful for sensitive, reddened...
Published: 03 June 2026
Devil's Claw extract in your routine: when yes and when no
anti-inflammatory
Devil's Claw extract in your routine: when yes and when no
I'll explain what harpagophytum extract is, what real benefits it can bring to the skin, what precautions you should ...
Published: 03 June 2026
What is gallic acid and how can it help your skin
antioxidant
What is gallic acid and how can it help your skin
Gallic acid is a plant-based antioxidant with soothing and protective potential against oxidative stress. I'll explai...
Published: 03 June 2026
Inulin: What it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
anti-inflammatory
Inulin: What it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
Inulin is a cosmetic prebiotic that helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and soothe sensitive skin w...
Published: 03 June 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: 03 June 2026
Topical vitamin B1: what real role does it play in cosmetics
antioxidant
Topical vitamin B1: what real role does it play in cosmetics
An underrated ingredient in cosmetics: I'll explain what topical vitamin B1 can offer and what results you should rea...
Published: 03 June 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: 03 June 2026
Artichoke extract: when it fits into a routine for pores and shine
antioxidant
Artichoke extract: when it fits into a routine for pores and shine
An interesting botanical active for combination or oily skin, with important nuances if you are looking for less shin...
Published: 03 June 2026
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: 03 June 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: 03 June 2026
Cyclopentasiloxane for Skin: What to Expect and What Not To
anti-inflammatory
Cyclopentasiloxane for Skin: What to Expect and What Not To
I'll explain what cyclopentasiloxane is, what it's used for in cosmetics, its safety, if it's safe during pregnancy, ...
Published: 03 June 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: 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