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.

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
Avocado oil in cosmetics: what it does for your skin and its benefits
anti-inflammatory
Avocado oil in cosmetics: what it does for your skin and its benefits
Avocado oil is an emollient rich in fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter that helps strengthen the skin barrier and ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Olive oil on the skin: real benefits and when not to use it
emollient
Olive oil on the skin: real benefits and when not to use it
Olive oil acts as an emollient and moisturizer, but it's not suitable for all skin types. I'll tell you how to use it...
Published: 03 June 2026
Vegetable squalane: light emollience and skin barrier support
barrier
Vegetable squalane: light emollience and skin barrier support
A skin-native lipid that helps to soften, reduce water loss, and improve skin comfort without a dense feel.
Published: 03 June 2026
Evening primrose oil: when it makes sense for skin and hair
barrier
Evening primrose oil: when it makes sense for skin and hair
It's not an oil for everyone, but it can be suitable for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin and damaged ends.
Published: 03 June 2026
Mango Butter: When it provides comfort and when it falls short
emollient
Mango Butter: When it provides comfort and when it falls short
A very pleasant vegetable butter for dry or sensitized skin, but with important nuances if you're looking to treat ac...
Published: 03 June 2026
Carrot Oil: when it makes sense in your routine
antioxidant
Carrot Oil: when it makes sense in your routine
A vegetable oil interesting for its antioxidant and emollient profile, but with important nuances about what it can t...
Published: 03 June 2026
Macadamia Oil: Real Functions and How to Apply It
antioxidant
Macadamia Oil: Real Functions and How to Apply It
Macadamia oil is a natural emollient that helps soften the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce feelings of ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Sunflower oil in cosmetics: what the evidence says
antioxidant
Sunflower oil in cosmetics: what the evidence says
Pharmaceutical guide to sunflower oil: what it contributes to the skin barrier, which skin types it's best suited for...
Published: 03 June 2026
What is babassu oil and how can it help your skin
emollient
What is babassu oil and how can it help your skin
Babassu oil is a lightweight, plant-derived emollient that helps soften the skin, reinforce the skin barrier, and pro...
Published: 03 June 2026
Dimethicone for the skin: what it is, how it works, and when it's worth it
barrier
Dimethicone for the skin: what it is, how it works, and when it's worth it
Dimethicone is a cosmetic silicone widely used for its emollient and protective effects. I'll explain what it really ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Apricot seed in cosmetics: physical exfoliant
emollient
Apricot seed in cosmetics: physical exfoliant
A classic physical exfoliant that can smooth texture but doesn't suit all skin types or routines.
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