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.

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 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
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
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
Hemp oil in your routine: when to use it and when not to
anti-inflammatory
Hemp oil in your routine: when to use it and when not to
Hemp oil helps strengthen the skin barrier and soothe the skin. I'll explain its benefits, when to avoid it, and how ...
Published: 03 June 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: 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
Castor oil in cosmetics: everything you need to know
barrier
Castor oil in cosmetics: everything you need to know
Castor oil in cosmetics: what it can really do for your skin and hair, how to use it correctly, and its limitations a...
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
Beta-Glucans: When They Make Sense in a Sensitive Routine
barrier
Beta-Glucans: When They Make Sense in a Sensitive Routine
They're not the most striking ingredient, but they can be a great fit for sensitive, irritated, or irritation-prone s...
Published: 03 June 2026
Allantoin in cosmetics: when it soothes and when it's barely noticeable
barrier
Allantoin in cosmetics: when it soothes and when it's barely noticeable
A discreet yet useful active ingredient for irritated, sensitive, or compromised skin.
Published: 03 June 2026
What is azeloglycine and how can it help your skin
brightening
What is azeloglycine and how can it help your skin
Azeloglycine is a gentler, well-tolerated derivative of azelaic acid. I'll tell you what it's used for, what to combi...
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