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.

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
Gluconolactone in cosmetics: gentle exfoliation for sensitive skin
antioxidant
Gluconolactone in cosmetics: gentle exfoliation for sensitive skin
Gluconolactone is a gentle, hydrating, and antioxidant PHA that exfoliates with less irritation than other acids. I'l...
Published: 03 June 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: 03 June 2026
Phytic acid in cosmetics: what it is, what it's for, and what to combine it with
brightening
Phytic acid in cosmetics: what it is, what it's for, and what to combine it with
I'll explain what phytic acid really does for the skin, what to combine it with, what mistakes to avoid, and how to u...
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
Grapeseed Oil: properties, uses, and for which skin types it works
antioxidant
Grapeseed Oil: properties, uses, and for which skin types it works
Light, emollient, and rich in fatty acids and antioxidant compounds, grapeseed oil can help reinforce the skin barrie...
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
Complete guide to ceramides for facial care
barrier
Complete guide to ceramides for facial care
Ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier, reduce water loss, and soothe the skin. I'll explain how to use them, wha...
Published: 03 June 2026
Hydrolyzed collagen: what it does for your skin and how to get the most out of it
hair-repair
Hydrolyzed collagen: what it does for your skin and how to get the most out of it
I'll explain what hydrolyzed collagen can and cannot do in cosmetics, for which skin types it makes sense, and how to...
Published: 03 June 2026
Wheat germ oil: what it's used for and for which skin types it makes sense
antioxidant
Wheat germ oil: what it's used for and for which skin types it makes sense
Wheat germ oil provides emollients, antioxidants, and skin barrier support. I'll explain what it's for, which skin ty...
Published: 03 June 2026
Arginine: when it makes sense in cosmetics and what you can expect
barrier
Arginine: when it makes sense in cosmetics and what you can expect
An amino acid useful for supporting skin hydration and comfort, with a more discreet role than marketing sometimes su...
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

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