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.

Elastin in cosmetics: what it can really do for your skin
anti-wrinkle
Elastin in cosmetics: what it can really do for your skin
Topical elastin is primarily used as a conditioning and moisturizing ingredient. I'll explain what results are realis...
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
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
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
Jojoba esters: when they make sense in cosmetics
emollient
Jojoba esters: when they make sense in cosmetics
An emollient and soothing ingredient that improves skin comfort without complicating your routine, especially when yo...
Published: 03 June 2026
Chondroitin Sulfate: Hydration and Elasticity in Cosmetics
emollient
Chondroitin Sulfate: Hydration and Elasticity in Cosmetics
A little-known ingredient primarily used to improve skin hydration, comfort, and flexibility in body and face care fo...
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
Pentylene Glycol: What It Does For Your Skin And How To Make The Most Of It
antimicrobial
Pentylene Glycol: What It Does For Your Skin And How To Make The Most Of It
Pentylene glycol helps maintain hydration and improves formula preservation. I'll tell you what it actually does for ...
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