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.

Exosomes in cosmetics: everything you need to know
anti-wrinkle
Exosomes in cosmetics: everything you need to know
We analyze what exosomes are in cosmetics, what evidence they have, how to use them, and what results are realistic t...
Published: 03 June 2026
Centella Asiatica for Skin: What Works and What Doesn't
antioxidant
Centella Asiatica for Skin: What Works and What Doesn't
Centella asiatica extract is used for its soothing, antioxidant, and restorative properties. I'll explain what it can...
Published: 03 June 2026
Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu): what they are, what they are for, and how to use them
anti-wrinkle
Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu): what they are, what they are for, and how to use them
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) can support skin repair and improve fine wrinkles, but not all of them are created equal: I'...
Published: 03 June 2026
Snail mucin in your routine: when to use it and when not to
hydrating
Snail mucin in your routine: when to use it and when not to
Snail mucin can help hydrate, soothe, and improve skin recovery. I'll explain what the evidence says, who it makes se...
Published: 03 June 2026
Retinal (Retinaldehyde): What It Does for Your Skin and How to Make the Most of It
acne
Retinal (Retinaldehyde): What It Does for Your Skin and How to Make the Most of It
Retinal is an effective cosmetic retinoid for wrinkles, texture, and acne. I'll explain what concentration to use, ho...
Published: 03 June 2026
What is Matrixyl and how can it help your skin
anti-wrinkle
What is Matrixyl and how can it help your skin
Matrixyl is a cosmetic peptide used to improve the appearance of wrinkles and firmness. I'll explain what it does, th...
Published: 03 June 2026
Glycerin: What it's for and how to use it on your skin
hydrating
Glycerin: What it's for and how to use it on your skin
Glycerin is one of the most effective and best-tolerated humectants. I'll explain what it's used for, how to use it, ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Shea butter: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it
barrier
Shea butter: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it
Shea butter is a natural emollient that is very useful for strengthening the skin barrier, reducing dryness, and soot...
Published: 03 June 2026
Bisabolol: What it is, what it's for, and why your sensitive skin will thank you
antioxidant
Bisabolol: What it is, what it's for, and why your sensitive skin will thank you
Bisabolol is a soothing and anti-inflammatory active ingredient very useful for sensitive, reactive, or irritated ski...
Published: 03 June 2026
The truth about rosehip oil: what science says
antioxidant
The truth about rosehip oil: what science says
Rosehip oil without myths: what it can really do for the skin, how to use it properly, what to combine it with, and w...
Published: 03 June 2026
Complete guide to bakuchiol for face care
anti-wrinkle
Complete guide to bakuchiol for face care
Bakuchiol is a naturally derived active ingredient with evidence for wrinkles, texture, and tone. I'll explain at wha...
Published: 03 June 2026
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

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