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.

Resveratrol: the cosmetic antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress
antioxidant
Resveratrol: the cosmetic antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress
Resveratrol is an interesting antioxidant in cosmetics due to its support against oxidative stress, dull skin tone, a...
Published: 03 June 2026
Ginseng extract: when it adds value to your routine
antioxidant
Ginseng extract: when it adds value to your routine
An interesting botanical active when seeking antioxidant support and a revitalizing effect, but it's important to adj...
Published: 03 June 2026
Apple Stem Cells: Real Benefits and How to Use Them Properly
anti-inflammatory
Apple Stem Cells: Real Benefits and How to Use Them Properly
Apple stem cells in cosmetics do not regenerate your skin like a living cell, but they can help protect it from oxida...
Published: 03 June 2026
Kojic Acid in Cosmetics: Everything You Need to Know
antioxidant
Kojic Acid in Cosmetics: Everything You Need to Know
Kojic acid is a depigmenting agent useful for blemishes and dull skin tone. I'll explain what the evidence says, at w...
Published: 03 June 2026
What is organic silicon and how can it help your skin
barrier
What is organic silicon and how can it help your skin
I'll explain what organic silicon is, what it's used for in cosmetics, what to combine it with, and what results you ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Adenosine: what it's for and how to use it on your skin
anti-wrinkle
Adenosine: what it's for and how to use it on your skin
Adenosine is a well-tolerated anti-wrinkle active that helps improve the appearance of fine lines and skin function, ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Ferulic Acid: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it
antioxidant
Ferulic Acid: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative damage, enhances other active ingredients, ...
Published: 03 June 2026
Vitamin K in cosmetics: when it makes sense and when it doesn't
renewing
Vitamin K in cosmetics: when it makes sense and when it doesn't
It is not one of the most well-known assets, but in certain contexts, it can make sense. I'll explain where it fits i...
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
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
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

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