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.

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: 11 May 2026
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: 11 May 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: 10 May 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: 09 May 2026
Enoxolone: What is it used for in the skin? A Pharmaceutical Guide
anti-inflammatory
Enoxolone: What is it used for in the skin? A Pharmaceutical Guide
Enoxolone is a soothing and anti-inflammatory active ingredient derived from licorice, useful for sensitive, reddened...
Published: 09 May 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: 08 May 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: 08 May 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: 06 May 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: 06 May 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: 06 May 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: 06 May 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: 05 May 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