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.

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: 05 May 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: 04 May 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: 04 May 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: 04 May 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 May 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 May 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 May 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 May 2026
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 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