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.

Rosemary extract in cosmetics: benefits and ideal applications
antimicrobial
Rosemary extract in cosmetics: benefits and ideal applications
Not all botanicals are soothing. Rosemary extract can provide antioxidant and astringent action, but it's important t...
Published: 25 May 2026
Quina extract: when it's suitable for oily skin
acne
Quina extract: when it's suitable for oily skin
A botanical extract with a sebum-regulating profile that can be effective in formulas for combination or oily skin, w...
Published: 25 May 2026
Kaolin for oily skin: when it fits and how to use it
exfoliant
Kaolin for oily skin: when it fits and how to use it
A classic clay for oily or combination skin: useful for absorbing sebum and decongesting, with realistic and no-exagg...
Published: 20 May 2026
Artichoke extract: when it fits into a routine for pores and shine
antioxidant
Artichoke extract: when it fits into a routine for pores and shine
An interesting botanical active for combination or oily skin, with important nuances if you are looking for less shin...
Published: 20 May 2026
Sulfur in cosmetics: when it makes sense and when it doesn't
acne
Sulfur in cosmetics: when it makes sense and when it doesn't
It's not an ingredient for everyone, but for oily skin with occasional breakouts, it can make sense if the formula is...
Published: 19 May 2026
Succinic acid: when it makes sense for acne-prone skin
acne
Succinic acid: when it makes sense for acne-prone skin
A lesser-known acid that can fit into routines for occasional blemishes, excess sebum, and mild imperfections, with r...
Published: 19 May 2026
Serenoa serrulata extract: real functions and how to apply it
sebum-regulating
Serenoa serrulata extract: real functions and how to apply it
We analyze what Serenoa serrulata extract is, what it is used for in oily or acne-prone skin, and what its real limit...
Published: 16 May 2026
What is zinc PCA for? A pharmacist explains it to you
antimicrobial
What is zinc PCA for? A pharmacist explains it to you
Zinc PCA helps control excess sebum and can support acne-prone skin. I'll tell you what the evidence says, how to use...
Published: 12 May 2026
What is caffeine for? A pharmacist explains
anti-inflammatory
What is caffeine for? A pharmacist explains
Caffeine in cosmetics can help reduce inflammation, provide an antioxidant effect, and temporarily improve under-eye ...
Published: 10 May 2026
Tea tree oil: what it's used for in cosmetics and how to use it without irritation
antimicrobial
Tea tree oil: what it's used for in cosmetics and how to use it without irritation
We analyze what tea tree oil is used for in cosmetics, how to use it without irritation, and what results are realist...
Published: 07 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