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.

Coconut oil on your skin: what works, what doesn't, and for whom it makes sense
anti-inflammatory
Coconut oil on your skin: what works, what doesn't, and for whom it makes sense
A clear guide to coconut oil in cosmetics: what it contributes to the skin barrier, which skin types it's best for, a...
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
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: 03 June 2026
What does urea do to your skin? I'll tell you.
exfoliant
What does urea do to your skin? I'll tell you.
Urea hydrates, softens flaking, and helps repair the skin barrier. The key is to use the appropriate concentration de...
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
Jojoba oil: what it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
antioxidant
Jojoba oil: what it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
A clear guide to jojoba oil: what it is, what it's for, how to use it, and what results you can expect for dry, sensi...
Published: 03 June 2026
Lactic acid: when is it worth it in your routine
brightening
Lactic acid: when is it worth it in your routine
An AHA with a dual profile: it renews the skin's surface and, when well-formulated, also helps maintain hydration.
Published: 03 June 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: 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
Ketoconazole on the skin: what it's for and when it makes sense
acne
Ketoconazole on the skin: what it's for and when it makes sense
Ketoconazole on the skin: what it's for, how to use it, and what the evidence says about seborrheic dermatitis and fa...
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