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.

Green tea extract: useful antioxidant or cosmetic claim
anti-inflammatory
Green tea extract: useful antioxidant or cosmetic claim
An interesting antioxidant active ingredient, especially in soothing and urban formulas, but with more modest results...
Published: 25 May 2026
Topical vitamin B2: when it benefits the skin
anti-inflammatory
Topical vitamin B2: when it benefits the skin
Riboflavin in cosmetics: what role it plays, when it fits into a formula, and what realistic results can be expected ...
Published: 25 May 2026
Oat extract on sensitive skin: when it truly brings calm
antioxidant
Oat extract on sensitive skin: when it truly brings calm
A useful aid for sensitive, dry or reactive skin when the formula is well-planned and not expected to deliver more re...
Published: 25 May 2026
Mango Butter: When it provides comfort and when it falls short
emollient
Mango Butter: When it provides comfort and when it falls short
A very pleasant vegetable butter for dry or sensitized skin, but with important nuances if you're looking to treat ac...
Published: 25 May 2026
Ginkgo biloba extract: when it makes sense in cosmetics
antioxidant
Ginkgo biloba extract: when it makes sense in cosmetics
An interesting botanical active for its antioxidant and soothing profile, although one should not expect major change...
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
Cucumber extract: when it provides comfort to the skin
antioxidant
Cucumber extract: when it provides comfort to the skin
A gentle botanical active that can provide freshness and comfort, but it's important to understand what it truly does...
Published: 20 May 2026
Chondroitin Sulfate: Hydration and Elasticity in Cosmetics
emollient
Chondroitin Sulfate: Hydration and Elasticity in Cosmetics
A little-known ingredient primarily used to improve skin hydration, comfort, and flexibility in body and face care fo...
Published: 20 May 2026
Topical Vitamin C: concentration, use, and suitable skin types
anti-wrinkle
Topical Vitamin C: concentration, use, and suitable skin types
Antioxidant, brightening, and effective against fine spots: this is how topical vitamin C works when the formula is w...
Published: 20 May 2026
Apricot seed in cosmetics: physical exfoliant
emollient
Apricot seed in cosmetics: physical exfoliant
A classic physical exfoliant that can smooth texture but doesn't suit all skin types or routines.
Published: 20 May 2026
Zinc sulfate in cosmetics: when it can make sense
acne
Zinc sulfate in cosmetics: when it can make sense
A functional ingredient with antimicrobial and soothing properties, but with important nuances depending on the formu...
Published: 20 May 2026
Topical vitamin B1: what real role does it play in cosmetics
antioxidant
Topical vitamin B1: what real role does it play in cosmetics
An underrated ingredient in cosmetics: I'll explain what topical vitamin B1 can offer and what results you should rea...
Published: 20 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