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.

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: 03 June 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: 03 June 2026
Vitamin E: how to use it in your facial routine
antioxidant
Vitamin E: how to use it in your facial routine
Vitamin E is a classic antioxidant in dermo-cosmetics: it helps protect the skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and w...
Published: 03 June 2026
Complete guide to panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) for facial care
barrier
Complete guide to panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) for facial care
Panthenol is a moisturizing and repairing active ingredient very useful when the skin is dehydrated, sensitive, or ha...
Published: 03 June 2026
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: 03 June 2026
Aloe vera: what it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
antioxidant
Aloe vera: what it does for your skin and how to make the most of it
I'll explain what aloe vera actually does for the skin, when it's worth using, what it pairs well with, and what mist...
Published: 03 June 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: 03 June 2026
Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics: real benefits and how to use it
anti-wrinkle
Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics: real benefits and how to use it
What coenzyme Q10 is, what it's really for, what concentration makes sense, and how to use it in your routine without...
Published: 03 June 2026
Calendula extract for skin: what to expect and what not to
antioxidant
Calendula extract for skin: what to expect and what not to
Calendula extract is a soothing and antioxidant botanical active, useful for sensitive or irritated skin. I'll explai...
Published: 03 June 2026
Arnica extract in cosmetics: when it makes sense and when it doesn't
anti-inflammatory
Arnica extract in cosmetics: when it makes sense and when it doesn't
Not all soothing agents work for everything. Arnica extract can be a good fit for comforting formulas, but it's impor...
Published: 03 June 2026
Arbutin in cosmetics: everything you need to know
brightening
Arbutin in cosmetics: everything you need to know
Arbutin is a depigmenting active ingredient useful for spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I'll explain wh...
Published: 03 June 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 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