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.

Grapeseed Oil: properties, uses, and for which skin types it works
antioxidant
Grapeseed Oil: properties, uses, and for which skin types it works
Light, emollient, and rich in fatty acids and antioxidant compounds, grapeseed oil can help reinforce the skin barrie...
Published: 06 May 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: 06 May 2026
Citric acid in cosmetics: what it is and its effect on the skin
antioxidant
Citric acid in cosmetics: what it is and its effect on the skin
I'll explain what citric acid is in cosmetics, what it's really used for, how to use it without irritating the skin, ...
Published: 06 May 2026
Ferulic Acid: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it
antioxidant
Ferulic Acid: what it is, what it's for, and how to use it
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative damage, enhances other active ingredients, ...
Published: 05 May 2026
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
What mandelic acid is used for in the skin: a pharmaceutical guide
acne
What mandelic acid is used for in the skin: a pharmaceutical guide
Mandelic acid exfoliates more gently than other AHAs, helps with acne, blemishes, and dull tone, and is usually bette...
Published: 05 May 2026
Tranexamic acid: what it does for your skin and when it makes sense to use it
brightening
Tranexamic acid: what it does for your skin and when it makes sense to use it
A clear guide to tranexamic acid: what it really does, what skin types it's good for, how to use it, and what active ...
Published: 05 May 2026
What is rose water and how can it help your skin
antioxidant
What is rose water and how can it help your skin
Pharmaceutical guide to rose water: what it is, what it's really for, which skin types tolerate it best, and what mis...
Published: 05 May 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: 04 May 2026
Argireline® 10%: Real Benefits, Common Mistakes, and How to Apply It
anti-wrinkle
Argireline® 10%: Real Benefits, Common Mistakes, and How to Apply It
Pharmaceutical guide on Argireline®: what it is, what concentration to use, what results it can provide, and what mis...
Published: 04 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 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