There are a ton of skincare products out there but what really matters is what’s inside. This guide breaks down the most common skincare ingredients, why they matter, and where to find them. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to make sense of labels, we’ve got you covered. It’s all about cutting through the noise and focusing on what actually helps your skin feel and look better.
Hydrators
Hyaluronic Acid
Binds to water to hydrate skin and keep it plump. Helps reduce tightness or flaking.
Look for in: Moisturizers, Serums, Toners
Glycerin
Draws moisture into the skin and strengthens the barrier. Works well for all skin types.
Look for in: Cleansers, Facial Lotions
Squalane
Lightweight oil that mimics skin's natural lipids. Locks in hydration without grease.
Look for in: Facial oils, Night Creams
Aloe Vera
Soothes irritation while giving a boost of hydration. Great for calming redness.
Look for in: Gels, Toners, Moisturizers
Exfoliants
Salicylic Acid
Penetrates pores to clear up blackheads and breakouts. A go-to for oily skin.
Look for in: Cleansers, Spot Treatments
Glycolic Acid
Gently removes dead skin cells and brightens dull skin. Suitable for dry skin types.
Look for in: Toners, Facial Peels
Lactic Acid
Milder than glycolic but still effective. Helps with uneven texture and hydration.
Look for in: Exfoliating Masks, Creams
Mandelic Acid
Large molecule AHA, slow to absorb = less irritation. Great for sensitive skin newbies.
Look for in: Gentle Peels, Overnight Serums
Barrier & Soothing Agents
Ceramides
Supports your skin's barrier and locks in moisture. Especially useful for dry skin.
Look for in: Lotions, Repair Creams
Cica
Also called Centella Asiatica — known for calming inflammation and healing.
Look for in: Moisturizers, Calming Masks
Colloidal Oatmeal
Soothes dry, itchy, or irritated skin. Great for post-shave or winter routines.
Look for in: Facial Creams, Face Washes
Allantoin
Softens skin and reduces sensitivity. Often underrated but works well with actives.
Look for in: Serums, Repair Creams
Protective Ingredients
Zinc Oxide
Physical sunscreen that sits on top of the skin and blocks UV rays. Great for sensitive skin.
Look for in: Sunscreens, Tinted SPF Creams
Titanium Dioxide
Another mineral sunscreen that protects against UV rays. Less likely to irritate the skin.
Look for in: Sunblocks, Mineral SPFs
Green Tea Extract
Rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Look for in: Lotions, Soothing Serums
Vitamin E
A antioxidant that nourishes and protects skin from environmental damage.
Look for in: Moisturizers, Face Oils
Common Ingredient Questions
Is it bad to use body wash on my face?
It's definitely not ideal. Body wash is harsher and can dry out your face. Facial cleansers are made to be gentler and help balance without stripping away all your natural oils.
Do I need to exfoliate if I already wash my face?
Washing gets rid of surface gunk. Exfoliating helps clear out dead skin and unclog stuff deep in your pores. You don’t have to do it daily, maybe twice a week is solid.
Can I use multiple products with actives or is that overkill?
If you're layering stuff like salicylic acid, retinol, and vitamin C all at once, that might be too much. Keep it simple and ease into new ingredients one at a time.
Is oily skin a bad thing?
Not at all. Oil helps protect your skin. The key is controlling excess shine without stripping it completely. That’s where lightweight moisturizers and BHA ingredients come in.
Do I really need moisturizer if I have oily skin?
Yup. Skipping it actually makes your skin produce even more oil. Go for something gel-based or non-greasy, your skin will thank you.
How do I know if an ingredient is working?
Give it time. Most stuff takes a few weeks to show results. If your skin feels better, less irritated, or just looks a bit more even, it’s doing its job.
How many products should I actually use?
You don’t need a 10-step routine. Start with 3: a cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you want to level up, you can add a serum or exfoliant later.
Do I really need sunscreen every day?
YES! Even if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy. It’s the easiest way to avoid sun damage and early wrinkles. Just get a moisturizer with SPF and you’re set.