Skincare Ingredients Guide
Evidence-based information about the most effective skincare ingredients for healthy, clear skin.
Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin)
Benefits:
Anti-aging, acne treatment, cell turnover
Best For:
Acne, fine lines, uneven texture
How to Use:
Start 2-3x per week at night, build tolerance gradually
Pro Tips:
Use sunscreen daily. May cause initial purging.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Benefits:
Oil control, pore minimizing, brightening
Best For:
Oily skin, large pores, hyperpigmentation
How to Use:
Morning and/or evening, can be used daily
Pro Tips:
Works well with most ingredients. Generally well-tolerated.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Benefits:
Exfoliation, pore cleansing, acne prevention
Best For:
Oily skin, blackheads, acne
How to Use:
1-2x daily in cleanser or treatment
Pro Tips:
Oil-soluble, penetrates pores. Start slowly to avoid irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Benefits:
Hydration, plumping, moisture retention
Best For:
All skin types, dehydration
How to Use:
Apply to damp skin, morning and evening
Pro Tips:
Holds 1000x its weight in water. Layer under moisturizer.
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Benefits:
Brightening, antioxidant, collagen production
Best For:
Dull skin, dark spots, sun damage
How to Use:
Morning application, before sunscreen
Pro Tips:
Store in dark, cool place. Use with vitamin E for stability.
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Benefits:
Exfoliation, texture improvement, brightening
Best For:
Dry skin, dullness, hyperpigmentation
How to Use:
2-3x weekly, evening use
Pro Tips:
Water-soluble, surface exfoliant. Always use SPF next day.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benefits:
Kills acne bacteria, anti-inflammatory
Best For:
Active acne, inflammatory breakouts
How to Use:
Start with 2.5%, use as spot treatment or all-over
Pro Tips:
Can bleach fabrics. May cause dryness, use with moisturizer.
Ceramides
Benefits:
Barrier repair, moisture retention
Best For:
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
How to Use:
Daily use in moisturizers
Pro Tips:
Essential lipids for skin barrier. Safe for all skin types.
Peptides
Benefits:
Collagen support, firming, anti-aging
Best For:
Mature skin, fine lines
How to Use:
Daily use in serums or moisturizers
Pro Tips:
Build skin structure. Work well with retinoids and vitamin C.
Azelaic Acid
Benefits:
Acne treatment, brightening, rosacea
Best For:
Acne, hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin
How to Use:
1-2x daily
Pro Tips:
Gentle yet effective. Good alternative to retinoids.
Ingredient Layering Tips
Order of Application:
- Cleanser
- Toner/Essence
- Serums (thinnest to thickest)
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- SPF (morning only)
Combinations to Avoid:
- Retinoids + Vitamin C (use at different times of day)
- AHAs/BHAs + Retinoids (can over-exfoliate)
- Benzoyl Peroxide + Vitamin C (can oxidize)
Power Combinations:
- Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid (antioxidant boost)
- Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid (hydration + oil control)
- Retinoids + Peptides (anti-aging powerhouse)
Natural Ingredient Treatments
Discover the power of natural ingredients in skincare. These treatment masks and products showcase key active ingredients from nature.
Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory
Avocado
Deep Hydration
Vitamin C
Brightening
Berry Extracts
Exfoliation
Pumpkin Enzymes
Gentle Exfoliation
Coffee
Antioxidants
Sea Salt
Deep Cleansing
Honey
Antibacterial
Track Your Ingredient Reactions
Use Pimpl to log products and ingredients, track reactions, and discover what works best for your unique skin.
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