Ingredient Dictionary: Top 15 Skincare Ingredients

**HYALURONIC ACID** *What it is:* A molecule that can hold 1000x its weight in water *What it does:* Provides intense hydration and plumps skin *Best for:* All skin types, especially dehydrated skin *Look for:* Multiple molecular weights for best results *INCI name:* Sodium Hyaluronate **GLYCERIN** *What it is:* A humectant that draws moisture from the environment *What it does:* Hydrates and softens skin *Best for:* All skin types, especially dry skin *Look for:* High on ingredient lists (top 5 ingredients) *INCI name:* Glycerin **CERAMIDES** *What it is:* Lipids naturally found in skin barrier *What it does:* Restores and maintains skin barrier function *Best for:* Dry, damaged, or sensitive skin *Look for:* Ceramide NP, AP, EOP *INCI name:* Various (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, etc.) **SQUALANE** *What it is:* A lightweight oil derived from plants *What it does:* Moisturizes without clogging pores *Best for:* All skin types, including oily and acne-prone *Look for:* Plant-derived (olive or sugarcane) *INCI name:* Squalane

**VITAMIN C (L-ASCORBIC ACID)** *What it is:* A potent antioxidant *What it does:* Brightens skin, stimulates collagen, protects from damage *Best for:* Dull skin, hyperpigmentation, prevention *Look for:* 10-20% concentration, dark packaging *INCI name:* L-Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate **RETINOL** *What it is:* A form of Vitamin A *What it does:* Accelerates cell turnover, reduces fine lines *Best for:* Anti-aging, acne, uneven texture *Look for:* Start with 0.25-0.5% concentration *INCI name:* Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate **NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3)** *What it is:* A water-soluble vitamin *What it does:* Regulates oil, minimizes pores, strengthens barrier *Best for:* All skin types, especially oily and sensitive *Look for:* 5-10% concentration *INCI name:* Niacinamide, Nicotinamide **ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAs)** *What it is:* Chemical exfoliants from natural sources *What it does:* Removes dead skin cells, improves texture *Best for:* Dull skin, fine lines, uneven texture *Look for:* Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid *INCI name:* Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid

**SALICYLIC ACID (BHA)** *What it is:* A beta hydroxy acid that's oil-soluble *What it does:* Penetrates pores to clear blackheads and prevent acne *Best for:* Oily, acne-prone skin, blackheads *Look for:* 0.5-2% concentration *INCI name:* Salicylic Acid **BENZOYL PEROXIDE** *What it is:* An antimicrobial agent *What it does:* Kills acne bacteria and reduces inflammation *Best for:* Active acne, especially inflammatory acne *Look for:* 2.5-5% concentration (start low) *INCI name:* Benzoyl Peroxide **TEA TREE OIL** *What it is:* An essential oil with antimicrobial properties *What it does:* Fights acne bacteria naturally *Best for:* Mild acne, sensitive skin that can't tolerate stronger actives *Look for:* 5-10% concentration, diluted formulations *INCI name:* Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

**ZINC OXIDE** *What it is:* A mineral sunscreen ingredient *What it does:* Provides broad-spectrum UV protection *Best for:* Sensitive skin, daily sun protection *Look for:* Non-nano particles for sensitive skin *INCI name:* Zinc Oxide **CENTELLA ASIATICA** *What it is:* A plant extract with anti-inflammatory properties *What it does:* Calms irritation and redness *Best for:* Sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin *Look for:* Also called "Cica" or "Tiger Grass" *INCI name:* Centella Asiatica Extract **ALLANTOIN** *What it is:* A compound that promotes healing *What it does:* Soothes irritation and promotes skin repair *Best for:* Sensitive, damaged, or healing skin *Look for:* Often in products for sensitive skin *INCI name:* Allantoin **PANTHENOL (PRO-VITAMIN B5)** *What it is:* A precursor to Vitamin B5 *What it does:* Moisturizes and soothes skin *Best for:* All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated *Look for:* Often paired with other soothing ingredients *INCI name:* Panthenol