Ingredient explorer · 20 ingredients
What each ingredient actually does.
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20 ingredients
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Not recommended together
Retinol and an AHA in the same PM routine can irritate. Try alternate nights.
Ingredient guides, A to Z
- Arbutin and alpha-arbutinArbutin and its more stable form, alpha-arbutin, are brightening ingredients that help fade the look of dark spots by slowing how much pigment skin makes.
- Azelaic acidAzelaic acid is a gentle acid that helps reduce the look of breakouts, redness and dark marks at the same time.
- Centella asiaticaCentella asiatica is a plant extract used to calm the look of redness and support skin that feels irritated.
- CeramidesCeramides are lipids that make up much of the skin barrier. Adding them back helps skin hold on to water and feel less reactive.
- Glycolic and lactic acid (AHA)AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble exfoliants that loosen dull surface cells, so skin looks smoother and more even.
- HeartleafHeartleaf, or Houttuynia cordata, is a plant extract used in Korean skincare to calm the look of redness on oily and breakout-prone skin.
- Hyaluronic acidHyaluronic acid is a humectant: it draws water into the top layers of skin, so skin looks plumper and feels less tight.
- NiacinamideNiacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps skin look more even, with less visible shine and smaller-looking pores.
- Panthenol (vitamin B5)Panthenol, or provitamin B5, is a humectant that softens and soothes, helping dry or irritated skin feel comfortable again.
- PHA (gluconolactone)PHAs such as gluconolactone are gentle exfoliants with a larger molecule, so they work slowly at the surface and are less likely to sting.
- PropolisPropolis is a resin made by bees that helps calm skin and adds a light, glossy layer of hydration.
- Retinol and retinalRetinol is a form of vitamin A that helps skin renew itself faster, which softens the look of fine lines, rough texture and clogged pores.
- Rice extractRice extract is a traditional Korean skincare ingredient that hydrates and helps skin look softer and brighter.
- Salicylic acid (BHA)Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliant (a BHA) that works inside pores, so it helps clear blackheads and breakouts.
- Snail mucinSnail mucin, listed as snail secretion filtrate, is a hydrating ingredient that helps skin feel soft, bouncy and comfortable.
- SqualaneSqualane is a light, stable oil that mimics one of skin’s own lipids, so it softens and seals in moisture without feeling greasy.
- Tranexamic acidTranexamic acid is a brightening ingredient that helps fade the look of dark spots and stubborn discolouration.
- UV filtersUV filters are the ingredients in sunscreen that absorb or reflect UVA and UVB light, the light that burns skin and drives dark spots and visible ageing.
- Vitamin CVitamin C is an antioxidant that helps brighten dull skin and fade the look of dark spots, and it backs up your sunscreen against daily environmental stress.
- Zinc PCAZinc PCA is a form of zinc used to help balance the look of oil on oily and breakout-prone skin.