The Skincare Ingredient Glossary: A–Z of Actives
Confused by skincare labels? This A–Z glossary explains what the most common active ingredients actually do, when to use them, and where to shop each one. Bookmark it, cite it, or link to it as a quick reference.
| Ingredient | What it does | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | Holds water in the skin to plump and hydrate every skin type. | Shop hyaluronic |
| Niacinamide (B3) | Refines pores, evens tone, calms redness, balances oil. | Shop niacinamide |
| Vitamin C | Brightens, fades dark spots, antioxidant protection (use AM). | Shop vitamin C |
| Retinol | Boosts cell turnover; softens fine lines and texture (use PM). | Shop anti-ageing |
| PDRN / Peptides | Support repair, hydration and the look of firmness and bounce. | Shop PDRN |
| Snail Mucin | K-beauty hydrator that soothes and supports smooth, plump skin. | Shop K-beauty |
| Centella (Cica) | Calms redness and supports a healthy barrier; great for sensitive skin. | Shop cica |
| Collagen | Supports firmness and a plumper, bouncier-looking complexion. | Shop collagen |
| Salicylic Acid (BHA) | Oil-soluble; clears pores — ideal for blemish-prone skin. | Shop blemish care |
| SPF / Sunscreen | Shields against UV damage, dark spots and premature ageing. | Shop SPF |
| Ceramides | Reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture. | Shop moisturisers |
| Shea Butter | Rich emollient that softens dry skin and hair. | Shop body |
How to build a simple routine
Morning: cleanse → vitamin C (optional) → hyaluronic/niacinamide → moisturiser → SPF.
Evening: cleanse → treatment (retinol or acid, a few nights a week) → hydrating serum → moisturiser.
New to actives? Start with our skincare edit, or explore gentle fragrance-free options for sensitive skin. For the trend-led picks, see K-beauty and PDRN & peptides.
Frequently asked questions
What skincare ingredients should beginners start with?
A simple, effective start is a gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for tone and oil balance, a moisturiser, and daily SPF. Add vitamin C or retinol once your routine is settled.
Can you mix skincare actives?
Many actives pair well — hyaluronic acid and niacinamide go with almost anything. Introduce stronger actives like retinol and acids one at a time, and avoid layering several strong actives at once to prevent irritation.
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?
AHAs (like glycolic and lactic acid) exfoliate the skin's surface and help with tone and texture; BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble and gets into pores, making it ideal for blemish-prone and oily skin.
Shop the edit
Skincare · Face Serums · Hyaluronic Acid · Vitamin C · K-Beauty
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