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What each molecule actually does in your skin — real mechanisms, evidence-backed concentrations, and how to use them, minus the marketing gloss.
Adapalene is a topical retinoid medicine used for acne, including comedonal blockage and inflammatory lesions.
Allantoin is used in skin-protectant and cosmetic formulations, often alongside moisturizers or other ingredients.
Aloe vera products may contain gel from the inner leaf, other leaf preparations, or mixtures with many added ingredients.
Alpha arbutin is a glycosylated compound used in cosmetic products for uneven tone.
Avobenzone is an organic ultraviolet filter used to provide UVA protection in sunscreen combinations.
Azelaic acid is a topical ingredient and medicine used in different formulations for acne, inflammatory rosacea lesions, or selected pigmentation concerns.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound used in cosmetic products for signs of photoaging.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical acne medicine used in wash-off and leave-on products.
Caffeine is used in some eye products and body cosmetics, often for temporary changes in the appearance of puffiness or cellulite.
Ceramides are lipids in the outer skin barrier and ingredients in many moisturizers. Ceramide-containing products can support dry or eczema-prone skin, but the complete formulation matters more than a prominent ingredient count.
Centella asiatica, often called cica, is a plant extract used in skin-care products.
Coal tar is a complex mixture used in selected topical treatments for psoriasis and some scaly scalp conditions.
Coconut oil is a plant oil used as an emollient.
Colloidal oatmeal is finely processed oat material formulated for skin use.
Copper peptides are complexes of copper with peptides, including GHK-Cu, used in some cosmetics.
Cysteamine is a compound formulated in topical products for selected hyperpigmentation concerns, particularly melasma.
Dimethicone is a silicone polymer used to improve slip and form a protective film in moisturizers and skin-protectant products.
Ferulic acid is a plant-associated phenolic compound used in antioxidant skin-care formulations, often with vitamins C and E.
Glycerin is a humectant used in many moisturizers and cleansers to help retain water in the outer skin. Its performance depends on the full formula, so a separate glycerin serum is usually optional.
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid used in exfoliating skin-care products and chemical peels.
Green tea extract contains polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG.
Growth factors are signaling proteins involved in biological processes such as cell growth and repair.
Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding molecule naturally present in tissues and used in topical moisturizers.
Hydroquinone is a topical depigmenting medicine used for selected hyperpigmentation conditions, including melasma.
Kojic acid is used in products intended to reduce uneven pigmentation.
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid used in skin-care products for surface exfoliation.
Licorice root extract refers to preparations from Glycyrrhiza plants, not a single standardized molecule.
Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid used in exfoliating products and chemical peels.
Niacinamide is a topical form of vitamin B3 used in moisturizers and serums for barrier support and uneven tone. Benefits depend on the finished formula; it supports rather than replaces treatment for acne or eczema.
Oxybenzone, also called benzophenone-3, is an organic ultraviolet filter used in some sunscreens.
Panthenol is a provitamin B5 ingredient used in moisturizing skin-care preparations.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, a broad ingredient family rather than one treatment.
Petrolatum is an occlusive ingredient that helps reduce water loss from the skin. It is used in ointments for dry areas and selected skin-protection needs; the exact formula and condition determine how to use it.
Polyhydroxy acids, or PHAs, include ingredients such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid used in exfoliating and moisturizing formulations.
Pyrithione zinc is an antimicrobial ingredient used in some anti-dandruff formulations.
Retinaldehyde, often shortened to retinal, is a vitamin A derivative and an intermediate in the pathway from retinol to retinoic acid.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative used in cosmetic products for signs of photoaging.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic ingredient used in products for acne and selected scaly skin problems.
Selenium sulfide is used in medicated shampoos for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis and in selected products for pityriasis versicolor.
Shea butter is a plant fat obtained from the shea tree and used as an emollient in creams, balms, and body products.
Snail mucin in cosmetics usually refers to processed snail secretion filtrate.
Squalane is a stable, hydrogenated relative of squalene used as an emollient in skin-care products.
Sulfur is used in some topical preparations for acne and other dermatologic conditions.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil from Melaleuca alternifolia.
Titanium dioxide is an inorganic ultraviolet filter used in sunscreens and a pigment used in other products.
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic medicine also investigated for pigmentation disorders such as melasma.
Urea is a water-binding skin-care ingredient that also loosens thick scale at higher concentrations. The right formulation depends on whether the goal is ordinary dryness or a thickened area requiring stronger treatment.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and a cofactor in collagen biology.
Vitamin E refers to a family of fat-soluble compounds, including tocopherols.
Zinc oxide is an inorganic ultraviolet filter used in sunscreen and also appears in some skin-protectant pastes.