Active Ingredients in Skincare: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Your Best Skin
If you’ve ever wondered what sets a good skincare routine apart from a great one, the answer is simple: it’s all in the active ingredients. Active ingredients are the superheroes of skincare, responsible for the intended outcome or effect of a product. They can make all the difference in your complexion, and choosing the right ones for your concerns is key to achieving your best skin ever.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common active ingredients in skincare, what they do, and how to incorporate them into your regimen for maximum results. From exfoliating acids to vitamin C, hyaluronic acid to niacinamide, we’ve got you covered.
Exfoliating Acids: Even Out Texture
Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, commonly known as AHAs and BHAs, are chemical exfoliants that work by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface of your complexion. This process can improve your skin tone and texture, combat dullness, and leave your skin brighter and more radiant overall.
AHAs are water-soluble and work on the surface of the skin, while BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the pores. You’ll often see AHAs and BHAs in combination in exfoliating serums, like our Strawberry Smooth AHA+BHA Salicylic Serum. This formula helps clear skin and decongest pores while delivering a dose of brightening and smoothing benefits.
Vitamin C: Brighten and Even Skin Tone
As any dermatologist will tell you, vitamin C is one of the most important ingredients you can use in your morning routine, second only to SPF. This powerhouse active ingredient brightens the skin, helps even out discoloration, and serves as an antioxidant to fight against free radical damage that can occur throughout the day from environmental stressors.
You can find vitamin C in our Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, which also includes tranexamic acid, another powerful brightening agent, and guava. This formula is perfect for all skin types and is especially helpful for those looking to address the signs of aging or hyperpigmentation.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrate and Plump
Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, drawing moisture beneath the surface of your skin and locking it in. It’s famous for being able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a go-to ingredient for anyone looking to hydrate and plump their skin.
You’ll find hyaluronic acid in everything from our Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial to our Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum. These formulas help to infuse skin with long-lasting hydration and plumpness, making them perfect for all skin types.
Niacinamide: Reduce Redness, Irritation, and Discoloration
Niacinamide is a do-it-all ingredient that soothes inflammation, reduces redness and discoloration, strengthens the skin barrier, provides antioxidant protection, and boosts moisture. It’s particularly helpful for those with sensitive skin or in combination with other active ingredients to minimize irritation.
We pair niacinamide with mica-free luminizers for both instant and long-term brightening in our Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. The lightweight formula provides a dewy glow and helps to even out skin tone and minimize the appearance of pores.
Ceramides: Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Ceramides are the building blocks of our skin and are essential for supporting the strength of the skin barrier. This is particularly important for those with dry or sensitive skin, who need extra support to keep moisture in and keep external irritants out.
Our Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum uses not one, not two, but five kinds of ceramides to deliver powerful strengthening benefits. The ultra-nourishing formula helps to restore the skin barrier and leave skin looking and feeling plump and hydrated.
Retinol: Smooth and Firm Skin
Retinol is an MVP active ingredient, with tons of evidence to back up its efficacy. It speeds up skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, helping to smooth texture and keep skin firm.
While retinol can be irritating, our Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream uses an encapsulated form that allows it to penetrate with minimal risk of irritation. We pair it with super-soothers like avocado and niacinamide to deliver powerful anti-aging benefits without any unwanted irritation.
Choosing Your Active Ingredients
When deciding which active ingredients to add to your routine, it’s best to consider your primary skin concerns. Do you want to brighten up dullness? Even out your skin tone? Reduce irritation? Chances are, there are active ingredients to address whatever complexion concerns you’re dealing with.
It’s okay to layer serums, though typically it’s best to layer from thinnest to thickest. However, you’ll want to make sure to choose actives that play nicely together. Combining too many intense actives can sensitize your skin, so it’s important to alternate the timing when you’re applying each one. In general, it’s best to avoid combining serums that contain exfoliating acids and retinoids, as this can lead to irritation.
Now that you know why active ingredients are so important, it’s time to choose the best ones for your needs. Whether you’re looking to brighten, hydrate, or smooth your skin, the right active ingredients can help you achieve your best complexion yet.
