First things first… What exactly is an active ingredient?

Skincare products can be formulated with any number of ingredients — humectants, extracts, preservatives and active ingredients, just to name a few. Simply speaking, actives are the ingredients in a formula that are scientifically-proven to address specific skin concerns.

In other words, they’re the ingredients that really help a product do what it promises to do. For example, if a spot treatment claims to clear up acne, it will probably contain an active ingredient like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Make sense? Let’s break down some of the most popular active ingredients in skincare.

Select an ingredient to learn more
Lactic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Amino Acids
Aquaxyl
Centella Asiatica Extract
Patch H2O
Rice Ferment Filtrate
PHA (Lactobionic Acid)
Tranexamic Acid
Alpha Arbutin
Propanediol
Betaine
Ceramide Complex (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP,Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate,Carbomer, Xanthan Gum)
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract
Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Seed Extract
Lactic Acid
Type:
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)
Intro:
This smooth operator gently exfoliates and hydrates, leaving your skin feeling fresh and radiant.
Benefits:
Exfoliates dead skin cells, Brightens complexion
Best For Skin Type:
Dull, dry, and uneven skin
How Often To Use:
2-3 times a week
Works Well With
Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid
Avoid With
Retinoids, other strong acids
Salicylic Acid
Type:
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)
Intro:
The acne-fighting hero that dives deep into pores to clear out dirt and oil—bye-bye breakouts!
Benefits:
Unclogs pores, Fights acne and blackheads
Best For Skin Type:
Oily, acne-prone skin
How Often To Use:
2-3 times a week
Works Well With
Niacinamide, Zinc
Avoid With
Retinoids, Vitamin C
Amino Acids
Type:
Building Blocks of Proteins
Intro:
These tiny but mighty molecules strengthen your skin’s barrier and lock in moisture. Think of them as your skin’s personal bodyguards.
Benefits:
Hydrates and plumps, Boosts skin barrier function
Best For Skin Type:
All skin types
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides
Avoid With
None! They're friendly with everything.
Aquaxyl
Type:
Hydration Booster
Intro:
Quenching your skin’s thirst like a tall glass of water, Aquaxyl helps keep moisture locked in.
Benefits:
Deep hydration, Strengthens skin’s moisture barrier
Best For Skin Type:
Dry, dehydrated skin
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin
Avoid With
None! It’s pure hydration magic.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Type:
Healing Herb
Intro:
The soothing, calming ingredient known for helping with healing and calming redness, Centella is a fan favorite in skin care.
Benefits:
Heals and repairs skin, Reduces redness and irritation
Best For Skin Type:
Sensitive, irritated skin
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Niacinamide, Peptides
Avoid With
Strong actives like Retinol
Patch H2O
Type:
Hydration Seal
Intro:
Think of it as a hydration sponge that soaks up moisture and keeps it locked in. Ideal for thirsty skin!
Benefits:
Boosts hydration, Creates a protective moisture barrier
Best For Skin Type:
Dry, dehydrated skin
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Aquaxyl, Hyaluronic Acid
Avoid With
Heavy oils
Rice Ferment Filtrate
Type:
Fermented Rice Water
Intro:
Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, this ingredient is like a luxurious spa treatment for your skin.
Benefits:
Brightens and evens out skin tone, Hydrates deeply
Best For Skin Type:
All skin types
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Vitamin C, Niacinamide
Avoid With
None—it's a gentle powerhouse.
PHA (Lactobionic Acid)
Type:
Polyhydroxy Acid
Intro:
A gentler cousin of AHA, PHA exfoliates without the sting, making it perfect for sensitive souls.
Benefits:
Exfoliates without irritation, Moisturizes skin while exfoliating
Best For Skin Type:
Sensitive, dry skin
How Often To Use:
2-3 times a week
Works Well With
Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid
Avoid With
Strong AHAs/BHAs
Tranexamic Acid
Type:
Skin Brightening Agent
Intro:
The pigment-busting powerhouse that fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It’s the skin brightener you didn’t know you needed.
Benefits:
Reduces dark spots, Evens out skin tone
Best For Skin Type:
Pigmented, uneven skin
How Often To Use:
2-3 times a week
Works Well With
Vitamin C, Niacinamide
Avoid With
Vitamin A, strong exfoliants
Alpha Arbutin
Type:
Skin Brightening Ingredient
Intro:
This plant-derived ingredient fades dark spots and leaves skin glowing like it’s seen the sun all day long.
Benefits:
Lightens dark spots, Evens skin tone
Best For Skin Type:
Pigmented, uneven skin
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Vitamin C, Niacinamide
Avoid With
None, it’s gentle and effective!
Propanediol
Type:
Moisture Lock
Intro:
A hydrating solvent that helps ingredients penetrate deeper, ensuring all that skin-loving goodness goes where it’s needed.
Benefits:
Boosts hydration, Enhances ingredient absorption
Best For Skin Type:
All skin types
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
All hydrating ingredients
Avoid With
None, it’s a great companion to everything!
Betaine
Type:
Moisturizer & Humectant
Intro:
This sugar derivative works wonders at drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it plump and soft.
Benefits:
Deeply hydrates, Improves skin elasticity
Best For Skin Type:
Dry, sensitive skin
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acids
Avoid With
None, it's gentle and effective.
Ceramide Complex (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP,Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate,Carbomer, Xanthan Gum)
Type:
Lipid Complex
Intro:
A powerhouse blend of ceramides and lipids that help repair and protect your skin’s moisture barrier—basically, a skin fortress.
Benefits:
Repairs skin barrier, Retains moisture, Improves elasticity
Best For Skin Type:
Dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides
Avoid With
Strong exfoliants
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract
Type:
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Intro:
This superfruit extract is packed with antioxidants that fight off free radicals, giving your skin that youthful, radiant glow.
Benefits:
Fights free radicals, Brightens and evens skin tone, Anti-aging properties
Best For Skin Type:
All skin types, especially aging skin
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Vitamin C, Niacinamide
Avoid With
None, it’s a gentle antioxidant.
Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Seed Extract
Type:
Hydration & Nourishment Booster
Intro:
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Date Seed Extract nourishes and hydrates, leaving your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.
Benefits:
Deep hydration, Packed with antioxidants, Repairs and nourishes skin
Best For Skin Type:
Dry, aging, dull skin
How Often To Use:
Daily
Works Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E
Avoid With
None, it’s great for all.