Glycolic Acid 

Glycolic Acid is a compound in the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family. It is derived from sugar cane and is one of the earliest forms of AHA to be used in skin care products. It is a preferred ingredient for many skincare products thanks to its very small molecule size. 

Glycolic Acid is primarily an exfoliant that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is ideal for loosening the binds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to come apart and reveal the often healthier underlying skin. 

Therefore, you may find Glycolic Acid as an ingredient in products which target acne spots, acne scarring, melasma, photo aging and hyperpigmentation. 

Green Tea Polyphenol 

Green tea has long been an important skin care ingredient. The most abundant compound in Green Tea, Epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Since ECGC also offers protection from the effects of UV rays, you may find it as the active ingredient in skincare products that treat sun damage. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring component of skin tissue that can help keep the skin hydrated as well as protecting it from environmental stresses. You will find this ingredient in many moisturising products for hydration. It is also an ingredient that is favored by many manufacturers since it agrees with all skin types. 

Kojic Acid 

Kojic acid is naturally produced by fungi as a way to limit the synthesis of melanin. It is found in products which help reduce hyperpigmentation, scarring and dark marks. 

It is however important to note that studies have shown that Kojic acid can cause some irritation. Prolonged use of products with Kojic Acid is therefore not recommended, particularly if the acid is above 1% of the total ingredients in the product. 

Lactic Acid  

Lactic Acid is a popular Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that can be found in milk. It has excellent anti dullness qualities as it exfoliates the skin, encouraging the shedding of dead cells and lifting any dullness in the complexion to reveal the brighter healthy skin cells underneath.  

Liquorice Extract 

Liquorice contains an active ingredient known as Glabridin that has been known to treat any hyperpigmentation in the skin that is caused by trauma or sun damage. It is also the best skin brightening natural alternative to hydroquinone. 

Mandelic Acid 

Mandelic Acid is also a member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family and is most commonly found in almonds. Like most other acids that fall into the AHA category, Mandelic acid is also an exfoliant that encourages the shedding of dead skin cells. 

It is particularly ideal for those with oily skin types as it is readily absorbed by the oil in the skin. You may therefore find it in most products aimed at acne prone skin and for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It also helps reduce the oil on the skin over time without unnecessarily drying out the skin. 

Mulberry Extract 

Mulberry extract is also another very common ingredient in most skin care products. Studies have shown that derivatives from the root and bark of the Mulberry plant is ideal for addressing the problem of hyperpigmentation. 

Niacinamide

See Vitamin B3

Pycnogenol 

This is a compound that is extracted from the bark of the Pinus Pinaster tree. Its properties promote the rejuvenation of the skin through enhancing elasticity of the skin and hydration. 

Resveratrol 

This is a compound that is found in grapes and by extension in red wine. It can also be found in most types of berries and peanuts. It promotes the body’s immunity to boost self-repair in the skin. Its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal solution for damage to the skin caused by prolonged UV exposure. 

Retinol

See Vitamin A 

Salycilic Acid

This is a beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) which works as an exfoliant to help with acne and reducing breakouts including blackheads and whiteheads. It is also effective for those with oily skin as it not only exfoliates the surface of the skin but also inside the pore lining, allowing oil to flow easily to the surface and prevent blocked pores.

Samphire 

Found in many wild plants, this compound improves the natural skin barrier to prevent the loss of moisture and boost cellular respiration to improve hydration. You may therefore find Samphire as a main ingredient in many moisturizers. 

Squalane 

This is a compound that is naturally occurring in the lipids produced by the skin. The level of Squalane produced by our body naturally declines as we age. This compound has anti-bacterial effects that may prove useful for the treatment and prevention of acne. 

Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is essential in every skincare routine as it offers protection against UVA and UVB radiation which can lead to skin cancer.  Read more in Sun Protect, UV Exposure and Black Skin 

Tea tree 

Tea tree is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. Its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties have made tea tree oil a primary alternative medicine for many cultures. For the skin, it is ideal for the prevention of breakouts and may therefore be found in anti-acne skincare products. 

Vitamin A ( Popularly known as Retinol)

Vitamin A, along with its natural derivatives; Retinaldehyde, Retinoic Acid, Retinol, Retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate is crucial for cell growth and as a result it is often an excellent ingredient in skin products meant for topical application. The retinoids in Vitamin A help thicken the skin’s collagen and speed up cell growth and regeneration allowing it to help with the shedding of dead skin cells, revealing the healthy new cells underneath. 

Vitamin A should however be introduced into a skincare regimen very slowly. Although most people tend to have a high tolerance for Vitamin A, irritation has been known to occur. In cases where irritation caused by Vitamin A has happened, symptoms include sensitivity, flakiness, scaling, and dryness or in rare cases a burning or tingling sensation. 

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) 

Niacinamide is a crucial part of the Vitamin B complex. It is primarily useful for all skin types as it improves the health of your skin in a number of ways especially with reducing water loss and increasing Ceramides.

This water-soluble vitamin works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, tighten pores, improve skin dullness and uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and also reduce the impact of environmental damage to the skin’s barrier.

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid is a powerful antioxidant which is used for brightening dullness, uneven skin tones and fading any existing hyperpigmentation spots.  

Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in the production of collagen which protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E occurs naturally in human skin, but can become depleted due to constant environmental exposure in the absence of sun protection. It is one of the most common ingredients in beauty products and the reason is simple. It is one of the most effective antioxidants. It is more effective when it is in its natural form although there are very many products with synthesized Vitamin E that are very effective. 

Witch Hazel 

Witch Hazel is a compound that is extracted from the bark and leaves of a plant known as Hamamelis Virginiana. This plant has long been used as a traditional remedy in most cultures. When applied topically Witch Hazel is an ideal treatment for most skin conditions.