Skincare ingredients — a warm editorial still life of botanical and active ingredient specimens on linen
Skincare Ingredients

Every skincare ingredient, decoded.

Browse through our broad index to learn more about the ingredients’ origins, benefits, side effects, different uses, whether they are safe for sensitive skin, and so much more.

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A–Z Index

Browse the ingredient library

Tap any ingredient for the full breakdown, or search by name.

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Start with you

Start from your skin, not a single ingredient.

Your skin is more than one ingredient at a time. Start from your skin type or a concern — or let the quiz read all of it.

Skin Types

Oily, dry, combination, sensitive — what defines yours and how to care for it.

Explore skin types

Skin Concerns

Acne, rosacea, dark spots, fine lines — the science and the actives that address them.

Explore skin concerns

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which skincare ingredients are right for my skin?

Match ingredients to your specific concern and skin type — ceramides and arginine support barrier repair and hydration, while beta hydroxy acid and sulfur target clogged pores, and witch hazel and vitamin B3 help with redness and dark spots.

What are science-based skincare ingredients?

Science-based skincare ingredients are ingredients supported by research for specific skin benefits, such as retinoids for skin renewal, antioxidants for oxidative stress, and ceramides for barrier support.

Which soothing skin care ingredients can help sensitive or reactive skin?

Soothing skin care ingredients can include beta glucan, ceramides, glycerin, and selected botanical extracts that help support hydration and the skin barrier. The best choice depends on the source of sensitivity and how your skin tolerates each formula.

Which natural skincare ingredients work well for oily skin?

Natural skincare for oily skin can include lightweight ingredients such as green tea extract, witch hazel, and certain non-comedogenic oils. Oily skin still needs hydration, so ingredient choice should focus on balance rather than stripping away all surface oil.

Which natural skincare ingredients are useful for dry skin?

Natural skincare for dry skin often uses emollient and moisture-supporting ingredients such as squalane, shea butter, and plant oils. These can help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss when used in a well-formulated moisturizer.

Skip the guesswork.

Not sure where to start? The Skin Genome Quiz reads 47 factors and builds it for you — the right ingredients, at the right doses.

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3 min · Free reformulation