Common forms of AHA are glycolic acid and lactic acid
AHAs are best in leave-on products, as it takes time for your skin to properly absorb the benefits
What else should I be aware of?
AHAs can be synthetically or naturally derived, both are effective and well researched
AHA use can result in increased sensitivity to the sun, although wearing a sunscreen reduces this risk
Alcohol
What does it do?
Delivery agent for the other ingredients
What should I look for?
Alcohols are in most products and you don’t need to worry about them. However, denatured alcohols or alcohols with low molecular weights can be drying and sensitizing. The alcohols to be concerned about in skincare products are ethanol or ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and benzyl alcohol.
Antioxidants
What does it do?
Helps to protect against environmental damage and pollution
Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
What should I look for?
These products deteriorate with light and air exposure, meaning that if your product is poorly stored, it will likely lose its antioxidant benefit before you finish your product. Therefore, you should look for this ingredient in opaque or darkly colored tubes or bottles.
What else should I be aware of?
Both synthetic or natural versions of this product are well-researched and effective
Benzoyl Peroxide
What does it do?
Antibacterial agent for the treatment of acne
What else should I be aware of?
This ingredient is extremely well researched and highly recommended by dermatologists
Glycerin
What does it do?
Balancing
Hydrating
Found in almost all moisturizers
Hyaluronic Acid
What does it do?
Boost moisture levels
Defend against moisture loss
What should I look for?
Topically or orally this ingredient is research-backed and effective
What else should I be aware of?
Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water
It is a naturally occurring component of skin tissue, and therefore it is unlikely to be sensitizing
Parabens
What does it do?
Preservative
What else should I be aware of?
Parabens are gentle, non-sensitizing, and highly effective in comparison to other preservatives.
In the last decade, parabens have become highly controversial due to their alleged relation to health concerns. However, the research about parabens is conflicting. Some research indicates they are safe and are preferred over other preservatives. The studies that are concerned about the safety of parabens are founded on cruel, orally administered tests on rats, which do not show their safety when applied topically to human skin.
Retinol
What does it do?
Fights wrinkles and other visible signs of aging
What should I look for?
These products deteriorate with light and air exposure, meaning that if your product is poorly stored, it will likely lose its antioxidant benefit before you finish your product. Therefore, you should look for this ingredient in opaque or darkly colored tubes or bottles.
Salicylic Acid
What does it do?
Reduces frequency and severity of breakouts
Exfoliates
What should I look for?
Salicylic Acid is most beneficial in a leave-on treatment
Vitamin C
What does it do?
Reduce visible signs of aging
Brighten uneven skin tone
Soothing
Protects against environmental factors
What should I look for?
Vitamin C comes in many forms, with ascorbic acid being the most well-researched for its efficacy