AHA Alpha-Hydroxy Acid 

• What does it do? 

• • Exfoliating/resurfacing ingredient 

• • Improves signs of aging 
  • Improves dry skin and an uneven skin tone 

• Where should I look for? 

• • 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