Skin Academy

Ingredients 101

Know the ingredients. Transform your skin.

Understanding what's in your skincare is the first step to building a routine that works. Learn about key ingredients, how they work, and how to choose the right ones for your skin.

Science-Backed
Information

Dermatologist
Reviewed

Honest &
Transparent

For Every Skin
Journey

Why Ingredients Matter

The right ingredients can help target concerns, protect your skin barrier, and deliver visible, long-term results. The wrong ones can irritate, inflame, and set your skin back.

Target concerns effectively

Support long-term skin health

Avoid irritation & setbacks

Build smarter routines

Ingredient Categories

Explore the main types of ingredients and what they do for your skin.

Brightening Agents

Help fade dark spots, even skin tone and boost radiance.

Examples:
Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid

Learn more

Exfoliants

Remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and improve texture and clarity.

Examples:
AHAs, BHAs (Salicylic Acid), PHA, Enzymes

Learn more

Hydrators

Attract and retain moisture for soft, smooth and supple skin.

Examples:
Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Aloe Vera, Panthenol

Learn more

Soothers

Calm irritation, reduce redness and support a healthy barrier.

Examples:
Centella Asiatica, Oat Extract, Allantoin

Learn more

Barrier Support

Strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental stressors.

Examples:
Ceramides, Cholesterol, Fatty Acids, Squalane

Learn more

Protectants

Shield skin from UV damage and free radical stress.

Examples:
SPF Filters, Antioxidants (Green Tea, Ferulic Acid)

Learn more

How to Read an Ingredient List

Ingredients are listed in order of concentration, from highest to lowest.

First 5 Ingredients
Make up the majority of the product and deliver the biggest benefits.

Active Ingredients
Usually appear in the middle. These are the ingredients that target your skin concerns.

Supporting Ingredients
Help the actives work better and keep your skin calm, hydrated and balanced.

Preservatives & Stabilizers
Keep the formula safe, effective and long-lasting.

Ingredient List Breakdown

Here's an example of how to understand a real ingredient list.

Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Tranexamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha Arbutin, Panthenol, Allantoin, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Base & Hydration

Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol

Actives

Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha Arbutin, Panthenol

Texture & Support

Allantoin, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum

Preservatives

Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin