Your A-Z skingredients guide
Trying to figure out what you’re actually putting on your skin can be daunting. Here’s our one-stop guide to common skincare ingredients, and what they do.
Look out for these ingredients in your skincare and remember they’re listed in descending order, starting with the largest amount in the product (often water).
If a product promotes a particular ingredient but it’s near the end of the list, then not as much of that ingredient is present.
Here’s your A-Z guide:
ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAs)
Acids that remove dry, dead skin cells to reveal smoother, softer and “glowier” skin.
ALOE
Soothing and calming, which makes it the perfect ingredient if you have sensitive skin – or are prone to break outs.
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
An antibacterial agent that kills the germ responsible for acne breakouts.
CAFFEINE
Used for its antioxidant and natural antiseptic properties. It also improves the circulation of the skin, making it appear smoother and fresher – and is great for getting rid of puffiness under your eyes.
COENZYME Q-10 (CoQ-10)
Your body naturally makes this antioxidant to zap free radicals in cells. As you age, you make less. That may make skin cells more vulnerable to damage.
One study found CoQ10 helps reduce the wrinkles around the eyes.
GLYCOLIC ACID
An exfoliant that is used in a wide range of exfoliating lotions and chemical peels to help reveal newer, clearer skin.
GREEN TEA
Acts like a force shield around your skin, protecting it from damage that can make it look dull and lifeless.
JOJOBA OIL
Super moisturising, so is perfect if you have dry skin. It helps restore elasticity (so it doesn’t feel tight) and smoothness.
LANOLIN
Softens even the driest skin or lips – and is helps heal skin conditions like eczema.
OLIVE OIL
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and its moisturising powers are great for your skin, hair and nails.
ROSEHIP
A botanical extract of rose petals that has high concentrations of vitamin C. It moisturises and replenishes the skin, making it super-baby-soft.
SEAWEED
Contains many minerals and vitamins found in the ocean. These are perfect for cleansing and encouraging healthy clear skin, without the drying effects of tea tree oil.
TEA TREE OIL
A natural antiseptic that combats blemishes and oily skin. Not only will it clear up the zits you have now, but if you keep using products that contain tea tree oil, you’ll start seeing less and less of them.
- Related: The scoop on essential oils
VITAMIN C
Stimulates collagen in your skin to keep it looking healthy. Vitamin C also helps tighten and brighten your skin.
VITAMIN E
Used in many moisturisers, it helps heal sunburn, scars and dry skin conditions.
WITCH HAZEL
Has astringent properties that helps control oily skin.
ZINC OXIDE
Is a mild antiseptic and anti-irritant. When added to sunscreens, it physically protects your skin against the harmful sun.
Written by Nikki Yazxhi