Beauty Ingredients

Learn about common skincare ingredients and what they do

Understanding beauty ingredients can help you choose cosmetic products that better match your skin needs and goals. From hyaluronic acid for locking in moisture to glycolic acid and lactic acid, which are alpha hydroxy acids used to gently exfoliate, ingredient knowledge can make skincare feel simpler and more effective.

Some ingredients, like salicylic acid, are beta hydroxy acids often chosen to help unclog pores and support skin that is prone to breakouts. Others, such as castor oil, are rich in fatty acids and may help support the skin barrier, while essential oils are often created through steam distillation and should be used carefully, especially on sensitive skin.

You may also come across ingredients like titanium dioxide in broad-spectrum sunscreen, which helps protect skin from UVB rays and may reduce the risk of skin cancer. Other beauty ingredients can help address concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation by supporting healthier-looking skin over time.

Explore the most common skincare ingredients to better understand how they work, how they may fit into your routine, and which formulas may be right for your skin type.