10 most Featured Ingredients (Skin Care Products)

1. Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits:

• Deeply hydrates by holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water

• Plumps skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines

• Strengthens the skin barrier

Best for: All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated skin

Commonly found in: Serums, moisturizers, sheet masks

2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation and redness

• Regulates sebum production

• Brightens skin and fades hyperpigmentation

• Strengthens skin barrier

Best for: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive, and mature skin

Commonly found in: Serums, toners, moisturizers

3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Benefits:

• Powerful antioxidant that protects from environmental damage

• Brightens dull skin and evens skin tone

• Stimulates collagen production

• Reduces dark spots and signs of aging

Best for: Dull, uneven, and aging skin

Commonly found in: Serums, eye creams, moisturizers

4. Retinol (Vitamin A Derivative)

Benefits:

• Increases cell turnover for smoother skin

• Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and acne

• Improves texture and pigmentation

Best for: Aging, acne-prone, and textured skin (not recommended for sensitive skin)

Commonly found in: Serums, night creams, eye creams

5. Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Benefits:

• Penetrates pores to dissolve oil and unclog them

• Reduces acne and blackheads

• Has anti-inflammatory properties

Best for: Oily, acne-prone, and congested skin

Commonly found in: Cleansers, toners, spot treatments

6. Glycolic Acid (AHA)

Benefits:

• Exfoliates surface layers to brighten and smooth skin

• Reduces fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and texture

• Stimulates collagen production

Best for: Normal to dry, dull, or aging skin

Commonly found in: Exfoliating toners, peels, masks

7. Ceramides

Benefits:

• Strengthens and repairs the skin barrier

• Locks in moisture and prevents water loss

• Calms dry and sensitive skin

Best for: Dry, sensitive, or compromised skin

Commonly found in: Moisturizers, barrier creams, cleansers

8. Peptides

Benefits:

• Signal the skin to produce more collagen and elastin

• Firm and plump the skin

• Help repair damaged skin

Best for: Mature, aging, or sagging skin

Commonly found in: Serums, eye creams, moisturizers

9. Zinc Oxide

Benefits:

• Provides broad-spectrum physical sun protection

• Soothes irritation and supports healing

• Non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin

Best for: All skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone

Commonly found in: Sunscreens, baby creams, tinted moisturizers

10. Tea Tree Oil

Benefits:

• Antibacterial and antifungal

• Reduces acne and inflammation

• Helps with wound healing

Best for: Oily, acne-prone, and combination skin (use diluted for sensitive skin)

Commonly found in: Spot treatments, cleansers, toners

🚫 

Ingredients You Should NOT Use Together Combination Why Avoid It

• Retinol + Vitamin C

Can irritate sensitive skin due to both being active ingredients with different pH needs; use Vitamin C in the AM, Retinol in the PM.

• Retinol + AHAs/BHAs (Glycolic/Salicylic Acid)

Increases skin sensitivity, dryness, and irritation; space them out or use on alternate nights.

• Niacinamide + Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Older studies suggested they cancel each other out, but modern formulations can work — still best for beginners to separate (Vit C AM, Niacinamide PM).

• Salicylic Acid + Glycolic Acid

Double exfoliation can strip the skin barrier, leading to irritation and dryness.

• Retinol + Tea Tree Oil

Both can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin; avoid layering directly.

✅ 

Ingredients That Work Great Together Combination Why They Work Well

• Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrates and soothes while balancing oil and improving skin texture. Great for all skin types.

• Vitamin C + Sunscreen (Zinc Oxide)

A power duo! Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, and sunscreen protects against UV damage — use both in the AM.

• Ceramides + Retinol

Ceramides support barrier repair, minimizing dryness and irritation caused by retinol.

• Peptides + Hyaluronic Acid

Boosts collagen, hydrates, and plumps the skin. Great anti-aging combo.

• Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid

Niacinamide calms and balances skin while salicylic acid targets acne — a winning combo for oily/acne-prone skin.

🌗