Ingredients
What's in skincare, what it does, how good the evidence is, and who should be careful. Includes everything on our own labels that people ask about.
- Sodium alginate in skincare: what it doesSodium alginate is a gel made from brown seaweed. How it sets, why it peels off in one piece, and why it grips hair but doesn't stick to skin.
- What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin?Hyaluronic acid holds water at the skin's surface, so skin feels hydrated and looks plumper for a while. What the research shows, and how to use it well.
- What does niacinamide do for skin?Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that's well tolerated by most skin. What it's been studied for, how it fits with vitamin C, and what it won't do.
- What is retinol? A plain guide for beginnersRetinol is a form of vitamin A used in cosmetics. How it differs from prescription retinoids, what side effects to expect, and how to start slowly.
- What not to mix or use with retinolDon't use other retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide or scrubs with retinol. What's usually fine, including vitamin C, and a sample week to follow.
- What is kojic acid?Kojic acid comes from fermentation and acts on an enzyme involved in skin pigment. What EU safety scientists concluded, and what a mask can't promise.
- What is arbutin? Alpha and beta explainedArbutin is found in bearberry and pears. How alpha and beta forms differ, why hydroquinone comes up, what safety reviewers say, and how to store it.
- Does collagen in skincare work?Not the way the word suggests. Collagen in a mask or cream can't rebuild your own, but it can help skin feel soft and hold water. What's known so far.
- What is acetyl hexapeptide-8?A lab-made peptide sold as an alternative to wrinkle injections. What the small studies show, how little gets into skin, and a fairer way to see it.
- What do antioxidants do in skincare?Vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione and more: what antioxidants can do on skin, why they don't replace sunscreen, and how good the evidence is.
- 24K gold face masks: does gold do anything?Mostly, it looks good: gold is there for sparkle. What's claimed, what's known, and who should be careful with gold on their skin.
- Lavender and chamomile on skin: what to knowBoth are loved for scent and feel, and both can cause contact allergy in some people. What they add, who should be careful, and how to check first.
- How to read a skincare ingredient listWhat order means on a label, what INCI names translate to, and what a label can't tell you, with one of our jars as a worked example.
For what's in each of our jars, see the formulas: the full ingredient list is on each formula's page.