Skincare ingredients are key to determining a product's efficacy and directly affect the health and appearance of your skin. However, many people focus only on brands or advertisements when choosing skincare products, ignoring the ingredient list. Understanding skin care ingredients not only helps you choose the right products but also avoids the use of chemicals that can be harmful to your skin.
Navigating the skincare world can feel like deciphering a scientific formula, but the secret to achieving healthy, radiant skin lies in understanding its core components: the ingredients. Just as a chef chooses quality ingredients to create a masterpiece, the right combination of skincare ingredients can transform your skincare routine from basic to transformative!
This guide will unveil the science behind popular and emerging ingredients.
Different skincare ingredients work in different ways, each addressing specific concerns and working synergistically for healthier, more resilient skin. Below, we'll cover some of the most commonly used ingredients
What it does: A powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals (such as those caused by pollution and UV damage), inhibits melanin production, brightens skin tone, and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
Suitable for: Most skin types (sensitive skin is advised to start with a low concentration and gradually build up tolerance).
Tips for use: Use in the morning, with sunscreen to enhance the effect of light protection; avoid concurrent use with high concentrations of retinol or acidic ingredients (such as if acid) to prevent irritation.
Function: deep moisturizing, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce water loss; synergistic with Vitamin C to enhance the antioxidant effect.
Skin Type: Dry, mature or barrier damaged skin.
Cautions: Heavy texture, oily acne-prone skin is recommended to choose a lightweight formula or use at night.
Function: A natural moisturizing factor that can absorb 1,000 times its own weight in water, filling the epidermis with moisture and instantly boosting the skin's fullness.
Skin Type: All skin types (including sensitive and oily skin).
Tips for use: Apply to damp skin and layer with a closed moisturizer (such as a cream) to lock in moisture; layer in dry and cold climates.
What it does: An inexpensive and effective “hygroscopic agent” that grabs water from the environment and delivers it to the stratum corneum, preventing dryness and flaking.
Scenario: Basic moisturizing, suitable for combining with other active ingredients (e.g. retinol) to relieve irritation.
Limitations: In extremely dry environments with oils or creams, may reverse water absorption when used alone.
Effects: Rich in polyphenols (e.g. EGCG), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, soothes redness and sensitivity, inhibits acne bacterial activity.
Suitable for: Oily acne skin, sensitive skin, skin affected by environmental stress (e.g. blue light, pollution).
Product Format: Serum, toner or mask for daytime use to enhance protection.
Function: A golden anti-aging ingredient that promotes collagen production, accelerates keratin metabolism, and improves fine lines, pores, and dullness.
Skin Type: Tolerant skin (caution for dry and sensitive skin).
Code of Use: Nighttime use, starting with a low concentration of 0.1%, 2-3 times per week; must be paired with sunscreen (photosensitive).
Function: Fat-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), deep into the pores to dissolve oil, exfoliation, prevention of closed mouth and acne.
Suitable for: Oily, acne-prone and combination skin (avoid sensitive or peeling areas).
Precautions: First time use may be slight peeling, recommend topical spot application or 2 times a week; avoid stacking with physical scrubs.
While many skin care ingredients are beneficial, certain ingredients can be harmful to the skin and should be avoided as much as possible
Sulfates are powerful detergents that effectively clean skin and hair. However, they can also over-wash the skin and break down the skin's natural protective barrier, leading to dryness, irritation and sensitization.
Parabens are a common class of preservatives, but studies have shown that they may interfere with the endocrine system and have potential hormone-disrupting effects. Long-term use may pose health risks.
Many skincare products use artificial flavors and colors to make them more appealing. However, they can cause skin sensitization, irritation and other unpleasant reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin.
Alcohol can be used to sterilize skin and shrink pores, but it can also dry out the skin and aggravate skin sensitivity when used for long periods of time.
These ingredients form a film that covers the surface of the skin, and have a “filling” and “lubricating” effect. However, they can also clog pores and interfere with the skin's normal metabolic processes.
Many skincare misconceptions can influence people's choices, here are some common ones:
“Natural ingredients must be better than chemical ingredients": Not all natural ingredients are safe, e.g. certain essential oils may irritate the skin, while certain synthetic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid moisturize well.
“Oily skin can not use oil-containing skin care products”: in fact, the rational use of high-quality oils (such as squalane) can help oily skin to maintain the balance of oil and water。
“High concentration of ingredients work better": certain ingredients (such as retinol, fruit acids) in high concentrations may lead to irritation, a reasonable ratio is the key.
“All preservatives are harmful to the skin": preservatives prevent bacterial contamination and ensure product safety, the key is to choose a safe preservative.
Learning to analyze ingredient lists is essential for choosing skincare products scientifically:
Read the INCI table (International Nomenclature of Chemical Ingredients) to know the real names of ingredients.
Pay attention to the order in which ingredients are listed, with the top ingredients having higher levels.
Recognize marketing terms, such as “additive-free” does not mean completely free of chemicals.
Skincare choices are not just about brands, but about ingredients. Understanding the benefits and risks of skincare ingredients can help you find the products that are truly right for your skin. We hope this article has helped you make more informed decisions in your skincare routine to protect and improve the health of your skin.
Want to customize the perfect skincare formula? Xiran Cosmetic can help you achieve it, with each formula developed with a focus on safety and efficacy. Combining traditional and modern skincare science. Whether you have dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin, Xiran Cosmetic can provide targeted solutions.
