INGREDIENTS

Every ingredient, decoded.

Plain-English guides to the actives that actually matter — what each one does, who it suits, how to use it, and what to pair it with. No hype, no myths.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that regulates oil, fades dark spots, and strengthens the skin barrier — one of the most versatile actives in skincare.

Retinol

Retinol is an OTC vitamin A derivative that accelerates skin-cell turnover, stimulates collagen, and is one of the most evidence-backed anti-aging and anti-acne ingredients available without a prescription.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant naturally found in the skin that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, delivering immediate plumping and long-term hydration support.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve the oil, dead cells, and debris that cause blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes UV-induced free radicals, stimulates collagen production, and fades dark spots — making it one of the most impactful daytime skincare ingredients.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is the smallest and most penetrating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), exfoliating the skin's surface to reveal brighter, smoother skin and stimulate collagen over time.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a gentle, hydrating alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin's surface and brightens tone — making it the best-tolerated AHA choice for sensitive, dry, or AHA-new skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a highly effective OTC antibacterial that directly kills Cutibacterium acnes (the acne-causing bacteria), making it one of the strongest non-prescription tools for inflammatory acne.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipid molecules that make up over 50% of the skin's outer barrier, keeping moisture in and irritants out — essential for any skin type dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or active-induced damage.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and melanin-inhibiting properties — one of the most versatile and well-tolerated actives in dermatology, safe even for rosacea-prone and pregnant skin.

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as biological messengers in the skin, signaling cells to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid — delivering anti-aging benefits without irritation.

Squalane

Squalane is a stable, non-comedogenic emollient oil that mimics the skin's own natural lipids, providing rich moisture-sealing benefits without clogging pores — suitable for even oily and acne-prone skin.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoic acid — the most clinically proven topical treatment for acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation — and the gold standard all OTC retinoids are measured against.

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid is a gentle but effective skin-brightening agent that disrupts the communication pathways that trigger excess melanin production — particularly effective for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Alpha Arbutin

Alpha arbutin is a stable, plant-derived tyrosinase inhibitor that gently fades dark spots, post-acne marks, and uneven skin tone without the irritation or stability issues of more aggressive brightening agents.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a meroterpene compound from the Babchi plant that mimics some of retinol's anti-aging effects through different biological pathways — without the irritation, purging, or pregnancy restrictions associated with vitamin A derivatives.

Panthenol

Panthenol (provitamin B5) is a skin-identical humectant and skin-soothing agent that attracts water, accelerates barrier repair, and reduces inflammation — one of the most broadly beneficial and universally safe ingredients in skincare.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is the gentlest available alpha hydroxy acid — derived from bitter almonds — with a larger molecule size that limits deep penetration, plus a bonus antibacterial property that makes it uniquely effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin.