What are Active Ingredients in Skincare – If you’ve ever walked down the skincare aisle in stores and read things like Retinol, Salicylic Acid, or Niacinamide on the labels, then you’ve already met active ingredients. They’re essentially the heroes in skincare that actually do the work.
Whether it’s clearing acne, fading dark spots, or smoothing fine lines, different active ingredients work hard to upgrade your skin. They target specific skin concerns and deliver real results.
But how do you know which active ingredients are right for you, and how do you use them correctly? Read this simple guide to get you started.
What Exactly Are Active Ingredients in Skincare?
Active ingredients are the hero ingredients in skincare products that are scientifically proven to address a particular skin concern. They’re basically the ingredients that make skincare products work the way they’re advertised. You can find in basically any skincare product like creams, serums, toners, cleansers, and many more.
For example, if you’re struggling with acne, then you will want to use active ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, or Glycolic Acid just to name a few. There is an abundance of active ingredients out there, and you need to pick the right ones for your skin.
How Can I Identify Active Ingredients?
It can be confusing to read all of the ingredients in a skincare product to try and identify which ones are actually active ingredients. To tell active ingredients apart from other ingredients is quite simple.
They are usually listed near the top of the ingredients list, or they’re already highlighted on the front label. A lot of products also list the percentage to give you an idea of the concentration and strength of the ingredients.
Is A Higher Percentage Formula Better?
Not always. You may think that to be effective, a higher percentage of active ingredients is needed. However, this is not always the case. Certain active ingredients like Retinol and Vitamin C can be harsh on the skin and a higher concentration could potentially damage the skin barrier, cause irritation, and even breakouts. You should be especially careful if you already have sensitive skin.
It’s always better to start with a lower concentration and use it consistently than to start with a higher concentration. You need to give your skin time to build a tolerance for the active ingredient. So go with a lower concentration first and use it only 2-3 times a week, and gradually increase the frequency.
Can You Layer Active Ingredients?
Ideally, it’s better to use one active ingredient at a time to avoid overwhelming the skin. You may think it’s better to use more active ingredients to speed up your results, but this could actually cause more harm than good. Just like higher concentrations is not always better, too many active ingredients can also damage the skin barrier, cause skin irritation, and breakouts.
After using harsh active ingredients, you should follow it with soothing and nourishing ingredients. If you want to target different skin concerns at a time, instead of layering active ingredients, it’s better to use the different ingredients separately.
For example, if you want to address acne and hyperpigmentation at the same time, you can use Salicylic Acid one day and Vitamin C the next.
Active ingredients are powerful tools in skincare, but using them wisely is key. Focus on your skin’s unique needs, introduce actives one at a time, and don’t fall for the propaganda that more is always better. With the right balance, active ingredients can help you reach your healthiest, most radiant skin.
Sources:
- https://www.laroche-posay.com.au/blog/what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare.html.
- https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-layer-skin-care-products-8730921#:~:text=Apply%20From%20Thinnest%20to%20Thickest,Sunscreen.
- https://whiterockderm.com/decoding-the-ingredient-list-how-to-identify-effective-active-ingredients-in-skincare-products.
- https://uk.theinkeylist.com/blogs/news/is-a-higher-percentage-formula-better#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20a%20higher%20percentage,penetrates%20the%20skin%20easily%2C%20inconsistently.
