Ingredient explainers

Evidence-led ingredient guides

Longer guides covering what the research does and does not support, how to use the ingredient in a routine, and common myths.

• Ingredient guide

  Advanced Ingredients in Korean Skincare: Peptides, Exosomes, and Beyond

  An evidence-led guide to advanced ingredients in Korean cosmetics, covering peptides, copper peptides, exosomes, growth factors, spicules, and collagen formulations.

• Ingredient guide

  Centella Asiatica (Cica)

  A cautious, science-led guide to cica, madecassoside, asiaticoside and soothing skincare claims.

• Ingredient guide

  Centella Asiatica Skincare: A Science-Led Guide to Soothing and Barrier Ingredients

  Discover how centella asiatica skincare, snail mucin, and propolis work to support moisture barrier integrity and calm visibly stressed skin.

• Ingredient guide

  Ceramides and Barrier Repair: Science, Formulations, and Skincare Guide

  A science-led guide to ceramides in skincare, exploring how topical ceramide formulations support stratum corneum barrier function and moisture retention.

• Ingredient guide

  Hyaluronic Acid

  How topical hyaluronic acid hydrates, why molecular weight matters, and how to use humectants without leaving skin tight or sticky.

• Ingredient guide

  Niacinamide

  A practical guide to vitamin B3 in skincare: barrier support, uneven

• Ingredient guide

  Panthenol

  Pro-vitamin B5 for hydration and barrier support: evidence, product selection and use in sensitive or over-treated skin.

• Ingredient guide

  PDRN Skincare

  What polydeoxyribonucleotide is, what topical research can genuinely support, and how to assess PDRN products without falling for regenerative-marketing claims.

• Ingredient guide

  Peptides

  Signal, carrier and neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides explained - with a clear distinction between plausible mechanisms and proven finished products.

• Ingredient guide

  Retinoids: Retinol, Retinal and Tretinoin

  The best-supported healthy-ageing active class, explained with realistic timelines, irritation control, pregnancy precautions and product selection.

• Ingredient guide

  Rice Extract and Rice Ferments

  Rice water, bran extract, rice ferment and cosmetic brightening claims separated from tradition and social-media mythology.

• Ingredient guide

  Snail Mucin

  What snail secretion filtrate can realistically do for hydration and skin feel, where evidence is limited, and how to assess allergy and sourcing.

• Ingredient guide

  Topical Tranexamic Acid

  A focused guide to pigmentation and melasma evidence, topical use, sunscreen, realistic expectations and the important distinction from oral treatment.

• Ingredient guide

  Topical Vitamin C

  Antioxidant and pigmentation claims explained: L-ascorbic acid, derivatives, stability, concentration and how to build a tolerable routine.