Ingredient Guide
What each ingredient
actually does
No hype, no invented benefits — how to introduce each active without irritation, what it shouldn't share a routine with, and how long before it's fair to judge whether it worked. Every routine number here is the same schedule Skinzy's own scan-based routine builder uses.
Browse by concern
All ingredients
N
Niacinamide
Regulates oil, calms breakouts, and fades post-acne marks — a form of vitamin B3.
S
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
A BHA that dissolves oil and debris inside the pore itself — the go-to for blackheads and oily-skin acne.
R
Retinol
Speeds up skin renewal — effective for acne, texture and pigmentation, but needs a real ramp-up period.
P
Pure Vitamin C
The gold-standard vitamin C for fading dark spots and adding antioxidant protection — but it oxidizes fast, so store it away from light.
A
Azelaic Acid
A gentle multi-tasker for acne, pigmentation and redness — one of the few actives most sensitive skin tolerates well.
H
Hyaluronic Acid
Pulls water into the skin's surface for an instant plumping effect — apply to damp skin, then seal with moisturizer.
B
Benzoyl Peroxide
Kills acne-causing bacteria directly — fast-acting on inflamed breakouts, but bleaches fabric and can't share a night with retinol.
A
Adapalene
A prescription-strength retinoid for acne — requires a dermatologist's prescription, not an over-the-counter buy.
C
Ceramide 3
A skin-identical lipid that rebuilds the barrier — the standard partner for any routine that includes an acid or retinoid.
G
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
The fastest-penetrating AHA — strong results on texture and dark spots, with a real risk of over-exfoliating if rushed.
K
Kojic Acid
Fades dark spots by blocking melanin production — never combine with vitamin C in the same routine.
A
Alpha-Arbutin
A gentle, stable pigmentation-fader — a sensible first active for dark spots if you haven't used one before.
T
Tranexamic Acid
Interrupts the inflammatory trigger behind dark spots — especially useful for hormonal or post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Z
Zinc PCA
Turns down sebum production at the source, with mild antibacterial and hydrating benefits — a gentler oil-control option than an acid.
C
Cica Extract
A calming, barrier-supporting extract — usually paired with a stronger active to offset irritation, not used to treat a concern alone.
P
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
A hydrating, soothing vitamin B5 derivative with no known conflicts — safe to layer with anything.
S
Squalane
A skin-mimicking oil that seals in hydration — always the last step, after every water-based serum.
G
Glycerin
The most-studied humectant in skincare — cheap, stable, and the quiet workhorse behind most moisturizers.
F
Ferulic Acid
An antioxidant that stabilizes and boosts vitamin C — almost always used alongside it, in the morning, under sunscreen.
Z
Zinc Oxide
A mineral UV filter that reflects rather than absorbs sunlight — the one ingredient every other active on this page depends on.
L
Lactic Acid (AHA)
A gentler AHA than glycolic acid — a reasonable first exfoliating acid for sensitive or beginner skin.