Know what's in the bottle
Plain-language notes on what each ingredient does, who it suits and when to be careful.
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107 ingredients ยท Key actives
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- Acetyl GlucosamineBrighteningAn amino sugar that supports hydration and can help even out dark spots, especially alongside niacinamide.
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8ArgirelinePeptideA peptide marketed to soften the look of expression lines.
- AllantoinSoothingA gentle soothing ingredient that calms irritation and helps skin feel softer.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceAloe veraSoothingSoothing, lightweight hydration from the aloe vera plant. A good fit for irritated or sun-exposed skin.
- Alpha-ArbutinBrighteningA brightening ingredient that slows melanin production to fade dark spots, with low irritation.
- Artemisia Princeps ExtractMugwort extractSoothingA mugwort extract popular in Korean skincare for calming redness and sensitivity.
- Ascorbic AcidVitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)AntioxidantThe pure, most researched form of vitamin C. It fights free-radical damage, brightens dull skin and supports collagen, but can tingle at high strengths.
- Ascorbyl GlucosideVitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside)AntioxidantA stable vitamin C derivative that brightens gently.
- AsiaticosideSoothingA calming compound from centella asiatica that helps soothe redness and support skin repair.
- AstaxanthinAntioxidantA powerful red antioxidant from algae that helps defend skin against environmental stress.
- Avena Sativa Kernel ExtractOat extractSoothingAn oat extract that calms itching, redness and dryness. A long-standing choice for sensitive skin.
- Avena Sativa Kernel FlourColloidal oatmealSoothingFinely ground oats that relieve itching and dryness. Useful for eczema-prone skin.
- Azelaic AcidAnti-acneCalms redness, unclogs pores and fades dark marks. One of the few strong actives generally considered suitable during pregnancy.
B
- BakuchiolAntioxidantA plant-derived ingredient often used as a gentler alternative to retinol for fine lines and uneven tone.
- Benzophenone-3OxybenzoneUV filterCan irritatePregnancy cautionA chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB and some UVA. It is a relatively common cause of allergic reactions and is often avoided during pregnancy.
- Benzoyl PeroxideBPOAnti-acneCan irritateKills acne-causing bacteria and clears breakouts. Can dry and irritate skin and bleach fabrics. Start at a low strength.
- Beta-ArbutinBrighteningA brightening ingredient related to alpha-arbutin, generally a little less potent.
- Beta-GlucanSoothingA soothing, hydrating ingredient from oats or yeast that helps calm sensitive skin.
- Betaine SalicylateExfoliantA gentle relative of salicylic acid that helps unclog pores and smooth rough texture.
- BHAButylated hydroxyanisoleAntioxidantAn antioxidant that stops oils going off. Not to be confused with BHA (salicylic acid).
- BHTButylated hydroxytolueneAntioxidantAn antioxidant used in small amounts to stop oils and actives from going off.
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineTinosorb SUV filterA modern, very stable broad-spectrum UV filter that protects against both UVA and UVB.
- BisabololSoothingA chamomile-derived ingredient that calms irritated skin.
- Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzoneUV filterA widely used UVA filter. It needs stabilising partners to stay effective in sunlight.
C
- CaffeineAntioxidantAn antioxidant that can temporarily reduce puffiness and redness.
- Camellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractGreen tea leaf extractAntioxidantA tea leaf extract rich in antioxidants that help calm skin.
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractGreen tea extractAntioxidantGreen tea extract, rich in antioxidants that protect skin and help calm redness.
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf WaterGreen tea waterAntioxidantA light green tea infusion used as a base for toners and essences, with antioxidant benefits.
- Capryloyl Salicylic AcidLHAExfoliantPregnancy cautionAn oil-loving form of salicylic acid that exfoliates slowly and gently on the surface of the skin.
- Centella Asiatica ExtractCica, Gotu kolaSoothingA traditional healing herb that calms irritation and supports skin repair.
- Ceramide APBarrier repairA skin-identical lipid that helps rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Ceramide ASBarrier repairOne of the skin's natural ceramides, helping strengthen the moisture barrier.
- Ceramide EOPBarrier repairA skin-identical lipid that helps lock in moisture and repair the barrier.
- Ceramide NPBarrier repairThe most common ceramide in skin. It helps keep the barrier strong and prevents water loss.
- Ceramide NSBarrier repairA skin-identical lipid that helps restore the barrier.
- CholesterolBarrier repairA lipid found naturally in skin that works with ceramides and fatty acids to repair the barrier.
- Coffea Arabica Seed ExtractCoffee seed extractAntioxidantA coffee extract rich in antioxidants, often used in eye creams to reduce puffiness.
- Copper Tripeptide-1Copper peptidePeptideA copper peptide that supports skin repair. Best not combined with strong acids or vitamin C at the same time.
- Crocus Sativus Flower ExtractSaffron extractAntioxidantA saffron extract used in traditional Indian formulas such as kumkumadi oils. Rich in antioxidants that help skin look brighter.
- Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractCucumber extractSoothingA cooling cucumber extract that helps calm and hydrate.
- Curcuma Longa Root ExtractTurmeric extractAntioxidantA turmeric extract valued in Indian skincare for its antioxidant and calming properties. Can temporarily tint very fair skin yellow at high strengths.
D
- Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUvinul A PlusUV filterA photostable UVA filter that protects against ageing rays.
- Diethylhexyl Butamido TriazoneUvasorb HEBUV filterA UVB filter that boosts SPF and is very stable in sunlight.
- Drometrizole TrisiloxaneMexoryl XLUV filterA sunscreen filter that protects against both UVA and UVB and stays stable in sunlight.
E
- EctoinSoothingA protective molecule from extreme-environment microbes that helps skin resist dryness, pollution and irritation.
- Ethyl Ascorbic Acid3-O-Ethyl ascorbic acid (vitamin C)BrighteningA stable form of vitamin C that brightens and fades dark spots with less irritation than pure vitamin C.
- Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateOctinoxateUV filterA widely used UVB filter. Less stable than newer filters.
- Ethylhexyl SalicylateOctisalateUV filterA UVB filter that also helps dissolve other sunscreen filters.
- Ethylhexyl TriazoneUvinul T 150UV filterA very efficient, photostable UVB filter.
F
G
- GluconolactonePHAExfoliantA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates very gently and hydrates. Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Glycolic AcidAHAExfoliantCan irritateThe smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It dissolves the "glue" between dead skin cells to smooth texture and brighten, but can sting and makes skin more sun-sensitive.
- Glycyrrhetinic AcidLicorice-derived soothing agentSoothingA soothing ingredient from licorice root that helps reduce redness and irritation.
- Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractLicorice root extractBrighteningA licorice extract that helps brighten dark spots and calm redness.
H
- HexylresorcinolBrighteningA brightening and antioxidant ingredient that helps fade uneven tone.
- Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit OilSea buckthorn oilAntioxidantA bright orange oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. Can tint skin slightly.
- HomosalateUV filterA UVB filter commonly used in sunscreens. Some regulators have lowered the maximum allowed strength.
- HydroquinoneBrighteningCan irritatePregnancy cautionA strong prescription-strength skin lightener. Should only be used under a dermatologist's supervision and avoided during pregnancy.
- Hydroxymethoxyphenyl DecanoneAntioxidantAn antioxidant that helps protect retinoids and skin from oxidation.
- Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateHPR (Granactive Retinoid)RetinoidPregnancy cautionA newer retinoid ester that tends to cause less irritation than retinol. Avoid during pregnancy.
I
K
L
- Lactic AcidAHAExfoliantA gentler alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates while also hydrating. A good first acid for dry or sensitive skin.
- Lactobionic AcidPHAExfoliantA gentle polyhydroxy acid that exfoliates, hydrates and has antioxidant benefits.
- Linoleic AcidBarrier repairAn essential fatty acid that supports the skin barrier and may help acne-prone skin.
M
- MadecassosideSoothingA purified compound from centella that soothes redness and supports barrier repair.
- Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateVitamin C (MAP)AntioxidantA gentle, stable form of vitamin C that hydrates and helps brighten.
- Malic AcidExfoliantA fruit-derived AHA that gently exfoliates, usually used alongside other acids.
- Mandelic AcidAHAExfoliantA large, slow-acting alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates gently and suits sensitive and darker skin tones prone to pigmentation.
- Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene EthoxyethylcyanoacetateMexoryl 400UV filterA newer UV filter that blocks long UVA rays, which reach deep into the skin.
- Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolTinosorb MUV filterA broad-spectrum UV filter that both absorbs and scatters UVA and UVB.
N
O
P
- Paeonia Lactiflora Root ExtractPeony root extractBrighteningA plant extract traditionally used for a more even-looking skin tone.
- Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12PeptideA signalling peptide used to support firmer-looking skin.
- Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4MatrixylPeptideA peptide that may help reduce the look of fine lines.
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7PeptideA peptide often paired with palmitoyl tripeptide-1 to help calm skin and support firmness.
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1PeptideA signalling peptide that may help support collagen for firmer-looking skin.
- PanthenolPro-vitamin B5SoothingA hydrating, soothing ingredient that helps skin heal and holds moisture.
- PhytosphingosineBarrier repairA skin-identical lipid that supports the barrier and helps calm blemish-prone skin.
- Propolis ExtractBee propolisSoothingA resin-like substance made by bees, used to soothe and support blemish-prone skin. Avoid if you are allergic to bee products.
R
- ResveratrolAntioxidantA grape-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin from free-radical damage.
- RetinalRetinaldehydeRetinoidCan irritatePregnancy cautionA retinoid one step closer to the active form than retinol, so it works faster. Use at night, introduce slowly and avoid during pregnancy.
- RetinolVitamin ARetinoidCan irritatePregnancy cautionA proven anti-ageing active that speeds up skin renewal, softens fine lines and helps clear pores. Start slowly, use at night, wear sunscreen and avoid during pregnancy.
- Retinyl PalmitateVitamin A esterRetinoidPregnancy cautionA mild form of vitamin A. Gentler but much weaker than retinol. Avoid during pregnancy.
- Retinyl RetinoateRetinoidPregnancy cautionA retinoid ester designed to be gentler than retinol. Avoid during pregnancy.
- Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractRosemary extractAntioxidantAn antioxidant extract that helps protect oils from going off. Can contain fragrant compounds.
S
- Salicylic AcidBHAExfoliantPregnancy cautionAn oil-soluble exfoliant that gets inside pores to clear blackheads and calm breakouts. Use high strengths with care during pregnancy.
- Salix Alba Bark ExtractWillow bark extractExfoliantA plant extract containing salicin, a natural relative of salicylic acid. Much milder than true BHA.
- Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateVitamin C (SAP)AntioxidantA gentle, stable form of vitamin C that also has mild anti-acne benefits.
- Sodium Palmitoyl ProlineSoothingA soothing ingredient that reduces redness and discomfort. Part of the Sepicalm complex.
- Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit ExtractTomato extractAntioxidantA tomato extract rich in antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental damage.
- SphingomyelinBarrier repairA lipid related to ceramides that supports a healthy skin barrier.
- SulfurSulphurAnti-acneA traditional acne ingredient that absorbs oil and helps clear blemishes. Has a distinctive smell.
T
- Tartaric AcidExfoliantA grape-derived AHA used to support exfoliation and adjust pH.
- Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic AcidMexoryl SXUV filterA water-soluble, photostable UVA filter.
- Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateVitamin C (THD ascorbate)AntioxidantAn oil-soluble form of vitamin C that is stable and gentle.
- Titanium DioxideUV filterA mineral sunscreen filter that mainly protects against UVB. Gentle on sensitive skin.
- TocopherolVitamin EAntioxidantAn antioxidant that protects skin and the formula, and works well with vitamin C.
- Tocopheryl AcetateVitamin E acetateAntioxidantA stable form of vitamin E that moisturises and gives antioxidant protection.
- Tocopheryl LinoleateVitamin E linoleateAntioxidantA form of vitamin E combined with a fatty acid, which moisturises and protects.
- Tranexamic AcidBrighteningHelps fade stubborn dark patches, including melasma, and is usually well tolerated.
- Tripeptide-32PeptideA peptide used in night serums, studied for supporting the skin's overnight repair rhythm.