The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
4.6% - 5.6%
lactic acid
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines
and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
3.2% - 3.9%
glycerin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
2.5% - 3.1%
propylene glycol
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
2% - 2.4%
kojic acid
Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating
1.7% - 2.1%
dimethyl isosorbide
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
1.4% - 1.8%
pvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer
1.2% - 1.5%
tocopherol
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
0.95% - 1.15%
mandelic acid
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to
reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
0.7% - 1%
ferulic acid
A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients
are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%
0.55% - 0.85%
arbutin
Beta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutin
0.5% - 0.75%
arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract
0.45% - 0.7%
citrus unshiu peel extract
0.45% - 0.65%
glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
0.4% - 0.6%
morus alba bark extract
A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties and help even out skin tone, but solid evidence is lacking
0.4% - 0.6%
azelaic acid
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation,
helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
0.35% - 0.65%
glycolic acid
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with
long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
0.3% - 0.6%
potassium azeloyl diglycinate
A derivative of azelaic acid. It is obtained by reacting the chloride of azelaic acid with two molecules of glycine (an amino acid) and potassium hydroxide. It is less
studied than azelaic acid, but the available research suggests that it also can be effective in reducing skin redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. There are claims that it is more bio-available and more effective than azelaic acid, but no comparison study is available. Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is better soluble in water compared with azelaic acid. Because of this property, products with potassium azeloyl digclycinate can have a nicer texture
0.3% - 0.55%
sodium hyaluronate
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
0.25% - 0.5%
quercetin
Might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin
0.25% - 0.45%
phospholipids
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
0.25% - 0.45%
soy isoflavones
0.2% - 0.4%
ergocalciferol
0.2% - 0.4%
panthenol
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
0.2% - 0.35%
leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from
an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
0.15% - 0.3%
polysorbate 20
Helps oil and water mix together
0.2% - 0.35%
polysorbate 80
Helps water and oil mix together
0.15% - 0.3%
disodium edta
Stabilizes the product formulation
0.1% - 0.2%
potassium hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH level of products
0.1% - 0.2%
phenoxyethanol
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
