Skincare Actives
Get to know the active ingredients in your skincare and what they do. Pick the right ingredients for your skin concerns!
Confused about which ingredients to use?
Take the quiz and get personalized product recommendations!
Popular Ingredients
Niacinamide
Vitamin
The multitasker that can do almost everything
Salicylic Acid
Exfoliant (BHA)
The deep-pore cleanser
Vitamin C
Antioxidant
The brightener and free-radical fighter
Retinol
Retinoid
The gold standard of anti-aging with the most scientific backing
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
The water magnet that makes skin plump and hydrated
Centella Asiatica
Soothing
The skin-soother from Asia that's been used for centuries
All Active Ingredients
Retinoid
Soothing
Barrier Repair
Ingredient Level Guide
Safe for all skin types, minimal irritation risk. Perfect for skincare newbies.
Needs a slow intro. May cause mild irritation at first. Sunscreen is a MUST.
For the skincare pros. Requires a patch test and a very slow introduction.
Tips for Using Actives
- Start slow: Don't use them every day right away. Start with 2-3x a week.
- Patch test: Try it on a small area first before applying it all over your face.
- One at a time: Don't introduce too many new ingredients at once.
- Sunscreen: SPF is non-negotiable, especially when using exfoliants or retinoids.
- Be patient: Skincare results take at least 4-8 weeks to show.
Explore More
Want more personalized recommendations?
Take the Peelsonality quiz and find a skincare routine that fits you, based on your personality and your skin's needs!
Start the Free Quiz