What’s actually in the bottle.
The ingredient encyclopedia: what each active does, how strong the evidence really is, the strength worth paying for, what to pair it with (and what not to) — plus every product we review that features it.
Antioxidants
4Brighteners
5Exfoliants & acne actives
8- 2GaGlycolic acidExfoliants & acne actives
- 3LaLactic acidExfoliants & acne actives
- 0MaMandelic acidExfoliants & acne actives
- 6SaSalicylic acidExfoliants & acne actives
- 1PhPHAsExfoliants & acne actives
- 1BpBenzoyl peroxideExfoliants & acne actives
- 0SSulfurExfoliants & acne actives
- 1HyHydrocolloidExfoliants & acne actives
Hydrators
7Barrier & repair
9Botanicals & ferments
5Top-left: products we review that feature it. Top-right: evidence dots. Ingredient guides are educational, not medical advice — patch-test, and ask a dermatologist about prescription options.
How we grade evidence
Proof, not promises.
- Strong evidence
Several controlled human studies agree, and dermatology bodies recognise the effect.
- Moderate evidence
Promising human studies, but fewer, smaller or brand-funded — results vary.
- Emerging evidence
Early, lab or small-scale research. Interesting, not proven.