With so many products on the market, reading skincare labels can be confusing. This guide breaks down some of the most common ingredients and what they do for your skin. Follow along to gain a better understanding of the ingredients listed on your favorite skincare products. Deciphering ingredient lists equips you to make educated choices about which products are best for your skin type and concerns. Understanding common skincare ingredients also helps you avoid components that may cause irritation or other issues.
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1. Acids: AHAs and BHAs
Many skincare products from reputable names like Dr Dennis Gross Skincare contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These chemical exfoliants help slough away dead skin cells and improve skin texture and tone.
2. AHAs
Alpha hydroxy acids are water-soluble acids derived from plants. Common AHAs include:
📌 Glycolic acid: Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid has the smallest molecules so it can penetrate the skin easily. This makes it great for reducing fine lines, improving hyperpigmentation, and clearing acne. Start with lower concentrations.
📌 Lactic acid: Found in milk, lactic acid exfoliates while also hydrating skin. It’s gentler than other AHAs so it’s good for sensitive skin.
📌 Mandelic acid: Mandelic acid has larger molecules so it doesn’t penetrate as deeply. It’s mild and great for sensitive skin.
📌 Citric acid: Extracted from citrus fruits, citric acid is an antioxidant that brightens dull skin.
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3. BHAs
Beta hydroxy acids are oil-soluble acids that can penetrate inside pores. The most common is:
📌 Salicylic acid: Derived from willow tree bark, salicylic acid is ideal for treating acne and clearing pores. It sloughs off dead skin cells inside pores to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
4. Hydrators: Humectants and Emollients
Dry, dehydrated skin needs hydrators known as humectants and emollients. These ingredients draw moisture into the skin and create a protective barrier to keep moisture locked in.
5. Humectants
Humectants are water-loving ingredients that pull moisture from the environment into the skin. Examples include:
📌 Glycerin: A common humectant derived from vegetable oils, glycerin softens skin and prevents moisture loss.
📌 Hyaluronic acid: Found naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse for hydration. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water!
📌 Honey: Honey is a natural humectant that helps skin retain moisture while also offering antioxidant benefits.
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6. Emolients
Emollients fill in cracks between skin cells and seal moisture in. Some emollients provide fatty acids and ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier. Common emollients include:
📌 Plant oils: Natural oils like jojoba, olive, almond, avocado, and argan oil soften skin and prevent water loss.
📌 Dimethicone: A silicone-based emollient, dimethicone creates a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
📌 Petrolatum: Known as petroleum jelly, this occlusive emollient coats the skin to prevent moisture evaporation.
7. The Bottom Line
Reading skincare labels takes some work, but knowing key ingredients can help you determine if a product will meet your skin’s needs. Acids like AHAs and BHAs exfoliate, while humectants and emollients infuse hydration. Analyze the ingredient list to find skincare products tailored for your skin type and concerns.
