Skincare Guide : Ingredients We Love

From niacinamide to snail mucin and from retinol to PHA you see them everywhere, but what do these ingredients really do for your skin? In this guide, you’ll find an easy overview of our favorite skincare ingredients. Learn what each one is, what it does, which skin types benefit from it, and how to combine it (or not!).

                                                                              PS: Click on the bar to expand it. Click on the name to go directly to the category page!

 

AHA / BHA / PHA
What is it?
These are exfoliating acids: AHAs (like glycolic acid) work on the skin’s surface, BHA (salicylic acid) penetrates deeper into pores, and PHAs are the gentlest of the three.

What does it do?
– Removes dead skin cells
– Brightens the complexion
– Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads

Best for:
AHA: dry and dull skin
BHA: oily and acne-prone skin
PHA: sensitive skin or beginners
Bakuchiol
What is it?
A plant-based alternative to retinol, known for being gentle yet effective.

What does it do?
– Reduces fine lines
– Improves skin elasticity
– Evens out skin tone

Best for:
Sensitive skin, mature skin, or anyone who finds retinol too strong.
Snail Mucin
What is it?
A nourishing and hydrating ingredient packed with enzymes, peptides, and hyaluronic acid — and yes, it’s cruelty-free.

What does it do?
– Soothes redness
– Repairs the skin barrier
– Fades scars and post-acne marks

Best for:
Sensitive, dehydrated, or damaged skin.
Niacinamide
What is it?
A form of vitamin B3, praised for its versatility and skin-soothing abilities.

What does it do?
– Minimizes redness
– Shrinks pores
– Balances oil production
– Brightens uneven skin tone

Best for:
All skin types — especially sensitive, oily, and combination skin.
Vitamin C
What is it?
A powerful antioxidant known for brightening and protecting the skin from environmental stressors.

What does it do?
– Reduces pigmentation and dark spots
– Boosts collagen production
– Fights free radical damage

Best for:
Dull, tired, or uneven skin tone.
Hyaluronic Acid
What is it?
A moisture magnet that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.

What does it do?
– Deeply hydrates
– Plumps the skin
– Softens fine lines

Best for:
All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated skin.
Peptides
What is it?
Short chains of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin.

What does it do?
– Boosts collagen
– Firms the skin
– Supports skin repair

Best for:
Aging or tired skin, and great for prevention starting in your mid-20s.
Retinol
What is it?
A vitamin A derivative and holy grail anti-aging ingredient.

What does it do?
– Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
– Refines skin texture
– Reduces acne and blemishes

Best for:
Experienced users with oily or aging skin. Not ideal for sensitive skin or beginners.
Aloe Vera
What is it?
A soothing gel-like extract from the aloe plant, used for centuries to calm the skin.

What does it do?
– Soothes irritation
– Hydrates
– Helps skin recovery

Best for:
All skin types — especially sensitive or post-exfoliation.
Green Tea
What is it?
A calming extract full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

What does it do?
– Soothes the skin
– Fights free radical damage
– Helps reduce breakouts

Best for:
Oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.
Licorice Root
What is it?
A botanical extract known for its skin-brightening and soothing effects.

What does it do?
– Evens skin tone
– Calms inflammation
– Helps fade hyperpigmentation

Best for:
Sensitive or dull skin with dark spots.
Beta-Glucan
What is it?
A hydrating ingredient that’s even more effective than hyaluronic acid in retaining moisture.

What does it do?
– Deeply hydrates
– Calms the skin
– Strengthens the moisture barrier

Best for:
Dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.
Centella Asiatica
What is it?
Also known as “cica,” this plant extract is beloved for its healing and calming properties.

What does it do?
– Reduces inflammation
– Supports skin healing
– Relieves redness

Best for:
Sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin.
PDRN
What is it?
Polydeoxyribonucleotide, a skin-repairing molecule derived from salmon DNA, popular in K-beauty.

What does it do?
– Stimulates cell regeneration
– Repairs skin from within
– Improves elasticity

Best for:
Mature, stressed, or damaged skin in need of a reset.
Want to know more about a specific ingredient or curious which ones go well together (or not)?
Start a skincare consult with one of our skincare specialists!