Evidence-Based Ingredients to Look For

Choosing skincare based on marketing claims can be confusing. Focusing on proven, well-studied ingredients ensures you are using products that genuinely support skin health. Below is a breakdown of the most effective, research-backed ingredients and what they’re best used for.

What it does:

  • Strengthens the skin barrier

  • Reduces redness and inflammation

  • Regulates oil production

  • Improves uneven tone

  • Supports the skin in acne, rosacea, and sensitivity

Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive, oily, acne-prone, and redness-prone skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, Tretinoin)

What they do:

  • Increase cell turnover

  • Boost collagen production

  • Improve fine lines, texture, and pigmentation

  • Help prevent and treat acne

Best for: Ageing concerns, acne, congestion, texture, pigmentation.
(Use carefully if sensitive or barrier-compromised.)

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

What it does:

  • Brightens skin tone

  • Reduces pigmentation

  • Provides antioxidant protection

  • Supports collagen formation

Best for: Dullness, pigmentation, sun damage, uneven tone.

Hyaluronic Acid

What it does:

  • Attracts and retains moisture in the skin

  • Plumps and hydrates

  • Helps reduce dehydration lines

Best for: Dehydrated, dry, or sensitised skin and safe for all skin types.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

What it does:

  • Exfoliates inside the pores

  • Reduces blackheads and congestion

  • Helps control oil

  • Calms inflammation in acne

Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin, enlarged or congested pores.

Glycolic Acid (AHA)

What it does:

  • Exfoliates the skin surface

  • Brightens and smooths texture

  • Helps fade hyperpigmentation

  • Softens fine lines

Best for: Dullness, sun damage, pigmentation, uneven texture.
(Not ideal for very sensitive skin.)

Lactic Acid (AHA)

What it does:

  • Gently exfoliates

  • Hydrates at the same time

  • Smooths rough or dry patches

Best for: Dry, dull, or sensitive skin needing gentle resurfacing

Azelaic Acid

What it does:

  • Reduces redness and inflammation

  • Kills acne-causing bacteria

  • Brightens pigmentation

  • Safe in pregnancy

Best for: Acne, rosacea, redness, pigmentation, sensitive skin.

Ceramides

What they do:

  • Restore and strengthen the skin barrier

  • Reduce dryness, irritation, and sensitivity

  • Improve moisture retention

Best for: Eczema-prone skin, barrier damage, dryness, sensitivity.

Peptides

What they do:

  • Support collagen

  • Improve firmness

  • Enhance skin repair

  • Help smooth fine lines

Best for: Ageing concerns, dullness, barrier support.

Squalane

What it does:

  • Hydrates without clogging

  • Softens texture

  • Supports barrier repair

  • Reduces tightness

Best for: Dry, sensitised, dehydrated, or reactive skin.

Centella Asiatica (CICA)

What it does:

  • Calms inflammation

  • Supports wound healing

  • Reduces redness

Best for: Sensitive, irritated, or barrier-impaired skin.

Urea

What it does:

  • Hydrates the skin

  • Softens rough areas

  • Supports exfoliation depending on percentage

Best for: Dry, textured, eczema-prone skin (low %), keratosis pilaris (higher %).

What it does:

  • Soothes irritation

  • Reduces itching

  • Strengthens the barrier

  • Calms inflammation

Best for: Eczema, dermatitis, sensitivity, dry skin.

Colloidal Oatmeal

SPF (UV Filters)

What it does:

  • Protects against UV damage

  • Prevents premature ageing

  • Prevents pigmentation and scarring

  • Essential for all skin types and conditions

Best for: Everyone. Every day.

What it does:

  • Regulates oil production

  • Reduces inflammation

  • Supports acne-prone skin

Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin.

Zinc