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Beauty / Ingredient library

Know what’s in it.

Plain-English fact sheets for the ingredients that appear most often on labels: what each one does, who it suits, how to use it and what to watch for — each linked to products in our catalogue that list it.

  1. Vitamin

    Niacinamide

    Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in serums, moisturisers, sunscreens and tints.

    11 products in the catalogue ↗
  2. Vitamin A derivative

    Retinol and retinal

    Retinol and retinal (retinaldehyde) are vitamin A derivatives used in evening skincare.

    4 products in the catalogue ↗
  3. Antioxidant

    Vitamin C

    Vitamin C is an antioxidant used in serums to help skin look brighter and more even, and to support protection against environmental damage alongside sunscreen.

    4 products in the catalogue ↗
  4. Humectant

    Hyaluronic acid

    Hyaluronic acid is a humectant: it attracts and holds water, helping skin feel and look more hydrated and plump.

    9 products in the catalogue ↗
  5. Barrier lipid

    Ceramides

    Ceramides are fats (lipids) that make up much of the skin’s outer barrier.

    3 products in the catalogue ↗
  6. Signal and conditioning molecules

    Peptides

    Peptides are short chains of amino acids.

    6 products in the catalogue ↗
  7. Chemical exfoliant

    Exfoliating acids (AHA and BHA)

    Exfoliating acids loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they shed more evenly.

    2 products in the catalogue ↗
  8. Botanical

    Centella asiatica (cica)

    Centella asiatica, often shortened to “cica”, is a plant extract widely used in Korean skincare to soothe and calm skin.

    3 products in the catalogue ↗
  9. UV protection

    Sunscreen filters (UV filters)

    Sunscreen filters absorb or reflect ultraviolet light.

    8 products in the catalogue ↗

General information, not medical advice. Sources are listed on each page.