Active ingredients are ingredients in products that directly help skin conditions and address skin issues. The effectiveness of their claims are backed up by data and regulated by FDA to a level of certainty.
Typical active ingredients you'll see for skin conditions/issues are:
- Oily Skin: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Glycolic Acid (AHA), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Hyaluronic Acid, Retinoids (Vitamin A), other BHAs and AHAs
- Acne-Prone Skin: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid (AHA)
- Dry Skin: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid (AHA), Polyglutamic Acid (PHA), Vitamin E, Ceramides
- Combination Skin: Hyaluronic Acid, AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, Ceramides
- Aging: Peptides, Ceramides, Retinoids (Vitamin A), Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid
- Pigmentation: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid (AHA), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Vitamin C, Retinoids (Vitamin A)
- Inflammation: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Retinoids (Vitamin A), Ceramides, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)