What are active ingredients in skincare? They are the ingredients present in skincare products to treat a specific problem. For example, if a product claims it hydrates dehydrated skin, the active is the one that treats the lack of moisture. When actives are present in products, they work as per the skin type it is being applied on. Hence, it becomes imperative that you know which actives work best for what skin type.
Let’s take a look.
In This Article
Dull/Tanned/Pigmented Skin
Excess melanin in your skin leads to skin concerns like tanning, dull skin, and irritation. When you combine these skin conditions, it leads to hyperpigmentation.
The actives that can help you maintain glowing skin are:
- Glycolic Acid - Exfoliates and removes tan
- Vitamin C - Fights pigmentation and brightens skin
- Licorice - Fades dark spots
- Brazilian Purple Clay - Removes dead skin cells
- Lactic Acid - Gently exfoliates the skin
- Malic Acid - Evens out skin tone
- Vitamin C - Reduces pigmentation and irritation
- 15% L-Ascorbic Acid - Reduces pigmentation
- Ferulic Acid - Reduces free radical damage
- Amla (Emblica) - Controls inflammation and soothes skin
There are scientifically formulated cleansers, creams, serums, and facial kit products for pigmentation with actives to brighten skin, remove surface tan instantly, and reduce pigmentation spots or patches due to excess melanin.
Acne/Oily Prone Skin
Having excessive oily skin attracts bacteria to your skin, which becomes a breeding ground for acne and breakouts. Hence, Oily Skin and Acne go hand in hand, and to treat one is to treat another.
Here are the actives that work behind the scenes to keep your skin healthy:
- Salicylic Acid - Unclogs pores and reduces acne redness
- Niacinamide - Reduces breakouts
- Colloidal Sulfur - Helps control pimples
- Brazilian Purple Clay - Removes dead skin cells
- Zinc PCA - Controls and combats breakouts
- Lava Clay - Helps absorb excess oil
- Azelaic Acid - Suppresses acne-causing bacteria
- Retinol Liposomes - Exfoliates skin
There are several creams, serums, cleansers, and masks available in the market that specifically work to act on the acne skin concerns that help control and reduce your acne to achieve flawless, healthy skin.
Dry/Dehydrated/Sensitive Skin
Though dry and dehydrated skin may show individual traits on your skin, the underlying fact remains that both skin types need good hydration and nourishment, which helps improve your skin barrier function.
Let’s take a look at the actives that work best to give your skin a moisturised look:
- Hyaluronic Acid - Hydrates and keeps skin plump
- Sodium Hyaluronate - Provides deep tissue hydration
- Vitamin E - Moisturises and nourishes skin
- Vitamin Pro B5 - Rejuvenates and hydrates skin
- Ceramides - Nourishes skin and restores skin barrier function
- Niacinamide - Improves skin barrier and repairs skin
- Shea Butter - Provides intense moisture and relief from inflammation
- Evening Primrose Oil - Enhances skin texture
- Glycerine - Gently exfoliates and hydrates
- Aloe Vera - Restores moisture and soothes skin
- Squalane - Moisturises and soothes skin
- Amino Acids - Softens and strengthens skin
Various creams, serums, cleansers, and masks in the market help you get that moisturised and nourished look by keeping moisture locked and reducing sensitivity on your skin.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is a blessing to have. But to maintain it, you must take special care like any other skin type. While normal skin doesn’t require extensive caring, it is necessary to have the basic routine of cleansing, protecting, nourishing, and boosting to keep the skin healthy.
What helps you maintain normal skin is using a combination of products like cleansers, serums, creams, and multi-product kits with the actives mentioned above.
For people with Combination Skin, you should combine multiple actives and apply them on the areas with concerns as per the skin type.
The next time you shop for your skincare, look out for the active mentioned in the product packs. More than your time and money getting saved, your skin will thank you for giving it the best possible care with the help of these active serums.