We all have faced that moment. Yes, I’m talking about that moment of frustration when you are standing right in front of the rack full of beauty products in your favorite beauty store with the hottest skincare product in your hand and feeling overwhelmed! To find the much-anticipated product after a long hunt? Nope! You are overwhelmed to see the ingredient list. Sounds similar? Then, read this post to decode your cosmetics labels yourself. (1)(2)(3)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Found In: Chemical peels, face washes, facial masks, skin creams, serums, etc.
AHAs, including lactic and glycolic acids, are naturally occurring or synthetic chemicals employed for skin chemical exfoliation. These compounds deeply penetrate the skin, dissolving cellular bonds to eliminate dead cells, resulting in smoother, brighter skin. While effectively treating issues like greasiness, acne, dark spots, and wrinkles, AHAs may cause irritation and photosensitivity due to their surface-level activities.
Salicylic Acid/Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Found In: Everything, including face washes, masks, facial wipes, creams, lotions, etc.
Salicylic acid, also known as BHA, is an oil-soluble aspirin derivative employed as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent to address oily, acne-prone skin. It aids in acne healing by clearing clogged pores, preventing breakouts through surface-level exfoliation, reducing blemishes, promoting collagen production, improving skin texture, and enhancing the skin’s barrier function. However, excessive dryness, irritation, mild stinging, and allergies may be potential side effects of BHA use.
Copper Peptide GHK-CU
Found In: Moisturizer, serum, anti-aging cream, etc.
This is a copper complex present in the human body, which combines with three amino acid molecules and forms tripeptides. Copper peptides promote collagen production, speed up wound healing, and strengthen immunity with their incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been found to reduce signs of aging, increase skin elasticity, enhance skin texture, and eliminate scar marks. However, the anti-aging qualities of GHK-cu have yet to be proven scientifically.
Dimethicone
Found In: Primers, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, creams, toners, etc.
Dimethicone, a silicone-based polymer, is responsible for certain beauty products’ silky, smooth, soft, and matte finish. It can enhance skin texture by filling fine lines and large, open pores. The large molecules of dimethicone also make it a good skin protectant that helps other products glide over the skin. It can also prevent mild irritation, dryness of skin, etc.
Emollients
Found In: Rich creams, cold creams, heavy moisturizers, ointments, etc.
Emollients are natural (lanolin, cocoa butter, etc.) or synthetic (mineral oils, squalene, etc.) lubricating agents mainly used to hydrate dry skin to reduce patches, flaking, cracking, etc. It can be ‘Occlusive’ (creates a barrier on the skin surface to restrict further water evaporation) and ‘Humectant’ (attracts and seals moisture in the outermost layer of skin called ‘epidermis’). Though it keeps skin soft, smooth, and rash-free, people may sometimes experience pore clogging and breakouts.
Ferulic Acid
Found In: Serums, leave-in products, lotions, etc.
Being a potent natural antioxidant, ferulic acid protects our skin from free radical damage and slows the process of aging significantly. It also provides sun protection, helps reverse sun damage, and increases the effectiveness of antioxidant vitamins like vitamins C and E by making them stable. People with sensitive skin might experience some adverse effects of ferulic acid.
Glycerin/Glycerol
Found In: Moisturizers, serums, facial masks, etc.
Glycerin, a heavy colorless liquid obtained from natural fats, is a humectant that attracts and locks moisture in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Consequently, the natural protective barrier of our skin is reinforced, and we get rid of dryness, scaling, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. It not only maintains our skin’s moisture but also plumps it up.
Hyaluronic Acid
Found In: Serums and hydrating creams.
Hyaluronic acid, a structural component of our skin, can be produced synthetically and applied topically for deep penetration and optimal hydration. It can retain the skin’s natural moisture, plump it up instantly, smoothen signs of aging, enhance skin elasticity, and so on.
Kaolin Powder
Found In: Facial masks, face scrubs, peel-off masks, etc.
Kaolin is a white clay mineral that can balance our skin’s natural oil levels by working as a gentle absorbent. It absorbs excess moisture from the oily skin, promotes deep cleansing, averts breakouts, reduces inflammation, and so forth.
Lauric Acid
Found In: Exfoliators, makeup removers, natural oil-based products, etc.
Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid with excellent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. It hydrates the skin deeply and reduces inflammation to a great extent.
Common Beauty Ingredients
- Niacinamide: A water-soluble anti-inflammatory vitamin mainly used for treating acne, improving skin tone, making skin firmer, and curing sun damage.
- Hydroquinone: A bleaching agent with antioxidant properties, great for reducing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc.
- Lycopene: A phytochemical-rich in antioxidants that can reduce pigmentation and lighten the natural skin tone.
Summary
Decode cosmetics labels with this guide on crucial ingredients. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) in chemical peels and creams exfoliate for smoother skin. Salicylic Acid/BHA treats oily, acne-prone skin. Copper Peptide GHK-CU promotes collagen and anti-aging effects. Dimethicone offers a silky finish and skin protection. Emollients hydrate and lubricate but may cause breakouts. Ferulic Acid is a potent antioxidant, Glycerin locks in moisture, and Hyaluronic Acid hydrates deeply. Kaolin Powder balances oil levels, Lauric Acid is anti-bacterial, and common ingredients like Niacinamide, Hydroquinone, and Lycopene target specific skin concerns.
