Retinol

This substance meets criteria for reproductive toxicity, is harmful if swallowed, may cause an allergic skin reaction, and causes serious eye irritation.
This substance is swallowed, causes allergic skin reaction, causes eye irritation, and meets criteria for reproductive toxicicty.
Danger! According to the classification provided by companies to ECHA in REACH registrations this substance may damage fertility or the unborn child, causes serious eye irritation, may cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life and may cause an allergic skin reaction. PACT - Public activities Co-ordination Tool Public (risk management) activities co-ordination table Tool showing an overview of substances in various key regulatory processes that authorities are working on. Persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity assessment Substances undergoing a PBT/vPvB assessment. Pre-registered substances Substances indicated, in 2009, as being intended to be registered by at least one company in the EEA. Registered substances factsheets Substances which have been registered and can be placed on the EEA market by those companies with a valid registration.

Using a product with this ingredient indicates you are concerned about either or both of the following:

• Skin aging including things like fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tones, eye bags and lines, skin sagging and mor;
• Acne including either pimples, breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads or other forms of acne.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA): This is a group of acids that are effective when it comes to exfoliating skin, to remove dead skin cells and unplug pores to treat acne. It is also an antioxidant and promotes glowing, smooth, and toned skin, improving its firmness and minimizing the signs of aging.

Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)

There is only one BHA and it’s called salicylic acid. This is a versatile ingredient that can refine pore size, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the skin tone, and promote a glowing complexion. It can cause skin irritation including redness, burning, itching, pain, and possibly scarring. People with darker-colored skin are at a higher risk of scarring pigment changes.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid. This organic acid is found in citric fruits and may help improve the appearance of aged skin, boost skin firmness, improve skin elasticity, and help exfoliate skin to unclog pores and treat acne. It is usually considered safe for all skin types, except for those with known allergies or sensitive skin. Individuals with oily skin can also benefit from citric acid

Glycolic Acid has a small molecule that can pass through the skin barrier and weaken the intercellular adhesions, which means it removes dead skin cells from the skin’s epidermal surface and reduces dry patches and flakiness.

It is known to improve the texture of skin because it clears dead skin cells, and ingrown hairs, and reduces the appearance of pores.  It also decreases inflammation and works against acne-causing bacteria. It also stimulates collagen production and makes your skin look more youthful.

Using high concentrations of glycolic acid without guidance can cause burns and damage your skin. It can also dry out skin and make it susceptible to sunburn. There is also a possibility of skin redness and other issues when mixing it with other skincare products.

Lactic Acid works on the skin’s surface and breaks apart dead skin cells on the outer skin layer, unclogging pores and stopping breakouts from triggering. The best thing about this exfoliant is its moisturizing features, making it a gentler alternative to other ingredients that work to unclog pores and minimize breakouts.

Malic Acid exfoliates dead cells on the outermost layer of the skin and promotes cell turnover, leaving skin brighter and more even, which also helps to keep pores unclogged by breaking down some of the ‘glue’ that holds all of these cells (technical term: keratinocytes) together, i.

Malic acid is a larger molecule than other alpha hydroxy acids, which decreases its penetration into the skin, and makes it gentler on the skin.

Due to its antioxidant and exfoliation benefits, it’s commonly used for a range of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, large pores, milia, warts, calluses, and more.

Mandelic Acid has a larger molecular size and can’t penetrate the skin. It works on skin’s surface making it a gentler alternative. The antibacterial properties of mandelic acid reduce inflammatory acne (cysts, papules, pustules and is less likely to cause irritations since it’s among the gentlest of the alpha-hydroxy acids.

Niacinamide contains immense ability to attract and hold water on the skin, and that gives your skin hydration to make your sebaceous glands make less sebum, reducing pimples. Niacinamide also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, to help diminish acne.  It is a derivative of vitamin B3 and fights against free radical damage, to brighten the dark spots, and control acne. 

As an antioxidant it will repair the skin cells. It is also efficient in treating pigmentation, rosacea and wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory properties help to calm irritated skin.

Retin- A is a prescription-strength topical cream or gel. It is derived from vitamin A, and works by speeding up the life cycle of skin cells. It makes them divide and die faster so newer, healthier skin cells can come to the surface.

Retinaldehyde has been proven to be effective in helping boost cell turnover, allowing dying and dead skin cells to slough away at a faster rate, which reveals new, healthy skin cells.

Retinoid treats acne. The main side effects include skin irritation, such as redness, peeling, and burning. They can also make skin more sensitive to sunlight. These side effects go away once the medication is stopped.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, that helps pores unclog, reducing breakouts. Its small molecular weight allows it to penetrate beneath the skin’s upper layer, removing dirt, dead cells, and excess oil from pores. In turn, this leads to fewer chances of breakouts.

Salicylic Acid is the strongest beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and its oil-soluble structure makes it able to penetrate the skin, where it dissolves oil and dead cells that clog the pores. But salicylic acid might not work for everyone struggling with acne. 

Vitamin C  is a multi-tasker. It fights free radicals — molecules known to contribute to acne and the creation of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.   It is a potent antioxidant that plays an important role in the anti-aging process and helps boost collagen production. It helps to brighten and boost the skin, promoting youthful and glowing appearance and reduces skin discoloration.

There are different types of vitamin C and some are more effective for the skin than the others.  Vitamin C is even more effective in combination with other anti-aging ingredients; a popular combo is that with vitamin E.

Vitamin C may also speed up the healing of breakouts and fill scars, and tighten skin, thanks to its ability to boost collagen production.