Popularly known as an excellent antioxidant, Vitamin C provides a primary function of protecting the skin from damaging free radicals from the sun. They are also recommended in skincare since they can reduce inflammation, brighten dull skin, and enhance collagen levels. If you are seeking more effects, you could go for L-ascorbic acid which is the most potent form of Vitamin C. 

While L-ascorbic acid might be good for normal or oily skin. Please note, it’s not ideal for people with sensitive or dry skin, as it may irritate their skin. Hence, we recommend magnesium ascorbyl phosphate which is the less potent form. You could explore this ingredient in abundance from our Vitamin C Serum and Vit C + SPF 25 Moisturizer. 

Also known as Vitamin A, retinol is known for its rejuvenating benefits. It increases cell turnover, regulates oil, and enhances collagen production. It also provides anti-aging benefits for reducing the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines, firming the skin, and brightening dull skin. Aside from the above-mentioned benefits, retinol also unclogs pores and exfoliates to remove dead skin cells.

Preferably, it’s best to use retinol twice a week and mostly at night. On top of it, you may layer moisturizer to prevent possible irritation. During the day, kindly ensure to apply your sunblock as UV rays can reduce the efficiency due to increased light sensitivity on the skin. To explore this ingredient, kindly check our Shovalit Solution.

If you wish to glow your skin, this ingredient is the right place to start. Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is known to provide brightening effects on the skin. It also hydrates, smoothens, and refreshes the skin. Some studies have also revealed that niacinamide can improve the skin barrier function and anti-aging benefits via increased skin elasticity.

Topically, niacinamide can be found in serums, creams, masks, etc. For instance, you can enjoy its benefits from our Blanco Cream, Adi Clear, Placental Moisturizer, etc. Another reason why you should give this wonder ingredient a try is that it can minimize the appearance of open pores and refine a rough skin texture. You can combine niacinamide with vitamin C for increased benefits. 

Ceramides are generally known for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. They are lipids which can be naturally found in the skin cells. Studies also suggest that they make up about 40% to 50% of our skin layers. Aside from enhancing our barrier, ceramides also increase moisture retention, plump the skin, and help aging skin. If you are repeatedly struggling with issues, such as sunburn, allergies, and heightened skin sensitivity, you should consider ceramides.

Normally, you can find ceramides in cleansers, toners, or serums. If you are experiencing severe skin dryness, you should also consider adding this ingredient to your routine.

Majorly found in cleansers, sulfates are not fully recommended in skincare because they can strip the skin of its natural oil, leading to dryness, dehydration, irritation, or breakouts in worst-case scenarios. 

Though synthetic fragrances may smell nice, they can also trigger irritation or allergies for people with sensitive skin. When dealing with sensitive areas of the body, it’s best to look for fragrance-free or unscented products. 

Also known as petroleum jelly, this ingredient is used as a moisturizing agent in some products. It’s not recommended because of its possibility to clog pores or trigger acne-prone skin into breakouts. 

Added to this list are other ingredients, such as aluminum, phthalates, hydroquinone (in high quantity), octinoxate, lead, etc.