What's actually in your skincare
Plain-language, educational notes on common skincare ingredients — what they're commonly used for, who tends to reach for them, and which Beauty Match products contain them. This is general education, not medical advice.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3 commonly used to help balance visible oiliness, support the skin barrier, and even out the look of skin tone.
Zinc PCA
A zinc salt often paired with niacinamide to help regulate excess surface oil.
Salicylic Acid
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pore lining — commonly used for congestion, blackheads, and breakout-prone skin.
Glycolic Acid
A small-molecule alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane, commonly used to resurface the skin's top layer and soften the look of uneven tone.
Lactic Acid
A gentler, larger-molecule AHA than glycolic acid, often chosen by drier or more sensitive skin for surface exfoliation.
Hyaluronic Acid
A humectant that attracts and holds water in the skin — a common base ingredient across nearly every skin type for surface hydration.
Retinol
A vitamin A derivative commonly used at night to support skin renewal — one of the most studied ingredients for the visible signs of aging and post-acne marks.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived retinol alternative often chosen by people who find retinoids irritating, including during pregnancy — always confirm with a professional.
Vitamin C
An antioxidant commonly used in the morning to help brighten the look of dullness and support the skin against everyday environmental exposure.
Azelaic Acid
A gentle multi-tasking acid commonly used for redness-prone and breakout-prone skin, and for evening out the look of post-acne marks.
Kojic Acid
A brightening ingredient derived from fungi, commonly used to help even the look of dark spots.
Alpha Arbutin
A gentler brightening ingredient derived from bearberry, often layered with niacinamide or vitamin C.
Tranexamic Acid
A brightening ingredient often used alongside niacinamide for stubborn, uneven pigmentation.
Ceramides
Lipids naturally found in the skin's outer layer — commonly used in moisturizers to support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Centella Asiatica
A plant extract widely used in soothing formulas for reactive or barrier-compromised skin, popularised by K-beauty "cica" products.
Snail Secretion Filtrate
A K-beauty staple used for its hydrating, film-forming texture — commonly used to support a smoother, more hydrated look over time.
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids used as signalling ingredients in moisturizers and serums aimed at firmer-looking, more resilient skin over time.
Panthenol
A humectant and soothing agent commonly used to support hydration and calm the look of irritation.
Allantoin
A gentle soothing agent frequently included in sensitive-skin formulas to support comfort.
Squalane
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that mimics the skin's own oils — commonly used across skin types to soften and support the barrier.
Glycerin
One of the most well-studied humectants in skincare, used broadly to draw and hold moisture in skin.
Vitamin E
An antioxidant often paired with vitamin C to help stabilise the formula and support the skin barrier.
Ferulic Acid
An antioxidant commonly combined with vitamin C and vitamin E to help stabilise the formula.
Dimethicone
A silicone commonly used to smooth texture and lock in hydration — widely used in moisturizers, primers, and hair serums for a smoother finish.
Argan Oil
A fatty-acid-rich plant oil commonly used to add shine and softness to hair, and hydration to dry skin.
Green Tea Extract
An antioxidant-rich plant extract often included in oil-control formulas for its calming profile.
Benzoyl Peroxide
A common spot-treatment ingredient used for active breakouts.
Onion Bulb Extract
A scalp-care ingredient commonly marketed for supporting hair strength alongside plant keratin.