Ingredient library
The ingredients we watch.
Every recommendation our AI makes is grounded in the same library of ingredient knowledge. These are the core ingredients we recommend — what they do, who they're for, and who should avoid them.
Niacinamide
2–10%
Vitamin B3. Reduces redness and pore appearance, strengthens the barrier, evens tone. Works on nearly every skin type.
Retinol
0.25–1%
Vitamin A derivative. Gold standard for fine lines, texture, pigmentation. Start low, go slow. Always use SPF.
Salicylic acid
0.5–2%
Oil-soluble BHA. Dissolves inside pores, clears blackheads and acne. Best for oily and combo skin.
Hyaluronic acid
1–2%
Holds 1,000x its weight in water. Plumps, hydrates, smooths without oiliness. Universally tolerated.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic)
10–20%
Potent antioxidant. Brightens tone, fades dark spots, boosts SPF effectiveness. Temperamental — needs low pH and dark packaging.
Azelaic acid
10–20%
Treats redness, rosacea, melasma, and acne. Well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Ceramides
Formulation-dependent
Lipids your skin naturally makes. Replenishing them restores a damaged barrier. Essential for sensitive or irritated skin.
Zinc oxide
5–25%
Mineral SPF. Broad-spectrum, gentle, non-reef-toxic. Can leave white cast on deeper skin tones — look for nano or tinted formulations.
Glycolic acid
5–10%
Water-soluble AHA. Exfoliates surface skin, improves texture and tone. Use at night. Always SPF next day.