Contents
What They Do, Who They’re For, and the Best Products to Try
These 7 powerhouse ingredients are the foundation of effective skincare. Learn what each one does, who it’s best for, and discover dermatologist-approved product picks for each category.
1. Retinol
Naturium Retinol Complex Cream
Smooth, refine, and renew your skin overnight with this gentle yet effective retinol formula. Blending encapsulated retinol, bakuchiol, and peptides, it helps reduce fine lines, uneven texture, and signs of aging — without the typical irritation.
- Improves skin texture and reduces fine lines
- Encapsulated retinol for slow, gentle release
- Contains bakuchiol and peptides for added support
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
A perfect retinol starter or nightly staple for radiant, youthful skin.
What It Does:
- Stimulates collagen
- Reduces fine lines and acne
- Improves skin texture
Best For: Fine lines, acne-prone, rough or textured skin
What Customers Say:
“Gentle enough for nightly use—gave my skin a smoother finish without dryness.”
Top Product: Naturium Retinol Complex Cream
2. Vitamin C
Maelove The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum
A cult-favorite brightening serum that combines 15% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts. Designed to rival high-end vitamin C serums at a fraction of the cost, it visibly boosts glow, smooths texture, and helps defend against environmental damage.
- Brightens skin and fades dark spots
- Hydrates and protects with a lightweight feel
- Formulated without fragrance, dyes, or parabens
- Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive
A highly effective antioxidant serum — science-backed and wallet-friendly.
What It Does:
- Brightens dull skin
- Fades dark spots
- Protects against environmental damage
Best For: Uneven tone, sun damage, dull complexion
What Customers Say:
“Comparable to luxury vitamin C serums—my skin looks healthier and more radiant.”
Top Product: Maelove The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum
3. Hyaluronic Acid
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
A daily hydration booster that strengthens and plumps skin with just 11 ingredients. Formulated with 89% Vichy volcanic water and pure hyaluronic acid, this lightweight gel-serum delivers long-lasting moisture, reinforces the skin barrier, and improves resilience against environmental stress.
- Hydrates, plumps, and fortifies the skin barrier
- Clean, minimalist formula with only 11 ingredients
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and safe for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic
A simple yet powerful serum for healthy, radiant skin.
What It Does:
- Deeply hydrates skin
- Plumps fine lines
- Boosts elasticity and glow
Best For: Dehydrated, dry, or sensitive skin
What Customers Say:
“My skin feels instantly plumper and the hydration lasts all day.”
Top Product: Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
4. Niacinamide
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% + Zinc 2%
A concentrated serum designed to refine pores, balance oil, and visibly improve uneven skin tone. Formulated with 12% niacinamide and 2% zinc PCA, it helps reduce the look of blemishes, redness, and excess shine while supporting a clear, balanced complexion.
- Minimizes pores and controls oil
- Brightens and evens skin tone
- Non-irritating and fragrance-free
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested
A high-strength formula that delivers calm, clarified skin—without stripping.
What It Does:
- Minimizes pores
- Reduces oil production
- Strengthens the skin barrier
Best For: Combination, oily, or acne-prone skin
What Customers Say:
“Helped reduce my breakouts and smoothed out texture within a week.”
Top Product: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% + Zinc 2%
5. Azelaic Acid
The INKEY List Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
A gentle yet effective multitasker that targets redness, uneven tone, and blemishes. Formulated with 10% azelaic acid, this lightweight cream helps calm irritation, reduce post-acne marks, and visibly smooth texture — making it ideal for rosacea-prone and sensitive skin types.
- Reduces redness and brightens uneven tone
- Helps clear blemishes and post-acne discoloration
- Lightweight, non-greasy cream formula
- Suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin
A budget-friendly solution for calm, clear, more even-looking skin.
What It Does:
- Brightens and evens tone
- Calms redness and rosacea
- Fights acne-causing bacteria
Best For: Sensitive, red, or acne-scarred skin
What Customers Say:
“Helped fade red spots and smooth texture without irritation.”
Top Product: The INKEY List Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
6. Peptides
The INKEY List Peptide Moisturizer
A lightweight yet nourishing daily cream that supports skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration. Formulated with a blend of pentapeptides and shea butter, this moisturizer helps improve skin texture, smooth fine lines, and strengthen the skin barrier without feeling greasy.
- Supports collagen and improves skin firmness
- Hydrates and smooths with a velvety finish
- Great under makeup or layered at night
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
A no-fuss peptide cream that delivers visible anti-aging benefits at an approachable price.
What They Do:
- Improve firmness
- Boost collagen production
- Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
Best For: Mature, dry, or dull skin
What Customers Say:
“Leaves my skin soft and bouncy—my go-to for a budget peptide cream.”
Top Product: The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer
7. Licorice Root Extract
iUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum
A deeply hydrating serum formulated with 100% beta-glucan, a natural, skin-soothing ingredient that holds 20% more moisture than hyaluronic acid. This lightweight serum helps calm irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and plump dehydrated skin — ideal for sensitive, dry, or compromised skin.
- Intense hydration with 100% beta-glucan
- Calms redness and soothes sensitive skin
- Strengthens moisture barrier and improves elasticity
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and fragrance-free
A gentle, moisture-boosting serum your skin will drink up.
What It Does:
- Gently brightens dark spots
- Reduces post-acne hyperpigmentation
- Soothes inflammation
Best For: Uneven tone, sensitive or reactive skin
What Customers Say:
“Super calming on irritated skin and helped fade dark spots.”
Top Product: iUNIK Beta-Glucan Power Moisture Serum
How to Combine These Ingredients
- Morning Routine:
Cleanser → Vitamin C → Niacinamide → Hyaluronic Acid → SPF - Night Routine:
Cleanser → Retinol or Azelaic Acid → Peptides → Moisturizer - Tips:
- Don’t layer retinol and strong acids on the same night
- Use niacinamide daily to support a healthy skin barrier and reduce irritation from other actives
