Your quick reference guide to topical skincare ingredients and their alternative names on product ingredient lists

1. Retinol

Alternative Names: Retinoic acid, Vitamin A1, Tretinoin
Treatment Focus: Anti-aging, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, improving skin texture, and addressing acne.

2. Glycolic Acid

Alternative Names: Hydroxyacetic acid
Treatment Focus: Exfoliation, improving skin tone and texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and addressing hyperpigmentation.

3. Lactic Acid

Alternative Names: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Treatment Focus: Exfoliation, hydration, improving skin texture, and addressing hyperpigmentation.

4. Salicylic Acid

Alternative Names: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Treatment Focus: Acne treatment, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation.

5. Vitamin C

Alternative Names: Ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid
Treatment Focus: Brightening skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation, promoting collagen production, and providing antioxidant protection.

6. Niacinamide

Alternative Names: Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide
Treatment Focus: Minimizing redness and inflammation, reducing the appearance of pores, regulating oil production, and improving skin barrier function.

7. Hyaluronic Acid

Alternative Names: Sodium hyaluronate
Treatment Focus: Hydration, plumping the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin elasticity.

8. Azelaic Acid

Alternative Names: AzA
Treatment Focus: Addressing acne, reducing inflammation, and improving skin tone and texture.

9. Ceramides

Alternative Names: Lipid molecules, Sphingolipids
Treatment Focus: Strengthening the skin barrier, retaining moisture, and reducing sensitivity.

10. Growth Factors

Alternative Names: Epidermal growth factor (EGF), Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
Treatment Focus: Skin rejuvenation, collagen production, and reducing the signs of aging.

11. Stem Cells

Alternative Names: Plant stem cells, Human adipose-derived stem cells
Treatment Focus: Cellular repair, anti-aging, and promoting skin regeneration.

12. Peptides

Alternative Names: Oligopeptides, Polypeptides
Treatment Focus: Increasing collagen production, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin elasticity.

13. Resveratrol

Alternative Names: Trans-resveratrol, 3,5,4′-Trihydroxy-trans-stilbene
Treatment Focus: Antioxidant protection, reducing inflammation, and combating signs of aging.

14. Tranexamic Acid

Alternative Names: None
Skin Concerns: Reducing hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

15. Panthenol (Provitamin B5)

Alternative Names: None
Skin Concerns: Hydration, soothing irritated skin, promoting wound healing, and improving skin’s barrier function.

16. Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Alternative Names: None
Skin Concerns: Antioxidant protection, reducing the signs of aging, soothing and hydrating the skin, and providing UV damage defense.

17. Vitamin F

Alternative Names: None
Skin Concerns: Moisturizing, nourishing, and repairing the skin’s natural barrier, especially for dry and sensitive skin.

18. Glycerin

Alternative Names: Glycerol, Glycerine
Skin Concerns: Hydration, retaining moisture, preventing dryness, and improving skin texture.