Skincare Ingredient Glossary

With an array of ingredients and formulas that are ideal for all different skin types and concerns, discover your perfect skincare regimen at LOOKFANTASTIC. The first step in finding the best-suited ingredients is to understand your skin type: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Take our diagnostic quiz to get personalised recommendations.

From the latest in Korean Skincare of Ginseng and Centella, to skin barrier heroes of Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides to glowing skin antixoidants of Niacinamide and Vitamin C, to powerhouse retinoids and trending ingredients like PDRN and Peptides, discover the science behind the skincare you love. Understanding what's in your products is the first step to achieving your skin goals.

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SKIN SOLUTIONS INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: TRENDING, KOREAN SKINCARE & KEY INGREDIENTS

PDRN

K-Beauty Ingredient

Skin Renewal, Glow-Boosting, Barrier Support

Ectoin

K-Beauty Ingredient

Barrier Support, Hydrating, Soothing

Peptides

Key Ingredient

Firming, Smoothing, Bounce

Azelaic Acid

K-Beauty Ingredient

Soothing, Tone-Enhancing, Balancing

Collagen

Key Ingredient

Plumping, Firming, Elasticity

Niacinamide

Key Ingredient

Brightening, Barrier-Supporting, Pore-Refining

Hyaluronic Acid

Key Ingredient

Hydrating, Plumping, Dewy

Retinal

K-Beauty Ingredient

Anti-Ageing, Smoothing, Brightening

Centella Asiastica

K-Beauty Ingredient

Smoothing, Barrier Support, Calming

Ginseng

K-Beauty Ingredient

Revitalising, Firming, Radiance

Snail Mucin

K-Beauty Ingredient

Hydrating, Smoothing, Skin Conditioning

Vitamin C

Key Ingredient

Brightening, Glow-Boosting, Antioxidant

Ceramides

Key Ingredient

Barrier Support, Nourishing, Comforting

Shea Butter

Key Ingredient

Nourishing, Softening, Moisturising

Salicylic Acid

Key Ingredient

Clarifying, Oil Balancing, Smoothing

Squalane

Key Ingredient

Nourishing, Lightweight Hydration, Softening

Retinol

Key Ingredient

Anti-Ageing, Refining, Softening

The Myth: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides all do the same thing.

The Truth: These ingredients support skin differently: hyaluronic acid helps attract hydration, ceramides support the skin barrier, and peptides are commonly used in firming-focused formulas.

The Myth: Chemical SPF is worse for your skin than mineral SPF.

The Truth: Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are effective forms of UV protection. The best SPF is the one you’ll wear consistently - it often comes down to personal preference and skin type.

The Myth: Actives are always better than non-actives.

The Truth: Active ingredients can target specific concerns, but non-active ingredients like hydrators and barrier-supporting ingredients are equally important for maintaining healthy-looking skin.

Skin Solutions: Your INCI Decoded

What do antioxidants do?

Antioxidant-rich skincare can help prevent oxidation by inhibiting free radical reactions.

What do cleansers do?

Cleansers help to remove makeup, dirt and oils from the skin.

What is an emollient?

Emollients soften and hydrate skin.

What do emulsifiers do?

Emulsifiers help to combine ingredients that do not normally mix.

What do exfoliants do?

Exfoliators remove dead cells from the surface of the skin.

What do humectants do?

Humectants attract and hold water.

What do skin conditioners do?

Conditioners work to improve the quality of skin by softening and promoting suppleness.

What do skin soothers do?

Skin soothing products help to reduce irritation or discomfort in skin by moisturising or conditioning.

Skincare Ingredient Index

Shop our A - Z skincare ingredient solutions to find your perfect match.

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