Skincare products can contain a variety of ingredients, both positive and negative, that can affect the appearance and texture of your skin. Here are some details on ingredients and materials found in skincare products:
Positive Ingredients:
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Active Ingredients: These are ingredients that are used to address various skin concerns and issues such as dry or oily skin, eczema-prone skin, or to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some commonly used active ingredients found in skincare products include antioxidants, retinoids, and alpha-hydroxy acids.
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Natural Ingredients: Skincare products made with natural ingredients can help replenish, moisturize, and revitalize the skins outer layers. Some examples of natural ingredients include botanical, marine, and biological extracts, as well as deep-acting hyaluronic acid.
Negative Ingredients:
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Toxic Ingredients: Some skincare products can contain toxic ingredients that can do more harm than good by clogging pores, increasing redness, and causing breakouts. Examples of toxic ingredients to avoid include parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
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Overused Active Ingredients: Overusing active ingredients can damage your skin, especially on the face, where skin is thinner. You could do more damage than good, this is why its important to use skincare products in moderation.
Ingredients or Materials to Look For:
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INCI Names: Skincare brands are required to print the ingredients on the packaging in the order of highest to lowest concentration, according to INCI. This makes it easier to check ingredients in different regions.
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Water or Aloe: The first ingredient in any skincare product is usually water or aloe, which often make up 70%–95% of the product.
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Performance-Based Active Ingredients: After the first five ingredients, you can still find many performance-based active ingredients, along with thickeners, preservatives, fillers, and everything else that makes up a skincare product.
When choosing skincare products, its important to check the ingredients list to ensure that youre buying products that will work for you and your skin type, as well as ensuring you know what you are choosing to put on your skin.