Ingredient index
39 ingredients from our notes, sorted A to Z. 22 of them have a note of their own; the rest point to notes that mention them. To check a full ingredient list in one go, paste it into the ingredient list decoder.
A
Adapalene
Korean label names 아다팔렌
A medicine ingredient: you will meet this name on drug labeling rather than on a cosmetic ingredient list.
Mentioned inAcne Care Plan at Home: What to Check at 2, 6, and 12 WeeksAcne Cream Trial: How to Log a New Cream Over the First 4 Weeks
Alcohol (ethanol)
Alcohol, Alcohol Denat., EthanolEthanol, which labels show as alcohol or alcohol denat.
Korean label names 에탄올, 알코올, 변성알코올, 알코올데낫
Fatty alcohols such as cetyl and stearyl alcohol share the word "alcohol" but are different ingredients.
Mentioned inHow to Calm Irritated Skin After New Products, Masks or Periods
Allantoin
A skin-conditioning ingredient that often appears in gentle, soothing-type formulas.
Korean label names 알란토인
Mentioned inPore Device Use Log: What to Record and When to Take a BreakSoothing Ingredients by Situation: Red Days, Shaving, Exfoliation
Aloe vera
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceJuice or extract from aloe leaves, common in soothing gels. Try a new gel on the inner arm, then the jawline, for a couple of days each before it goes on the whole face.
Korean label names 알로에, 알로에베라잎추출물, 알로에바바덴시스잎추출물, 알로에바바덴시스잎즙, 알로에베라
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 3 institutionalAloe Vera Gel First Use: A 3-Step Patch Test and Summer StorageAlso mentioned inSkin Problems During Pregnancy: Adjust Your Routine by Trimester
Asiaticoside
Another compound from centella asiatica, named separately on some cica ingredient lists.
Korean label names 아시아티코사이드
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 5 institutionalCica Cream: Reading the Centella Label and When to Start or StopAzelaic acid
Potassium Azeloyl DiglycinateA dicarboxylic acid that dermatologists prescribe, for example as a 20% cream. Cosmetic labels more often show a related name such as potassium azeloyl diglycinate. If it is prescribed for you, log stinging and the other products you use during the first weeks.
Korean label names 아젤라산, 아젤라익애씨드, 포타슘아젤로일다이글리시네이트
Evidence mix: 6 studies · 2 institutionalAzelaic Acid, the First 4 Weeks: A Sting Log and Split Schedule
B
Benzoyl peroxide
Korean label names 벤조일퍼옥사이드, 과산화벤조일
A medicine ingredient: you will meet this name on drug labeling rather than on a cosmetic ingredient list.
Mentioned inAcne Care Plan at Home: What to Check at 2, 6, and 12 WeeksAcne Cream Trial: How to Log a New Cream Over the First 4 Weeks
C
Centella asiatica extract
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Centella AsiaticaExtract of the centella asiatica (gotu kola) plant, the ingredient behind "cica" on Korean labels. Its place in the ingredient list gives only a rough idea of how much is inside; log two to four weeks before deciding whether to keep it.
Korean label names 병풀추출물, 병풀, 병풀잎수, 센텔라아시아티카, 시카
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 5 institutionalCica Cream: Reading the Centella Label and When to Start or StopAlso mentioned inSoothing Ingredients by Situation: Red Days, Shaving, ExfoliationAloe Vera Gel First Use: A 3-Step Patch Test and Summer StorageHow to Store Vitamin C Serum, Read Its Label, and Spot OxidationAcne Scar Cream? First Sort Your Scar Types and Prep for a Consultand 1 more
Ceramides
Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOPLipids that occur naturally in the skin's outer layer and are added to creams, lotions and sprays. If a ceramide cream feels too heavy, a lighter texture can be tried while you track closed comedones and afternoon tightness.
Korean label names 세라마이드, 세라마이드엔피, 세라마이드에이피, 세라마이드이오피, 세라마이드엔에스
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 3 institutionalCeramide Cream Too Heavy? Try Lotion, Toner or Ampoule TexturesAlso mentioned inDamaged Skin Barrier: What to Stop and Keep in the First 3 DaysHow Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? A First-Month Weekly PlanCica Cream: Reading the Centella Label and When to Start or StopHow to Layer Hyaluronic Acid: How Many Coats for a Dry Room
Chemical UV filters
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, AvobenzoneOrganic (chemical) sunscreen filters such as avobenzone, octocrylene and homosalate. Whatever the filter type, apply generously 20–30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2–3 hours outdoors.
Korean label names 유기 자외선 차단 성분, 에칠헥실메톡시신나메이트, 에틸헥실메톡시신나메이트, 부틸메톡시다이벤조일메탄, 아보벤존, 옥토크릴렌, 호모살레이트, 에칠헥실살리실레이트, 비스-에칠헥실옥시페놀메톡시페닐트리아진, 에칠헥실트리아존, 다이에칠아미노하이드록시벤조일헥실벤조에이트, 드로메트리졸트라이실록산
Evidence mix: 2 studies · 3 institutionalMineral or Chemical Sunscreen: How Much, How Early, When to ReapplyCholesterol
One of the skin's own lipids, paired with ceramides in some moisturizers.
Korean label names 콜레스테롤
Mentioned inDamaged Skin Barrier: What to Stop and Keep in the First 3 DaysCeramide Cream Too Heavy? Try Lotion, Toner or Ampoule Textures
Clindamycin
Korean label names 클린다마이신
A medicine ingredient: you will meet this name on drug labeling rather than on a cosmetic ingredient list.
Mentioned inAcne Care Plan at Home: What to Check at 2, 6, and 12 Weeks
F
Fragrance
Parfum, PerfumeShown as fragrance or parfum. A single entry can stand for a blend of many scent ingredients.
Korean label names 향료, 향
Mentioned inSkincare Routine Order: Where to Slot a New Product, How Long to WaitDamaged Skin Barrier: What to Stop and Keep in the First 3 DaysHow Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? A First-Month Weekly PlanFoam Cleanser Switch: A 2-Week Log for Tightness and Breakoutsand 12 more
G
Gluconolactone (PHA)
Gluconolactone, Lactobionic AcidA polyhydroxy acid (PHA), grouped here with lactobionic acid. In a small study, skin treated with gluconolactone lost less water after irritation than skin treated with glycolic acid.
Korean label names 글루코노락톤, 락토바이오닉애씨드
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 2 institutionalAHA BHA in Your First 2 Weeks: Day-by-Day Plan and Stop SignsAlso mentioned inHow Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? A First-Month Weekly PlanToner Pads: How Many Swipes, How Long to Leave On, How OftenWhiteheads and Blackheads: A Week-by-Week Plan Without Squeezing
Glycerin
A humectant that turns up in almost every kind of skincare, from cleansers to creams.
Korean label names 글리세린
Mentioned inDamaged Skin Barrier: What to Stop and Keep in the First 3 DaysHow to Use Toner by Situation: Pat, Swipe or Soaked-Pad MaskFlaky Skin on Face? Change Your Washing Habits Over 7 Days FirstLow pH Cleanser Switch: A 2-Week Log for Tightness and Rednessand 3 more
Glycolic acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used in exfoliating toners, serums and pads. Our note starts with two evenings in the first week and stops if stinging keeps coming back.
Korean label names 글리콜산, 글라이콜릭애씨드, 글리콜릭애씨드
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 2 institutionalAHA BHA in Your First 2 Weeks: Day-by-Day Plan and Stop SignsAlso mentioned inHow Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? A First-Month Weekly PlanMale Acne on Shave Days and Workout Days: A Routine and LogToner Pads: How Many Swipes, How Long to Leave On, How OftenNiacinamide Morning or Night: Weekly Vitamin C and Retinol Planand 1 more
H
Hyaluronic acid
Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA humectant that binds water, usually listed as sodium hyaluronate. No study has compared how many layers to apply, so our note starts with a single layer and adds cream on dry-air days.
Korean label names 히알루론산, 소듐하이알루로네이트, 하이알루로닉애씨드, 하이드롤라이즈드하이알루로닉애씨드, 히알루론산나트륨
Evidence mix: 6 studies · 1 institutionalHow to Layer Hyaluronic Acid: How Many Coats for a Dry RoomAlso mentioned inHow to Use Toner by Situation: Pat, Swipe or Soaked-Pad Mask
L
Lactic acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Before adding another exfoliating product, check whether a toner, serum or pad you already own contains it.
Korean label names 젖산, 락틱애씨드
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 2 institutionalAHA BHA in Your First 2 Weeks: Day-by-Day Plan and Stop SignsAlso mentioned inHow Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? A First-Month Weekly PlanHow to Calm Irritated Skin After New Products, Masks or PeriodsFlaky Skin on Face? Change Your Washing Habits Over 7 Days FirstSensitive Skin and a New Product: 7 Days From Arm Test to Faceand 2 more
M
Madecassoside
A compound from centella asiatica that can appear on its own line in a cica product's ingredient list.
Korean label names 마데카소사이드
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 5 institutionalCica Cream: Reading the Centella Label and When to Start or StopAlso mentioned inSoothing Ingredients by Situation: Red Days, Shaving, Exfoliation
Menthol
A cooling agent. It may sting sensitive skin, so note any tingling when a new product contains it.
Korean label names 멘톨
N
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 in its amide form, found in serums, toners and creams. It can go in a morning or an evening step; if you also use vitamin C or retinol, give each its own slot so any reaction is easy to trace.
Korean label names 나이아신아마이드, 니아신아마이드, 나이아신아미드, 비타민B3
Evidence mix: 5 studies · 1 institutionalNiacinamide Morning or Night: Weekly Vitamin C and Retinol PlanAlso mentioned inLarge Pores: An 8-Week Photo Log to Keep Before Trying AnythingHow to Use Toner by Situation: Pat, Swipe or Soaked-Pad MaskHow to Use Panthenol Cream the Day After Exfoliating or ShavingSalicylic Acid for Beginners: Your First 2 Weeks, Day by Day
P
Panthenol
DexpanthenolProvitamin B5, a humectant found in creams, toners and gels. Our note applies it in a thin layer while skin is still damp from cleansing.
Korean label names 판테놀, 덱스판테놀, D-판테놀, 프로비타민B5
Evidence mix: 5 studies · 2 institutionalHow to Use Panthenol Cream the Day After Exfoliating or ShavingAlso mentioned inSoothing Ingredients by Situation: Red Days, Shaving, ExfoliationCica Cream: Reading the Centella Label and When to Start or StopNiacinamide Morning or Night: Weekly Vitamin C and Retinol Plan
PDRN
Sodium DNA, PolydeoxyribonucleotidePolydeoxyribonucleotide, fragments of DNA usually listed as sodium DNA. We found no human studies of PDRN cosmetics used on their own, so a four-week trial is best judged by same-condition photos and a reaction log.
Korean label names 소듐디엔에이, 폴리데옥시리보뉴클레오타이드
Evidence mix: 5 studies · 2 institutionalPDRN Serum Before and After: A 4-Week Photo and Reaction LogAlso mentioned inSkin Problems During Pregnancy: Adjust Your Routine by Trimester
Petrolatum
Petroleum jelly, an occlusive that forms a layer over the skin to slow water loss.
Korean label names 페트롤라툼, 바셀린
Propolis extract
A sticky, resin-like material collected by bees, used in skincare as an extract.
Korean label names 프로폴리스, 프로폴리스추출물
R
Retinal (retinaldehyde)
Retinal, RetinaldehydeA form of vitamin A closely related to retinol. If you start it, keep it on its own nights and note dryness and stinging the next morning.
Korean label names 레티날, 레티날데하이드
Evidence mix: 6 studies · 2 institutionalRetinol Schedule for Beginners: 8 Weeks From Twice a Week to DailyAlso mentioned inSkin Problems During Pregnancy: Adjust Your Routine by Trimester
Retinol
A form of vitamin A used in cosmetics. Dryness, peeling and stinging are common at first, which is why it is usually brought in on a few nights a week and stepped up slowly.
Korean label names 레티놀
Evidence mix: 6 studies · 2 institutionalRetinol Schedule for Beginners: 8 Weeks From Twice a Week to DailyAlso mentioned inDamaged Skin Barrier: What to Stop and Keep in the First 3 DaysLarge Pores: An 8-Week Photo Log to Keep Before Trying AnythingSkin Breakout From a New Product? Pause, Then Add Back One by OneAHA BHA in Your First 2 Weeks: Day-by-Day Plan and Stop Signsand 5 more
Retinyl palmitate
An ester of vitamin A used in cosmetics. Count it as a vitamin A product when you plan which nights carry retinoids.
Korean label names 레티닐팔미테이트
Evidence mix: 6 studies · 2 institutionalRetinol Schedule for Beginners: 8 Weeks From Twice a Week to Daily
S
Salicylic acid
Betaine SalicylateAn oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA), also sold in the US as an over-the-counter acne drug ingredient at 0.5–2%. Our note starts with one product every other evening and a next-morning score for tightness and stinging.
Korean label names 살리실산, 살리실릭애씨드, 살리실릭애시드, 베타인살리실레이트
Evidence mix: 4 studies · 2 institutionalSalicylic Acid for Beginners: Your First 2 Weeks, Day by DayAlso mentioned inBlackhead Removal on Your Nose: A No-Squeeze Weekly CalendarHow to Use Toner by Situation: Pat, Swipe or Soaked-Pad MaskAHA BHA in Your First 2 Weeks: Day-by-Day Plan and Stop SignsAcne Cream Trial: How to Log a New Cream Over the First 4 Weeksand 5 more
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Lauryl SulfateSodium lauryl sulfate, a strong surfactant (cleansing agent) used in some foaming products.
Korean label names 소듐라우릴설페이트
Mentioned inDamaged Skin Barrier: What to Stop and Keep in the First 3 DaysBack Acne Shower Routine: A Week of Wash Order, Sweat, ClothesSoothing Ingredients by Situation: Red Days, Shaving, ExfoliationHow to Use Panthenol Cream the Day After Exfoliating or Shavingand 1 more
Squalane
A light emollient oil used to soften skin in creams and facial oils.
Korean label names 스쿠알란
T
Tea tree oil
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilAn essential oil from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. It can oxidize as it ages after opening, so note the opening date, keep the bottle closed and out of the light, and test it on the inner arm first.
Korean label names 티트리오일, 티트리잎오일, 티트리, 멜라루카알터니폴리아잎오일
Evidence mix: 6 studies · 1 institutionalDoes Tea Tree Oil Go Bad? Storage, Oxidation, and an Arm Test LogTitanium dioxide
A mineral UV filter. Like zinc oxide, it can look white on skin, so check that you are still applying enough.
Korean label names 티타늄디옥사이드, 이산화티타늄
Evidence mix: 2 studies · 3 institutionalMineral or Chemical Sunscreen: How Much, How Early, When to ReapplyTocopherol (vitamin E)
Tocopherol, Tocopheryl AcetateVitamin E, often included as an antioxidant that helps keep the formula itself stable.
Korean label names 토코페롤, 토코페릴아세테이트, 비타민E, 비타민 E
Mentioned inNiacinamide Morning or Night: Weekly Vitamin C and Retinol PlanNose Sebum Smell: A One-Week Log of Washing and Daily Habits
Tranexamic acid
A derivative of an amino acid that is also used as a medicine.
Korean label names 트라넥삼산, 트라넥사믹애씨드
Tretinoin
Korean label names 트레티노인
A medicine ingredient: you will meet this name on drug labeling rather than on a cosmetic ingredient list.
Mentioned inSkincare Routine Order: Where to Slot a New Product, How Long to WaitNiacinamide Morning or Night: Weekly Vitamin C and Retinol Plan
U
Urea
A humectant that skin also produces as part of its natural moisturizing factor.
Korean label names 우레아, 요소
Mentioned inDamaged Skin Barrier: What to Stop and Keep in the First 3 DaysHow to Use Toner by Situation: Pat, Swipe or Soaked-Pad MaskCeramide Cream Too Heavy? Try Lotion, Toner or Ampoule Textures
V
Vitamin C
Ascorbic Acid, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidAscorbic acid and its derivatives, sold under many different INCI names. Check whether a label lists the pure form or a derivative, write down the day you open it, and replace it if the color turns darker.
Korean label names 비타민C, 아스코빅애씨드, 아스코르빅애씨드, 에틸아스코빅애씨드, 아스코빌글루코사이드, 소듐아스코빌포스페이트, 마그네슘아스코빌포스페이트, 아스코빌테트라이소팔미테이트, 비타민 C
Evidence mix: 6 studies · 2 institutionalHow to Store Vitamin C Serum, Read Its Label, and Spot OxidationAlso mentioned inSkin Breakout From a New Product? Pause, Then Add Back One by OneHow to Layer Hyaluronic Acid: How Many Coats for a Dry RoomNiacinamide Morning or Night: Weekly Vitamin C and Retinol Plan
Z
Zinc oxide
A mineral UV filter. It tends to leave a white cast, which can lead people to spread it too thin.
Korean label names 징크옥사이드, 산화아연
Evidence mix: 2 studies · 3 institutionalMineral or Chemical Sunscreen: How Much, How Early, When to Reapply
This index is only a list of names that leads to notes. It does not rate whether an ingredient works or is safe; how strong the evidence is shows in each note’s evidence grade. Grading criteria