When choosing skincare products, understanding the difference between active and inactive ingredients is key.

• Active Ingredients: Target specific skin issues (e.g., acne, dryness, hyperpigmentation) and are responsible for the visible results.
• Inactive Ingredients: Enhance the effectiveness of actives by improving texture, absorption, or shelf life.

Want glowing skin? These are the most popular actives in skincare right now. Let’s break them down by what they do, how to use them, and their ideal concentrations.

1. Hyaluronic Acid

• What It Does: Draws moisture and locks it into your skin.
• Best For: Dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles.
• How to Mix: Works well with other moisturizing ingredients like
  • Niacinamide 
  • Ceramides
• Ideal Concentration: 0.5%–2%.
• How Often to Use: Daily, or even twice daily.

2. Niacinamide

• What It Does: Calms skin, reduces water loss, increases hydration.
• Best For: Hyperpigmentation, fine lines, irritation.
• How to Mix: Do not mix with strong acids (AHAs/BHAs).
• Ideal Concentration: 2%.
• How Often to Use: Twice daily.

3. Ceramides

• What They Do: Strengthen the skin barrier and protect against external damage.
• Best For: Dry skin, weak skin barrier, prevention of age spots.
• How to Mix: Pairs well with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
• Ideal Concentration: Less than 1%.
• How Often to Use: Twice daily.

4. AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

• What They Do: Exfoliate and remove dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin.
• Best For: Acne, scars, discoloration, dry or aging skin.
• How to Mix: Avoid using with retinol, vitamin C, or physical exfoliants.
• Ideal Concentration: 5%–10%.
• How Often to Use: 2–3 times per week.

5. Retinol

• What It Does: Boosts collagen production, clears acne, fades wrinkles and scars.
• Best For: Acne, scars, large pores, wrinkles, stretch marks.
• How to Mix: Avoid using with AHAs/BHAs or vitamin C.
• Ideal Concentration: 0.3%–1%.
• How Often to Use: Every other day.

1. Avoid Overloading Your Skin: Too many actives can cause irritation. Start with one or two and introduce new products gradually.
2. Focus on Specific Skin Concerns: Choose actives that target your main skin issues—whether it’s acne, dryness, or aging.
3. Keep It Simple: Consistency is more important than a complicated routine. Stick to what works and maintain it daily.
4. Introduce One Product at a Time: This way, you’ll know what works and what doesn’t.

The truth is, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Drugstore products can be just as effective as high-end ones. The key is understanding which ingredients your skin needs and at what concentrations.

Remember: It’s not about the price tag—it’s about the ingredients.

By following these tips and using the right active ingredients, you can build a skincare routine that fits your unique needs without breaking the bank.

Let us know what your go-to skincare routine is below!