The best thing consumers can do when purchasing certain products is to know what they are buying. When it comes to beauty and skincare products, this can be easier said than done, as the ingredients on the labels are often long, scientific and hard to understand. Even products with natural ingredients can have intimidating labels. Knowing how to decode the lingo can help you better understand what you’re buying.

Being knowledgeable about the items you buy and use on your skin can save you a lot of trouble. It’s no fun trying to find the right beauty products to use when you don’t understand what is on the label. While there are various types of ingredients contained in your favorite moisturizers, creams, and toners, there are a few common ones that are often present in just about every beauty item. These ingredients all play their own roles in making your skin healthy and flawless.

Non-Comedogenic

This term can be found on just about any beauty and skincare product, especially those for sensitive, acne prone or other problematic skin types. Using a product that is non-comedogenic means it will not clog the pores or cause skin breakouts.

Allantoin

Allantoin is a botanical ingredient that is usually present in skin care products that work to reduce irritation and calm red, upset skin. This ingredient is ideal for those who suffer from sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, and eczema.

Ascorbic Acid

This form of vitamin C works as a powerful antioxidant that also stimulates collagen within the skin cells. Ascorbic acid is also found in skin lightening products. When used as a skin lightening agent, ascorbic acid is known as the form L-ascorbic acid.

AHA/BHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid & Beta Hydroxy Acid)

AHAs are extracted from fruit acids and work to exfoliate the top layers of the skin, restore moisture and enhance the skin’s ability to absorb other ingredients. The only setback is that AHAs can be harsh on the skin and may cause irritation. AHAs are used the most in anti-aging and skin lightening products. BHAs on the other hand are organic acids that are gentler than AHAs and used to exfoliate dead skin cells, especially for dry and acne prone skin. Sacylic acid is the most typical form of BHAs that are used for those purposes. These ingredients should be used with caution and under the guidance of an esthetician or dermatologist.

Retinol

Retinol can be found in just about every beauty and skincare product and can tackle a large number of skin issues. Retinol can improve skin texture, tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, correct blemishes and discoloration, and improve skin hydration. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is ideal for those who have had bad reactions with Retin-A, which can be harsh on sensitive skin types.

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