Woman buying skincare products and reading a bottle’s list of active skincare ingredients.

7 Active Skincare Ingredients to Look For

Finding the right skincare products for your complexion can be challenging. After all, not all at-home treatments are created equal. To care for your skin properly and resolve issues, you need to search for products with powerful active skincare ingredients.

If you are often confused by ingredient labels and unsure what additives to look for, you’re in luck. The Ethos Skincare team has plenty of knowledge to share. So, keep reading to become acquainted with ingredients that will change your skin forever!

7 Powerful Active Skincare Ingredients to Look For

As you begin shopping for new products to use at home, pay close attention to those that contain one or more of the powerful active skincare ingredients below. 

Why?

They have been proven to work! These additives have been thoroughly researched and tested over time. And they have become popular because they can dramatically impact skin tone, texture, and overall health.

Although this is not an exhaustive list, it’s a great place to start. The following ingredients can go a long way toward keeping your complexion smooth and clear. 

Take a deep dive into what each one is, how it works, what benefits it provides, and where to find it among the products in the Ethos Skincare line.

1. Kojic Acid

Probably one of the most researched active skincare ingredients in recent years, kojic acid is growing in popularity due to the benefits it provides. Found in mushrooms, kojic acid is a chemical that has been utilized to treat brown spots that develop on the skin. When applied, it can seep down through various layers and stop melanin production. It corrects discoloration and helps eliminate dark spots, giving your skin a more even tone.

Where to Find It: Ethos Skincare Kojic Pads

Ethos Skincare Kojic Pads resting on a woman’s palm, with one pad being lifted out of the container.

2. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It keeps tissues moist so that they function properly throughout the day. The purpose of hyaluronic acid is to retain water and is the key to your skin staying hydrated. 

As an ingredient in skincare products, hyaluronic acid can do the following:

  • It can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
  • It can help decrease scarring.
  • It can increase skin flexibility. 
  • It can improve moisture retention.
  • It can make skin look plumper.

Where to Find It: Ethos Skincare HA Blue Serum and more

Ethos Skincare HA Blue Serum resting on a woman’s palm, with the dropper being lifted out of the bottle.

3. Niacinamide

Quality vitamins and minerals are some of the most powerful active skincare ingredients out there. And niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is one you shouldn’t overlook. When used topically, this essential nutrient offers a variety of skin benefits:  

  • It maintains the oil in your skin.
  • It reduces the appearance of pores. 
  • It acts as a natural sunscreen to protect against UV damage.
  • It reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
  • It helps fight against acne.
  • It treats hyperpigmentation.

By using products that contain niacinamide, you can address many common skin issues and work to prevent further damage. 

Where to Find It: Ethos Skincare Rx Serum and Ethos Skincare Intensive Restoring Moisturizer

Ethos Skincare Rx Serum resting on a woman’s palm as the dropper is lifted out of the bottle.

4. Retinyl Palmitate

    One of the more common and well-known active skincare ingredients has always been retinol. For years it has been highlighted in commercials and advertised on packaging for countless products. But you may not know that retinol is just one of many retinoids used in skincare. And what may be more suitable for your complexion is retinyl palmitate

    Like other retinoids, retinyl palmitate is a vitamin A derivative. It functions as an exfoliator, removing any excess dirt and oil from your skin. Because the skin cells are being exfoliated regularly, you can maintain balanced skin color and tone throughout your face and body. 

    In the retinoid family, there are some variations that can be irritating to sensitive skin types. However, this is not the case for retinyl palmitate. 

    Where to Find it: Ethos Skincare DNA Repair Crème

    Ethos Skincare DNA Repair Crème being displayed on a woman’s hand.

    5. Ferulic Acid

      Ferulic acid is one of the most widely praised active skincare ingredients—and for a good reason. It has impressive antiaging properties. This antioxidant agent works to protect against free radicals and promote a healthy glow. Additionally, it can decrease inflammation, reduce pigmentation, and increase firmness.

      Ferulic acid can also boost the effects of other ingredients, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. However, if you don’t use it properly, it could damage your skin. You should avoid pairing this ingredient with another acid, as double acid means poor pH balance. You can apply it to your face several times a week; however, you should limit the application to once a day and only after you have washed your face thoroughly. 

      Where to Find It: Ethos Skincare CE Ferulic

      6. Glycolic Acid

        Maybe ferulic acid isn’t what you are looking for, and that’s okay. Glycolic acid is another acid that is plant-based, coming directly from cane sugar. It is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps shed dead skin cells. It also reduces the amount of dirt and dark spots found on the skin.

        By using a product that contains this ingredient, you can look forward to…

        • A smoother complexion
        • Fewer acne breakouts
        • Increased hydration
        • Reduced sun damage
        • A brighter complexion

        The glycolic properties act as a trigger, encouraging collagen production in your skin. As a result, using it regularly can help your complexion look years younger. 

        Where to Find It: Ethos Skincare Daily Exfoliating Pads

        7. Squalane

          One of the most natural active skincare ingredients on this list is squalane. This substance is also present in the body. It serves to moisturize and protect the skin. However, the amount of squalane we produce declines as we age. Other functions in the body take priority, and squalane is moved to the sidelines. 

          Squalane offers several benefits similar to other ingredients:

          • It helps retain moisture in the skin.
          • It soothes the skin.
          • It fights bacteria and acts as a shield.

          In the past, squalane was harvested from shark livers. More recently, however, a plant-based version has become available. In such cases, squalane is extracted from sugarcane during the fermentation process. 

          Because we also have a natural version, our bodies are more accepting of this ingredient and utilize it to its full potential. 

          Where to Find It: Ethos Skincare Sheer Delicate Moisturizer

          Ethos Skincare Sheer Delicate Moisturizer balanced on a woman’s hand.

          Choose Quality Products with Powerful Active Skincare Ingredients

          No matter what your skin condition is currently, opting for high-quality products that contain powerful ingredients is vital. In doing so, you can ensure your at-home regimen is working for your complexion, not against it. And as a result, you can look forward to having the clear, smooth, beautiful skin you deserve.

          If you are ready to switch to products that contain these active skincare ingredients, shop online at Ethos Skincare now. We make it easy for you to browse products based on your unique needs and skin type. Browse serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and more that will improve your skin!  

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