Ingredients Explained

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and some smaller studies suggest diluted tea tree oil can reduce the number of spots for some people, though the evidence is limited and it works more slowly than … Read more

Hyaluronic acid draws water into the top layers of skin and holds it there, which can make skin look plumper and feel less tight. It does not unclog pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, or reduce oil, so on its own it is not an acne treatment — it is a hydration ingredient. How does hyaluronic acid … Read more

Some acne ingredients cancel each other out because they change the skin’s surface chemistry in opposite directions, break each other down before they can work, or simply compete for the same job. The result isn’t always wasted product — sometimes it’s just more irritation for less benefit, which can feel worse than doing nothing at … Read more

“Non-comedogenic” means a product has been formulated with the intention of not blocking pores — usually by avoiding certain oils and waxes known to sit inside follicles. It is a helpful signal, but it is not a regulated or tested guarantee, and it does not mean a product cannot contribute to breakouts for a particular … Read more

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic and lactic acid) work mainly on the skin’s surface, dissolving the “glue” between dead skin cells. BHAs (mainly salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, so they can get down into pores and help clear the debris that contributes to blackheads and clogged pores. Both exfoliate; they just work in different places. … Read more

Adapalene is a synthetic (lab-made, third-generation) retinoid that works on skin cells and pores rather than on bacteria or oil directly. It is chemically different from retinol and tends to be gentler and more stable than older retinoids like tretinoin, though it still needs a slow introduction and daily sunscreen. What is adapalene, exactly? Adapalene … Read more

Azelaic acid calms redness and inflammation, helps unclog pores, slows down the pigment-making cells that cause dark marks, and has some effect on acne-related bacteria. It comes in over-the-counter and prescription strengths and is generally considered one of the gentler active ingredients available. What is azelaic acid, exactly? Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid … Read more

Retinol is a form of vitamin A sold over the counter in ordinary skincare products, usually at lower strengths. A prescription retinoid is a stronger, medically regulated form of the same vitamin A family, available only through a doctor, and it typically requires monitoring because of how much more active it is on the skin. … Read more

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in skincare to help calm redness, support the skin’s outer barrier, and regulate oil production. It’s found in serums and moisturisers and is generally considered one of the gentler active ingredients, though it isn’t a cure for acne on its own and works best as part of … Read more

Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen into the skin, which creates an environment that acne-causing bacteria can’t tolerate well. It also helps clear away dead skin cells that can clog pores. It doesn’t treat oil production or hormones, which is why it often gets paired with other ingredients. What is benzoyl peroxide, in plain terms? … Read more