ACNE FIGHTERS
This oil-soluble BHA exfoliates inside the pore, is anti-inflammatory, and is a go-to for blackheads and acne.
Salicylic Acid
A powerful humectant capable of holding up to 1,000x its weight in water, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.
Hyaluronic Acid
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin that boosts collagen synthesis, protects against environmental damage, and brightens hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C
A form of Vitamin B3 that brightens skin, reduces the appearance of dark spots, minimizes pore size, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Niacinamide
This type of acid is commonly used in peels for acne and oily skin because it exfoliates inside the pore and reduces inflammation.
Salicylic Acid
This essential oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, often used in spot treatments for inflamed pustules.
Tea Tree Oil
A small molecule humectant that draws moisture from the environment and deeper layers of skin to hydrate the surface, often paired with hyaluronic acid in formulas.
Glycerin
A vitamin A derivative that increases cell turnover, boosts collagen, reduces fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and treats acne.
Retinol
A natural plant extract known for inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation and calming inflammation.
Licorice Root Extract?
An AHA derived from sugar cane, known for its small molecular size, making it effective for treating fine lines, texture, and hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic Acid
This mineral-based ingredient kills acne-causing bacteria, and reduces excess oil and inflammation.
Sulfur
A plant extract with polysaccharides and amino acids, known for calming inflammation, soothing burns, and hydrating irritated skin.
Aloe Vera
Short-chain amino acids that act as cell communicators, signaling skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and other proteins that improve firmness and elasticity.
Peptides
A natural brightening agent derived from bearberry or certain mushrooms that inhibits tyrosinase and lightens dark spots without irritating sensitive skin.
Arbutin
This is the term for the white, frosted appearance the skin may develop during a medium or deep chemical peel, indicating protein coagulation.
Frosting
A dicarboxylic acid known to treat acne and rosacea by reducing bacteria, unclogging pores, and calming redness.
Azelaic Acid
An essential fatty acid known for its role in barrier repair, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and replenishing dry, flaky skin.
Linoleic Acid
A polyphenol-rich plant extract with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, known to neutralize free radicals and reduce signs of sun damage.
Green Tea Extract
An AHA derived from milk, known for its dual-action of gentle exfoliation and skin-brightening while increasing moisture retention in the skin.
Lactic Acid
This type of peel uses high concentrations of Vitamin A to increase cell turnover, improve texture, reduce fine lines, and treat acne, often with delayed peeling over several days.
Retinoid (or Vitamin A) Peel
An AHA with the largest molecular size, making it a gentle exfoliator suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
Mandelic Acid
A stable, lightweight oil derived from olives or sugarcane that mimics the skin’s natural sebum, providing hydration without clogging pores. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Squalane
An AHA with the smallest molecular size, providing deep exfoliation to smooth texture, fade hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production.
Glycolic Acid
A naturally derived ingredient from fungi that lightens existing pigmentation and prevents new spots by inhibiting tyrosinase, often used alongside AHAs or Niacinamide.
Kojic Acid
This post-peel phenomenon can cause temporary darkening of pigment before it lightens, especially in higher Fitzpatrick types if not properly prepped and protected.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation