About Skincare Database
What is Skincare Database?
Skincare Database is a free, research-backed database of 66 skincare ingredients. Every profile includes concentration guidelines, mechanism of action, application methods, regulatory status, and documented risks — all sourced from peer-reviewed dermatological research and clinical data.
Our goal is to help consumers understand what is actually in their skincare products, how each ingredient works at a molecular level, and how to build effective routines based on evidence rather than marketing claims and influencer hype.
The skincare industry is worth over $180 billion, and much of the marketing is designed to confuse. "Proprietary complexes" hide low concentrations. "Clinically proven" often means a single in-house study. We cut through this by providing the actual science — effective concentrations, mechanisms, and the clinical evidence (or lack thereof).
How We Evaluate Ingredients
Every ingredient in our database goes through a structured research process. Here is what each profile contains:
Mechanism of Action
How the ingredient works at a cellular level — which receptors or enzymes it targets, whether it penetrates the stratum corneum, and what biological processes it modifies. This is drawn from cosmetic chemistry literature and dermatological research.
Effective Concentrations
The concentration ranges that have been shown to be effective in clinical trials. Many products contain active ingredients at concentrations too low to produce the marketed effects. We cite the ranges used in the actual studies.
Application & Formulation
How to apply the ingredient, what pH range it needs to be effective (critical for vitamin C and acids), what vehicle or formulation works best, and how it interacts with other ingredients in a routine.
Risks & Irritation Potential
Documented side effects, irritation potential, photosensitivity risks, contraindications during pregnancy, and interactions with other actives. We include this information for every ingredient — even "gentle" ones like niacinamide can cause flushing in some people at higher concentrations.
Clinical Evidence
Each profile links to peer-reviewed studies from PubMed with summaries. We prioritize human clinical trials over in-vitro studies, and independent research over manufacturer-funded studies where possible.
How to Use This Site
Browse by category — Our database is organized into 9 categories. Use the category pages or homepage filter to find ingredients by type (acids, retinoids, antioxidants, etc.).
Compare ingredients — Use the Compare page to view any two ingredients side by side. Great for deciding between similar actives (e.g., retinol vs. tretinoin, glycolic vs. lactic acid).
Check interactions — Our Ingredient Interactions Guide covers which ingredients can be combined, which should be used at different times, and which myths about ingredient conflicts are false.
Search — Use the search bar at the top of any page. It searches ingredient names, categories, and common aliases (e.g., searching "retin-A" finds tretinoin).
Read the research — Every ingredient page links to real PubMed papers. Do not take any website's claims at face value — including ours. Check the primary sources.
Categories
Our database is organized into 9 categories based on ingredient type and primary function:
A Note on Evidence Quality
Not all skincare ingredients are supported by equal evidence. Tretinoin has hundreds of clinical trials spanning 50+ years. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide have strong clinical support. On the other end of the spectrum, trendy ingredients like bakuchiol and polyglutamic acid have limited but promising research.
We include ingredients across this evidence spectrum because consumers are buying products that contain them. Having accurate information about mechanism, concentration, and limitations is better than relying on marketing copy. When evaluating an ingredient, look at the number and quality of studies linked on its profile — a few small manufacturer-funded trials are not the same as dozens of independent randomized controlled trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concentration of retinol should I use?
Start with 0.25-0.3% retinol and use it 2-3 times per week at night. After 4-6 weeks with no significant irritation, you can increase to 0.5%, and eventually 1%. Most people do not need concentrations above 1% retinol. If you want stronger results, prescription tretinoin (starting at 0.025%) is more effective than high-concentration retinol. Always use sunscreen daily when using any retinoid.
Can I use vitamin C and niacinamide together?
Yes. This is one of the most persistent myths in skincare. It originated from a 1960s paper that used nicotinic acid (a different compound from niacinamide) at extreme temperatures and conditions that do not exist in cosmetic products. Modern research confirms they are safe to combine and may even complement each other — vitamin C provides antioxidant protection while niacinamide strengthens the barrier. See our Ingredient Interactions Guide for more myth-busting.
How long do skincare actives take to work?
Timelines vary significantly by ingredient. Hyaluronic acid provides immediate hydration. Niacinamide shows visible improvement in redness and pore appearance in 4-8 weeks. Retinoids take 8-12 weeks for anti-aging benefits and 12-16 weeks for significant acne improvement. AHAs/BHAs improve texture in 2-4 weeks. Vitamin C brightening takes 4-12 weeks of consistent use. The key is consistency — using a product daily for 3 months matters more than which specific product you choose.
What order should I apply my skincare?
The general rule is thinnest to thickest consistency: cleanser → toner/essence → serums (water-based) → treatments (retinoid, acids) → moisturizer → sunscreen (AM only). Active serums (vitamin C, niacinamide) go before moisturizer. Oils go after moisturizer or mixed into it. Sunscreen is always the last step in the morning. Our Interactions Guide covers specific timing for actives that should not be layered together.
Is expensive skincare better?
Rarely. The active ingredients are the same regardless of brand. A $15 retinol serum with 0.5% retinol and good formulation is pharmacologically identical to a $90 one. What matters is the concentration of active ingredients, the formulation stability (pH, packaging), and whether you use it consistently. Luxury skincare is primarily paying for packaging, marketing, and brand positioning — not superior chemistry.
Which ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?
Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the risk of birth defects. High-concentration salicylic acid (above 2%) should be used cautiously. Hydroquinone should be avoided. Safe alternatives include azelaic acid (pregnancy-safe for acne and hyperpigmentation), vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid at lower concentrations. Always confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
How often is the database updated?
We regularly add new ingredients and update existing profiles as new research is published. Research papers are sourced from PubMed and updated periodically. If you notice outdated information or want to suggest an ingredient, contact us.
Disclaimer
Skincare Database is an educational resource. The information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or dermatological advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any skin condition.
Always consult a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional before starting new skincare treatments, especially prescription-strength actives like tretinoin or hydroquinone. Individual skin responses vary based on skin type, sensitivity, climate, and existing conditions. What works for one person may irritate another.
Affiliate links on this site may earn us a commission at no cost to you. This does not influence our content or recommendations. Our profiles include risks and limitations for every ingredient regardless of affiliate relationships.