Active ingredients in skincare: Targeted solutions for healthy, radiant skin
Active ingredients are at the heart of any effective skincare routine. They address specific skin problems, improve skin texture, and support the skin's natural functions. While basic skincare with oils and moisturizers nourishes the skin, targeted active ingredients can bring about additional, visible changes—from reducing wrinkles and lightening age spots to clearing blemishes.
Our active ingredient categories at a glance
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant for a radiant complexion: Vitamin C protects against free radicals, promotes collagen production, and lightens age spots. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on blemishes, refines the skin's texture, and gives it a fresh, even glow. Ideal for all skin types, especially for dull complexions and the first signs of aging.
bakuchiol
A gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol: Bakuchiol from the Indian babchi plant stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin texture—without the typical side effects of retinol. It normalizes skin pigmentation, has antibacterial properties, and is ideal for sensitive skin and during pregnancy.
Retinol / vitamin A.
The gold standard of anti-aging skincare: Retinol stimulates cell renewal, promotes collagen production, and reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It refines pores, improves skin texture, and helps with acne. Important: Gradual introduction, evening application, and daily sun protection are essential.
Niacinamid
A multi-talented ingredient for balanced skin: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, and refines pores. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on blemishes, evens out hyperpigmentation, reduces redness, and improves skin elasticity. Well-tolerated and compatible with other active ingredients.
Squalane
A natural component of the skin barrier: Squalane is a light, non-comedogenic oil that is optimally absorbed by the skin. It protects against moisture loss, prevents oxidation, promotes oxygenation, and leaves the skin silky soft. Ideal as a carrier oil for other active ingredients and suitable for all skin types.
Alpha bisabolol
Soothing active ingredient from chamomile: Bisabolol has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and calming properties for irritated skin. It is ideal for sensitive, dry, and blemished skin, reduces irritation, and can decrease melanin synthesis, leading to a brightening effect. Very well tolerated, even by the most sensitive skin.
AHA & BHA
Chemical peels for cell renewal: AHA (lactic acid, glycolic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid) remove dead skin cells, promote blood circulation, and smooth the complexion. AHA moisturizes and stimulates collagen production, while BHA deeply cleanses pores and has antibacterial properties. Ideal for blemishes, age spots, and signs of aging.
Hyaluronic acid
Moisture booster with a plumping effect: Hyaluronic acid binds large amounts of water, plumping the skin and making wrinkles disappear. Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid penetrates deeply for long-lasting effects, while high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration and has an anti-inflammatory effect. For all skin types, especially for dryness and signs of aging.
What are the active ingredients in skincare?
Active ingredients (also called active substances or active ingredients) are concentrated ingredients that specifically target skin problems and produce measurable changes. Unlike basic skincare ingredients such as oils or emulsifiers, active ingredients have specific biological functions:
- They penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
- They influence cellular processes (collagen production, cell renewal)
- They address specific skin problems (wrinkles, pigmentation, blemishes)
- They show demonstrable results with regular use.
The most important drug classes
Active ingredients can be categorized according to their main function:
Antioxidants:
Protect against free radicals and oxidative stress. Examples: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Resveratrol, Green Tea Extract, Coenzyme Q10
Cell renewer:
They promote skin renewal and collagen production. Examples: Retinol, Bakuchiol, AHA/BHA, Peptides
Moisturizer:
They bind water in the skin and protect against moisture loss. Examples: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, ceramides.
Brightener:
They regulate melanin production and even out pigmentation. Examples: Vitamin C, niacinamide, bakuchiol, licorice root
Calming agents:
Reduce inflammation and irritation. Examples: Bisabolol, Panthenol, Aloe Vera, Centella Asiatica, Calendula
Clarifying agents:
They combat impurities and regulate sebum production. Examples: Salicylic acid (BHA), niacinamide, zinc, tea tree oil
The correct application of active ingredients
For optimal results, you should use active ingredients in a targeted and correct manner:
Order of application:
- Cleaning
- Toner (prepares the skin)
- Active ingredient serum (thinnest consistency first)
- Moisturizing cream or oil (seals in the active ingredients)
- Sunscreen (in the morning)
Important rules of use:
- Introduce new active ingredients individually (patch test, 4-6 week test phase)
- Gradually introduce strong active ingredients (retinol, AHA/BHA)
- Not all active ingredients can be combined.
- Be patient - visible results take time (4-12 weeks)
- Sunscreen is essential when using many active ingredients.
- Less is more - too many active ingredients overwhelm the skin.
Active ingredient combinations: What goes well together?
Good combinations:
- Vitamin C + Vitamin E (both enhance each other)
- Niacinamide + Hyaluronic acid (barrier strengthening + hydration)
- Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid (Anti-Aging + Hydration)
- AHA + Hyaluronic Acid (Exfoliation + Moisturizing)
- Bakuchiol + Vitamin C (gentle anti-aging + brightening)
Cautious combinations (separate in time):
- Retinol + Vitamin C (separate morning/evening use)
- Retinol + AHA/BHA (use on different days)
- Vitamin C + AHA/BHA (separate time intervals)
Active ingredients for specific skin problems
For anti-aging: Retinol, Bakuchiol, Vitamin C, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid
For pigment spots: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, AHA
For impurities: Salicylic acid (BHA), niacinamide, bisabolol
For dry conditions: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides, panthenol
For redness: Niacinamide, Bisabolol, Centella Asiatica
For a pale complexion: Vitamin C, AHA, Niacinamide
For sensitive skin: Bakuchiol, bisabolol, panthenol, squalane
When should active ingredients be used?
In the morning: Vitamin C (antioxidant protection), niacinamide (barrier protection), hyaluronic acid (moisture), sunscreen as a finishing touch.
In the evening: Retinol (regeneration during sleep), Bakuchiol, AHA/BHA (cell renewal overnight), Hyaluronic acid
Flexible: Squalane, bisabolol, niacinamide (morning and evening)
Natural cosmetic ingredients: Natural and effective
Natural cosmetic ingredients offer high efficacy without synthetic additives:
- Plant-based alternatives to synthetic active ingredients
- Highly concentrated plant extracts with proven efficacy
- No parabens, silicones or synthetic fragrances
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Often better tolerated by sensitive skin
- Sustainable extraction and production
Use active ingredients in a targeted manner for optimal results
Active ingredients are the key to visible improvements in your skin. Whether you want to reduce wrinkles, lighten age spots, combat blemishes, or simply achieve a radiant complexion – with the right active ingredients used correctly, you can reach your skincare goals.
Success lies in targeted selection, the right combination, and patient, consistent application. Start with an active ingredient that addresses your primary concern, gradually accustom your skin to it, and expand your routine step by step. With high-quality natural cosmetic ingredients, you can care for your skin effectively and gently – for healthy, radiant skin that feels good in its own skin.