What Are Active Ingredients and How Can They Fit Into Your Routine?

What Are Active Ingredients and How Can They Fit Into Your Routine?

It seems like every time we open the app, there is a new skincare ingredient trend on TikTok that needs addressing to see if it’s worthwhile for your skin. Far too often, some trends are actually harmful to your natural skin barrier and skin health.


A hot topic online for trends these days is active skincare ingredients. Especially in tweens! People often buy products with these ingredients without really knowing if they’re right for their skin. To help you decide, we'll explain what active ingredients are, how they work, and how to use them in your skincare routine.

 

Woman smiling while holding a serum dropper to her face

Active Skincare Ingredients

Active ingredients in skincare are the heroes that target specific skin concerns like acne, dryness, and signs of ageing. These scientifically proven ingredients help products do what they promise. You’ll find them in products like anti-aging creams, acne treatments, and hydrating serums. Common active ingredients include:

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Niacinamide
  • Ceramides
  • Peptides
  • AHAs & BHAs
  • Vitamins A, C & E.

These active ingredients are often found in serums because serums can penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective.

 

What Are The Benefits of Active Ingredients?

So many active ingredients exist, but let’s look at some of the most popular ones and why people love them. And don’t worry about the word ‘acid’ – these aren’t the scary acids from your high school science class!

 

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) & Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) - To Exfoliate 

AHAs are chemical exfoliators that gently remove dead skin cells and dirt without being harsh. They leave your skin clean, hydrated, radiant, and smooth. Common AHAs like Glycolic, Lactic, and Mandelic Acids are safe for sensitive skin when used in the correct concentrations. 

BHAs are oil-soluble exfoliators that penetrate deep into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum. Unlike AHAs, which work on the skin's surface, BHAs offer a thorough cleanse from within. Salicylic Acid, the most popular BHA, is also gentle enough for sensitive skin when used in the right concentrations.

Whether you choose AHAs or BHAs, avoid applying them on chapped, open, or burnt skin. Always follow up with SPF in the morning to protect your skin from sun damage.

 

Hyaluronic Acid - To Hydrate

Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration powerhouse, known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. HA pulls water to your skin, leaving it plump and super hydrated. Your skin naturally produces Hyaluronic Acid, but production slows down as you age. Using a serum or moisturizer with HA daily can keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy.

 

Niacinamide - To Calm

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps brighten the skin, even out skin tone, refine pores, and calm sensitive or irritated skin. It also reduces water loss and improves skin moisturization, helping maintain skin elasticity.

 

Ceramides - To Build

Ceramides are lipids (fatty acids) that are found naturally in the epidermis and also in carrier oils like Evening Primrose or Hemp Seed Oil. They work to keep out pollutants and dirt from your pores by forming a protective layer on your skin that limits moisture loss.

 

Vitamins:

Vitamin C - To Brighten

Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) is an antioxidant that makes your skin glow! It fights UV damage, dark spots, and free radicals. It even improves the effectiveness of sunscreens. However, Vitamin C can be unstable, so keep these products in a dark, cool place.

 

Vitamin E - To Protect

Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that fights damage from free radicals, slows oxidation and helps with aging. It’s naturally found in the skin but gets depleted with UV exposure.

 

Vitamin A - To Smooth

Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinal) is great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen, and increasing cell turnover. However, it can irritate the skin (redness, burning, flakiness) and make it more sensitive to sunlight. We also wouldn’t recommend Retinols/Retinals for teens and tweens as their skin is so delicate and doesn’t require advanced ingredients.

 

Peptides - To Boost

Peptides are well-loved for helping to relax wrinkles and boost collagen production. This has made Peptides a great choice for sensitive skin types that can’t tolerate Vitamin A’s.

 

swatches of serums, oils and face creams on a light peach background

Finding the Right Active Ingredients for Your Skin

We all have unique skin types that need different levels of care and attention. Some lucky folks never have to worry much about their skin, but many of us need to nourish our skin to keep it healthy, happy and hydrated.

So, how do you choose the right active ingredients for your skin type? Here are some general guidelines to help you out. Everyone's skin is so different, so what works for one person might not work for another. Remember, you may need to do a bit of trial and error to find the best ingredients for your skincare routine. 

 

Normal / Oily / Blemish-prone Skin

Try our Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide Serum to balance and deeply hydrate your skin while calming any irritation. For oily or blemish-prone skin specifically, our Blemish Cleansing Moisturizer is a light and gentle option. It also contains Green Tea and Resveratrol to help control oil production. 

At night, the Night Restoration Cream works wonders to restore and rejuvenate your skin with Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Niacinamide. It gently loosens dead skin cells and stimulates collagen production. For a deeper exfoliation, use the Gentle Exfoliating Micro Powder with Salicylic Acid 2-3 times per week.

 

Dry Skin

Dealing with dry skin? Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Vitamin E are your new best friends!

Our Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide Serum balances and hydrates your skin. Pair it with the Ultra Hydrating Face Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides to strengthen and nourish your skin barrier. Plus, it has Natural Vitamin E to protect against free radicals that can dry out your skin.

 

Aging / Mature Skin

Want to combat signs of ageing or care for mature skin? Peptides, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are key. Our Vitamin C Serum brightens your skin, corrects pigmentation, and tackles sun damage. 

For a Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinal) alternative, try our Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Serum. It boosts collagen, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes cell turnover. The Antioxidant Anti-Aging Face Cream contains antioxidants that improve aging skin and protect against free radical damage.

 

Sun Damaged / Pigmented Skin

To reduce sun damage or address pigmentation, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and antioxidants are essential. Use our Vitamin C Serum along with the Pigmentation Brightening Moisturizer for a glowing complexion. 

This face cream contains Alpha Arbutin, Indian Gooseberry Extract, Natural Vitamin E, and Vitamin C to reduce pigmentation gradually.

 

MooGoo’s Top Tips For Active Ingredients:

  • Always apply SPF after your morning routine. Protecting your skin from the sun is a must!
  • Apply Hyaluronic Acid to damp skin. This locks in hydration. Applying it to dry skin can actually draw moisture out of your skin, so damp is best!
  • Apply face creams to damp skin (except for the Night Cream). This helps your skin absorb all the goodness.
  • Don't apply serums or face creams with AHAs or BHAs to damp skin. Doing so can increase absorption and irritate the skin as these actives are already concentrated.

With the right active ingredients and products, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best, no matter your skin type!

Back to blog