The Skin Laboratory
Demystify your routine. Search our clinically curated ingredient database to understand safety profiles and optimal layering.
Niacinamide
AKA: Vitamin B3Primary Benefits
Fades hyperpigmentation, strengthens skin barrier, shrinks appearance of pores, regulates sebum.
Pairs Well With
Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Peptides, Ceramides.
Do Not Mix With
Pure L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) if you have highly sensitive skin (can cause temporary flushing).
Retinol
AKA: Vitamin APrimary Benefits
Accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen production, diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, and acne.
Pairs Well With
Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Peptides (for buffering and repair).
Do Not Mix With
AHA, BHA, Benzoyl Peroxide, Vitamin C in the exact same routine.
Salicylic Acid
AKA: BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)Primary Benefits
Oil-soluble acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve dead skin cells and sebum, highly effective for blackheads and acne.
Pairs Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide.
Do Not Mix With
Retinol, Glycolic Acid (AHA), or other strong exfoliants simultaneously.
Hyaluronic Acid
AKA: Sodium HyaluronatePrimary Benefits
A humectant that draws moisture into the skin, holding 1000x its weight in water to instantly plump fine lines.
Pairs Well With
Literally everything. Used as a hydrating base for all actives.
Do Not Mix With
Nothing. Completely safe universally.
Ascorbic Acid
AKA: Vitamin CPrimary Benefits
Neutralizes free radicals, brightens hyperpigmentation, and stimulates collagen synthesis.
Pairs Well With
Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Sunscreen (SPF).
Do Not Mix With
Retinol, AHA/BHA, Benzoyl Peroxide (can cause severe irritation and destabilize the Vit C).
Azelaic Acid
AKA: Dicarboxylic AcidPrimary Benefits
Reduces redness, treats rosacea, kills acne-causing bacteria, and fades stubborn post-acne marks (PIE/PIH).
Pairs Well With
Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Moisturizers.
Do Not Mix With
Use caution when mixing with strong AHA/BHA exfoliants.
Centella Asiatica
AKA: Cica / Gotu KolaPrimary Benefits
Calms inflammation, speeds up wound healing, and restores compromised skin barriers. Excellent for sensitive skin.
Pairs Well With
All ingredients, especially harsh actives (Retinol/Acids) to buffer irritation.
Do Not Mix With
Nothing. Universally safe.
Ceramides
AKA: Lipids / SphingolipidsPrimary Benefits
Naturally occurring lipids that make up 50% of the skin barrier. Prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Pairs Well With
Retinol, Exfoliating Acids, Cholesterol, Fatty Acids.
Do Not Mix With
Nothing. Essential for healthy skin.
Panthenol
AKA: Pro-Vitamin B5Primary Benefits
Acts as both a humectant (attracts water) and an emollient (seals cracks in skin). Heals redness and micro-tears.
Pairs Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Centella Asiatica.
Do Not Mix With
Nothing. Extremely gentle.
Glycolic Acid
AKA: AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)Primary Benefits
Water-soluble acid that dissolves bonds between dead skin cells on the surface. Evens skin texture and boosts glow.
Pairs Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Snail Mucin.
Do Not Mix With
Retinol, Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid (BHA) in the same routine.
Lactic Acid
AKA: Gentle AHAPrimary Benefits
A larger molecular AHA that exfoliates the surface gently while simultaneously acting as a humectant (hydrating).
Pairs Well With
Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides.
Do Not Mix With
Retinol, Vitamin C.
Snail Mucin
AKA: Snail Secretion FiltratePrimary Benefits
Packed with glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid. Deeply hydrates, repairs barrier damage, and gives a 'glass skin' glow.
Pairs Well With
Acids, Retinol, Vitamin C (perfect buffer).
Do Not Mix With
Nothing.
Peptides
AKA: Polypeptides / MatrixylPrimary Benefits
Short chains of amino acids that signal the skin to build more collagen and elastin, firming the skin.
Pairs Well With
Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol.
Do Not Mix With
Direct Acids (AHA/BHA) as low pH can break down the peptide bonds.
Bakuchiol
AKA: Vegan Retinol AlternativePrimary Benefits
Functions similarly to Retinol by boosting cell turnover and collagen, but without the redness, peeling, or sun sensitivity.
Pairs Well With
Squalane, Niacinamide, Vitamin C.
Do Not Mix With
Nothing. It is stable and gentle enough to mix.
Tranexamic Acid
AKA: TXAPrimary Benefits
Inhibits melanin synthesis and is highly effective against stubborn melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Pairs Well With
Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C.
Do Not Mix With
Safe to mix, but monitor for irritation on highly sensitive skin.
Alpha Arbutin
AKA: Bearberry ExtractPrimary Benefits
A safe alternative to Hydroquinone. Fades sun spots, age spots, and acne scars safely over time.
Pairs Well With
Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid (for maximum brightening).
Do Not Mix With
Nothing.
Benzoyl Peroxide
AKA: BPOPrimary Benefits
Delivers oxygen into pores to immediately kill P. acnes bacteria. Reduces severe inflammatory acne.
Pairs Well With
Clindamycin, Hydrating moisturizers like Ceramides to offset severe dryness.
Do Not Mix With
Retinol, Vitamin C, AHA/BHA (will cause extreme dryness, peeling, and chemical burns).
Squalane
AKA: Plant-derived SqualenePrimary Benefits
A highly stable, non-comedogenic oil that mimics skin's natural sebum. Locks in moisture without clogging pores.
Pairs Well With
Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Any Active.
Do Not Mix With
Nothing.
Glycerin
AKA: GlycerolPrimary Benefits
Often overlooked but is the most effective and universally tolerated humectant in skincare. Deeply hydrates.
Pairs Well With
Water, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides.
Do Not Mix With
Nothing.
Green Tea Extract
AKA: EGCGPrimary Benefits
Reduces sebum (oil) production, calms redness, and provides strong antioxidant defense against UV damage.
Pairs Well With
Sunscreen, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid (great acne-fighting combo).
Do Not Mix With
Nothing.