Ingredient library / 29 ingredients

Know what’s in your routine.

Prescription, over-the-counter, and cosmetic ingredients people are actually using, each with its U.S. status, the strengths sold, evidence graded per use, how to use it, side effects, cautions, and what drives the price.

Start with your concern

Explore ingredients by concern.

First-line means the ingredients with the strongest evidence for that concern; also useful means supporting actives or prescription step-ups. Each name opens the full file with status, strengths, and sources.

Acne (inflamed and comedonal)

A retinoid plus benzoyl peroxide is the guideline core. Everything else is an add-on or a prescription step-up.

First line

AdapaleneOTC / Rx
OTC 0.1% gel is a true retinoid: unclogs pores and prevents new lesions.
Benzoyl peroxideOTC / Rx
Kills acne bacteria without resistance; 2.5–5% is enough.

Also useful

Azelaic acidRx / cosmetic
Gentler anti-inflammatory that also fades marks; pregnancy-compatible.
Salicylic acidOTC / Rx
Helps blackheads and oil; modest on inflamed lesions.
NiacinamideCosmetic
Supports the barrier while stronger actives work.
TretinoinRx
Prescription step-up when adapalene is not enough.
ClascoteroneRx
Prescription androgen blocker for hormonal-pattern acne.

Skip

Topical clindamycin on its own (resistance)
Scrubs and daily acid stacking
Toothpaste, lemon, and other DIY spot treatments

See a clinician if Nodules, cysts, scarring, acne that has not improved after 12 weeks of a retinoid plus benzoyl peroxide, or acne with sudden hormonal symptoms.

Dark spots and melasma

Sunscreen is the treatment; everything else is maintenance without it. Layer one or two pigment actives, not five.

First line

Sunscreen (mineral and chemical filters)OTC drug
Tinted, iron-oxide sunscreen blocks the visible light that drives melasma.
Azelaic acidRx / cosmetic
Prescription 15–20% has trial data comparable to hydroquinone with less risk.
TretinoinRx
Speeds turnover and is part of the approved triple-combination cream.

Also useful

Tranexamic acid (topical)Cosmetic
Gentle topical option; the oral form is stronger but needs a prescriber.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and derivatives)Cosmetic
Modest brightening and antioxidant support under sunscreen.
NiacinamideCosmetic
Reduces pigment transfer; easy to tolerate.
HydroquinoneRx
The strongest option, prescription-only, used in supervised cycles.

Skip

Imported 'whitening' creams (mercury and undisclosed hydroquinone)
IPL for melasma (can worsen it)
Continuous hydroquinone without breaks

See a clinician if A spot that is new, changing, irregular, or bleeding needs an exam before any brightener; melasma that fails 3–4 months of topical care may warrant oral or procedural options.

Fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage

Two ingredients have randomized evidence for visible aging: daily sunscreen and a retinoid. The rest is supporting cast.

First line

Sunscreen (mineral and chemical filters)OTC drug
Randomized trial evidence for preventing visible aging.
TretinoinRx
Reference retinoid with vehicle-controlled photoaging trials.
TazaroteneRx
The only other retinoid with an FDA photodamage indication; more irritating.

Also useful

Retinol and retinaldehydeCosmetic
OTC option for people who cannot get or tolerate a prescription.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and derivatives)Cosmetic
Antioxidant support and mild brightening.
Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic)Cosmetic
Texture and dullness a few nights a week.
Peptides (signal, carrier, and copper peptides)Cosmetic
Low risk, thin evidence; fine if you like the product.

Skip

Collagen creams (collagen does not penetrate)
'Topical Botox' peptides
Growth-factor and exosome serums at a premium

See a clinician if Static wrinkles and laxity that bother you after 6–12 months of consistent retinoid and sunscreen use; the procedures desk compares the next steps.

Redness and rosacea

Bumps respond to prescriptions; background redness and vessels respond to lasers. Gentle everything else.

First line

Azelaic acidRx / cosmetic
FDA-approved 15% for rosacea bumps; also calms tone.
Ivermectin 1% creamRx
Once-daily prescription that ranks at the top for inflammatory lesions.
Metronidazole (topical)Rx
Long-standing, inexpensive prescription for bumps and pustules.

Also useful

Sunscreen (mineral and chemical filters)OTC drug
Mineral, fragrance-free sunscreen reduces flare triggers.
NiacinamideCosmetic
Barrier support with mild redness reduction.
CeramidesCosmetic
A bland ceramide moisturizer is the routine's foundation.

Skip

Physical scrubs and high-strength acids
Alcohol-heavy toners and fragrance
Retinoids started at full strength

See a clinician if Eye symptoms (gritty, red, swollen lids), thickening skin on the nose, or redness that does not respond to a prescription; visible vessels need a laser evaluation rather than more cream.

Dryness, sensitivity, and a damaged barrier

Stop the damage, then moisturize with intent: humectant on damp skin, lipids, and an occlusive at night.

First line

CeramidesCosmetic
Replaces the lipids a damaged barrier lacks.
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)OTC drug
The most effective occlusive; slugging is this used properly.

Also useful

Hyaluronic acid (topical)Cosmetic
Humectant on damp skin, sealed with a moisturizer.
UreaOTC / Rx
Low strengths hydrate; high strengths rescue rough, cracked skin.
NiacinamideCosmetic
Improves barrier function at 2–5%.
EctoinCosmetic
Soothing, well tolerated, early evidence.

Skip

Daily exfoliating acids while the barrier is compromised
Fragrance and essential oils
Hot water and foaming sulfate cleansers

See a clinician if Persistent eczema, cracking that bleeds, infection signs, or dryness that does not improve after 2–4 weeks of a simplified routine; prescription options such as ruxolitinib cream exist.

Oily skin and enlarged pores

Pores do not open or close, but they look smaller when they are clear and the skin around them is smooth.

First line

Salicylic acidOTC / Rx
Oil-soluble exfoliant that clears pore contents.
AdapaleneOTC / Rx
Retinoids normalize pore lining and reduce congestion over months.

Also useful

NiacinamideCosmetic
Some reduction in sebum and pore appearance.
Azelaic acidRx / cosmetic
Helps congestion and tone together.
Sunscreen (mineral and chemical filters)OTC drug
Gel or fluid textures that will actually be worn daily.

Skip

Pore strips and aggressive extraction at home
Over-cleansing, which increases oil rebound
Alcohol-based mattifiers used all day

See a clinician if Sudden oiliness with new hair growth or irregular periods, or congestion that keeps forming cysts.

Thinning hair and pattern hair loss

Diagnosis first: pattern loss has proven treatments, and other types need different care.

First line

Minoxidil (topical)OTC drug
The only OTC drug with decades of trial evidence for pattern hair loss.

Also useful

CeramidesCosmetic
A gentle, fragrance-free routine keeps an irritated scalp from compounding the problem.
Sunscreen (mineral and chemical filters)OTC drug
Protects a thinning part line and scalp from burns and photoaging.

Skip

Rosemary oil or caffeine as a replacement for treatment
Scalp 'detox' facials sold as hair-growth therapy
Unapproved oral 'hair peptides'

See a clinician if Any new hair loss deserves a diagnosis; patchy loss, scarring, itching, or shedding after illness or medication change have different treatments. Oral finasteride or minoxidil and PRP are prescriber decisions.

Rough body skin and keratosis pilaris

Chemical exfoliation plus moisture beats scrubbing. Consistency matters more than strength.

First line

UreaOTC / Rx
10–20% smooths rough, bumpy skin with trial evidence for xerosis.
Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic)Cosmetic
Lactic acid lotions soften keratin plugs.

Also useful

Salicylic acidOTC / Rx
Helps the plugs in keratosis pilaris.
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)OTC drug
Occlusion over a humectant for very dry areas.
Retinol and retinaldehydeCosmetic
Body retinol can help stubborn bumps over months.

Skip

Harsh loofahs and scrubs that inflame follicles
Very hot showers
Fragranced body lotions on inflamed skin

See a clinician if Bumps that are red, painful, pus-filled, or spreading; keratosis pilaris that does not improve in 2–3 months may respond to prescription keratolytics or laser.

Sun protection, every day

The one product with randomized evidence for both skin cancer and visible aging. Texture you will wear beats a higher number you will not.

First line

Sunscreen (mineral and chemical filters)OTC drug
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, a quarter teaspoon for the face, reapplied outdoors.

Also useful

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and derivatives)Cosmetic
Morning antioxidant that adds protection under sunscreen.
BemotrizinolOTC drug
A newly permitted U.S. filter that will improve broad-spectrum formulas.

Skip

Sunscreen contouring
Tanning nasal sprays
SPF in makeup as the only protection

See a clinician if A yearly skin check if you have a history of sunburns, many moles, or skin cancer in the family; any spot that changes, bleeds, or does not heal.

Reading key

Our grades travel with the claim, not the ingredient.

Strong for this claim

An official final action, official recall, systematic synthesis, or mature body of directly relevant evidence.

Useful human evidence

Controlled human data or a strong review with meaningful limits on size, scope, or generalizability.

Early signal

Small, exploratory, preclinical, or otherwise preliminary evidence that needs replication.

Context only

Policy process, market data, historical record, or another source that should not be read as a treatment grade.

Vitamin A derivatives

5 files

Rx / cosmetic
Retinoids (the family)
The best-evidenced topical family for acne and photoaging. Prescription retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene 0.3%) are drugs; retinol and retinal are cosmetics that convert in skin and act more slowly.
Best for
Acne · Photoaging and fine lines · Texture and tone
Watch for
Dryness, peeling, and irritation in the first weeks; sun sensitivity; avoid in pregnancy. Strength on the label does not equal potency across molecules.
- A Acne
- A Photoaging, fine lines, pigment
- B Post-inflammatory marks and texture
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
Rx
Tretinoin
The reference retinoid: decades of randomized trials for acne and photodamage, cheap as a generic, and the benchmark every newer molecule is measured against.
Best for
Acne · Photoaging · Fine wrinkles
Watch for
The first 4–8 weeks are the hardest; most people who quit do so then. Gel and higher strengths irritate more than cream at the same percentage.
- A Acne
- A Photoaging and fine wrinkles
- B Melasma and dark spots
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
Rx
Tazarotene
The strongest topical retinoid, with randomized trials showing acne results at least equal to tretinoin and a rare FDA indication for photodamage. Irritation is the price.
Best for
Acne · Photodamage · Psoriasis plaques
Watch for
The most irritating retinoid at equal strength; the 0.045% lotion was designed to soften that. Contraindicated in pregnancy, not just discouraged.
- A Acne
- A Photodamage (fine wrinkles, mottled pigmentation, roughness)
- A Plaque psoriasis
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
OTC / Rx
Adapalene
A gentler, light-stable retinoid that became the first OTC retinoid drug in the U.S. Best evidence is for acne; photoaging data are thinner than for tretinoin.
Best for
Acne · Comedones · Post-acne marks
Watch for
Cheapest way into a real retinoid. The OTC 0.1% gel works; the 0.3% is prescription. Pairs well with benzoyl peroxide because it is chemically stable with it.
- A Acne
- B Post-inflammatory marks
- C Photoaging
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
Cosmetic
Retinol and retinaldehyde
The over-the-counter cousins: real but slower and milder than prescription retinoids, with evidence mostly from small vehicle-controlled cosmetic trials.
Best for
Fine lines · Texture · Mild acne-prone skin
Watch for
Cosmetic percentages are not comparable across brands, and encapsulated or unstable products can deliver much less than the label suggests. Retinal is closer to the active form and tends to work faster.
- B Fine lines and photoaging
- C Mild acne and congestion
- C Pigment
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Antimicrobial acne actives

2 files

OTC / Rx
Benzoyl peroxide
The workhorse antimicrobial for acne, over the counter and cheap, and the reason topical antibiotics should never be used alone.
Best for
Inflammatory acne · Preventing antibiotic resistance · Body acne
Watch for
Bleaches towels and pillowcases. 2.5% works about as well as 10% with less irritation. Store cool: heat drives benzene formation in some products.
- A Inflammatory acne
- A With topical antibiotics
- B Body acne
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
Rx
Topical clindamycin
Effective against inflammatory acne in combination, and a resistance problem when used solo. Fixed combinations exist precisely to prevent that.
Best for
Inflammatory acne · Combination therapy
Watch for
Never alone. Guidelines are explicit: pair with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistant bacteria, and stop once inflammation is controlled.
- A Inflammatory acne with benzoyl peroxide
- C Rosacea
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Hydroxy acids

2 files

OTC / Rx
Salicylic acid
The oil-soluble exfoliant that reaches into pores. Useful and gentle at 0.5–2%; over-marketed as an acne cure.
Best for
Blackheads and congestion · Mild acne · Oily skin
Watch for
Modest on its own. Cochrane found low-quality evidence for acne; it shines as a maintenance cleanser or for comedones, not for inflamed cysts.
- B Comedonal and mild acne
- B Texture and pores
- C Keratosis pilaris and body roughness
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
Cosmetic
Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic)
Water-soluble exfoliants with decent evidence for texture and tone at cosmetic strengths, and a well-documented capacity for over-use.
Best for
Surface texture · Dullness · Mild pigment
Watch for
Effect and irritation track concentration and pH together. FDA's guidance for cosmetics is 10% or less at pH 3.5 or higher; peels are a different category with their own file.
- B Texture, dullness, and mild photodamage
- C Acne
- B Body roughness and keratosis pilaris
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Hormonal acne actives

1 file

Rx
Clascoterone
The first topical androgen-receptor blocker for acne, approved in 2020. A real new option with phase 3 evidence, priced like one.
Best for
Acne in adults and teens · Hormonal-pattern acne · Acne when oral hormonal options are unwanted
Watch for
Brand-only and expensive, with prior authorization common. Modest effect size per trial; the appeal is a new mechanism usable by anyone 12 and older.
- A Facial acne, age 12 and older
- C Truncal acne
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Anti-inflammatory acne actives

1 file

Rx
Dapsone gel
A gentle anti-inflammatory gel with randomized evidence for inflammatory acne, most useful for people who cannot tolerate stronger actives.
Best for
Inflammatory acne · Adult female acne · Sensitive skin that cannot tolerate retinoids
Watch for
Turns orange-brown temporarily when layered with benzoyl peroxide. Slower and milder than retinoids; a good option when tolerability is the problem.
- B Inflammatory acne
- C Comedonal acne
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Dicarboxylic acid

1 file

Rx / cosmetic
Azelaic acid
The quiet multitasker: FDA-approved for rosacea and acne, useful for pigment, and one of the few actives dermatologists are comfortable recommending in pregnancy.
Best for
Rosacea bumps and redness · Acne · Melasma and post-inflammatory marks
Watch for
Tingling and itch for the first weeks are normal. Prescription 15–20% is a drug; 10% cosmetics are a different, weaker product with the same name.
- A Papulopustular rosacea
- A Acne
- B Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Tyrosinase inhibitors

1 file

Rx
Hydroquinone
The most effective single lightening agent and the most regulated. Works in supervised cycles; misused, it causes the very discoloration people are trying to fix.
Best for
Melasma · Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation · Dark spots
Watch for
Prescription-only in the U.S. since 2020; any OTC or imported 'whitening' cream containing it is unapproved. Use in cycles of a few months, never continuously.
- A Melasma
- B Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Pigment modulators

1 file

Cosmetic
Tranexamic acid (topical)
A clot-stabilizing drug repurposed for pigment. Topically it is a reasonable, gentle melasma option; orally it is a prescription with vascular-risk screening.
Best for
Melasma · Post-inflammatory marks · Hydroquinone-free maintenance
Watch for
The oral form is the one with the strongest evidence and real clotting cautions; topical 2–5% is gentler and weaker. Don't confuse the two when reading trial headlines.
- B Melasma (topical)
- B Melasma (oral, off-label)
- C Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Antioxidants

1 file

Cosmetic
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and derivatives)
The best-studied cosmetic antioxidant, with modest, real effects on pigment and photoaging when the formula is stable and the concentration meaningful.
Best for
Photoprotection alongside sunscreen · Brightening · Fine lines
Watch for
L-ascorbic acid oxidizes: if the serum has turned orange-brown, it is spent. Derivatives are stabler but less proven. Stinging at low pH is common.
- B Photoaging and fine lines
- B Melasma and dark spots
- B Antioxidant protection under sunscreen
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Vitamin B3

1 file

Cosmetic
Niacinamide
A well-tolerated, well-supported supporting ingredient: modest improvements in barrier, redness, oil, and pigment, with few downsides at sensible strength.
Best for
Barrier support · Redness · Oil and pore appearance
Watch for
2–5% is where the evidence lives; 10–20% adds flushing and stinging for many people without added benefit. It is not the same as niacin.
- B Barrier function and redness
- B Hyperpigmentation
- B Acne
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Rosacea prescriptions

2 files

Rx
Metronidazole (topical)
The long-standing first-line prescription for papulopustular rosacea, cheap and well tolerated, now joined and in some analyses outperformed by ivermectin.
Best for
Rosacea bumps and pustules · Maintenance after oral therapy
Watch for
Treats the bumps, not the background redness or visible vessels; those need vascular lasers or brimonidine-type drugs. Expect 6–8 weeks.
- A Papulopustular rosacea
- C Persistent facial redness
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
Rx
Ivermectin 1% cream
A once-daily rosacea cream that ranks at or near the top of network meta-analyses for inflammatory lesions, with a good tolerability profile.
Best for
Rosacea bumps and pustules · Demodex-associated rosacea
Watch for
Now generic, which removed the main reason to start with metronidazole. Works on inflammation and mites, not on flushing or vessels.
- A Papulopustular rosacea
- C Redness and flushing
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Barrier lipids

1 file

Cosmetic
Ceramides
Structural skin lipids that good moisturizers replace. Solid evidence for barrier support in dry and eczema-prone skin; marketing has outrun the difference between formulas.
Best for
Dry and eczema-prone skin · Barrier repair after actives · Sensitive skin maintenance
Watch for
A moisturizer's overall formula matters more than the word 'ceramide' on the front. Ratio-balanced lipid blends are the ones with trial data.
- B Dry skin and barrier repair
- B Atopic dermatitis maintenance
- C Anti-aging claims
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Humectants

1 file

Cosmetic
Hyaluronic acid (topical)
A reliable surface humectant with short-lived plumping. Real, modest, and not the same thing as the filler that shares its name.
Best for
Surface hydration · Plumper look of fine lines · Layering under moisturizer
Watch for
It holds water where it sits; in dry air without a moisturizer on top it can leave skin feeling tighter. Injectable hyaluronic acid is a different product entirely.
- B Skin hydration and smoothness
- C Fine lines
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Occlusives

1 file

OTC drug
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)
The most effective occlusive in dermatology, backed by wound-care trials and cheap enough to be boring. The trend called slugging is this ingredient used as directed.
Best for
Sealing in moisture · Wound and post-procedure care · Slugging
Watch for
It does not moisturize on its own; it stops water leaving. On acne-prone skin, an all-over layer can trap oil and products underneath.
- A Dry skin and barrier repair
- A Wound and post-procedure care
- B Slugging over a routine
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Humectants and keratolytics

1 file

OTC / Rx
Urea
An unglamorous humectant that outperforms most moisturizers on severely dry skin, with randomized trials on diabetic feet and xerosis.
Best for
Very dry, rough skin · Cracked heels and feet · Keratosis pilaris
Watch for
Concentration sets the job: 5–10% hydrates, 20–40% dissolves thick skin and can sting on cracks. Not for broken or inflamed facial skin at high strengths.
- A Severe dry skin and cracked feet
- B Keratosis pilaris and rough patches
- B Thick nails and calluses (40%)
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Osmolytes

1 file

Cosmetic
Ectoin
A bacterial osmolyte marketed as a barrier-strengthening, anti-pollution active. Pleasant and well tolerated; the controlled evidence is early.
Best for
Soothing · Hydration · Reactive skin
Watch for
Most human trials are small and manufacturer-supported. A comfortable ingredient with a promise that outruns its evidence.
- C Soothing irritated skin
- C Barrier support
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

UV filters

2 files

OTC drug
Sunscreen (mineral and chemical filters)
The one daily product with randomized evidence for preventing skin cancer and visible aging. In the U.S. it is an OTC drug, which is why new filters arrive slowly.
Best for
Skin cancer prevention · Preventing photoaging and pigment · Protecting treated skin
Watch for
Application amount is where most protection is lost; most people apply a quarter to half of the tested dose. 'Mineral' and 'chemical' describe mechanism, not safety rank.
- A Melanoma and skin cancer prevention
- A Preventing photoaging
- B Melasma and pigment control
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
OTC drug
Bemotrizinol
A photostable broad-spectrum filter used for years abroad and now permitted in U.S. over-the-counter sunscreens. Permission is not the same as shelf availability.
Best for
Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection · Photostable sunscreen formulas
Watch for
The regulatory change applies to the filter's permission in the U.S.; products still need to be formulated, tested, labeled, and sold before it changes what you can buy.
- A Broad-spectrum UV filtering
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Cosmeceutical actives

2 files

Cosmetic
Peptides (signal, carrier, and copper peptides)
Plausible signaling molecules with small, mostly industry-run studies. Not harmful, occasionally helpful, and priced as if the evidence were stronger.
Best for
Fine lines · Firmness claims · Post-procedure support
Watch for
'Peptide' covers hundreds of molecules with different sizes and claims; most have never been tested in independent trials, and large peptides do not penetrate intact skin well.
- C Fine lines and photoaging
- C Wound and post-laser healing (copper peptides)
- CTX 'Topical Botox' claims
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →
Cosmetic
Growth factors, PDRN, and 'regenerative' topicals
A fast-growing category with a plausible mechanism and a thin, industry-funded evidence base. Exosome products in particular have no approval for any skin use.
Best for
Photoaging claims · Post-procedure recovery · Skin quality claims
Watch for
Big molecules, small studies, and an origin story (human cells, snails, salmon DNA, exosomes) that does the marketing. Applied to intact skin, most of it stays on the surface.
- C Photoaging
- C Post-procedure healing
- CTX Exosomes for skin
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Topical JAK inhibitors

1 file

Rx
Ruxolitinib cream
The first FDA-approved treatment for repigmenting vitiligo and an effective non-steroid eczema cream, priced as a specialty drug.
Best for
Vitiligo repigmentation · Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
Watch for
Carries the JAK-inhibitor class boxed warning even though topical absorption is low. Repigmentation takes months and needs continued use.
- A Nonsegmental vitiligo (face and body)
- A Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Hair growth actives

1 file

OTC drug
Minoxidil (topical)
The only OTC drug with decades of evidence for pattern hair loss. Works for many, not all, and only while used.
Best for
Pattern hair loss · Maintaining density · Beard and brow use (off-label)
Watch for
Shedding in the first 4–8 weeks is expected, and stopping reverses the gains. The 5% foam is the standard; oral low-dose minoxidil is a separate prescription trend.
- A Androgenetic alopecia
- C Other hair loss types
- C Beard or eyebrow growth
Open the file: forms, how to use, side effects, access, sources →

Explore ingredients by concern.

Acne (inflamed and comedonal)

Dark spots and melasma

Fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage

Redness and rosacea

Dryness, sensitivity, and a damaged barrier

Oily skin and enlarged pores

Thinning hair and pattern hair loss

Rough body skin and keratosis pilaris

Sun protection, every day

Our grades travel with the claim, not the ingredient.

Strong for this claim

Useful human evidence

Early signal

Context only

Vitamin A derivatives

Antimicrobial acne actives

Hydroxy acids

Hormonal acne actives

Anti-inflammatory acne actives

Dicarboxylic acid

Tyrosinase inhibitors

Pigment modulators

Antioxidants

Vitamin B3

Rosacea prescriptions

Barrier lipids

Humectants

Occlusives

Humectants and keratolytics

Osmolytes

UV filters

Cosmeceutical actives

Topical JAK inhibitors

Hair growth actives

Less noise. More perspective.