Adaptiva
Open catalog

Skincare ingredients, decoded

Browse 52 curated entries with INCI names, climate suitability, and ingredient interactions. No login needed.

Kojic Acid

multitasker

Fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor; targets pigmentation and melasma.

Avoid in pregnancy Safety 75/100

Lactic Acid

AHA

Mild surface exfoliant

UV-sensitive Safety 72/100

Lactobionic Acid

PHA

Polyhydroxy acid — gentlest of the AHAs, suitable for sensitive skin.

Safety 86/100

Madecassoside

soothing

Active fraction of cica; supports collagen synthesis and barrier repair.

Safety 92/100

Mandelic Acid

AHA

Large-molecule AHA; gentler than glycolic, kinder to sensitive skin.

UV-sensitive Safety 78/100

Marine Collagen

peptide
Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen fragments; surface humectant and skin-feel agent.

Safety 88/100

Niacinamide

humectant

Vitamin B3 — supports barrier, evens tone, calms inflammation.

Safety 90/100

Oat Extract

soothing
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

Colloidal oats — calms itchy, eczema-prone, and reactive skin.

Safety 95/100

Panthenol

humectant

Provitamin B5; barrier soothing

Safety 93/100

Peptides

peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Signal peptides that nudge collagen and elastin production.

Safety 92/100

Polyglutamic Acid

humectant

Holds 4× more water than hyaluronic acid; ideal for layering.

Safety 94/100

Probiotics

soothing
Lactobacillus Ferment

Microbiome-supporting ferment; can rebalance reactive skin and reduce inflammation.

Safety 92/100

Resveratrol

antioxidant

Polyphenol antioxidant from grape skins; pairs well with vitamins C and E.

Safety 90/100

Retinaldehyde

retinoid
Retinal

One step closer to retinoic acid than retinol — stronger, less irritating in many users.

UV-sensitive Avoid in pregnancy Safety 65/100

Retinol

retinoid

Vitamin A derivative; gold standard for aging, photo-damage.

UV-sensitive Avoid in pregnancy Safety 55/100

Rosehip Oil

emollient
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil

Naturally rich in trans-retinoic acid precursors and linoleic acid.

UV-sensitive Safety 86/100

Salicylic Acid

BHA

Beta-hydroxy acid; unclogs pores, exfoliates inside the follicle.

Avoid in pregnancy Safety 65/100

Shea Butter

emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Rich emollient with fatty acids; nourishes very dry skin.

Comedogenic Safety 85/100

Snail Mucin

humectant
Snail Secretion Filtrate

K-beauty staple; hydrates and supports barrier repair.

Safety 90/100

Sodium PCA

humectant

Naturally present in skin; powerful water-binding amino acid derivative.

Safety 94/100

Squalane

emollient

Stable, lightweight emollient.

Safety 95/100

Tea Tree Oil

essential oil
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Antimicrobial; can sensitize.

Comedogenic Avoid in pregnancy Safety 55/100

Tranexamic Acid

multitasker

Reduces post-inflammatory pigmentation and melasma without UV-sensitizing the skin.

Safety 90/100

Tretinoin

retinoid

Prescription retinoid (retinoic acid). Gold standard for photoaging and stubborn acne; high irritation potenti...

UV-sensitive Avoid in pregnancy Safety 50/100