Understanding Active Ingredients in Skin Care – No Chemistry Degree Required

What Are “Actives” in Skincare—and Why Should You Care?

If you’ve ever looked at the back of a skincare bottle and felt totally lost—don’t worry. You’re not alone. At Coastal IPL, we believe that great skin comes from both smart treatments and smart skincare at home. And that often starts with understanding your “actives.”

So what exactly are they?

What Is an Active Ingredient?

An active ingredient is a component in your skincare that actually does something—whether it’s reducing acne, fading dark spots, smoothing wrinkles, or hydrating your skin.

These are the ingredients with scientific backing and noticeable effects, unlike fillers or scents. Think of them as the “main characters” in your skincare story.

Common Actives You Should Know

Let’s break down a few of the most popular actives—and what they do:

• Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin)
  These Vitamin A derivatives boost skin cell turnover, reduce fine lines, unclog pores, and help fade dark spots. They’re powerful—and sometimes irritating—so start slowly.

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
  An antioxidant that brightens skin, protects against sun damage, and helps fade pigmentation. Look for formulas that are stable and store them away from light.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
  Calms redness, strengthens the skin barrier, and regulates oil. It plays well with others and is great for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid
  Not really an “acid” in the scary sense—this is a moisture magnet. It hydrates and plumps skin, making it look smoother and more radiant.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
  Like glycolic or lactic acid, AHAs exfoliate the top layer of skin to improve texture and brightness. Great for dull or dry skin—but go easy if you’re sensitive.

• Salicylic Acid (BHA)
  Oil-soluble and perfect for acne-prone skin. This beta hydroxy acid clears out pores and reduces inflammation.

Do Actives Work Better After IPL?

They can—but timing is everything. After IPL, your skin may be more sensitive, so we often recommend pausing active-heavy routines for 3–5 days. Then, once the skin calms down, actives can support the healing process and help maintain your results.

Our tip: Don’t play chemist at home. Let us help you build a routine tailored to your skin and your goals—especially if you're doing in-office treatments like IPL.