The Evidence-Based List

These are the ingredients with the strongest clinical evidence:

• Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene): anti-aging, acne treatment, cell turnover, collagen boosting
• Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): antioxidant, brightening, dark spot reduction, photoprotection
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): reduces pores, controls oil, fades discoloration, strengthens skin barrier
• Hyaluronic acid: binds large amounts of water, plumps dehydrated skin, works on all types
• AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid): exfoliate surface cells, improve texture, brighten dull skin