Ingredient Explainer News Today

Board-certified dermatologists share how mandelic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), brightens and smooths skin of all types and tones. Plus, they explain how it's different from other AHAs and which products formulated with mandelic acid are their favorites.

Every few years, a skin-care ingredient you’ve heard little to nothing about becomes the “It” ingredient. The latest to emerge from obscurity to importance is (drumroll, please) ectoin. Read about the best ways to work ectoin into your skin-care routine.

This increasingly common skincare ingredient fights acne, inflammation, and redness. Allure spoke with dermatologists to learn more about their thoughts on the ingredient, including how to use it and its benefits.

Whether it's on your salad or on your face, apple cider vinegar is ride-or-die ingredient that works as an exfoliant, battles hyperpigmentation, busts up dandruff, and so much more. Find out the science behind why ACV is in absolutely everything.

Although turmeric has been used in cooking, herbal medicine, and skin care for ages, a number of beauty brands are inviting it into their formulas more than ever and countless DIYers consider it an essential part of their at-home self-care recipes. We spoke to dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist to get a better understanding of this long-loved botanical extract.

Alpha hydroxy acids are one of the most recommended and reliable exfoliating ingredients in modern skin care, thanks to their brightening and line-lessening abilities, but the category can be a confusing one. Here's what you need to know before using glycolic acid, lactic acid, or the rest of the AHA family.

Although turmeric has been used in cooking, herbal medicine, and skin care for ages, a number of beauty brands are inviting it into their formulas more than ever and countless DIYers consider it an essential part of their at-home self-care recipes. We spoke to dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist to get a better understanding of this long-loved botanical extract.

What makes colloidal oatmeal a skin-ameliorating drug and regular oatmeal just… breakfast? We asked dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist to give us the rundown on why this ingredient is such a trusted and reliable staple when it comes to calming skin.

Vitamin C and hydroquinone have long been highly coveted for diminishing hyperpigmentation. However, tranexamic acid has been rising in the ranks as one of the most popular ingredients in the newest dark spot treatments on the market. Lately, every new skin-care launch that helps reduce the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma seems to tout an acid of the tranexamic variety.  Unlike many acids of the likes of exfoliating lactic and glycolic, this one is safe for all sk...