Ingredient Glossary

Every active ingredient in SkinFactor's formulas, explained in plain language — what it does, how it works, and which products deliver it. No filler ingredients, no unexplained claims.

Acne & Pore Control

Salicylic Acid

An oil-soluble BHA that penetrates through sebum into the pore lining, dissolving the dead cell and oil buildup that causes blackheads and breakouts. Unlike water-based ingredients that clean the surface, Salicylic Acid works inside the pore where congestion actually forms.

Found in: Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser, Salicylic Acid Face Wash, Salicylic Acid Serum, Glycolic Acid Toner, AHA/BHA Body Wash

Azelaic Acid

Reduces redness and inflammation around active breakouts while directly targeting acne-causing bacteria. Also has a mild, gradual brightening effect on post-acne marks.

Found in: Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser, Salicylic Acid Serum

Zinc PCA

Tells your oil glands to produce less sebum throughout the day. Also has mild anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness around breakouts.

Found in: Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser, SA Serum

Glycolic Acid

An AHA that breaks down the bonds holding dead skin cells together, unclogging pores and revealing smoother skin underneath. Works on the surface rather than inside the pore, complementing BHA's deeper action.

Found in: Glycolic Acid Toner, AHA/BHA Body Wash

Mandelic Acid

A gentler AHA than Glycolic Acid, with a larger molecule size that penetrates more slowly — providing exfoliation with lower irritation potential. Also has mild antibacterial properties.

Found in: Kojic Face Wash, Kojic Serum

Pigmentation & Brightening

Kojic Acid

A naturally derived tyrosinase inhibitor — blocking the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Fades existing dark spots gradually without affecting baseline skin colour, and works on tanning through the same mechanism.

Found in: Kojic Face Wash, Kojic Serum, Kojic Cream

Alpha Arbutin

Inhibits tyrosinase through a complementary mechanism to Kojic Acid, binding at a different point on the enzyme. Combining both attacks melanin overproduction through two pathways simultaneously.

Found in: Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser, Salicylic Acid Face Wash, Kojic Face Wash, Kojic Serum, Kojic Cream, Vitamin C Serum, Vitamin C Cream, HA Serum

Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate)

A stable Vitamin C derivative chosen specifically to resist the oxidation and heat degradation that standard L-Ascorbic Acid faces in Pakistan's climate. Neutralises UV and pollution-driven free radical damage while brightening skin tone.

Found in: Vitamin C Serum, Vitamin C Cream, Vitamin C Face Wash, Vitamin C Cleanser, Kojic Serum, HA Serum

Niacinamide

Regulates sebum production at the sebaceous gland level, refines pore appearance, and blocks melanin transfer to skin cells — reducing visible dark marks even when melanin is still produced underneath.

Found in: Almost every product in the SkinFactor range, including Niacinamide Serum, Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser, Vitamin C Serum, Kojic Serum, SPF 50

Licorice Extract

A natural soothing and brightening agent that calms irritation while supporting even skin tone, complementing tyrosinase-inhibiting actives.

Found in: Most SkinFactor cleansers and serums, including SA Gel Cleanser, Kojic Face Wash, Niacinamide Serum

Anti-Ageing

Retinol

The most clinically studied anti-ageing ingredient available without prescription. Accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, regulates melanin, and refines pore appearance — addressing ageing at a cellular level rather than the surface.

Found in: Retinol Serum

Coenzyme Q10

An antioxidant that supports firmer, healthier-looking skin, providing additional defence alongside Retinol's collagen-stimulating action.

Found in: Retinol Serum

Squalane

Deeply nourishes and softens while supporting the moisture barrier — particularly valuable alongside Retinol, which can dry skin during the adjustment period.

Found in: Retinol Serum

Hydration & Barrier Repair

Hyaluronic Acid

Draws moisture from available water sources into the skin. Must be applied to damp skin to work correctly — on dry skin in a dry environment, it can pull moisture from deeper layers instead of hydrating the surface.

Found in: Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and as a supporting ingredient in nearly every SkinFactor serum and moisturiser

Ceramide NP

Rebuilds the lipid structure that holds skin cells together, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental damage. The core barrier-repair ingredient across SkinFactor's moisturisers.

Found in: Ceramide Gel Moisturiser, Ceramide Cream Moisturiser

Aquaxyl

A clinically proven active that increases the skin's own ability to produce and retain moisture from within, rather than simply applying moisture to the surface. Hydration improves the longer it's used.

Found in: Ceramide Gel Moisturiser

Snail Secretion Filtrate

Supports skin repair and recovery, particularly valuable after active ingredient use or for barrier-compromised skin.

Found in: Ceramide Gel Moisturiser, Ceramide Cream Moisturiser

Centella Asiatica

Calms inflammation and supports the skin's natural repair process — commonly used for reactive, compromised or barrier-damaged skin.

Found in: Ceramide Gel Moisturiser, Ceramide Cream Moisturiser, AHA/BHA Body Wash

Oat Kernel Extract

Contains Avenanthramides — anti-inflammatory compounds that actively calm redness, itching and irritation with every wash. One of the few skincare ingredients clinically approved for eczema management.

Found in: Oat Extract Gentle Cleanser

D-Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Calms irritation and supports the skin's natural healing process, complementing barrier-repair and soothing ingredients across formulas.

Found in: Most SkinFactor cleansers, serums and moisturisers

Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis / Oleifera)

An antioxidant that calms inflammation and supports skin recovery, complementing other soothing and repair-focused ingredients.

Found in: Salicylic Acid Serum, Kojic Serum, Ceramide Gel Moisturiser, Ceramide Cream Moisturiser

Sun Protection

Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide & Chemical UV Filters

A hybrid mineral-and-chemical sunscreen system. The chemical filters (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate) absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat, reducing the volume of mineral particles needed — producing a lightweight, no-white-cast finish while maintaining full SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection.

Found in: SPF 50 Sunscreen

Have a question about an ingredient not listed here? Every SkinFactor product page includes a full Ingredients tab with complete transparency — no hidden formulas, no unexplained claims.