Actives

“Active” is the informal term for ingredients included to change your skin, not just condition it: retinoids, exfoliating acids, vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide.

The rules of actives:

  1. One new active at a time, two to three weeks apart
  2. Concentration matters: “contains retinol” at position 24 on the INCI list is not a retinol product
  3. More is not better. 2% niacinamide works. 20% mostly works at irritating you.
  4. Every active earns its place through consistency, not strength. Six months of a mild routine beats six weeks of an aggressive one followed by a damaged barrier.
Keep reading
Exfoliants: AHA, BHA, PHAChemical exfoliants dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells on, so they shed the way thAntioxidantsAntioxidants neutralise free radicals: the unstable molecules generated by UV exposure anSurfactantsSurfactants are what make cleansers clean: molecules that grab oil on one end and water o

The BYOUT Library is educational content, not personalised medical advice. For persistent or severe skin concerns, a dermatologist beats any article, including ours.