01
Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin)
Benefits
Anti-aging, acne, cell turnover
Best for
Acne, fine lines, uneven texture
How to use
Start 2–3x per week at night, build tolerance gradually
Quiet tip
Use sunscreen daily. Initial purging is normal.
/ Ingredients
The active list,
explained gently.
The ten ingredients that do most of the heavy lifting in modern skincare, what they do, who they suit, and what they fight with.
02
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Benefits
Oil control, pore minimizing, brightening
Best for
Oily skin, large pores, hyperpigmentation
How to use
AM and/or PM, daily
Quiet tip
Plays nicely with almost anything. Generally well-tolerated.
03
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Benefits
Exfoliation, pore cleansing, acne prevention
Best for
Oily skin, blackheads, acne
How to use
1–2x daily in cleanser or treatment
Quiet tip
Oil-soluble, penetrates pores. Start slowly to avoid irritation.
04
Hyaluronic Acid
Benefits
Hydration, plumping, moisture retention
Best for
All skin types, dehydration
How to use
Apply to damp skin, AM and PM
Quiet tip
Holds 1000x its weight in water. Layer under moisturizer.
05
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Benefits
Brightening, antioxidant, collagen production
Best for
Dull skin, dark spots, sun damage
How to use
Morning, before sunscreen
Quiet tip
Store in dark, cool place. Pairs with vitamin E for stability.
06
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Benefits
Exfoliation, texture, brightening
Best for
Dry skin, dullness, hyperpigmentation
How to use
2–3x weekly, evening
Quiet tip
Water-soluble surface exfoliant. Always SPF the next day.
07
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benefits
Kills acne bacteria, anti-inflammatory
Best for
Active acne, inflammatory breakouts
How to use
Start at 2.5%, spot or all-over
Quiet tip
Bleaches fabrics. Pair with moisturizer.
08
Ceramides
Benefits
Barrier repair, moisture retention
Best for
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
How to use
Daily in moisturizer
Quiet tip
Essential lipids. Safe for all skin types.
09
Peptides
Benefits
Collagen support, firming, anti-aging
Best for
Mature skin, fine lines
How to use
Daily in serums or moisturizer
Quiet tip
Pair beautifully with retinoids and vitamin C.
10
Azelaic Acid
Benefits
Acne, brightening, rosacea
Best for
Acne, hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin
How to use
1–2x daily
Quiet tip
Gentle yet effective. A great retinoid alternative.
/ Layering
Order matters. Combinations matter more.
Order of application
- 01Cleanser
- 02Toner / essence
- 03Serums (thinnest first)
- 04Eye cream
- 05Moisturizer
- 06SPF (AM only)
Combinations to avoid
- ×Retinoids + Vitamin C, split AM/PM
- ×AHAs/BHAs + Retinoids, alternate nights
- ×Benzoyl Peroxide + Vitamin C, oxidizes
Power pairings
- +Vitamin C + E + Ferulic, antioxidant bomb
- +Niacinamide + Hyaluronic, hydration & oil control
- +Retinoids + Peptides, anti-aging duo
/ From your kitchen
Natural treatments, built into the app.
Pimpl ships with dozens of mask recipes you can mix from things already in your fridge.
Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory
Avocado
Deep hydration
Vitamin C
Brightening
Berry extracts
Exfoliation
Pumpkin enzymes
Gentle exfoliation
Coffee
Antioxidants
Sea salt
Deep cleansing
Honey
Antibacterial
/ Quick answers
Ingredient FAQs.
What is the most effective skincare ingredient?
Tretinoin (a prescription retinoid) has more clinical evidence than any other skincare ingredient — over five decades of studies. For OTC, retinol, niacinamide, and azelaic acid have the strongest evidence. Sunscreen is technically the highest-leverage ingredient because it prevents the damage everything else has to repair.
Can I use vitamin C and retinol together?
Yes, but ideally separated by time of day. Use vitamin C in the morning (when its antioxidant protection is most useful against UV) and retinol at night. Some people tolerate them in the same routine separated by a moisturizer, but split usage avoids irritation and gives each active optimal pH conditions.
What ingredients should I never mix?
Avoid combining: retinoids + AHAs/BHAs in the same routine (over-exfoliation), retinoids + benzoyl peroxide (BPO can deactivate older retinoids like tretinoin), and L-ascorbic acid vitamin C + niacinamide at the same pH (can cause flushing in some people, though modern formulations have largely solved this).
How long do skincare ingredients take to show results?
Hyaluronic acid and humectants show immediate hydration. Niacinamide shows results in 2 to 4 weeks. Salicylic acid and BHA show acne improvement in 4 to 8 weeks. Retinoids show acne improvement at 8 to 12 weeks and anti-aging effects at 6 to 12 months. Vitamin C shows brightness in 4 to 8 weeks.
Are natural skincare ingredients better than synthetic ones?
No. "Natural" does not mean safer or more effective. Many synthetic actives (retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid) are more rigorously tested and standardized than natural extracts. Both categories include effective and ineffective ingredients. Judge by clinical evidence, not by origin.