Performance ingredients are the ingredients in cosmetic products that cause actual changes in the appearance of the skin. They are the ingredients that are responsible for the product’s claims, such as anti-aging, acne-fighting, or moisturizing. Performance ingredients can be natural or synthetic, and they can be derived from plants, animals, or minerals.
Here are some of the most common performance ingredients:
Performance or active ingredients are all the components that are intended to deliver the promised results of skincare products. A product can contain multiple performance ingredients. Here is a sample of some of the popular performance ingredients.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues. Antioxidants can help to neutralize free radicals, which can help to prevent premature aging and other skin problems.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that helps to keep the skin hydrated. It attracts water to the skin and helps to keep it feeling soft and smooth.
- Retinol: Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, wrinkles, and age spots. Retinol works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating the production of collagen.
- Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is used to exfoliate the skin. It helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal the brighter, smoother skin underneath.
- Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is used to treat acne. It helps to dissolve oil and dirt that can clog pores, which can lead to acne breakouts.
- Exfoliants: Exfoliants promote the removal of dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more radiant skin. Examples include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic and lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid.
- Skin-lightening agents: These ingredients help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Common skin-lightening agents include hydroquinone, kojic acid, and niacinamide.
- Peptides: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote skin firmness. Examples include Matrixyl, Argireline, and copper peptides.
- Retinoids: Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, can increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol, retinaldehyde, and prescription-strength tretinoin are examples of retinoids.
- Hydrators: Hydrating ingredients help to replenish and maintain the skin’s moisture levels, promoting a plump, healthy appearance. Examples include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin.
Most skincare and beauty products consist of one or more performance or active ingredients, along with a relatively lengthy list of functional ingredients. Clients can have allergies or react unexpectedly to both performance and functional ingredients, so it’s crucial to always perform a patch test and monitor before using any products for the first time or on a new client. In most cases, when a client experiences an allergy or issue with a product, it’s due to a single ingredient, which may also be present in other products.