The Skincare Ingredient Breakdown: What They Do + Where to Find Them

When it comes to skincare, the ingredient list is where the magic happens. At SkinCoLAB, we’re all about helping you understand why something works, not just handing you a product and hoping for the best. Think of this as your crash course in the most powerful (and sometimes buzzy) ingredients—plus, the products we trust from our curated skincare selection in downtown Ada.

Hydrators + Barrier Boosters

• Hyaluronic Acid – The ultimate hydration magnet. It pulls water into the skin, leaving it plump and dewy.

  Find it in: SkinBetter Science Hydration Boosting Cream and Alastin HA Immerse Serum for that long-lasting “glow from within.”

  
  

• Polyglutamic Acid – Think of this as hyaluronic acid’s overachieving cousin. It holds even more water and helps skin stay bouncy.

  Find it in: SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment.

  
  

• Squalane – Lightweight but deeply moisturizing, squalane supports the skin barrier without feeling greasy.

  Find it in: SCL top selling products, SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment, Alastin Restorative Skin Complex and Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar.

  
  

• Ceramides – These are the “mortar” between your skin cells. They lock in moisture and keep your barrier strong.

  Find it in: SkinBetter Science Trio and SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.

  
  

Anti-Aging + Regeneration

• Retinol/Retinoids – The gold standard for smoothing fine lines, boosting cell turnover, and brightening.

Find it in: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream—a client favorite for results without the typical retinol irritation.

• Peptides – These tiny protein fragments are like messengers, signaling your skin to produce more collagen and elastin.

  Find it in: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex, designed to firm and support aging skin.

  
  

• Salmon DNA / PDRN (Nucleotides) – A medspa innovation for repair and regeneration at the cellular level. While not in retail skincare yet, you’ll see this powerhouse in our skin therapy, The SkinCoLAB Repair Ritual.

  
  

Brightening + Evening Skin Tone

• Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) – A daily essential for protecting against environmental stressors and brightening dull skin.

Find it in: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, the industry gold standard antioxidant serum and SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Reapir Serum.

• Niacinamide – Calming, barrier-boosting, and brightening all at once.

  Find it in: SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum.

  
  

• Tranexamic Acid – Fades stubborn dark spots and improves uneven tone.

  Find it in: SkinBetter Science Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum, a favorite for targeting pigmentation.

  
  

• Azelaic Acid – Perfect for calming rosacea, tackling breakouts, and evening skin tone.

  Find it in: Anfisa An-Dew and Sorella Facial in a Bottle, wonderful alternative to retinol.

  
  

• Glutathione – A strong antioxidant that helps with brightening and protecting skin against oxidative stress. You’ll most often see this as part of professional treatments for that extra boost.

  Find it in: Pigment and brightening powerhouse SkinBetter Science Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum

Exfoliation + Clarity

• Salicylic Acid (BHA) – Oil-loving exfoliant that unclogs pores and calms breakouts.

  Find it in: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum is a game changer for acne-prone skin. SkinCoLAB’s No Filter Pads also incluce this acid to help with clogged pores, great for teens! In store only!

  
  

• Glycolic & Lactic Acid (AHAs) – Resurfacing acids that smooth rough texture and bring back radiance.

  Find it in: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads for chemical exfoliation.

  
  

• Bakuchiol – A gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol. Ideal for sensitive skin types who still want those anti-aging benefits.

  Find it in: Alastin Renewal Retinol, which pairs retinol with soothing botanicals (and bakuchiol is starting to pop up in more formulations).

Calming + Repair

• Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) – Naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, it’s incredible for calming redness, irritation, or post-workout.

  Find it in: Keep your Elasco Spray in your bag after the gym or in teen lockers to tackle acne throughout the school day. In store only!

Your products are only as good as the ingredients inside them—and the right mix can completely change your skin. At SkinCoLAB, we love pairing professional treatments with proven at-home care from SkinBetter Science, Alastin, Anfisa, and SkinCeuticals and more so your results last longer and your skin stays healthier.

Ready to find the right mix of ingredients for your skin? Book a consultation with us and let’s create a plan that’s just right for you.

Why Choose SkinCoLAB?

SkinCoLAB is proud to be recognized as one of the leading aesthetic clinics in Grand Rapids. Our clients trust us not only for natural, beautiful results but also for the personalized care we provide every step of the way. From affordable Botox to advanced treatments like BBL Laser and microneedling, our expert team creates customized plans that align with your lifestyle and goals. At SkinCoLAB, we believe in approachable luxury and elevated care in a welcoming space. Visit us in the heart of downtown Ada and experience the difference.

Skin|CoLAB

616.450.1562

info@skincolab.com

Mon-Fri 9-5 + Sat 9-12

460 Ada Dr SE Suite 140, Ada, MI 49301