{"id":1327,"date":"2021-09-06T23:27:25","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T23:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/blog\/?p=1327"},"modified":"2021-09-08T18:26:23","modified_gmt":"2021-09-08T18:26:23","slug":"what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an Active Ingredient in Skincare?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cActive ingredient\u201d is one of those buzzy skincare terms that sounds important, but the actual definition of an active ingredient often feels unclear. Is it the first ingredient listed? Is it the ingredient that goes after a specific skin issue?&nbsp; A number of skincare products are considered to be over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the FDA, and as such have a \u201cDrugs Facts\u2019 box on the carton which lists active ingredients with their purpose along with all inactive ingredients.&nbsp; It can be very confusing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-approvals-and-databases\/drugsfda-glossary-terms#:~:text=An%20active%20ingredient%20is%20any,body%20of%20man%20or%20animals.\">According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/a>, an active ingredient is \u201cany component that provides pharmacological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or animals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In other words, it\u2019s any ingredient that is biologically active, whether that means it\u2019s in a medication, pesticide, or natural product. Many seek out these ingredients to see if they can possibly help target specific concerns, such as a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/blog\/pro-tips\/damaged-skin-barrier\/\" target=\"_blank\">damaged skin barrier<\/a> or to help <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/shop\/r-f-lash-boost\/p\/ENHLSH01\" target=\"_blank\">lashes grow<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FDA maintains a list of these active ingredients known as the OTC drug monograph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what does an active ingredient mean from a purely skincare and consumer perspective? We asked dermatologists\u2014here\u2019s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare\/#What_is_an_active_ingredient\" >What is an active ingredient?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare\/#Active_vs_inactive_ingredients_in_skincare\" >Active vs inactive ingredients in skincare<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare\/#Common_active_ingredients_in_skincare\" >Common active ingredients in skincare<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare\/#Are_active_ingredients_in_skincare_required_for_effectiveness\" >Are active ingredients in skincare required for effectiveness?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/en-us\/blog\/science-of-skincare\/what-is-an-active-ingredient-in-skincare\/#Sources\" >Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_an_active_ingredient\"><\/span>What is an active ingredient?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to cosmetic dermatologist <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michelegreenmd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Dr. Michele Green, MD<\/a>, an active ingredient in skincare is defined as a clinically studied, FDA-approved ingredient that serves a specific skincare purpose that it is tailored to target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you are looking for a product to treat acne, for example, you would choose one containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid because these active ingredients have been comprehensively researched and thoroughly proven to clear acne breakouts,\u201d she explains.&nbsp; These ingredients will be clearly listed in the Drugs Fact box on the carton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Active_vs_inactive_ingredients_in_skincare\"><\/span>Active vs inactive ingredients in skincare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cInactive ingredient\u201d is another skincare term, and it\u2019s more mystifying than the term \u201cactive ingredient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Essentially,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-approvals-and-databases\/inactive-ingredients-approved-drug-products-search-frequently-asked-questions\"> an inactive ingredient<\/a> is any ingredient in a medication or other product that is not an active ingredient. An inactive ingredient can only be used to support cosmetic claims, whereas an active ingredient is related to treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surely if an ingredient is inactive, it\u2019s not important, right? Actually, that\u2019s not the case at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Deborah Spey, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Livingston, NJ, explains the difference between active and inactive ingredients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn contrast to active ingredients, inactive ingredients, also known as excipients, are substances that do not have any direct therapeutic effect,\u201d she says. \u201cWhile pharmacologically inert, inactive ingredients serve a variety of important functions in skin care products. They include vehicles, binding agents, buffers, fillers, lathering agents, stabilizers, preservatives, texture enhancers and fragrances.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, while inactive ingredients may not be directly \u201csolving\u201d your skincare issue the way benzoyl peroxide works to stop the cycle of acne, they still serve an important purpose in skincare products. As Dr. Green puts it, \u201cThe active ingredient is what will deliver the promised outcome of a skincare product and the inactive ingredients are the means by which the active ingredient is delivered.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When thinking about active vs. inactive ingredients, it\u2019s also important to understand the difference between cosmetic and drug claims. As the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/cosmetics\/cosmetics-laws-regulations\/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap#Definecosmetic\">FDA website explains it<\/a>, a cosmetic is defined by their intended use as \u201carticles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body \u2026 for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A drug, on the other hand, is defined as something \u201cintended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An example of a drug claim in a skincare product is \u201ctreatment of acne,\u201d whereas a cosmetic claim is \u201chydrates or brightens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_active_ingredients_in_skincare\"><\/span>Common active ingredients in skincare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Dr. Spey, the active ingredients we encounter the most often tend to be the most powerful, too. So, what are some examples of active ingredients?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBe they physical (mineral) blockers or chemical blockers, sunscreens are an important class of powerful active ingredient,\u201d Dr. Spey notes. \u201cLikewise, anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both considered Active Ingredients by the FDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She adds that in the anti-aging category, although there are no ingredients that meet the FDA\u2019s strict definition of \u201cActive\u201d, retinoids are known to be effective at addressing anti-aging concerns along with antioxidants like vitamins C, E and niacinamide (vitamin B3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLikewise, there are also potent exfoliators, including glycolic and lactic acid and humectants and moisturizers, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help the skin absorb and retain moisture, all of which are considered Excipients even though there are clear benefits to using them\u201d Dr. Spey adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Green agrees that Excipients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides improve skin hydration and moisture retention. \u201cAHAs, like glycolic acid and BHAs like salicylic acid, have exfoliating properties that can help promote a youthful, even complexion,\u201d she says. \u201cIn the world of skincare, there is an ingredient to target virtually any skin concern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In summary, products that contain Active Ingredients are available both over the counter and via prescription, and are designed to treat a concern identified by the FDA as a medical concern (such as acne or prevention of sunburn). It\u2019s always a good idea to talk with a dermatologist before trying a new active ingredient, especially if you\u2019re using them as anti-aging agents or <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rodanandfields.com\/concern\/c\/acne-and-breakouts\" target=\"_blank\">acne-fighting products<\/a>. &nbsp;Many skincare products do not contain Active Ingredients because the concerns they target are not considered to \u201cmedical\u201d, but still can provide significant consumer benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_active_ingredients_in_skincare_required_for_effectiveness\"><\/span>Are active ingredients in skincare required for effectiveness?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are active ingredients required for maximum effectiveness in skin care products? The answer, according to Dr. Spey, is yes and no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhile active ingredients are generally considered to be what make a skincare product effective, and higher quantities of higher quality actives make a product more effective (and can justify a higher price point), there are cases where a product without active ingredients on the label could be beneficial,\u201d she explains. \u201cPetroleum jelly, for example, can soften dry lips, and arnica gel has been shown to be effective in soothing pain, swelling and bruising; Neither has active ingredients on their labels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long story short, if you\u2019re looking for a skincare product that you hope will make big changes in your life and skin, in most cases when that concern is \u201cmedical\u201d ie Acne, you\u2019ll be using a product with an active ingredient in it. But don\u2019t fully rule out skincare products without active ingredients in them, because those can be very effective, too. If you ever feel unsure about which skincare products you should be using, it\u2019s always a good idea to consult your dermatologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources\"><\/span>Sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-approvals-and-databases\/drugsfda-glossary-terms\">Drugs@FDA Glossary of Terms.<\/a>\u201d <em>U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/em> Accessed 7\/23\/2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-approvals-and-databases\/inactive-ingredients-approved-drug-products-search-frequently-asked-questions\">Inactive Ingredients in Approved Drug Products Search: Frequently Asked Questions<\/a>\u201d. <em>U.S. Food and Drug Administration. <\/em>Accessed 8\/5\/2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michelegreenmd.com\/\">Dr. Michelle Green, MD<\/a>, a cosmetic dermatologist and chief resident in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIs It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both (or Is It Soap?).\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/cosmetics\/cosmetics-laws-regulations\/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap#Definecosmetic\"><em>U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schweigerderm.com\/providers\/deborah-r-spey-m-d\/\">Dr. Deborah Spey, MD<\/a>, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Livingston, NJ<br><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What exactly are active ingredients in skincare and what do you need to know about them? Discover all you need to know in our comprehensive guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[67,55],"class_list":["post-1327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-science-of-skincare","tag-skin-barrier-damage-repair","tag-skincare-routine"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is an Active Ingredient in Skincare? - The Skincare Source<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What exactly are active ingredients in skincare and what do you need to know about them? 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