Reference
Ingredients, plainly.
Each product page carries the full ingredient list where the brand publishes one, shown as written. We do not write or edit these lists ourselves — if something is missing, ask and we will get it from the brand.
Common actives, and what they do
General reference for reading cosmetic labels. These are typical ranges used across the industry — they are not values for any specific product here. What is actually in a product is on its own page and on its packaging.
| Ingredient | Often seen at | Generally used for |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide | 2–10% | Tone, oil balance, barrier support |
| Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid / THD ascorbate) | 5–20% | Brightening, antioxidant |
| Hyaluronic acid & sodium hyaluronate | 0.1–2% | Holding water in the upper skin |
| Glycerin | 2–10% | Humectant; the workhorse of most moisturisers |
| Ceramides | 0.5–2% | Barrier lipids |
| Retinol / retinal | 0.01–0.1% | Turnover, fine lines — introduce slowly |
| Salicylic acid | 0.5–2% | Congestion, blackheads |
| Panthenol (provitamin B5) | 1–5% | Soothing |
| Dimethicone | 1–10% | Silicone; smooths and reduces water loss |
| Phenoxyethanol | 0.5–1% | Preservative — keeps a product from spoiling |
Percentages are indicative only and vary by formula and region. Nothing here is medical advice.
How to read an ingredient list
- They are ordered by amount. Everything above the preservative is a meaningful part of the formula; anything after it is usually a trace.
- Be sceptical of a hero ingredient near the bottom. A "vitamin C serum" listing ascorbic acid after the fragrance is mostly not vitamin C.
- "Parfum" or "fragrance" is the usual culprit if a product makes your skin sting, and it can sit behind that single word.
- Patch test anything new. Inner arm, three nights, before it goes near your face.
If a list is missing
Not every brand publishes a full INCI list, and we will not invent one to fill the space. If you need the ingredients for something before buying, email noor@nzsbeauty.com and we will ask the brand directly.
Pregnant or breastfeeding, or using a prescription retinoid or acid? Check with your doctor before adding an active. Where a product page flags a warning, take it seriously.