Serum Ingredients Guide: What Is Inside Each Active Serum

Why this page exists

The ingredient list on a serum bottle is the most honest part of the product. This guide covers every ingredient listed on each of our five Active Serums, in plain language: what it is, what it does in a cosmetic formula, and who should be careful with it. If a claim sounds bigger than the science, this page says so.

Ingredient lists below match the labels on the bottles we ship today. The full ingredient list is also printed on every bottle you receive.

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is our lightweight hydration serum. Its label lists:

  • Sodium Hyaluronate the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a humectant, meaning it attracts water to the surface of the skin, so skin looks plumper and feels smoother. It is one of the most studied moisturizing ingredients in skincare.
  • Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) a conditioning ingredient that supports soft, nourished-feeling skin.
  • Ceramide Combo ceramides are lipids that naturally form part of the skin barrier. Cosmetic formulas use them to support a healthy looking barrier.
  • Vitamin E (Tocopherol) an antioxidant often paired with hydration actives.
  • Caprylic (Caprylic / Capric Triglycerides) a light emollient that gives slip without a greasy finish.
  • Phenoxyethanol the preservative that keeps the formula safe to use. It is standard in leave-on cosmetics at low percentages.

Vitamin C + E + Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Vitamin C + E + Hyaluronic Acid Serum pairs two vitamins with hydration. Its label lists:

  • L-Ascorbic Acid pure vitamin C, an antioxidant used in brightening formulas for the look of even tone. It can tingle on sensitive skin.
  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) a gentler vitamin C derivative used alongside pure vitamin C.
  • Vitamin E (Tocopherol) an antioxidant commonly paired with vitamin C.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate the humectant described above.
  • Ceramide Combo (Caprylic / Capric Triglycerides) barrier-supporting lipids plus a light emollient.
  • Phenoxyethanol the preservative.

Vitamin C+ Brightening Serum

Vitamin C+ Brightening Serum is built for dull, tired-looking skin. Its label lists:

  • B3 (Niacinamide) vitamin B3, a versatile cosmetic ingredient used for the look of even tone and visible pores.
  • MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) the gentler vitamin C derivative.
  • Alpha Arbutin a brightening cosmetic ingredient used for the look of dark spots and uneven tone.
  • Aloe Vera a soothing plant gel used in calming formulas.
  • Beta listed as Beta on our label, as printed on the bottle you receive.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate the humectant described above.

10% Niacinamide Serum

10% Niacinamide Serum is our oily-skin serum. Its label lists:

  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) studied widely in cosmetics. At 10% it is used for the look of visible pores, oil balance and even tone. Higher percentages can sting sensitive skin, which is why patch testing matters.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate the humectant described above, so the serum hydrates while it works on the look of oil and pores.
  • Zinc Oxide a mineral used in skincare as a skin protectant and absorbent.
  • Phenoxyethanol the preservative.

Retinol Serum

Retinol Serum is our night serum. Its label lists:

  • Vitamin A (Retinol) one of the best known cosmetic ingredients for the look of fine lines, wrinkles and texture. It works gradually, it can dry or irritate skin at first, and it belongs in your night routine only.
  • GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) an amino acid used in cosmetics as a conditioning ingredient.
  • Matrixyl a palmitoyl peptide complex used in anti-aging cosmetics for the look of fine lines.
  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) the antioxidant described above.
  • Vitamin E (Tocopherol) the antioxidant described above.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate the humectant described above.
  • Phenoxyethanol the preservative.

Rules that apply to every serum

  • Patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours before first full use.
  • Sunscreen every morning. This matters especially with vitamin C and retinol.
  • Do not mix retinol and vitamin C in the same routine. Vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night.
  • Retinol is not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and not for children. If you use prescription skin medicine, ask your doctor before adding any active serum.
  • Stop if irritation persists and see a doctor or dermatologist.

These are cosmetic products, not medicines. They do not treat or cure any skin condition. Skincare results vary from person to person.

How to build a routine around them

The Active Serums collection has a full guide on layering and choosing a first serum. For supplements, see our separate ingredient guide for Active Detox, which covers the tablet formula, not the serums.

Learn more: Active Serums, Research Library, About Clinicaly and Contact.

This page shares general information only, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. If you have a skin concern or a condition like acne or pigmentation, please consult a doctor or dermatologist before trying any new product.