Look up a cosmetic active
By common name or INCI name. If it is not in the curated catalogue, the AI writes the record.
The full catalogue (46 actives)
What would you like to work on?
20 skin concerns with first-choice actives, what supports them, what to avoid, an example routine and product examples.
Build your routine with AI
Tell us about your skin and the AI will build a morning and night routine with real products.
Check an INCI list with AI
Paste a product's ingredient list (comma separated) and the AI sorts out the actives, the flags, a score, how comedogenic it is, and alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Which actives can I combine, and which not?
Safe pairings: niacinamide with almost everything, hyaluronic acid with everything, peptides with most things. AVOID in the same routine: retinol with acidic vitamin C, retinol with AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide with retinol, copper peptides with vitamin C or AHAs. If in doubt use the AI routine builder, which handles this for you.
How do I choose the right SPF?
SPF 50+ every day, all year round, whatever the weather. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) for sensitive, rosacea-prone or atopic skin, in pregnancy and for children. Modern chemical filters (Tinosorb, Mexoryl) are photostable and broad spectrum for everyone else. Reapply every 2 h in the sun.
Which actives are off limits in pregnancy?
Retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, retinyl palmitate, adapalene and the other retinoids. Hydroquinone. Oral tranexamic acid. High-strength topical salicylic acid (peels) and oral salicylates. Allowed: niacinamide, azelaic acid (the gold standard for pigmentation in pregnancy), stable vitamin C (THD), peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, mineral SPF and bakuchiol.
Does the AI replace a dermatologist?
No. It builds guidance-only cosmetic routines from real over-the-counter products and reads INCI lists. But with moderate to severe acne, established scarring, stubborn melasma or anything needing a prescription (tretinoin, oral isotretinoin, hydroquinone, antibiotics), you need to see a dermatologist.
How do I start retinol without wrecking my skin?
Start low (retinol 0.1-0.3% or retinaldehyde 0.05%). Use it at night only, 2-3 times a week, on completely dry skin. Build up gradually to daily. Moisturise well (ceramides, niacinamide) and SPF 50 is non-negotiable during the day. If it stings, apply moisturiser and wait 20 minutes first.