Ingredient guide

Know what to add and skip — prevent reactions before they happen

Get clear guidance on which ingredients work for your skin and which combinations to avoid. No more guessing or irritation.

Ingredient guidance includes:

  • Safe combinations tailored to your skin
  • Conflict warnings before you apply
  • When to use each ingredient (AM vs PM)
Privacy-first Science-backed Real-time warnings

Common ingredient conflicts

Not everything plays well together. Here's what to watch.

Retinol + AHAs/BHAs

Both exfoliate. Using together risks irritation. Alternate nights instead.

Vitamin C + Benzoyl Peroxide

They can deactivate each other. Use vitamin C in AM, benzoyl peroxide in PM.

Multiple Actives

Layering too many strong actives = irritation. Start with one and build slowly.

Ingredients that work together

Some combinations enhance results. We help you find the right pairings for your skin.

Power combinations

Certain ingredients boost each other's effectiveness. Niacinamide + hyaluronic acid = hydration boost. Vitamin C + vitamin E + ferulic acid = enhanced protection.

  • Niacinamide pairs with almost everything
  • Hyaluronic acid amplifies hydration
  • Peptides work well with most actives
AM/PM routine with proper ingredient timing

Personalized to your skin

Not every ingredient works for every skin type. We analyze your scan and recommend ingredients that match your specific concerns.

  • Oily skin: niacinamide, salicylic acid
  • Dry skin: hyaluronic acid, ceramides
  • Sensitive skin: centella, aloe, peptides
AI skin analysis for personalized ingredient recommendations

How ingredient guidance works

Scan your products, get instant feedback.

Scan product labels

Point your camera at the ingredient list. We extract and analyze automatically.

Get conflict warnings

Before you layer products, we'll flag combinations that might cause issues.

Learn what to add

Based on your skin goals, we suggest ingredients that could help — not just products.

More ways skncoach helps

Explore all the features designed to simplify your skincare journey.

Common questions

Ingredient questions, answered simply.

Can I use retinol with vitamin C?
They work best at different times. Use vitamin C in the morning (boosts sun protection) and retinol at night (makes skin sun-sensitive). Using together can cause irritation for some.
What ingredients should not be mixed?
Common conflicts: retinol + AHAs/BHAs (alternate nights), vitamin C + benzoyl peroxide (cancel each other), multiple strong actives together (irritation risk). We flag these automatically.
How do I know if an ingredient is right for my skin?
skncoach analyzes your skin type and matches ingredients. Niacinamide works for most, while retinol needs gradual introduction for sensitive skin. We personalize based on your scan.
Is niacinamide safe for everyone?
Yes, niacinamide is one of the gentlest and most versatile actives. It works for oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin. It pairs well with almost everything except direct vitamin C (use at different times for best results).
What order should I apply skincare products?
Apply products from thinnest to thickest: cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, then SPF. Water-based actives go before oil-based. We show you the exact order based on your products.

Get your ingredient guide

Personalized recommendations for your skin type. Start free.