The 9 ingredients that help
| Ingredient | Strength | Irritation | When | Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakuchiol | 0.5% – 2% | AM/PM | Ask | |
| Ferulic Acid | 0.5% | AM | Safe | |
| Peptides | varies | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Copper Peptides | 0.1% – 1% | PM | Ask | |
| Glycolic Acid | 5% – 10% | PM | Safe | |
| Retinal | 0.05% – 0.2% | PM | Avoid | |
| Vitamin C | 10% – 20% | AM | Safe | |
| Retinol | 0.1% – 1% | PM | Avoid | |
| Tretinoin | 0.025% – 0.1% (prescription) | PM | Avoid |
Start here: gentle and effective
Bakuchiol
A plant extract (from babchi seeds) that works like retinol in small studies, with far less dryness and no sun sensitivity. It is milder and slower than a true retinoid.
Ferulic Acid
A plant antioxidant best known for stabilising vitamins C and E. Together the trio roughly doubles photoprotection compared with vitamin C alone.
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids that signal skin to support collagen and repair. They are gentle, a good anti-ageing option for people who cannot tolerate retinoids, and they layer easily.
Copper Peptides
A peptide bound to copper that supports wound-healing, firmness and barrier repair. Copper is reactive, so it does not play well with strong acids or pure vitamin C.
Stronger options (introduce slowly)
Glycolic Acid
The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, so it penetrates deepest. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin and fades marks, but it is the AHA most likely to sting. Use 2–3 nights a week after cleansing. Skip it on nights you use retinoids. Sunscreen is non-negotiable because AHAs raise sun sensitivity.
Retinal
Retinaldehyde is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, so it works faster than retinol while usually being gentler than tretinoin. It also has a mild antibacterial effect useful for acne. Start at 0.05% two or three nights a week and build up slowly. Buffer with moisturiser if you are sensitive, and wear SPF daily.
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that brightens dull skin, fades dark spots and boosts your sunscreen's protection against free radicals. Pure L-ascorbic acid works best at a low pH and oxidises (turns orange) quickly. Apply in the morning on clean skin before moisturiser and sunscreen. Store it away from light and heat, and throw it out once it turns dark orange.
Retinol
The most studied over-the-counter anti-ageing active. Retinol speeds up cell turnover, softens fine lines, fades marks and keeps pores clear, but it can cause dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity while your skin adjusts. Start 2–3 nights a week on dry skin, a pea-sized amount for the whole face, then build up. Always wear sunscreen the next morning.
Combinations that work
Don't layer these together
Frequently asked questions
What is the best skincare ingredient for anti-ageing?
Start with Bakuchiol, Ferulic Acid and Peptides, which are effective and gentle. Stronger options such as Glycolic Acid, Retinal and Vitamin C work faster but irritate more. Introduce them one at a time.
Can I combine ingredients for anti-ageing?
Yes. Proven pairs include Ferulic Acid + Vitamin C and Peptides + Copper Peptides. Avoid layering Peptides with Glycolic Acid and Copper Peptides with Glycolic Acid in the same routine.
Which anti-ageing ingredients are pregnancy-safe?
Ferulic Acid, Peptides, Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C are generally considered safe, but always check with your doctor.