All About Ingredients: Understanding Skin Care Formulations
In professional skin care, understanding the science behind ingredients—and the role each one plays in a formula—is key to selecting the most effective products for specific skin concerns. Learning the fundamentals of cosmetic formulations empowers both professionals and clients to build personalized treatment plans and homecare routines that truly support skin health.
Active Ingredients
Active ingredients are the powerhouse components in skincare formulas. These ingredients deliver targeted benefits to the skin, addressing specific concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, and dehydration.
Examples of active ingredients in Skin Script products include:
- Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
- Salicylic Acid
- Kojic Acid
- Retinoids (Retinol, Retinaldehyde)
- Arbutin
- Peptides
- Kaolin Clay
- Coconut Charcoal Powder
- Advanced Hydrators
Functional Ingredients Functional ingredients enhance the texture, scent, appearance, and overall feel of a product. While they don’t directly treat skin concerns, they support the actives and contribute to a balanced, effective formula.
Examples of functional ingredients in our products include:
- Alcohols (simple and fatty)
- Surfactants
- Essential Oils
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Water
- Fragrance/Parfum
Intentional Formulations at Skin Script
At Skin Script Professional Skin Care, our formulations are created with precision by our product development team. We do not test on animals, and products formulated without animal-derived ingredients are clearly noted. We also use synthetic-derived acids to ensure safety and effectiveness.
One of the key features in our formulations is the use of chirally-correct ingredients. A molecule is chiral if it has a non-superimposable mirror image—like your left and right hands. In skincare, chirally-correcting ingredients means removing the “imperfect” side of a molecule that skin receptors cannot properly absorb. This purification process enhances stability, efficacy, and reduces irritation.
For example, L-Ascorbic Acid is the chirally-correct form of Vitamin C, optimized for better absorption and results.
Skin care formulas rely on the synergy between active and functional ingredients. Even potentially irritating ingredients can become well-tolerated when balanced properly within a formulation. Our goal is to develop products that work in harmony with the skin—supporting both professional treatments and daily homecare.
Full product compositions can be found in the Training & Reference Manual in our Resource Center at www.skinscriptrx.com.
Going Beyond the Label
There are many ingredient-focused resources online, but they often spotlight individual ingredients without considering their role in the overall formula, the concentrations used, or how they interact with other components.
True skin care efficacy comes from expertly developed formulations that are stable, safe, and purposeful—not just from a single ingredient.
For those who want a deeper dive into ingredient knowledge, we recommend the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). Formerly known as the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA), this organization is a trusted, non-biased resource representing over 90% of the U.S. beauty industry. It’s an excellent reference for skincare professionals and ingredient-conscious clients alike.
References
- Jain, P. (2024, June 27). The science behind skincare: Understanding the ingredients. SPARSH Hospital.https://www.sparshhospital.com/blog/the-science-behind-skincare-understanding-the-ingredients/
- Clinic, C. (2025, February 10). Understanding popular skin care ingredients. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/skin-care-ingredients-explained
- The Personal Care Products Council: https://www.personalcarecouncil.org/
- Esau, S. (2022, December 29). Chirality101: Understanding the importance of chirality in skin care. Skin Inc https://www.skininc.com/science/physiology/article/22591843/rhonda-allison-cosmeceuticals-chirality101-understanding-the-importance-of-chirality-in-skin-care
- Bollmann, C. (2024, February 1). The Chirality Revolution: A look at the future of skincare. Medium. https://bareskin99.medium.com/the-chirality-revolution-a-look-at-the-future-of-skincare-6974443a831f
