--- title: "Ingredients — School of Dermatology" description: "Deep dives into the active ingredients that actually make a difference in your skincare routine. We break down the science, debunk the marketing hype, and tell you what really works." lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Articles", "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/articles" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Ingredients", "item": "https://schoolofdermatology.com/topics/ingredients" } ] } --- [![School of Dermatology](/assets/logo-AGZDufdq.svg)](/) Articles [Skin Types](/skin-types) Tools [Glossary](/glossary) # Ingredients Deep dives into the active ingredients that actually make a difference in your skincare routine. We break down the science, debunk the marketing hype, and tell you what really works. [Home](/)/ [Articles](/articles)/ Ingredients [ ![The Difference Between Retinol and Retinoid: Why It Actually Matters](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1617897903246-719242758050?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Ingredients ### The Difference Between Retinol and Retinoid: Why It Actually Matters These two terms are used interchangeably, but they sit at very different points on the potency spectrum. Here's why the distinction matters for your skin. Jamie Reeves · 9 min read ](/articles/ingredients/retinol-vs-retinoid-difference)[ ![What Percentage of Retinol Should a Beginner Start With?](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1617897903246-719242758050?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Ingredients ### What Percentage of Retinol Should a Beginner Start With? Higher concentration doesn't mean faster results. Here's the evidence-based guide to choosing the right retinol strength for your first time. Jamie Reeves · 8 min read ](/articles/ingredients/what-percentage-retinol-beginners)[ ![How to Layer Skincare Products in the Right Order](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1571781926291-c477ebfd024b?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Ingredients ### How to Layer Skincare Products in the Right Order The order you apply your skincare products matters as much as the products themselves. Here's the evidence-based guide to layering correctly. Jamie Reeves · 9 min read ](/articles/ingredients/how-to-layer-skincare-products)[ ![Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1576086213369-97a306d36557?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Ingredients ### Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together? The internet insists these two ingredients don't mix. The science says otherwise. Here's why you can — and probably should — use niacinamide and vitamin C together. Jamie Reeves · 8 min read ](/articles/ingredients/niacinamide-and-vitamin-c-together)[ ![Peptides 101: Do They Actually Do Anything](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611080626919-7cf5a9dbab5b?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Ingredients ### Peptides 101: Do They Actually Do Anything Peptides are everywhere in skincare marketing, but the evidence is more nuanced than the product claims suggest. Let's break it down. Jamie Reeves · 8 min read ](/articles/ingredients/peptides-101-do-they-work)[ ![Vitamin C Serums: Why Stability Matters More Than Concentration](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608248543803-ba4f8c70ae0b?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Ingredients ### Vitamin C Serums: Why Stability Matters More Than Concentration A 20% vitamin C serum that has oxidized on your shelf is worth less than a properly stabilized 10% formula. Here's what you need to know. Jamie Reeves · 8 min read ](/articles/ingredients/vitamin-c-serums-stability-matters)[ ![AHAs vs BHAs: Which Acid Is Right for Your Skin](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1596755389378-c31d21fd1273?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Ingredients ### AHAs vs BHAs: Which Acid Is Right for Your Skin Chemical exfoliation is one of the most effective steps you can add to your routine — but choosing the wrong acid for your skin type can do more harm than good. Jamie Reeves · 8 min read ](/articles/ingredients/ahas-vs-bhas-which-acid)[ ![Niacinamide: The Overachiever Ingredient That Does Everything](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1620916566398-39f1143ab7be?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&q=80&fm=webp) Ingredients ### Niacinamide: The Overachiever Ingredient That Does Everything Niacinamide is one of the few ingredients that genuinely does almost everything it claims. Here's the evidence behind the hype. Jamie Reeves · 8 min read ](/articles/ingredients/niacinamide-overachiever-ingredient)[ ![How Retinol Actually Works (And Why Most People Use It Wrong)](/assets/retinol-hero-brmhCd6T.webp) Ingredients ### How Retinol Actually Works (And Why Most People Use It Wrong) Retinol is the most studied anti-aging ingredient in dermatology. But most people either use it wrong or give up too soon. Here's what the science actually says. Jamie Reeves · 9 min read ](/articles/ingredients/how-retinol-actually-works) #### Ingredients - [Browse All](/topics/ingredients) #### Treatments - [Browse All](/topics/treatments) #### Skin Concerns - [Browse All](/topics/skin-concerns) #### Light Therapy - [Browse All](/topics/light-therapy) #### Skin Care - [Browse All](/topics/skin-care) #### Hair Care - [Browse All](/topics/hair-care) #### Resources - [Skincare Glossary](/glossary) - [All Articles](/articles) - [Contact Us](/contact) © 2026 School of Dermatology. All rights reserved. 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