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Actives.
Evidence-based actives articles — every claim cites the study behind it.
Niacinamide percentages: why more isn't better
The famous niacinamide trial used 5%. The oil-control study used 2%. Almost nothing tests above 5% — so why do serums advertise 10% and 20%?
June 27, 2026·5 min read
Retinol vs retinal vs adapalene: choosing your first retinoid
Three over-the-counter vitamin-A options, three different jobs. A plain map of the retinoid ladder so your first one isn't your last.
June 26, 2026·5 min read
Starting retinoids without wrecking your face
The most-proven active in skincare is also the most-quit. A low-drama onboarding plan: dose, frequency, buffering, and what week three is supposed to feel like.
June 21, 2026·4 min read
Bakuchiol vs. retinol: does the "natural retinol" hold up?
Bakuchiol gets sold as a gentler retinol. One head-to-head trial actually put them side by side.
June 16, 2026·2 min read
AHAs: what acid exfoliants actually do to skin
Glycolic, lactic, mandelic — the alpha-hydroxy acids. A six-month study found they do more than slough the surface.
June 13, 2026·2 min read
Vitamin C: the antioxidant claim, and the trial behind it
L-ascorbic acid is the most-hyped antioxidant in skincare. A six-month placebo-controlled study is where the smoothing claims come from.
June 12, 2026·2 min read
Retinoids: the most-studied anti-ager, and what "tretinoin" actually proved
Retinol, retinal, tretinoin — the vitamin-A family is the closest thing skincare has to a sure thing. Here's the trial that started it.
June 11, 2026·2 min read
Niacinamide, by the evidence
A vitamin-B3 derivative that's in everything. Here's what a controlled trial actually measured.
June 10, 2026·1 min read