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Evidence-based skincare

Plain-language explainers, each grounded in the study behind the claim. We cite our sources and stick to what the research actually measured.

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Shine, clogged pores, and texture — the few ingredients with data, and the look-alike (fungal) breakouts worth ruling out.

Oily-skin routine templates Fungal acne check Salicylic acid Niacinamide

Skin concerns
Fungal acne isn't acne — and that's why your acne routine isn't working
Those small, itchy, uniform bumps that won't quit? They might be Malassezia, a yeast — not bacterial acne.
June 15, 20262 min readUpdated Jun 2026
Actives
Niacinamide, by the evidence
A vitamin-B3 derivative that's in everything. Here's what a controlled trial actually measured.
June 10, 20261 min readUpdated Jun 2026
Actives
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, 20262 min readUpdated Jun 2026