Ingredients
Read a label like a dermatologist.
Plain-language guides to the ingredients that matter, with a doctor’s view of who they suit, what to combine them with, and when to be careful.
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Featured ingredients
The ingredients that do the heavy lifting
Sunscreen filters
Protect against UV damage, the main driver of pigmentation and ageing.
Doctor’s note: for melasma, tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides also help block visible light.
Retinoids
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover and support collagen.
Doctor’s note: start slowly to limit irritation; avoid in pregnancy.
Azelaic acid
Calms inflammation and helps acne, rosacea and dark marks.
Doctor’s note: often well tolerated and a useful option during pregnancy, with your doctor’s advice.
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3: supports the skin barrier and helps uneven tone and oil.
Doctor’s note: gentle and widely suitable, but not a stand-alone treatment for melasma.
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that supports brightness and sun protection.
Doctor’s note: some forms oxidise quickly; store well and use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Tranexamic acid
Used in creams, and as a prescribed tablet, for melasma.
Doctor’s note: tablets are a prescription medicine with medical precautions; never take them without a doctor.
The Ingredient Decoder is now live in beta, with 72 ingredient groups. Every entry is written for, and reviewed by, a doctor.
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Content on La Dermatique is for education only and does not replace a personal consultation with a qualified doctor. Read our medical disclaimer.