If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’ve also read the words “active” and “inactive” on your skincare products before. The skincare industry is full of terminology that can overcomplicate what are usually very simple concepts (remember our post about the retinol controversy?).
That’s why we love clean skincare─it’s all about simplicity. Put simply, active and inactive ingredients work together to improve your skin’s health. Adding these terms to your skincare lexicon can help you make informed choices about your wellness routine.
Understanding Active vs. Inactive Skincare Ingredients
A skincare ingredient can be considered active if its effects are directly causing the results that the product promises. As the term implies, they are actively working with your skin to deliver results. By learning about different active ingredients and how they target your unique needs, you can shop for skincare products with laser focus.
If active ingredients are the stars of the show, inactive ingredients are the directors and crew. They work behind the scenes to make sure the active ingredients are able to do their job. Learning about inactive ingredients can cut out a ton of confusion when you’re reading skincare labels. “What is caprylic triglyceride, and why is it in my CLEAN cleanser?” It’s basically just coconut oil, and trust us, it’s only here to help.
Here are some of our favourite all-natural ingredients here at Lake+Main.
Active Ingredients
1. Lavender Essential Oil: Calming and Healing
- Benefits: Derived from lavender plants, it’s a natural antiseptic and can work to prevent breakouts as well as treat scars, inflammation, and skin healing.
- Look for lavender essential oil if you struggle with acne, want to smooth wrinkles, even skin tone, unclog pores or treat breakouts. Honestly, just look for lavender oil, full stop.
If you can’t tell, it’s one of our favourites, which is why it’s a staple ingredient of both GLOW and SMOOTH.
2. Jojoba Oil: Balancing and Nourishing
- Benefits: Native to North America, the jojoba plant produces oil with a similar makeup to our skin, making it easy for us to absorb its benefits. It’s a natural source of Vitamin E, and is known for its ability to keep the skin hydrated.
- Look for jojoba oil if you suffer with dry or oily skin, acne, or even if you’re looking for an extra source of collagen.
Jojoba oil exemplifies what we love about natural active ingredients: versatility. It’s hypoallergenic, and compatible with virtually any skin type. Find it in CONDITION, NOURISH, and GLOW.
Inactive Ingredients: Enhancing Formulation and Stability
1. Fractionated Coconut Oil: Lightweight Moisturizer
- Role: Also known as caprylic triglyceride, this oil acts as a carrier which helps distribute active ingredients, while also working as a non-greasy moisturizer.
- Why it’s used in LAKE+MAIN products: It’s lightweight, easily absorbed, and non-comedogenic (it won’t clog your pores).
2. Vegetable Glycerin: Hydrator
- Role: This oil-like carrier spreads the benefits of active ingredients without clogging your pores. It also has its own benefits, such as improving skin smoothness.
- Why it’s used in LAKE+MAIN products: It’s safe for all skin types and helps to maintain your skin’s moisture balance.
Choosing Natural and Effective Skincare
Understanding active and inactive ingredients helps you make better skincare choices. At LAKE+MAIN, we prioritize natural, non-toxic components that are chosen with care. Explore our products to experience the power of thoughtfully chosen ingredients for healthier, radiant skin.
