How do I find the right skincare guide for my skin?

Start with what is bothering you most. If you have a specific concern like blemishes, visible redness, dullness or fine lines, use the guides grouped by concern. If you already know which ingredient you want to understand, browse the guides by ingredient. You can also explore our full ingredient breakdowns on Ingredients Explained

What order should I apply my skincare in?

As a general rule, go from thinnest to thickest texture: cleanse first, then apply serums, followed by moisturiser, and finish with SPF in the morning. Our routine guides walk you through where each product fits, so you get the most out of every step. Learn more about how to layer skincare here.

How do I choose products for my skin type?

Focus on your concern rather than a label. For oily or blemish-prone skin, ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide help control excess oil and keep pores clear. For dry or dehydrated skin, hydrators like hyaluronic acid and ectoin draw in and hold moisture. Each guide explains why an ingredient works and who it suits. Learn more about what your skin type is here

Can I use more than one active ingredient at once?

Often yes, but some actives are better separated between your morning and evening routine to keep skin comfortable. Our ingredient guides explain which pairings work well together and which are best used at different times of day, so you can combine products with confidence. Learn more about mixing ingredients correctly

Which ingredients help with blemishes and blocked pores?

Salicylic acid gently exfoliates inside the pore to help clear blackheads and breakouts, while niacinamide helps balance oil and calm the look of redness.

What is the difference between retinol and other anti-ageing ingredients?

Retinol supports skin renewal and helps smooth the look of fine lines and uneven texture over time. Other ingredients, such as peptides and vitamin C, target firmness and brightness in different ways. Our guides explain how each one works so you can decide what fits your goals.

How long before I see results from a new product?

It depends on the ingredient and the concern. Hydration can look and feel improved almost immediately, while ingredients that work on texture, tone or fine lines usually need consistent use over several weeks. Each guide sets realistic expectations so you know what to look for.

Where can I learn more about specific ingredients?

Every ingredient we use is clearly explained. Visit Ingredients Explained for a full breakdown of what each ingredient does, who it suits and how to use it.

HOW OUR INGREDIENTS WORKIngredients Explained UNDERSTAND YOUR SKINSkincare Guides & Advice

Skincare Guides & Advice

Skincare has become complicated. These guides make it simple. Browse clear, science-backed advice by skin concern and topic, so you can understand your skin, choose the right products and build a routine that delivers real results. Clear guidance. Proven ingredients. Real results.

Your skin. Understood.

Take our 2-minute quiz and get a personalised routine built on real ingredients, real science, and zero fluff. Fast. Simple. Actually useful.

Take our skin quiz

Skincare guides, back to basics

Skincare should never feel confusing. These guides strip it all back - explaining what your skin actually needs, which ingredients to reach for and how to use them. No jargon, no hype. Just clear, science-backed advice to help you build a routine that works.

Ingredients Explained

Tranexamic Acid

Whether you're dealing with sun spots, melasma, post-acne marks, or simply want a more radiant, even skin tone, understanding Tranexamic Acid is your first step to brighter skin

Read our guide

Ingredients Explained

Azelaic Acid

Whether you're dealing with persistent redness, post-blemish marks, or a complexion you can't quite calm, understanding azelaic acid could be the turning point your routine has been waiting for

Read our guide

Explore the INKEY blog

Want to learn even more about skincare, ingredients, and routines?

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woman applying oat cleansing balm to her face

No question is too big or small

Frequently Asked Questions

Start with what is bothering you most. If you have a specific concern like blemishes, visible redness, dullness or fine lines, use the guides grouped by concern. If you already know which ingredient you want to understand, browse the guides by ingredient. You can also explore our full ingredient breakdowns on Ingredients Explained
As a general rule, go from thinnest to thickest texture: cleanse first, then apply serums, followed by moisturiser, and finish with SPF in the morning. Our routine guides walk you through where each product fits, so you get the most out of every step. Learn more about how to layer skincare here.
Focus on your concern rather than a label. For oily or blemish-prone skin, ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide help control excess oil and keep pores clear. For dry or dehydrated skin, hydrators like hyaluronic acid and ectoin draw in and hold moisture. Each guide explains why an ingredient works and who it suits. Learn more about what your skin type is here
Often yes, but some actives are better separated between your morning and evening routine to keep skin comfortable. Our ingredient guides explain which pairings work well together and which are best used at different times of day, so you can combine products with confidence. Learn more about mixing ingredients correctly
Retinol supports skin renewal and helps smooth the look of fine lines and uneven texture over time. Other ingredients, such as peptides and vitamin C, target firmness and brightness in different ways. Our guides explain how each one works so you can decide what fits your goals.
It depends on the ingredient and the concern. Hydration can look and feel improved almost immediately, while ingredients that work on texture, tone or fine lines usually need consistent use over several weeks. Each guide sets realistic expectations so you know what to look for.