Watermelon & 10% Glycolic Serum

Sodium Hyaluronate — A humectant that holds water in the upper skin — pure hydration, tolerated by essentially everyone, at any concentration. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. Works Ongoing while you use it; no weeks-long build-up to wait for. Suits all skin types. Pure hydration — suits everyone, and dry or dehydrated skin most of all. Apply on damp skin and seal it in.

Ceramide NP — The skin's own barrier lipids — they patch a compromised moisture barrier, which is why they pair so well with actives that resurface. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. Works 1–3 weeks for a calmer, less reactive barrier. Best for Dry, Sensitive, Normal, Combination. The skin's own barrier lipids — ideal for dry, sensitive or compromised skin, and safe for anyone.

Glycolic Acid — The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid — it resurfaces the top layer for glow and even tone, working on the surface where BHA works in the pore. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~8%. OTC cap 10%. Give it 4–8 weeks for tone & texture. Best for Oily, Combination, Normal. A surface exfoliant for glow and texture. It raises sun sensitivity and can irritate dry or reactive skin — daily SPF is non-negotiable.

Kojic Acid — A fungal-derived brightener that fades dark spots and melasma by blocking tyrosinase — effective, but strong enough that the EU now caps how much a product may contain. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. OTC cap 1%. Best for Oily, Combination, Normal. Effective on dark spots but a known sensitiser — patch-test, and if you're reactive, reach for arbutin or azelaic first.

Panthenol — Pro-vitamin B5: hydrates, calms, helps the barrier recover. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~5%. OTC cap 5%. Best for .

Cholesterol — The barrier's own lipid — repairs with ceramides and fatty acids. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Best for .

Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic review ›

Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects ›

Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence ›