Ingredient Library
Shanga academy
Learn what skincare ingredients do, how they work, and when to use them.
-
Understand hydrators, barrier-supporting ingredients, exfoliating acids, antioxidants, peptides, niacinamide, vitamin C, retinal and more.
Modern skincare contains hundreds of ingredients.
Some hydrate.
Some brighten.
Some strengthen.
Some simply make products feel nicer to use.
This library explains the ingredients you'll encounter most often in clear, practical language.
Vitamin C: The Brightening Antioxidant That Does Much More Than Brighten
module 3
Discover why Vitamin C is one of skincare's most researched ingredients. Learn how it supports antioxidant protection, collagen production, brighter-looking skin and overall skin health, plus how to use it effectively as part of a daily skincare routine.
Module 3
Ingredient Library
Niacinamide
Discover how niacinamide supports the skin barrier, hydration, oil balance and brighter skin. Learn why Vitamin B3 suits almost every skin type.
Vitamin A - Retinoids
Discover how Vitamin A retinoids support skin renewal, collagen and healthy ageing. Learn the different types, benefits and how to use them safely.
Ceramides
Learn what ceramides are, how they strengthen the skin barrier, reduce water loss and support healthier, more resilient skin in this evidence-based guide.
Peptides
Discover how peptides support collagen, skin firmness and healthy ageing. Learn how peptide skincare works, who it suits and where to find peptides in Shanga.
Hyaluronic Acid
Learn how hyaluronic acid supports skin hydration, comfort and barrier function, how it works, and which Shanga products contain this essential ingredient.
Panthenol
Learn how panthenol (Vitamin B5) hydrates, soothes and supports the skin barrier while helping maintain healthy, comfortable and resilient skin.
Betaine
Discover how betaine supports hydration, strengthens the skin barrier and improves skin comfort. Learn the science behind this gentle multitasking ingredient.
Glycerin
Discover how glycerin hydrates skin, strengthens the skin barrier and supports healthy moisture balance. Learn why it's found in so many effective skincare products.
Beta Glucan
Wondering how long skincare takes to work? Learn realistic timelines for cleansers, moisturisers, vitamin C, retinoids and more with evidence-informed guidance.
Saccharide Isomerate
Learn how saccharide isomerate delivers long-lasting hydration, supports the skin barrier and helps keep skin comfortable, balanced and healthy.
Ectoin
Learn how ectoin helps protect the skin barrier, support hydration and defend against environmental stress, and discover which Shanga products contain it.
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Discover how Bifida Ferment Lysate supports the skin barrier, hydration and microbiome for healthier, more resilient skin. Learn the science behind this probiotic-derived ingredient.
AHAs
Discover how AHAs exfoliate skin, improve texture and radiance, and support smoother-looking skin. Learn safe use and which Shanga products contain AHAs.
BHAs
Learn how BHAs work, their benefits for congested and oily skin, how they differ from AHAs, and how to use salicylic acid safely in your skincare routine.

PHAs
Discover how polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) gently exfoliate while supporting skin hydration. Learn how they differ from AHAs and BHAs, who benefits most from them, and why PHAs have become a favourite ingredient for sensitive and barrier-conscious skincare.
Enzymes
Learn how skincare enzymes gently exfoliate dead skin cells, support smoother skin and reveal natural radiance without the intensity of traditional acids.
Resveratrol
Discover how resveratrol supports healthy skin by helping defend against oxidative stress, supporting collagen and promoting a brighter complexion.
Green Tea
Discover the skincare benefits of green tea, how its antioxidants support healthy skin, and which Shanga products include this protective botanical ingredient.
Coenzyme Q10
Learn how Coenzyme Q10 supports healthy skin by protecting against oxidative stress, maintaining energy production and helping preserve a resilient complexion.
Vitamin E
Learn how Vitamin E supports healthy skin, strengthens the skin barrier and helps defend against environmental stress in this evidence-informed skincare guide.
Botanical Oils
Discover the benefits of botanical oils in skincare, how they support the skin barrier, and how to choose the right facial oil for your skin type.

Jojoba Oil
Learn how jojoba oil supports the skin barrier, balances hydration and suits most skin types. Discover the science behind this versatile botanical oil.

Rosehip Oil
Discover the benefits of rosehip oil for skin, how it supports hydration and the skin barrier, who it's best for, and how to use it in your routine.

Argan Oil
Learn how argan oil supports the skin barrier, hydration and healthy-looking skin, plus who it suits and which Shanga products contain it.

Squalane
Learn how squalane supports the skin barrier, reduces moisture loss and provides lightweight hydration for healthy, balanced skin.

Sea Buckthorn
Discover the skincare benefits of sea buckthorn oil, how it supports the skin barrier, and which Shanga products include this antioxidant-rich botanical.

Watermelon Seed Oil
Discover the skincare benefits of watermelon seed oil, including barrier support, lightweight hydration, antioxidants and why it suits many skin types.

Cranberry Seed Oil
Discover the skincare benefits of cranberry seed oil, including barrier support, antioxidants and hydration, plus which Shanga products contain it.

Grapeseed Oil
Learn how grapeseed oil supports the skin barrier, delivers antioxidants and lightweight nourishment, and why it suits many skin types.

Sunflower Seed Oil
Discover the benefits of sunflower seed oil for skin, how it supports the skin barrier, who it suits and which Shanga products contain this nourishing botanical oil.

Sweet Almond Oil
Discover the skincare benefits of sweet almond oil, how it supports the skin barrier, and which Shanga products contain this nourishing botanical oil.

Apricot Kernel Oil
Discover the benefits of apricot kernel oil for skin, how it supports the skin barrier, and which Shanga products contain this lightweight botanical oil.

Avocado Oil
Learn how avocado oil supports the skin barrier, improves hydration and nourishes dry skin with essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E.
Not sure what your skin needs?
Take the Shanga Skin Quiz to receive a personalised ritual based on your skin’s current condition, concerns and goals.

Explore Skin Concerns
Next in your learning journey
Find practical guidance for your own skin goals.

