Ingredient Glossary
What does rice extract do in skincare? How a formula differs from rice water
What is in rice extract, where does the evidence stop, and why does homemade rice water not replace a formula? How it differs from…
Guide · 80 articles
Skincare Guide
Referenced articles on skin types, ingredients and routine order. Product information comes from the s'hevec product data library.
All articles
80 articles · Page 3/7
Exfoliation
What does toner do, and do you really need it? Types of toner and how to choose
Not every routine needs a toner; what it does depends on the active it contains. The difference between acid and brightening toners, choosing by…
Pores
What is zinc PCA? What it does and how it differs from zinc oxide
What zinc PCA is, how it differs from zinc oxide and how far the evidence goes on the look of sebum and shine, with…
Sensitive Skin
How to do a patch test on the inner forearm: steps for trying a new product
How do you do a patch test on the inner forearm, how do you adapt it for cleansers, peels, acid toners and eye serums,…
Sensitive Skin
What is Centella asiatica (CICA)? Its use in soothing skincare
CICA, gotu kola and Centella Asiatica Extract all refer to the same plant. We explain what centella is, the limits of the cosmetic evidence…
Exfoliation
Using acids at home: how often should you do a chemical peel?
How often should you do a chemical peel at home? The starting frequency for acid toners and rinse-off peels, how to increase it, a…
Ingredient Glossary
What is panthenol (pro-vitamin B5)? What does it do in skincare?
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) is a supporting ingredient used to support hydration and the skin barrier. We explain how it differs from dexpanthenol, where the…
Eye Area
The difference between under-eye puffiness and the look of dark circles
Under-eye puffiness is an increase in volume; dark circles are a difference in colour. This guide covers the two types of bags, the causes…
Eye Area
What does caffeine do in skincare? What to expect around the eyes
What does caffeine do for the skin, and what can you expect for under-eye puffiness and dark circles? The limits of the evidence and…
Sun Protection
How much sunscreen should you apply, and how often? A guide to correct application
How much sunscreen to apply to the face and body, when and how often to reapply it, and how to refresh it over make-up.…
Ingredient Glossary
What are ceramides? Their role in the skin barrier and in skincare
What do ceramides do in the skin barrier, what names do they appear under on labels, and what does “2% ceramide complex” mean? With…
Sun Protection
What is SPF? UVA, UVB and how to read sunscreen labels
SPF shows protection against sunburn, which means mainly against UVB; UVA protection is indicated by a separate term. The difference between SPF 30 and…