Goddess Journal ... of Radiant Skin Every Day

Magnifying glass and plain skin care containers for reading ingredients

How to Read a Skin Care Ingredient List

Learn how cosmetic ingredients are named and ordered, what active and inactive mean, and why an ingredient list cannot reveal exact performance.

Three serum textures arranged for a layered skin care routine

Serum Layering Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Fix serum pilling, irritation, sticky layers, and overloaded routines by using less product, simplifying active ingredients, and adjusting application order.

Three facial serums arranged by texture for a layering routine

How to Layer Face Serums Without Irritation

Learn the correct serum order, when to alternate active ingredients, and how to prevent pilling, irritation, and an overcomplicated routine.

Glimmer Goddess Organic Vitamin C Serum 20% featured in a guide explaining active ingredients, cosmetic claims and drug labeling.

What Are “Active Ingredients” in Skincare? Cosmetic vs. Drug Claims Explained

The phrase active ingredient means different things in skincare marketing and U.S. drug labeling. Learn how to read ingredient claims for cosmetics, acne treatments, sunscreens and treatment serums.