Understanding Ingredient Strengths: A Guide to Skin Tolerance

by Ryane Ashley

Understanding Ingredient Strengths: A Guide to Skin Tolerance

When it comes to skincare, not all ingredients are created equal. Some work gently to nurture your skin barrier, while others are powerful tools that demand caution and respect. To help you build a routine that works with your skin, not against it, here’s a breakdown of ingredient strength and skin tolerance levels.

And remember: stronger doesn’t always mean better. The best ingredients are the ones your skin can actually tolerate and benefit from over time.

know your levels., your skin will thank you.

1. Gentle

• Best for: Sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin types

• Great for: Rosacea, eczema-prone skin, dryness, post-peel recovery

• Use frequency: Daily or multiple times a week

• Risk of irritation: Very low

• Ingredients: Panthenol, Squalane, Centella Asiatica (Cica), Glycerin

These are your skin's comfort ingredients. Gentle yet effective, they hydrate, soothe, and protect without overwhelming delicate skin. Ideal for anyone rebuilding their barrier, post-treatment recovery, or managing long-term sensitivity.

2. Moderate

• Best for: Normal, combination, or mildly sensitive skin

• Great for: Uneven tone, texture, mild acne, early signs of aging

• Use frequency: 2–5 times per week depending on skin tolerance

• Risk of irritation: Low to moderate

• Ingredients: Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Azelaic Acid

Moderate ingredients deliver visible results with regular use. They help brighten, refine texture, and calm inflammation. You might feel a slight tingle or dryness at first; that’s your skin adjusting. Start slow, layer with hydration, and watch how your skin responds.

3. Active

• Best for: Resilient or acne-prone skin with a strong, supported barrier

• Great for: Acne, hyperpigmentation, dullness, fine lines

• Use frequency: 1–3 times per week initially, then build as tolerated

• Risk of irritation: Moderate to high

• Ingredients: Retinol, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Actives are results-driven; they exfoliate, brighten, and help regulate oil or pigment. But they also come with a learning curve. Always buffer with hydration, avoid layering too many at once, and wear sunscreen daily.

4. Intensive

• Best for: Experienced users or those under esthetician guidance

• Great for: Stubborn acne marks, deep wrinkles, resistant melasma

• Use frequency: As recommended; often in short, controlled cycles

• Risk of irritation: High if misused

• Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, TCA, high-percentage acids, professional-strength peels

These are high-impact treatments meant to target stubborn issues like scarring, deep pigment, or textural buildup. They’re not everyday ingredients and should only be used when your skin is ready. If your barrier is compromised or your skin is reactive, skip these for now.

potency doesn't equal results. smart use does.

🔁 Ingredient Layering Reminder

Even if your products seem mild individually, stacking multiple moderate or active ingredients in one routine can cause irritation. Pay attention to what you’re combining and give your skin time to adjust.

📋 Quick Recap

• Gentle – soothe + protect (daily use)

• Moderate – correct + clarify (2–5x/week)

• Active – resurface + brighten (1–3x/week)

• Intensive – target advanced concerns (use with guidance)

Tip: When in doubt, always start with Gentle or Moderate ingredients and layer up based on how your skin responds. No product should hurt or punish your skin; progress in skincare should feel like support, not struggle.

Looking to build a personalized routine that meets you where you are? Book a Skin Harmony consultation for expert guidance based on your skin’s real needs.