As cosmetics have gradually become necessities in our daily lives, many people believe that cosmetics are simply products with different effects. However, this is not the case. The market currently offers a wide variety of cosmetics, and even cosmetics with the same function can have different effects due to the different raw materials used by manufacturers. Common cosmetic raw materials include oil-based ingredients, surfactants, moisturizers, and polyhydroxy compounds. So what other ingredients in cosmetic manufacturers' raw materials are unknown to us?

Vitamin B3, scientifically known as niacinamide, is a rare ingredient that simultaneously possesses antioxidant and anti-glycation properties. Therefore, when added to anti-aging products, it can help fight free radicals, activate collagen energy, stimulate the regeneration of elastic fibers in the skin's deeper layers, and improve the "hardening" of skin caused by aging.

Ascorbic acid derivatives, including ascorbate palmitate, magnesium ascorbate phosphate, and ascorbate glucoside, are common ingredients in whitening product formulations. They inhibit tyrosinase and tyrosinase, thereby helping to fade dark spots and brighten the complexion.

Ascorbic acid derivatives are actually very powerful antioxidants. Therefore, when using products containing these ingredients, we are often pleasantly surprised to find that not only does our skin tone become brighter and more even, but even some signs of aging disappear. Skincare products containing ascorbic acid derivatives can be used both morning and night and do not cause photosensitivity. The reason it is recommended to use them with UV protection products during the day is simply to prevent the active ingredients from oxidizing and becoming ineffective.

Licorice plants contain many skin-whitening ingredients, such as glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizin glabridin, and the commonly used dipotassium glycyrrhizate. Their whitening effects stem from their powerful antioxidant properties. However, because the first two licorice extracts are quite expensive, they are generally only found in high-end whitening products.

For skin with acne that is in the inflammatory stage, the antibacterial components in licorice can eliminate certain enzymes that cause skin inflammation, helping to strengthen the skin's defense function. This not only smooths out acne but also prevents acne scars from forming and deepening—a double benefit.