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Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with a relatively large molecular structure, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and is therefore considered gentler compared to other acids. Due to its lipophilic nature, mandelic acid is particularly suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. Its oil-regulating effects include the following: 1. Dissolving Oil in Pores: Mandelic acid can penetrate deep into the pores to help dissolve excess sebum, clearing out debris that clogs pores and reducing the formation of blackheads and acne. 2. Regulating Oil Secretion: By removing excess oil from the pores, mandelic acid gradually helps balance oil secretion, leaving the skin less shiny and with a fresher appearance. 3. Gentle Exfoliation: As a mild AHA, mandelic acid promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother and more radiant. This gentle exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores caused by excess buildup.   In addition, mandelic acid has antibacterial and skin-brightening properties, making it suitable for regular use. When using mandelic acid, it’s recommended to introduce it gradually and always pair it with good sun protection to achieve optimal skincare benefits.

Retinoids are substances that are similar in structure and function to retinol, including: Drugs such as retinoic acid (RA), isotretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, etc.; Retinol (retinol), retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, retinyl propionate, retinyl retinoate, and now the up-and-coming hydroxypinazone retinoate (HPR), among others. These substances can be converted into each other, so that there is a transformation pathway: After the body absorbs retinol, if it can't consume it, it converts it into retinyl palmitate and stores it, and when needed, hydrolyzes the palmitate bond with esterase (the red position in the retinol ester structure diagram on the right is broken), and retinol is released.Retinol is stripped of a hydrogen atom and oxidized to become retinaldehyde, which is an intermediate state. Retinaldehyde is further oxidized, adding an oxygen atom that becomes retinoic acid.Retinoic acid (tretinoin/retinoid) is the actual form of retinoid that enters the nucleus to bind to trans-retinoin reaction elements (RAR/RXR) and initiates the corresponding gene expression. It not only retains the efficacy group of tretinoin, but can directly bind to the receptor; It also covers the irritating groups and improves the physical and chemical stability. Cosmetics containing HPR (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate)  can be used even on VA-sensitive skin, but note that pregnant women should not use them!        

A quick and easy way to get a healthy wheat-skin tone is to apply a tanning product. When selecting a tanning product, people tend to choose different products based on the degree of color they want to achieve. In fact, the main efficacy substance of most products is dihydroxyacetone(DHA). The dosage of dihydroxyacetone(DHA) added determines the final degree of coloration of the product on the skin. So what's the mechanism of dihydroxyacetone discoloration on the skin? Dihydroxyacetone and proteins in the skin undergo a Malanin reaction, turning the cuticle proteins brown.The specific reaction principle is as follows: Dihydroxyacetone(DHA) does not damage the skin, and is considered a safe skin coloring agent. The color is not removed by simple washing, swimming, or natural perspiration, but it only lasts for 5 to 7 days, as skin cells are continuously being shed. Exfoliation, tape stripping, prolonged water submersion, or heavy sweating can lighten the tan, as these all contribute to rapid dead skin cell pealing. Today, dihydroxyacetone(DHA) is the main active ingredient in virtually all sunless tanning skincare preparations. The above pictures were taken from some subjects in a clinical experiment of DropBio. The coloring was recorded after 3 consecutive times (once a day) of using Instant Tanning Mousse with 10% DropBio@ DHA, and the subsequent fading was continuously recorded. So Dihydroxyacetone(DHA) is a very effective ingredient for self-tanning.  

As we all know, ceramide is a lipid that is similar in structure to the substance that makes up the cuticle of the skin, so it can quickly penetrate the skin and maintain the renewal of the skin's natural protective layer, maintain the balance of natural hydration. When combined with the moisture in the cuticle, it can form a net-like structure to firmly lock the moisture. Ceramide is an important skin-activating ingredient in the cuticle that strengthens the skin barrier, rebuilds cells, and reduces the effects of the external environment by forming effective skin surface barriers.      When Ceramide is added to the damaged skin, the composition of the lipids between the cells is improved and the cells on the surface of the skin become compact and regular again.While the moisture inside the skin is locked in, the outside irritation and bacteria can no longer penetrate the skin's surface, effectively reducing sensitivity and acne formation, so Ceramide is a safe, natural and highly effective skin care ingredient.