Free · no account · your answers stay on your device

As of 11.11.2026

What the research shows.

The studies behind our rules, clearly summarised. Each with a link to the source.

2013 · Annals of Internal Medicine 158(11):781–790

Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial

Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC

Study
Randomised trial, 903 adults under 55, 4.5 years (Nambour, Australia)
Finding
People who applied sunscreen daily showed no measurable increase in skin ageing after 4.5 years. Compared with the group that used it only as needed, skin ageing was about 24 % lower. Beta-carotene supplements had no overall effect.
What it means for you
Daily sunscreen is the best-supported step against visible skin ageing. That's why it's in every Skinpaired routine.

Source on PubMed ›

2005 · Dermatologic Surgery 31(7 Pt 2):860–865

Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance

Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA

Study
Double-blind split-face study, 50 women, 5 % niacinamide vs. base cream, 12 weeks
Finding
The niacinamide side showed fewer fine lines, fewer dark spots, less red blotchiness and less sallowness. The cream was well tolerated.
What it means for you
Niacinamide is a well-tolerated all-rounder. Skinpaired often uses it instead of stronger actives for reactive skin.

Source on PubMed ›

2006 · Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 8(2):96–101

The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production

Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K

Study
Two controlled studies: 100 participants in Japan (4 weeks) and 30 in the USA (split-face, 6 weeks), 2 % niacinamide
Finding
In the Japanese group, sebum production dropped measurably; in the US group, the amount of sebum on the skin surface dropped.
What it means for you
For shine and combination skin, Skinpaired picks niacinamide as the first active.

Source on PubMed ›

2007 · Archives of Dermatology 143(5):606–612

Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)

Kafi R, Kwak HSR, Schumacher WE et al.

Study
Randomised double-blind study, 36 older adults, 0.4 % retinol on the upper arm vs. base lotion, 24 weeks
Finding
Fine wrinkles decreased clearly on the retinol side. Skin samples showed more collagen precursors and water-binding substances.
What it means for you
Retinoids are among the best-studied actives for fine lines. They need a step-up phase, so Skinpaired increases them gradually.

Source on PubMed ›

1998 · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 39(6):960–965

Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment

Creidi P, Vienne MP, Ochonisky S et al.

Study
Controlled comparison, 125 evaluated: 0.05 % retinal, 0.05 % retinoic acid or base cream, 44 weeks
Finding
Retinal and retinoic acid both measurably smoothed lines and roughness. Retinal was tolerated much better than retinoic acid.
What it means for you
Retinal is an effective and usually gentler option. Skinpaired recommends it at a low strength to start.

Source on PubMed ›

2015 · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 8:455–461

Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review

Arif T

Study
Review of how salicylic acid works and how safe it is
Finding
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it reaches into oily pores. It loosens the bonds between dead skin cells and keeps pores clear.
What it means for you
For blemishes and blackheads, Skinpaired uses salicylic acid in the evening, but never on the same evening as a retinoid.

Source on PubMed ›

2013 · Indian Dermatology Online Journal 4(2):143–146

Vitamin C in dermatology

Telang PS

Study
Review of vitamin C in skincare
Finding
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and can buffer UV-related stress in the skin. Pure ascorbic acid is unstable, so more stable forms and good packaging are being researched.
What it means for you
In Skinpaired, vitamin C goes on in the morning under sunscreen, where it complements it. Replace serums that have turned brownish.

Source on PubMed ›

2011 · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 10(9):990–1000

Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment

Pavicic T, Gauglitz GG, Lersch P et al.

Study
Randomised study, 0.1 % hyaluronic acid in five molecular sizes around the eyes, 60 days
Finding
All forms improved hydration and elasticity. Smaller molecules also reduced the depth of fine lines.
What it means for you
Hyaluronic acid is a gentle hydration step that fits with every active. Skinpaired uses it in the “Hydrate” step.

Source on PubMed ›

2017 · Journal of Dermatological Treatment 28(8):766–773

Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article

Proksch E, de Bony R, Trapp S, Boudon S

Study
Review with a systematic literature search on panthenol on the skin
Finding
Several controlled studies show that panthenol hydrates the skin and strengthens the skin barrier.
What it means for you
Panthenol is a plus in creams, especially for irritated skin and after shaving.

Source on PubMed ›

2016 · British Journal of Dermatology 174(2):319–329

Prevalence of contact allergy in the general population in different European regions

Diepgen TL, Ofenloch RF, Bruze M et al.

Study
Population study in five European countries, 3,119 people patch-tested
Finding
Just over a quarter of those tested reacted to at least one of the tested substances. Fragrance mixes were among the more common triggers at almost 2 %.
What it means for you
If your skin reacts easily, fragrance-free care is the safer choice. Skinpaired can filter for fragrance-free products only.

Source on PubMed ›

Legal framework

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996 of 3 April 2024

Limits retinol, retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate in cosmetics to 0.3 % retinol equivalent in face products and 0.05 % in body lotion. Products already on sale have transition periods.

Regulation on EUR-Lex ›

Cosmetic information, not medical advice. Studies are summarised in our own words; the original source is authoritative.

Find a routine where everything works together

Cosmetic information, not medical advice. Studies are summarised in our own words; the original source is authoritative.

Find my routine