If you’re wondering what the difference is between active ingredients and inactive ingredients, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding how they are different is key to making informed choices for your skin, so let's get straight into it.
Active ingredients are the key components that address specific skin concerns, like salicylic acid for acne, or hyaluronic acid for hydration. These are the ingredients that deliver visible results and are often regulated for their efficacy.
Whereas inactive ingredients don’t directly affect skin conditions. Instead, they play a crucial role in a product’s formulation. They help with consistency, preservation, absorption, and sensory experience, ensuring the product is stable, safe, and pleasant to use. Together, active and inactive ingredients create effective skincare that works.
What skin concerns can they address?
Active ingredients in skincare are formulated to target and treat a wide range of skin concerns. Some of the most common issues they address include:
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Acne and breakouts: Ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide help to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and control oil levels.
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Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid can help to brighten skin and fade dark spots.
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Fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol, peptides, and antioxidants stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
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Dryness and dehydration: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides work to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
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Uneven skin tone and texture: Exfoliating acids like AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) smooth the skin and promote cell turnover.
We know that inactive ingredients don’t directly treat skin concerns, but that they play supporting roles that can indirectly improve your skin health, as well as enhance the effectiveness of active ingredients. Just some ways inactive ingredients contribute include:
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Hydration and moisture retention: Emollients (like squalane), humectants (like glycerin), and occlusives (like petrolatum) help to keep the skin hydrated and comfortable.
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Barrier support and soothing: Ingredients like dimethicone, fatty alcohols, and certain natural oils can soothe and protect sensitive or compromised skin.
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Improved delivery of actives: Penetration enhancers or carriers (like propylene glycol or lecithin) help active ingredients absorb more effectively.
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Product stability and safety: Preservatives (like phenoxyethanol or ethylhexylglycerin) prevent bacterial growth, making products safer and longer-lasting.
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Texture and sensory appeal: Thickeners, emulsifiers, and fragrances help improve the feel, application, and overall user experience of the product.
Now you know the difference between active and inactive ingredients, let's dive into the Haruharu Wonder products that are packed with active and inactive ingredients.
Products with active ingredients
Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
A gentle yet powerful formula designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, this best retinol serum combines 0.08% retinol, which is clinically proven to boost cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin firmness and elasticity. It’s blended together with patented bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative known for enhancing collagen levels and smoothing wrinkles without irritation, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin. This Korean retinol serum also contains ceramides to soothe and moisturize while strengthening the skin barrier, and fermented black rice, which is rich in antioxidant vitamin E to protect against free radicals and keep skin hydrated.
This lightweight, milky serum absorbs easily and leaves a soft, lightweight finish with no dryness or irritation. To use, apply a pea-sized amount to cleansed and toned skin in your evening routine, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Start with 1-2 applications per week and gradually increase to daily use. Please note that this product is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and always follow with SPF to protect your skin the next day.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
After 2 weeks use, we discovered that there was a 12.109% improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, plus:
- An 8.955% improvement in skin elasticity
- And an immediate, temporary pore improvement:
- Area (after one use - 39.679% improvement)
- Volume (after one use - 40.032% improvement)
- Count (after one use - 24.001% improvement)
- Depth (after one use - 19.094% improvement)
This cleansing gel offers a gentle yet effective way to cleanse and exfoliate your skin without compromising the skin barrier. It features a Triple AHA complex (citric acid, mandelic acid, and tartaric acid) that provides mild exfoliation to unclog pores, smooth texture, and brighten the complexion without causing irritation. The pH-balanced formula ensures that your skin remains protected while efficiently removing buildup, pollutants, makeup, and excess oil.
With a transparent gel texture, this silky smooth cleanser leaves the skin feeling soft, hydrated, and free of tightness or dryness. Key ingredients include fermented oryza sativa (rice) extract for moisture and brightness, phyllostachys pubescens shoot bark extract to soothe and increase luminosity, and alpha hydroxy acids to refine skin texture and tone. Additional ingredients are fermented black rice extract, which is rich in antioxidants to support skin elasticity and radiance. There’s also tartaric acid and mandelic acid to help improve fine lines and skin clarity, while coco-betaine maintains moisture and balances oil and water levels.
This advanced triple-action formula is designed to target and reduce the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It combines 4% tranexamic acid (TXA) to treat discoloration from the root, 4% niacinamide to refine skin tone and texture, and vitamin C to brighten, improve elasticity, and even out the complexion. The formula also features a centella complex to calm and soothe, and our patented, upcycled n.Pearin 100, which is derived from baby pears that would otherwise go to waste, due to not being sweet enough for consumption.
Housed in hygienic, airless pump packaging to maintain potency and prevent degradation, this tranexamic acid serum delivers a highly concentrated, bouncy gel texture that leaves skin smooth, hydrated, and never sticky. Use it after your toner, either as an all-over treatment to brighten and even skin tone, or as a spot treatment for targeted action on dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Clinical trial results: Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum
- There was a 2.146% improvement in skin tone and brightness after 2 weeks use, with a 4.295% improvement after 4 weeks use
- There was a 0.989% improvement in skin outer pigmentation after 2 weeks use, with a 2.565% improvement after 4 weeks use
- There was a 13.342% improvement in skin inner pigmentation after 2 weeks use, with a 29.598% improvement after 4 weeks use
A lightweight gel cream that delivers powerful hydration, soothing relief, and evens the skin tone in one step, this centella asiatica cream is formulated with 5% niacinamide and vitamin C to minimize and prevent excess melanin. Squalane and panthenol provide deep yet weightless hydration while supporting the skin barrier, and xylitol enhances moisture retention with a gentle cooling sensation.
Infused with calming centella and madecassoside, this gel cream soothes redness and helps to prevent irritation, making it ideal for maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion. Clinically tested for sensitive skin and fragrance-free, it absorbs effortlessly and leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and moisturized.
Clinical trial results: Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream
- We discovered a 4.459% improvement in skin tone and brightness after 4 weeks use
- And a 32.822% improvement in skin outer pigmentation after 4 weeks use
- Plus a 30.457% improvement in skin inner pigmentation after 4 weeks use
- And a 46.262% improvement in skin moisture after 4 weeks use
Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum
This gentle, non-irritating exfoliating serum effectively removes blackheads, minimizes the appearance of pores, and leaves skin clear, soft, and hydrated. Powered by calming centella to soothe irritation, hypoallergenic PHA for gentle exfoliation, and COSMOS-certified organic orange water to brighten and revitalize, it delivers visible clarity and glow without stickiness or heaviness. The patented Anti-Sebum P complex offers targeted pore and sebum care, while kombucha nourishes and supports overall skin health. With its light, watery texture and two-phase usage (2-3 times weekly to remove blackheads and buildup, followed by 1-2 times weekly to maintain results) this serum is your go-to for smooth, radiant skin.
Products with inactive ingredients
Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
This gentle yet powerful Korean oil cleanser is formulated with just 9 natural ingredients to minimize irritation while effectively removing makeup (including waterproof), sunscreen, dirt, and excess oil, leaving skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. With a translucent, low-viscosity texture, it glides effortlessly over dry skin, emulsifies into a milky consistency when mixed with water, and rinses clean without residue. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, it features rice bran oil to even skin tone, olive oil to dissolve makeup, and jojoba seed oil to maintain a healthy moisture-oil balance, making it the perfect daily cleanser for clear, balanced skin.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
- After one wash, we found that it had 98.276% cleansing power for makeup removal
- After one wash, we found that it had 66.489% cleansing power for pore impurities and blackheads
- After 2 weeks of use, there was a 34.226% improvement in skin sebum levels, and a 64.723% improvement after 4 weeks use
- After 2 weeks of use, there was a 21.250% improvement on the IGA Grade (meaning Investigator's Global Assessment, a tool used to evaluate the severity of skin conditions), and a 42.917% improvement after 4 weeks use
- After 2 and 4 weeks use, there was a statistically significant difference in the comparison rate of number of inflammatory lesions and non-inflammatory lesions
- After 2 weeks of use, there was a 38.168% improvement on the ASI (Acne Severity Index), and a 61.320% improvement after 4 weeks use
This best cleansing balm is perfect for effortlessly removing heavy or waterproof makeup, SPF, blackheads, and impurities from pores, while leaving skin clean, smooth, and hydrated without dryness or tightness. Formulated with sunflower seed oil unsaponifiables for effective cleansing and enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, it delivers nourishing antioxidant benefits as it melts into the skin. Simply scoop an appropriate amount onto dry skin, massage gently for 30 seconds, emulsify with a bit of water until it turns milky white, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water for refreshed, radiant skin.
Containing 45% black rice bran oil, this potent formula forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss while deeply nourishing the skin and balancing oil levels for a natural, dewy glow. With a transparent, dry oil texture and a soft lavender scent, this best facial oil absorbs easily without greasiness or stickiness, leaving the skin soft, hydrated, and radiant. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, it’s enriched with a blend of moisturizing and antioxidant-rich oils (sunflower seed, jojoba, camellia, sweet almond, and vitamin E) to soften, soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin barrier. Simply apply after moisturizer to lock in hydration and enhance skin resilience.
Active and inactive ingredients work hand in hand to make skincare products both effective and pleasant to use. Knowing the role of each helps you choose formulas that truly work for your skin, and with these Haruharu Wonder products, you’ll soon achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.
What Are Active and Inactive Ingredients, And What Skin Concerns Can They Address?
If you’re wondering what the difference is between active ingredients and inactive ingredients, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding how they are different is key to making informed choices for your skin, so let's get straight into it.
Active ingredients are the key components that address specific skin concerns, like salicylic acid for acne, or hyaluronic acid for hydration. These are the ingredients that deliver visible results and are often regulated for their efficacy.
Whereas inactive ingredients don’t directly affect skin conditions. Instead, they play a crucial role in a product’s formulation. They help with consistency, preservation, absorption, and sensory experience, ensuring the product is stable, safe, and pleasant to use. Together, active and inactive ingredients create effective skincare that works.
What skin concerns can they address?
Active ingredients in skincare are formulated to target and treat a wide range of skin concerns. Some of the most common issues they address include:
We know that inactive ingredients don’t directly treat skin concerns, but that they play supporting roles that can indirectly improve your skin health, as well as enhance the effectiveness of active ingredients. Just some ways inactive ingredients contribute include:
Now you know the difference between active and inactive ingredients, let's dive into the Haruharu Wonder products that are packed with active and inactive ingredients.
Products with active ingredients
Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
A gentle yet powerful formula designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, this best retinol serum combines 0.08% retinol, which is clinically proven to boost cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin firmness and elasticity. It’s blended together with patented bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative known for enhancing collagen levels and smoothing wrinkles without irritation, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin. This Korean retinol serum also contains ceramides to soothe and moisturize while strengthening the skin barrier, and fermented black rice, which is rich in antioxidant vitamin E to protect against free radicals and keep skin hydrated.
This lightweight, milky serum absorbs easily and leaves a soft, lightweight finish with no dryness or irritation. To use, apply a pea-sized amount to cleansed and toned skin in your evening routine, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Start with 1-2 applications per week and gradually increase to daily use. Please note that this product is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and always follow with SPF to protect your skin the next day.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
After 2 weeks use, we discovered that there was a 12.109% improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, plus:
Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel Unscented
This cleansing gel offers a gentle yet effective way to cleanse and exfoliate your skin without compromising the skin barrier. It features a Triple AHA complex (citric acid, mandelic acid, and tartaric acid) that provides mild exfoliation to unclog pores, smooth texture, and brighten the complexion without causing irritation. The pH-balanced formula ensures that your skin remains protected while efficiently removing buildup, pollutants, makeup, and excess oil.
With a transparent gel texture, this silky smooth cleanser leaves the skin feeling soft, hydrated, and free of tightness or dryness. Key ingredients include fermented oryza sativa (rice) extract for moisture and brightness, phyllostachys pubescens shoot bark extract to soothe and increase luminosity, and alpha hydroxy acids to refine skin texture and tone. Additional ingredients are fermented black rice extract, which is rich in antioxidants to support skin elasticity and radiance. There’s also tartaric acid and mandelic acid to help improve fine lines and skin clarity, while coco-betaine maintains moisture and balances oil and water levels.
Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum
This advanced triple-action formula is designed to target and reduce the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It combines 4% tranexamic acid (TXA) to treat discoloration from the root, 4% niacinamide to refine skin tone and texture, and vitamin C to brighten, improve elasticity, and even out the complexion. The formula also features a centella complex to calm and soothe, and our patented, upcycled n.Pearin 100, which is derived from baby pears that would otherwise go to waste, due to not being sweet enough for consumption.
Housed in hygienic, airless pump packaging to maintain potency and prevent degradation, this tranexamic acid serum delivers a highly concentrated, bouncy gel texture that leaves skin smooth, hydrated, and never sticky. Use it after your toner, either as an all-over treatment to brighten and even skin tone, or as a spot treatment for targeted action on dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Clinical trial results: Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum
Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream
A lightweight gel cream that delivers powerful hydration, soothing relief, and evens the skin tone in one step, this centella asiatica cream is formulated with 5% niacinamide and vitamin C to minimize and prevent excess melanin. Squalane and panthenol provide deep yet weightless hydration while supporting the skin barrier, and xylitol enhances moisture retention with a gentle cooling sensation.
Infused with calming centella and madecassoside, this gel cream soothes redness and helps to prevent irritation, making it ideal for maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion. Clinically tested for sensitive skin and fragrance-free, it absorbs effortlessly and leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and moisturized.
Clinical trial results: Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream
Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum
This gentle, non-irritating exfoliating serum effectively removes blackheads, minimizes the appearance of pores, and leaves skin clear, soft, and hydrated. Powered by calming centella to soothe irritation, hypoallergenic PHA for gentle exfoliation, and COSMOS-certified organic orange water to brighten and revitalize, it delivers visible clarity and glow without stickiness or heaviness. The patented Anti-Sebum P complex offers targeted pore and sebum care, while kombucha nourishes and supports overall skin health. With its light, watery texture and two-phase usage (2-3 times weekly to remove blackheads and buildup, followed by 1-2 times weekly to maintain results) this serum is your go-to for smooth, radiant skin.
Products with inactive ingredients
Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
This gentle yet powerful Korean oil cleanser is formulated with just 9 natural ingredients to minimize irritation while effectively removing makeup (including waterproof), sunscreen, dirt, and excess oil, leaving skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. With a translucent, low-viscosity texture, it glides effortlessly over dry skin, emulsifies into a milky consistency when mixed with water, and rinses clean without residue. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, it features rice bran oil to even skin tone, olive oil to dissolve makeup, and jojoba seed oil to maintain a healthy moisture-oil balance, making it the perfect daily cleanser for clear, balanced skin.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm
This best cleansing balm is perfect for effortlessly removing heavy or waterproof makeup, SPF, blackheads, and impurities from pores, while leaving skin clean, smooth, and hydrated without dryness or tightness. Formulated with sunflower seed oil unsaponifiables for effective cleansing and enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, it delivers nourishing antioxidant benefits as it melts into the skin. Simply scoop an appropriate amount onto dry skin, massage gently for 30 seconds, emulsify with a bit of water until it turns milky white, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water for refreshed, radiant skin.
Black Rice Facial Oil
Containing 45% black rice bran oil, this potent formula forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss while deeply nourishing the skin and balancing oil levels for a natural, dewy glow. With a transparent, dry oil texture and a soft lavender scent, this best facial oil absorbs easily without greasiness or stickiness, leaving the skin soft, hydrated, and radiant. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, it’s enriched with a blend of moisturizing and antioxidant-rich oils (sunflower seed, jojoba, camellia, sweet almond, and vitamin E) to soften, soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin barrier. Simply apply after moisturizer to lock in hydration and enhance skin resilience.
Active and inactive ingredients work hand in hand to make skincare products both effective and pleasant to use. Knowing the role of each helps you choose formulas that truly work for your skin, and with these Haruharu Wonder products, you’ll soon achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.