The cosmetics world is full of hype and pseudoscience, so it helps to know which ingredients actually work. Along with antioxidants, retinol and AHAs, here are some ingredients I really rate.

NIACINAMIDE

A type of vitamin B3 that helps young and ageing skin. Benefits include moisture retention, the prevention of lines and wrinkles, plus the treatment of skin discolouration.

• Find it in: Philosophy Multi-Imperfection Transforming Serum; Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturiser; the Olay Regenerist range.

UREA

I know you’re thinking it. And yes, urea is a compound found in urine. However, in cosmetics it is synthetically made and can keep skin soft and hydrated. It also exfoliates so effectively that it is not suitable for sensitive skin, so be careful.

• Find it in: Eucerin Dry Skin Relief Face Cream; Flexitol Heel Balm; Skinceuticals Retexturing Activator Serum; Palmer's Cocoa Butter.

HYALURONIC ACID

This has to be the most hyped ingredient in skincare at the moment, and with good reason. It is a humectant and attracts up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, which delivers immediate hydration and moisturising. Fine lines are instantly plumped up and dehydrated skin feels softer.

• Find it in: Shiseido Benefiance Energising Essence; Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque; L'Oréal Revitalift Filler Renew Anti-Ageing Day Replumping Care.

GLYCERIN

While hyaluronic acid gets all the attention, humble glycerin delivers many similar benefits. It is also a humectant and moisturises skin instantly. It is very effective and, crucially, it is cheap, so you can pick up excellent moisturisers at good prices if they are based on glycerin.

• Find it in: Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repair & Protect Lotion; Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser; Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Cleansing Lotion.

SALICYLIC ACID

An excellent ingredient for acne-prone, blemished and congested skin. It can penetrate hair follicles to dislodge blockages and blackheads, and with regular use keep them clear.

• Find it in: Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash; Estée Lauder Idealist Dual Action Refinishing Treatment; L'Oréal Men Expert Pure Power Volcano Wash.

amcdermott@irishtimes.com

Twitter @aismcdermott