AI-powered skincare

Stop layering
blind.

Your products can cancel each other out, cause unnecessary irritation, or multiply each other's effects — all depending on what you mix and when. Most people have no idea. DermStack does.

24
Active ingredients
200+
Interactions mapped
41
Published studies
10
Skin concerns
Retinol Vitamin C Niacinamide Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid Hyaluronic Acid Ceramides Azelaic Acid Tranexamic Acid Bakuchiol Alpha Arbutin Ferulic Acid Adapalene Copper Peptides Benzoyl Peroxide Kojic Acid Retinol Vitamin C Niacinamide Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid Hyaluronic Acid Ceramides Azelaic Acid Tranexamic Acid Bakuchiol Alpha Arbutin Ferulic Acid Adapalene Copper Peptides Benzoyl Peroxide Kojic Acid
Common mistake
I use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together
BP oxidizes retinol on contact — both products are rendered useless. One of the most expensive stacking mistakes you can make.
Myth, debunked
Vitamin C and niacinamide cancel each other out
False — and widely misunderstood. The niacin flush reaction only occurs above 100°C. At room temperature, they're safe and effective together.
Often missed
Application order doesn't really matter
pH determines penetration. Applying niacinamide (pH 6–7) before an AHA (pH 3–4) neutralizes the acid — your exfoliant does nothing.
Chemistry Check
Add up to 8 ingredients and see every pairwise interaction — conflicts, cautions, and synergies — before layering them.
No ingredients added yet — search below to start
RetinolVitamin CNiacinamideGlycolic AcidSalicylic AcidHyaluronic AcidBenzoyl PeroxideAzelaic AcidAlpha ArbutinTranexamic AcidCeramidesBakuchiolPeptidesLactic AcidKojic AcidFerulic AcidCaffeineAdapaleneMandelic AcidCopper Peptides
Add at least 2 ingredients above to see interactions.
The Lab
24 actives, evidence-graded and broken down by mechanism, timing, and compatibility. Click any card for the full breakdown.
Grade key
A — FDA-approved / multiple RCTs
B — Clinical studies
C — Early / limited human trials
Retinol
Grade A
Vitamin A · All-trans retinol
Retinoids
Gold standard for anti-aging and acne. Most-studied topical active ingredient.
Anti-agingAcneTextureBrightening
400+ studies
PM
0.025% – 1%
Vitamin C
Grade A
L-Ascorbic Acid · LAA · Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidants
Potent antioxidant for brightening, collagen synthesis, and daytime UV defense.
BrighteningAnti-agingAntioxidantCollagen
280+ studies
AM
10% – 20%
Niacinamide
Grade A
Vitamin B3 · Nicotinamide
Vitamins
The universal active — pores, oiliness, barrier repair, brightening. Works for every skin type.
PoresOilinessBrighteningBarrierAnti-agingRedness
320+ studies
Both
2% – 10%
Glycolic Acid
Grade A
AHA · Alpha-Hydroxy Acid
Exfoliants (AHA)
Deepest-penetrating AHA for texture, anti-aging, and brightening. Strong — use carefully.
TextureAnti-agingBrighteningAcne
180+ studies
PM
5% – 15% OTC; up to 70% professional
Salicylic Acid
Grade A
BHA · Beta-Hydroxy Acid · SA
Exfoliants (BHA)
Oil-soluble exfoliant that gets inside pores. The #1 OTC active for acne and blackheads.
AcnePoresOilinessTextureBlackheads
210+ studies
PM
0.5% – 2%
Hyaluronic Acid
Grade A
HA · Sodium Hyaluronate · Hyaluronan
Humectants
Holds 1,000× its weight in water. The gold standard hydration ingredient.
HydrationPlumpingBarrier
190+ studies
Both
0.1% – 2%
Benzoyl Peroxide
Grade A
BP · BPO
Anti-Acne
Most effective OTC antibacterial for acne. Kills C. acnes bacteria directly — no resistance.
AcneAnti-bacterial
240+ studies
AM
2.5% – 10%
Azelaic Acid
Grade A
AA · Azelex · Finacea
Multi-Active
Anti-acne + anti-redness + brightening in one. Safe for sensitive skin and pregnancy.
AcneRednessRosaceaBrighteningSensitivity
150+ studies
Both
10% – 20%
Alpha Arbutin
Grade B
Arbutin · 4-Hydroxyphenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside
Brightening
Stable, gentle tyrosinase inhibitor for brightening — no irritation, all skin types.
BrighteningHyperpigmentationMelasma
65+ studies
Both
1% – 2%
Tranexamic Acid
Grade B
TXA · Tranexamic
Brightening
Emerging gold standard for melasma and stubborn PIH. Unique upstream mechanism.
BrighteningMelasmaHyperpigmentationRedness
45+ studies
AM
2% – 5%
Ceramides
Grade A
Ceramide NP · AP · EOP · Phytosphingosine
Barrier Support
The building blocks of your skin barrier. Essential for eczema, sensitivity, and retinol users.
BarrierDrynessSensitivityEczema
120+ studies
Both
Variable (complex lipid formulations)
Bakuchiol
Grade B
Babchi extract · Psoralea corylifolia
Plant Actives
Clinically validated retinol alternative from plants. Safe for pregnancy and sensitive skin.
Anti-agingAcneBrighteningSensitivity
30+ studies
Both
0.5% – 1%
Peptides
Grade B
Matrixyl 3000 · Argireline · Copper Peptides
Peptides
Signal peptides that stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. Key anti-aging support.
Anti-agingCollagenFirmness
80+ studies
PM
Variable by peptide
Lactic Acid
Grade A
AHA · 2-hydroxypropanoic acid
Exfoliants (AHA)
The gentler AHA — exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously. Best AHA for beginners.
TextureBrighteningHydrationAnti-aging
90+ studies
PM
5% – 12%
Kojic Acid
Grade B
Kojic dipalmitate
Brightening
Fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor for brightening. Effective but higher sensitization risk.
BrighteningHyperpigmentationMelasma
55+ studies
Both
1% – 4%
Ferulic Acid
Grade B
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
Antioxidants
Antioxidant synergist that doubles Vitamin C's protection and prevents its oxidation.
AntioxidantAnti-agingUV Protection
45+ studies
AM
0.5% – 1%
Caffeine
Grade C
1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine
Antioxidants
Eye-area ingredient for puffiness and dark circles. Promising but limited RCT evidence.
Dark CirclesPuffinessAntioxidant
35+ studies
Both
1% – 5%
Adapalene
Grade A
Differin · Epiduo (with BP)
Retinoids
3rd-generation synthetic retinoid. OTC FDA-approved for acne — better tolerated than tretinoin.
AcneAnti-agingTextureHyperpigmentation
180+ studies
PM
0.1% OTC; 0.3% Rx
Mandelic Acid
Grade B
AHA · α-phenylglycolic acid
Exfoliants (AHA)
Gentlest AHA — antibacterial, slow-penetrating. Best for sensitive skin and darker skin tones.
TextureBrighteningAcneSensitivity
40+ studies
PM
5% – 15%
Copper Peptides
Grade B
GHK-Cu · Tripeptide-1
Peptides
Tissue-remodeling peptide that stimulates wound healing, collagen, and elastin synthesis.
Anti-agingCollagenWound HealingFirmness
55+ studies
PM
0.5% – 2%
Your routine
Step 1 of 3
What does your skin actually need?
Pick everything that applies — we'll suggest the right ingredients for each.
Your concerns
⏳
Anti-Aging
Fine lines, collagen loss, firmness
🔬
Acne
Breakouts, clogged pores, bacteria
🌗
Dark Spots
Dark spots, melasma, uneven tone
💧
Dryness
Dehydration, flaking, tightness
🔍
Large Pores
Visible pores, texture, oiliness
✨
Uneven Texture
Rough surface, dull skin, unevenness
🌸
Redness / Rosacea
Rosacea, flushing, inflammation
💆
Oily Skin
Excess sebum, shine, congestion
👁
Dark Circles
Under-eye darkness, puffiness
🍃
Sensitive Skin
Reactivity, irritation, fragile barrier
Step 2 of 3 — Your skin type
Step 3 of 3 — Optional
What do you already have?
Tick anything already on your shelf. We'll build your routine from what you own and show you what to add as an upgrade list.