With the global beauty industry worth a whopping $532 billion and constantly generating new products, it can be difficult to know where to start with finding the right items for you. With firm, youthful-looking skin the goal, wading through the long, scientific names on the back of a tube of eye cream, or knowing the benefits of vitamin E over vitamin K when it comes to selecting your night mask can be overwhelming.
Here, we’ve put together an A to Z guide of essential ingredients you should be looking out for when choosing your skincare, sunscreen and cosmetics. From oils that will nourish and hydrate, to acids that will anchor moisture to the skin, and extracts that will tone complexions and reduce redness, these 26 ingredients are guaranteed to add to your glow.
Scroll through our gallery above to learn about the best ingredients for all skin types.
A for Avocado oil
Found in both haircare and skincare products, avocado oil is packed full of beta carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E, all of which moisturise skin and help protect it from UV damage. It also helps increase collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
B for Buriti oil
Mostly found in sun protection products, this oil from the fruit of the buriti plant has a high beta-carotene content, making it perfect for pre and post-sun exposure use. It’s high in fatty acids such as oleic acid, which helps improve the skin’s elasticity. Buriti oil can also strengthen hair fibres.
C for Caviar
An effective anti-ageing ingredient, caviar extract has antioxidant properties that protect skin against UVA and UVB sun rays by preventing the breakdown of collagen and elastin. It works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and is a popular ingredient in facials and face creams.
D for DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)
A substance that is naturally produced in the brain, DMAE is also found in oily fish such as anchovies, salmon and sardines. When used in skincare, it’s been shown to be effective in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
E for Evening primrose
Also taken in tablet form, evening primrose oil has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Ideal for soothing stressed and irritated skin, and effective as a moisturiser, it also improves skin texture elasticity and combats dryness.
F for Ferulic acid
Usually extracted from wheat and maize bran, this antioxidant soaks up reactive free radicals that can lead to premature ageing. To increase its effectiveness, seek products that combine ferulic acid with vitamins C and E for sun protection, reducing pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.
G for Glycolic acid
One of the most popular face acids on the market, this is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works to loosen the upper layers of dead skin cells to reveal smoother, clearer skin. It’s also used to unclog pores, fade hyperpigmentation and increase collagen production.
H for Hyaluronic acid
One of the biggest skin breakthroughs in recent years, hyaluronic acid holds on to water and provides essential hydration for hours on end. Found naturally in the skin, levels decrease with age, making it the ideal ingredient for anti-ageing moisturisers and serums. It’s best applied to moist skin for maximum hydration.
I for Iron oxide
Iron oxide is the skin-coloured pigment found in foundation, and it comes in shades of red, yellow and brown, which when combined with white, mix to all shades of skin tones. It can absorb high-energy visible light in the blue / violet region, which is effective against pigmentation.
J for Jojoba oil
This is effective for treating dry skin, and can be applied by itself or mixed in with a cream or face mask. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s antibacterial and hypoallergenic, and can control sebum production, also making it perfect for combination skin.
K for Kojic acid
It's ideal for treating pigmentation and age spots as it is effective as a lightening agent, and slows down the production of melanin.
L for L-ascorbic acid
This form of vitamin C works as an antioxidant that stimulates the synthesis of collagen, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and even scars. Research has also found it can visibly improve the appearance of photodamaged skin.
M for Manuka honey
With its antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, honey has been used on skin for centuries, and is known for its wound-healing abilities. Its antioxidant protection makes it an ideal anti-ageing ingredient, and its sugar component helps moisturise the skin.
N for Niacinamide
Supporting the natural maintenance of the skin-barrier function, this form of vitamin B3 aids in preventing water loss and environmental irritants from penetrating the dermis. Niacinamide also increases the levels of ceramides in the skin, making it an ideal moisturiser for uneven skin tones.
O for Oat amino acids
Used in skincare for centuries, oats are packed full of powerful anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory avenanthramides, making this ingredient well suited for dry and sensitive skin, including to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It also contains starch, proteins, lipids, and beta glucans, which have moisturising properties.
P for Prickly pear oil
This cactus-derived ingredient has hydrating, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It can reduce skin inflammation and improve the appearance of conditions such as acne. A super-lightweight ingredient, it has been shown to stimulate new cell growth and restore elasticity that is down to it being rich in vitamins E and K, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as a high concentration of linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid ideal for nourishing and repairing skin.
Q for Q10
Q10 (also known as coenzyme or ubiquinone) is a chemical vital for cell function that’s naturally made by the body during the energy production process. In skincare, it acts as an antioxidant, and has been found to be effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and increasing skin smoothness.
R for Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that works by affecting how skin cells grow and how quickly dead skin cells are shed. Retinol can work to reduce clogged pores, control the bacteria that causes acne and reduce skin inflammation. Derivatives of vitamin A (retinoids) are among the ingredients with the most scientific evidence to back up their effects.
S for Salicylic acid
Derived from the bark of the willow tree, salicylic acid is more oil-soluble than other chemical exfoliants, meaning it loosens the top layer of the skin and can better penetrate pores and rid them of blackheads and grime. It is also anti-inflammatory and can calm irritated skin without redness.
T for Titanium oxide
This naturally occurring earth mineral is used in sunscreens, as it protects the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. Always seek out this ingredient in your sun-protection if you have particularly sensitive skin.
U for Urea
Found naturally in the skin’s moisturising barrier, urea decreases with age. It acts as a humectant moisturiser holding water close to the skin for maximum hydration, while also acting as an exfoliant. It’s also found in foot and hand creams, as higher-concentration formulas are suitable for softening callouses.
V for Vitamins
Four vitamins, C, D, E and K are considered by dermatologists to be the main ones to look out for in your creams and serums. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which is essential for maintaining firm skin. Vitamin D, “the sunshine vitamin”, helps the skin repair itself. Vitamin E is most often found in overnight creams due to its ability to reduce inflammation. Vitamin K supports the skin’s natural barrier function, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and dark circles.
W for Witch hazel
A standard ingredient in many toners for its ability to tighten pores and refine skin texture, witch hazel also contains antioxidants and works to reduce skin redness. Thanks to its anti-irritation properties, you’ll also find it in scalp-soothing shampoos, although with all products containing witch hazel, look for ones without alcohol, as these can dry out the skin and hair.
X for Xylene sulfonic acid
This rather scientific-sounding ingredient increases water’s ability to dissolve other molecules, making it beneficial in toners, astringents and shampoos, helping to take away dirt from the skin and hair.
Y for Yeast extract
Thanks to its high nutrient content, including proteins, vitamins and minerals, yeast extract helps to reduce the amount of oxidative stress on the skin, soothing problematic skin. The ingredient has also shown abilities in serving as a possible biosurfactant for moisturising formulas. Maintaining the skin’s quality and texture, it also helps retain moisture.
Z for Zinc oxide
A natural mineral used in sunscreens, zine oxide is one of the most effective ingredients for sun protection. Hypoallergenic, it’s ideal for those with sensitive skin and works by absorbing and reflecting UV light before it can reach the skin.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Results
5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar
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Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
2.0
Director: S Shankar
Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films
Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
RESULTS
Catchweight 63.5kg: Shakriyor Juraev (UZB) beat Bahez Khoshnaw (IRQ). Round 3 TKO (body kick)
Lightweight: Nart Abida (JOR) beat Moussa Salih (MAR). Round 1 by rear naked choke
Catchweight 79kg: Laid Zerhouni (ALG) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ). Round 1 TKO (punches)
Catchweight 58kg: Omar Al Hussaini (UAE) beat Mohamed Sahabdeen (SLA) Round 1 rear naked choke
Flyweight: Lina Fayyad (JOR) beat Sophia Haddouche (ALG) Round 2 TKO (ground and pound)
Catchweight 80kg: Badreddine Diani (MAR) beat Sofiane Aïssaoui (ALG) Round 2 TKO
Flyweight: Sabriye Sengul (TUR) beat Mona Ftouhi (TUN). Unanimous decision
Middleweight: Kher Khalifa Eshoushan (LIB) beat Essa Basem (JOR). Round 1 rear naked choke
Heavyweight: Mohamed Jumaa (SUD) beat Hassen Rahat (MAR). Round 1 TKO (ground and pound)
Lightweight: Abdullah Mohammad Ali Musalim (UAE beat Omar Emad (EGY). Round 1 triangle choke
Catchweight 62kg: Ali Taleb (IRQ) beat Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR). Round 2 KO
Catchweight 88kg: Mohamad Osseili (LEB) beat Samir Zaidi (COM). Unanimous decision
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff
By Sean Penn
Simon & Schuster
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
25-MAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
The Bloomberg Billionaire Index in full
1 Jeff Bezos $140 billion
2 Bill Gates $98.3 billion
3 Bernard Arnault $83.1 billion
4 Warren Buffett $83 billion
5 Amancio Ortega $67.9 billion
6 Mark Zuckerberg $67.3 billion
7 Larry Page $56.8 billion
8 Larry Ellison $56.1 billion
9 Sergey Brin $55.2 billion
10 Carlos Slim $55.2 billion
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
