ERLY Ingredient Glossary
Ingredient Glossary
Thoughtfully selected, dermatologist-approved ingredients designed to support healthy skin at every age and stage.
H
Hyaluronic Acid
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found throughout the skin that acts like a sponge, attracting and holding water. In fact, it can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most effective hydrating ingredients in skincare.
Healthy, hydrated skin looks smoother, feels softer, and maintains a stronger skin barrier—all of which are essential for healthy skin function.
Why Does ERLY Use It?
Hydration is the foundation of healthy skin.
Hyaluronic acid helps replenish moisture, temporarily plump the skin, and support the skin's natural barrier. Unlike heavier moisturizers, it provides lightweight hydration that layers easily with other skincare ingredients, making it suitable for every skin type.
ERLY's Daily Splash Hydrating Serum contains three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid designed to support both immediate and longer-lasting hydration.
From Dr. McDonald
"One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that oily skin doesn't need hydration. Oil and hydration are not the same. Your skin can produce excess oil and still be dehydrated. I recommend hyaluronic acid because it helps replenish water, supports the skin barrier, and layers beautifully with almost any skincare routine. Healthy skin starts with proper hydration."
Who Can Benefit?
Everyone.
Hyaluronic acid is appropriate for dry, oily, combination, normal, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Because it's non-comedogenic and well tolerated, it's one of the few ingredients I routinely recommend regardless of skin type.
Found in These ERLY Products
- Daily Splash Hydrating Serum
- Daily Dew Illuminating Serum
- Daily Soothe Calming Serum
- ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40
- ERLY Night Moisturizer with Peptides
Learn More
The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Hydrated, Plump Skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough for both morning and evening use and pairs well with nearly every skincare ingredient.
Is hyaluronic acid good for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes. Oily skin still needs hydration. Because hyaluronic acid is lightweight and non-comedogenic, it helps maintain hydration without clogging pores or leaving skin feeling greasy.
N
Niacinamide
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, regulate excess oil production, calm visible redness, brighten uneven skin tone, and improve the appearance of enlarged pores.
Because it addresses multiple skin concerns at once while remaining gentle, niacinamide is one of the ingredients I recommend most often in my dermatology practice.
Why Does ERLY Use It?
Healthy skin starts with a healthy barrier.
Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier by increasing ceramide production, allowing skin to retain moisture more effectively and become more resilient over time. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps regulate excess oil production, and improves the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making it one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare.
We paired niacinamide with phloretin in Daily Dew Illuminating Serum to brighten dull skin while providing antioxidant protection, and included a higher concentration in Daily Soothe Calming Serum to help calm redness and support blemish-prone skin.
From Dr. McDonald
"If I could recommend one multitasking skincare ingredient for almost everyone, it would be niacinamide. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, brighten discoloration, and balance oil production, all while being gentle enough for all skin types."
Who Can Benefit?
Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types, including oily, acne-prone, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. It's particularly helpful for people dealing with redness, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, excess oil, or post-acne marks.
Found in These ERLY Products
Learn More
The Best Niacinamide Serum: Why ERLY's Daily Soothe is Your Skin's New Best Friend
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use niacinamide every day?
Yes. Niacinamide is gentle enough for daily morning and evening use and layers well with most skincare ingredients.
Can I use niacinamide with vitamin C?
Yes. Earlier concerns about combining these ingredients have been disproven. They work well together and can complement one another by providing antioxidant protection while helping brighten uneven skin tone.
P
Panthenol
What Is Panthenol?
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping soothe and strengthen the skin barrier. It's widely used in dermatology because it's gentle, effective, and well tolerated.
Healthy skin depends on a strong barrier, and panthenol helps support that barrier by improving hydration and reducing moisture loss.
Why Does ERLY Use It?
Hydration and barrier repair are the foundation of healthy skin.
Panthenol helps calm dryness, replenish moisture, and support the skin's natural healing process. We paired it with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid in Daily Splash Hydrating Serum to deliver immediate hydration while helping maintain long-lasting moisture.
From Dr. McDonald
"One of the biggest mistakes I see is people reaching for stronger active ingredients before repairing their skin barrier. Panthenol is one of my favorite ingredients because it hydrates, soothes, and supports barrier recovery without causing irritation."
Who Can Benefit?
Panthenol is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, dry, oily, acne-prone, and combination skin. It's particularly helpful for anyone experiencing dryness, irritation, or a weakened skin barrier.
Found in These ERLY Products
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is panthenol the same as vitamin B5?
Panthenol is provitamin B5, a precursor that is converted to vitamin B5 in the skin and is valued for its hydrating and soothing properties.
Can I use panthenol every day?
Yes. Panthenol is gentle enough for morning and evening use and pairs well with virtually every skincare ingredient.
Peptides
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules within the skin.Certain peptides are believed to support collagen production and help improve the appearance of skin firmness over time.
Think of peptides as messengers that encourage the skin to perform some of its natural repair and renewal processes.
Why Does ERLY Use Them?
Collagen naturally declines with age, contributing to fine lines and loss of firmness.
We selected multiple peptides for ERLY Night Moisturizer and ERLY Start Moisturizer SPF 40 because they help support collagen while remaining gentle enough for daily use. Unlike stronger anti-aging ingredients that can sometimes cause irritation, peptides fit seamlessly into a simple routine centered on hydration, barrier support, and long-term skin health.
From Dr. McDonald
"Retinoids remain the gold standard for stimulating collagen, but they aren't right for everyone. I like pairing peptides with a moisturizer because they help support firmer, healthier-looking skin without disrupting the skin barrier, making them an excellent option for sensitive skin or anyone looking for a gentler approach to healthy aging."
Who Can Benefit?
Peptides are appropriate for every skin type, including sensitive skin. They're especially beneficial for anyone concerned about fine lines, loss of firmness, or maintaining healthy, resilient skin over time.
Found in These ERLY Products
Learn More
Peptides vs. Retinoids: The Key to Gentle, Effective Anti-Aging
The Best Peptide Creams and How to Choose One
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use peptides every day?
Yes. Peptides are gentle enough for both morning and evening use and pair well with nearly every skincare ingredient.
Are peptides safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Peptides are generally very well tolerated, making them an excellent option for people who want to support collagen and skin firmness without the irritation that stronger active ingredients can sometimes cause.
Phloretin
What Is Phloretin?
Phloretin is a plant-derived antioxidant found naturally in apples and apple tree bark. It helps neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution while supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
Although it's not as widely recognized as vitamin C, phloretin is an effective antioxidant that complements other brightening ingredients without being harsh on the skin.
Why Does ERLY Use It?
Brightening skincare shouldn't come at the expense of your skin barrier.
We selected phloretin because it provides antioxidant support while being well tolerated by sensitive skin and it helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and dullness. Paired with niacinamide, it helps promote a healthier, more radiant complexion without relying on aggressive exfoliation.
From Dr. McDonald
"I wanted Daily Dew to brighten skin in a gentle, everyday way. Phloretin helps defend against environmental stress while complementing niacinamide to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and overall radiance without irritating sensitive skin."
Who Can Benefit?
Phloretin is appropriate for all skin types, including normal, dry, combination, oily, and sensitive skin. It's especially beneficial for anyone concerned about dullness, uneven skin tone, or protecting skin from environmental damage.
Found in These ERLY Products
Learn More
Phloretin Benefits for Skin: Complete Antioxidant Guide
Hyperpigmentation Treatments 101: How Phloretin and Niacinamide Help
Frequently Asked Questions
What does phloretin do for skin?
Phloretin is an antioxidant that helps defend against free radical damage while improving the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone.
Why did ERLY choose phloretin?
We selected phloretin because it provides antioxidant protection while complementing niacinamide to promote brighter, more radiant-looking skin without unnecessary irritation. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
V
Vitamin E
What Is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in the skin that helps defend against free radical damage caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants. It also supports the skin's natural barrier by helping reduce moisture loss and improve hydration.
As we age and experience environmental stress, our skin's natural antioxidant defenses decline, making topical antioxidants an important part of a healthy skincare routine.
Why Does ERLY Use It?
Healthy skin needs both hydration and protection.
Vitamin E helps reinforce the skin barrier while protecting against oxidative stress—the damage caused by free radicals generated by UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental exposures. We pair vitamin E with peptides and moisturizing ingredients to help keep skin hydrated, resilient, and healthy.
From Dr. McDonald
"People often focus on repairing damage after it happens, but prevention is just as important. Antioxidants like vitamin E help protect your skin from everyday environmental stressors while supporting a healthy skin barrier."
Who Can Benefit?
Vitamin E is beneficial for all skin types, particularly dry, normal, and sensitive skin. Because it helps support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, it's especially helpful for anyone experiencing dryness or environmental stress.
Found in These ERLY Products
Learn More
Vitamin E in Skincare: How It Protects and Heals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vitamin E good for dry skin?
Yes. Vitamin E helps support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, making it an excellent ingredient for dry or dehydrated skin.
Can I use vitamin E every day?
Absolutely. Vitamin E is gentle enough for daily use and works well alongside hydrating ingredients, peptides, and sunscreen.
Z
Zinc Oxide
What Is Zinc Oxide?
Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreen filters, zinc oxide forms a protective layer on the skin and protects through a combination of reflection, scattering, and absorption of ultraviolet radiation.
Why Does ERLY Use It?
Daily sunscreen is the single most important step in any skincare routine.
UV exposure is one of the leading causes of visible skin aging, including wrinkles, sun spots, loss of elasticity, and uneven pigmentation. It also significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.
We chose zinc oxide for ERLY Start Moisturizer SPF 40 because it provides reliable broad-spectrum protection while being well tolerated by sensitive skin. Combined with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients, it protects skin today while helping preserve healthier skin for the future.
From Dr. McDonald
"Daily sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do for your skin. It helps protect against skin cancer, prevents premature aging, and preserves your skin's overall health. I believe SPF should be part of everyone's morning routine, regardless of age or skin tone."
Who Can Benefit?
Everyone.
Daily sunscreen is recommended regardless of age or skin tone. Zinc oxide is especially well suited for sensitive skin because it's gentle, non-irritating, and provides immediate protection after application.
Found in These ERLY Products
Learn More
- Understanding SPF: The Science of Sun Protection
- Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens: Which One Is Right for You?
- Why Mineral Sunscreens Are Having a Moment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is zinc oxide a mineral sunscreen?
Yes. Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Can I use zinc oxide sunscreen every day?
Absolutely. Dermatologists recommend wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy or you're spending most of the day indoors.
The Science Behind Every Formula
At ERLY, education is at the foundation of everything we do. As a dermatologist-founded brand, we believe understanding the science behind your skincare is just as important as the ingredients themselves.
Every ingredient in our formulas is carefully selected by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hallie McDonald to support healthy skin without unnecessary complexity. Rather than chasing trends or relying on harsh active ingredients, we focus on ingredients backed by science that hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier, defend against environmental stressors, and support skin at every age.
Whether you're looking to better understand hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, mineral sunscreen, or antioxidants, this glossary explains what each ingredient does, why we chose it, and how it works within an effective, dermatologist-designed skincare routine.
Why ERLY Uses These Ingredients
Healthy skin starts with a simple routine built on effective, evidence-based ingredients.
As a dermatologist, Dr. McDonald believes one of the biggest mistakes people make is overcomplicating their skincare. Too many harsh actives can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to irritation, redness, dryness, and breakouts.
That's why every ERLY formula is built around ingredients that work together to support the skin rather than stress it. Our philosophy is simple:
- Hydrate the skin.
- Strengthen the skin barrier.
- Protect against daily environmental damage.
The result is skincare that's gentle enough for sensitive skin, effective enough for daily use, and designed to promote healthy skin for years to come.
Thoughtfully Paired Ingredients
Each ERLY formula combines ingredients that complement one another to deliver better hydration, stronger barrier support, antioxidant protection, and healthier-looking skin.
Hyaluronic Acid + Panthenol
A hydration-focused pairing that draws moisture into the skin while reinforcing the skin barrier. Together, they help improve hydration, reduce moisture loss, and leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable.
Niacinamide + Phloretin
Niacinamide helps brighten uneven skin tone, calm visible redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and provides antioxidant protection. Phloretin is a powerful antioxidant that helps defend against environmental stressors while improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Together, they promote a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
Peptides + Vitamin E
Peptides help support collagen and improve skin firmness, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection and reinforces the skin barrier. Together, they help support healthier, more resilient skin.
Zinc Oxide + Vitamin E
Daily UV protection is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum mineral sun protection, while vitamin E helps defend against free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution.
Explore More from ERLY 101
Want to dive deeper into the science behind your skincare? Explore more dermatologist-written resources from ERLY 101.
- Why Does My Skincare Burn? Common Causes and What To Do
- The Science of Hypoallergenic Skincare: What It Really Means
- Understanding Skin Texture
- 7 Oily Skin Triggers—And What To Do About Them
- Myth: You Can Open and Close Your Pores
- Preppy Skincare Products We Swear By
Important Note
The information in this glossary is intended for educational purposes only and reflects the general skincare philosophy of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hallie McDonald. Individual results vary based on skin type, genetics, lifestyle, and underlying skin conditions. While the ingredients discussed here are supported by scientific research and commonly used in dermatology, this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition, nor should it replace personalized medical advice. If you have persistent skin concerns or questions about your skincare routine, consult a board-certified dermatologist for individualized recommendations.