Dr. Elena Voss
Senior Ingredient Analyst
Cosmetic science researcher with a background in pharmaceutical chemistry. Specialises in INCI decoding, ingredient safety assessment, and EU regulatory compliance. Reviews every product score for accuracy before publication.
Areas of expertise
Articles by Dr. Elena Voss (9)
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Azelaic Acid: The Most Underrated Ingredient for Acne and Rosacea
Azelaic acid quietly outperforms most actives for acne, rosacea and dark spots. A guide to concentrations, products and what the evidence really shows.
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Ceramides explained: why your skin barrier needs them
What ceramides actually do, the nine types in skincare, why the 3:1:1 ratio matters, and how to choose a barrier cream that works, with evidence.
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Best serums for hyperpigmentation: dark spots ranked by efficacy
A dermato-cosmetic guide to the best serums for hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Which actives fade pigment, how to layer them, and what the evidence says.
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Vitamin C serum guide: forms, concentrations, and what actually works
A dermato-cosmetic guide to vitamin C serums: which form to choose (L-ascorbic acid vs derivatives), ideal concentration, pH, and how to layer in your routine.
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Salicylic acid vs benzoyl peroxide: which is better for acne?
Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide? A dermato-cosmetic breakdown of how each ingredient works, which acne type it suits, and how to combine them safely.
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Fragrance in Skincare: The Hidden Allergen in 60% of Products
Fragrance is the most common allergen in skincare. Which ingredients to avoid, how EU and US rules differ, and the best fragrance-free picks by category.
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Comedogenic Ingredients: The Complete 2026 List With Ratings
Top 25 comedogenic ingredients ranked on the Fulton scale, plus the ingredients wrongly feared (mineral oil, dimethicone) and the INCI position rule.
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Retinol for beginners: how to start without wrecking your skin
A science-backed guide to retinol. Which strength to pick, how to apply it, what to avoid, and why most people fail in the first month.
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Is niacinamide safe? What dermatology research actually says
Clinical evidence on niacinamide safety: 18 RCTs reviewed, adverse event rates, contraindications, pregnancy data, and concentration response curves.
Dr. Elena Voss is part of the SkinScore editorial team. All scores and analyses are reviewed by at least two team members before publication. Our methodology is fully transparent and based on EU CosIng data, SCCS opinions, and peer-reviewed dermatological research.
See our methodology →