A

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): Water-soluble acids derived from fruits and milk. Common AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. They exfoliate the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture and tone.

Aloe Vera: A soothing plant extract known for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Often used to treat burns, irritation, and dryness.

Almond Oil: A nourishing oil rich in vitamins A and E, used to moisturize, soften, and improve skin tone.

Allantoin: A soothing, anti-irritant, and skin conditioning agent. It helps to soften and protect the skin.

Antioxidants: Compounds that protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage. Common antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea extract.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Known for its astringent and antibacterial properties, it can help balance the skin’s pH and treat acne.

Azelaic Acid: A naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and exfoliating properties, often used to treat acne and rosacea.

B

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid): Oil-soluble acid, commonly salicylic acid, that penetrates the pores to exfoliate and reduce acne. It’s ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

Bakuchiol: A plant-derived ingredient that is often referred to as a natural alternative to retinol. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin tone.

Beeswax: A natural wax produced by honeybees, used as an emollient and occlusive to protect the skin and retain moisture.

Bentonite Clay: A natural clay with detoxifying properties, used to absorb excess oil, unclog pores, and purify the skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide: An antibacterial ingredient commonly used to treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing oil production.

Beta-Glucan: A sugar compound derived from oats, yeast, or mushrooms, known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.

Blue Tansy Oil: A calming essential oil with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, often used to soothe irritated or acne-prone skin.

C

Calendula: An extract from marigold flowers with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties, often used to soothe irritated skin.

Ceramides: Lipid molecules found in the skin’s barrier that help retain moisture and protect against environmental damage.

Cica (Centella Asiatica): An herb known for its healing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, often used to treat irritated or sensitive skin.

Coconut Oil: A deeply moisturizing oil with antibacterial properties, used to hydrate the skin, though it can be comedogenic for some skin types.

Collagen: A protein that provides structure, elasticity, and firmness to the skin. Topical collagen is often used to hydrate and plump the skin.

Comedogenic: Refers to ingredients that are likely to clog pores, leading to the formation of blackheads and acne.

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): A potent antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, support cell regeneration, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Cucumber Extract: Known for its cooling, soothing, and hydrating properties. It helps reduce puffiness and refresh the skin.

D

Dead Sea Mud: A mineral-rich mud that detoxifies, exfoliates, and improves skin texture, often used in masks and treatments.

Dimethicone: A type of silicone used in skincare products as a skin protectant and moisturizer. It forms a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss.

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol): A compound that may have anti-aging properties, helping to firm and tighten the skin, reduce fine lines, and improve skin tone.

Dragon’s Blood: A resin derived from the Croton Lechleri tree, known for its anti-inflammatory, healing, and protective properties.

E

Elderberry Extract: A natural extract rich in antioxidants and vitamins, used to protect the skin from free radical damage and improve skin tone.

Elastin: A protein in the skin that helps it to return to its original shape after stretching or contracting. Topical elastin can help improve skin elasticity.

Emollient: Ingredients that soften and smooth the skin by filling in the gaps between skin cells with lipids.

Enzymes: Biological molecules, like papain and bromelain, that help to exfoliate the skin by breaking down dead skin cells.

Evening Primrose Oil: A nourishing oil rich in essential fatty acids, used to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall health.

F

Ferulic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that boosts the effectiveness of other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, helping to protect against environmental damage.

Frankincense: An essential oil with anti-inflammatory, astringent, and rejuvenating properties, often used in anti-aging and healing products.

Fragrance-Free: Indicates that a product does not contain added synthetic fragrances or perfumes. It is often preferred by those with sensitive skin.

Fennel Seed Extract: Known for its antioxidant properties, it helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and reduce signs of aging.

G

Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin from the environment, helping to keep the skin hydrated.

Glycolic Acid: An AHA derived from sugarcane that exfoliates the skin, helping to improve texture, tone, and the appearance of fine lines.

Green Tea Extract: A potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce redness.

Grapeseed Oil: A lightweight oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, used to moisturize and balance the skin.

H

Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration to the skin.

Humectant: Ingredients that attract moisture from the environment into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Common humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea.

Honey: A natural humectant with antibacterial and soothing properties, often used to hydrate and treat acne-prone skin.

Hemp Seed Oil: A non-comedogenic oil rich in omega fatty acids, used to moisturize, soothe, and balance the skin.

Horse Chestnut Extract: Known for its anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting properties, often used to reduce puffiness and improve skin tone.

I

Isotretinoin: A potent oral retinoid used to treat severe acne by reducing oil production and inflammation.

Irritant: An ingredient that can cause redness, itching, or other forms of irritation in some individuals.

J

Jasmine Oil: An essential oil with soothing and moisturizing properties, often used to calm sensitive skin and improve mood.

Jojoba Oil: A moisturizing oil derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, known for its similarity to the skin’s natural oils and its ability to balance oil production.

K

Kelp Extract: Rich in minerals and antioxidants, kelp helps to hydrate, detoxify, and rejuvenate the skin.

Kojic Acid: A skin-lightening agent derived from fungi. It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.

Kakadu Plum: A superfruit extract with a high concentration of Vitamin C, known for its brightening and antioxidant properties.

Kaolin Clay: A gentle white clay that absorbs excess oil and impurities, often used in masks for oily and acne-prone skin.

L

Lactic Acid: An AHA derived from milk that exfoliates the skin while also providing hydration and improving skin texture.

Lanolin: A moisturizing agent derived from sheep’s wool. It is known for its emollient properties, but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

L-Ascorbic Acid: The purest form of Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties and ability to brighten the skin and boost collagen production.

Lavender Oil: An essential oil with calming, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, often used to soothe irritated skin and promote relaxation.

Licorice Root Extract: Known for its brightening, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, often used to treat hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin.

Lemon Balm: A plant extract with calming and antiviral properties, often used to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.

M

Matrixyl: A peptide that stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Mandelic Acid: An AHA derived from bitter almonds, used for gentle exfoliation. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and helps to improve skin texture and tone.

Melanin: The natural pigment in the skin that gives it color. Overproduction can lead to hyperpigmentation.

Manuka Honey: A type of honey with powerful antibacterial and healing properties, often used to treat acne and soothe irritated skin.

Matcha: A powdered green tea rich in antioxidants, used to protect the skin from environmental damage and improve complexion.

Marula Oil: A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, used to hydrate and protect the skin.

N

Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3 that helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve overall skin texture.

Neem Oil: A potent oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, often used to treat acne and other skin conditions.

Neroli Oil: An essential oil derived from bitter orange blossoms, known for its regenerative, soothing, and anti-aging properties.

Non-comedogenic: Indicates that a product or ingredient is unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

O

Oatmeal: A soothing and moisturizing ingredient often used to treat dry, itchy, or irritated skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a gentle exfoliant.

Olive Oil: A rich, moisturizing oil that provides deep hydration and antioxidant protection, though it can be too heavy for some skin types.

Octinoxate: A chemical sunscreen agent that protects against UVB rays, though it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Oxybenzone: A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UV rays, but is controversial due to potential environmental and health concerns.

P

Parabens: A group of synthetic preservatives used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. They are controversial due to potential health concerns.

Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Petrolatum: Also known as petroleum jelly, it is an occlusive ingredient that locks in moisture and protects the skin’s barrier.

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid): A type of chemical exfoliant similar to AHAs and BHAs but gentler on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Papaya Extract: Contains natural enzymes like papain, which help to exfoliate the skin, brighten complexion, and improve texture.

Pumpkin Seed Oil: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, it helps to nourish, hydrate, and improve skin elasticity.

Q

Quercetin: A plant-derived flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, often used to protect the skin from environmental damage.

R

Retinol: A form of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Resveratrol: A powerful antioxidant found in grapes and berries, used to protect the skin from environmental damage and improve elasticity.

Raspberry Seed Oil: A nourishing oil with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, often used for its natural SPF and ability to soothe and protect the skin.

Rose Water: A hydrating and soothing floral water with anti-inflammatory properties, often used as a toner or mist to refresh and calm the skin.

Rooibos Extract: A tea extract rich in antioxidants, used to protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce signs of aging.

S

Salicylic Acid: A BHA that penetrates the pores to exfoliate and reduce acne. It’s commonly used in treatments for oily and acne-prone skin.

Sea Buckthorn Oil: A nutrient-rich oil with a high concentration of vitamins A, C, and E, used to nourish, repair, and protect the skin.

Shea Butter: A deeply moisturizing butter derived from the nuts of the shea tree, known for its emollient, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.

Squalane: A stable and lightweight moisturizing oil derived from olives or sugarcane. It’s similar to the skin’s natural oils and is non-comedogenic.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor): A measure of how well a sunscreen will protect the skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.

Soy Extract: Contains isoflavones that help to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out skin tone.

Sulfates: A group of surfactants used in cleansers to create lather and remove dirt and oil. They can be drying and irritating for some skin types.

T

Tea Tree Oil: An essential oil with powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used to treat acne and oily skin.

Tamanu Oil: A healing oil with anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, often used to treat scars, wounds, and acne.

Titanium Dioxide: A mineral sunscreen agent that physically blocks UV rays, providing broad-spectrum protection without irritating sensitive skin.

Tranexamic Acid: A brightening ingredient that helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone by inhibiting melanin production.

Turmeric: A spice with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and brightening properties, often used to treat hyperpigmentation and calm irritated skin.

V

Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and stimulates collagen production.

Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage, while also moisturizing and soothing.

W

Walnut Shell Powder: A natural exfoliant used in scrubs to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, though it can be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

White Willow Bark: A natural source of salicin, used as a gentle exfoliant and to reduce inflammation and acne.

Witch Hazel: An astringent derived from the witch hazel shrub, known for its ability to tighten pores, reduce oil, and soothe irritation.

Y

Yarrow: A plant extract with anti-inflammatory, astringent, and healing properties, often used to soothe irritated or sensitive skin.

Z

Zinc Oxide: A mineral sunscreen agent that physically blocks UVA and UVB rays. It is also used to soothe irritated skin.

Zinc PCA: A zinc salt used to regulate oil production and reduce acne, with antimicrobial and soothing properties.