A
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
A vitamin C derivative that is absorbed through the skin more readily than other ascorbic acid derivatives. It serves as a skin-conditioning ingredient and is also recognized for its skin-lightening and antioxidant properties.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3
A peptide that influences neurotransmitter activity by helping limit their release, easing facial tension and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Alpha Arbutin
An ingredient chemically related to hydroquinone that was initially sourced from plants such as bearberry, mulberry, and pomegranate. It has been found to provide safe and effective skin-lightening benefits.
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Interacts with sodium channels to help relax the treated area within minutes, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This rapid cosmetic response is often described as a “Botox-like” anti-aging effect.
B
Bakuchiol
Extracted from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, this ingredient offers a natural alternative to retinol. Similar to synthetically produced retinol, it encourages cell turnover and stimulates collagen production.
Butylene Glycol
A humectant and solvent that helps other beneficial ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively.
C
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea)
A powerful antioxidant that helps defend the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals.
Carbomer
A commonly used thickening and gel-forming ingredient that helps regulate the viscosity and consistency of cosmetic formulations.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Also called gotu kola, this botanical has been used for thousands of years to address various conditions. It helps improve the skin’s moisture content and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ceramide AP
Also referred to as ceramide 6, this ingredient helps strengthen the skin’s natural protective lipid barrier.
Ceramide NP
Known as ceramide III, this skin-identical molecule supports renewal of the skin’s protective layer and strengthens its lipid barrier to help prevent moisture loss. It is suitable for the long-term protection and repair of dry and sensitive skin.
Ceramides
Naturally occurring waxy lipids in the skin that play an essential role in retaining water and repairing the protective barrier. Their production decreases with age, which can contribute to dryness and wrinkles.
Ceramide NS
Also known as ceramide II, this skin molecule captures and retains the water the epidermis needs to remain smooth and hydrated.
Citric Acid
An ingredient naturally present in citrus fruits that acts as a buffer to help control the pH of cosmetic products.
Copper Tripeptide
A carrier peptide that acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen and elastin formation. Copper peptides occur naturally in the body, and a growing body of research suggests they may help improve age-related changes in the skin.
E
Ethylhexylglycerin
A multifunctional humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient that also offers antimicrobial, deodorizing, and preservative benefits.
G
Gluconolactone
An acid that encourages skin-cell turnover to improve the skin’s appearance. Its larger molecular weight provides greater hydrating properties than alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), making it more suitable for sensitive skin.
Glycerin
A widely used skincare ingredient valued as one of the most effective humectants. It binds water and helps the skin retain moisture.
Glycereth-26
A synthetic, glycerin-based ingredient used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetic formulations. Its humectant and lubricating properties leave the skin feeling smooth without stickiness.
Glycolic Acid
A naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), usually obtained from sugarcane, that promotes skin rejuvenation by encouraging the removal of older surface cells. AHAs can soften the appearance of fine lines and age spots while helping pigmentation look more even.
H
Hyaluronic Acid
A sugar molecule naturally present in the skin. Its effectiveness in providing hydration and a plumping effect varies according to its molecular weight.
I
Isododecane
A lightweight emollient that makes products easier to spread while leaving the skin without an oily feel.
K
Kojic Acid
A by-product of rice fermentation that helps tone and lighten the skin by inhibiting melanin production. It can diminish dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation associated with sun exposure and aging.
L
Lactic Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) obtained from fermented milk products. AHAs promote exfoliation, leading to thicker skin layers and a firmer, smoother, more youthful appearance.
Lactobionic Acid
A lactic acid derivative that causes less irritation than AHAs. Along with gluconolactone, it belongs to the polyhydroxy acid group, whose gentle exfoliating action helps improve skin texture.
M
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A vitamin C derivative considered the most stable form of vitamin C, although it is less readily absorbed by the skin. It is less irritating than L-ascorbic acid, making it a suitable option for sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to exfoliate the skin, address hyperpigmentation, and soften the appearance of fine lines. Its larger molecular size makes it less effective than glycolic acid, but it is the gentlest AHA, allowing safe use across a broad range of skin types.
N
Niacinamide
A water-soluble vitamin that works alongside substances naturally present in the skin to improve hydration, strengthen barrier function, and soften the skin. It also helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, even out skin tone, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce irritation.
P
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide
A signaling peptide that encourages fibroblasts to produce more collagen, helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
An effective peptide that helps soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while offering long-term anti-aging benefits.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
A peptide with long-term anti-aging benefits that helps make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
A humectant that draws water from the surrounding environment to help maintain the skin’s moisture levels.
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids that occur naturally in the skin and serve as messengers between skin cells. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and support many essential functions throughout the body. Peptide names reflect the number of amino acids in each chain: dipeptides contain two, tripeptides contain three, tetrapeptides contain four, and so on.
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative in skincare and cosmetic products that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold within the formula.
Polysorbate-20
A surfactant and emulsifier that enhances a product’s texture, feel, and scent.
Propanediol
A natural, skin-friendly alternative to petroleum-based glycols that functions as a humectant, solvent, and emollient. It also helps enhance preservative performance.
R
Retinaldehyde
Also known as retinal, this ingredient helps reduce visible signs of aging and minimize hyperpigmentation. It offers an alternative to retinol products that is better suited to sensitive skin.
Retinol
A vitamin A derivative with antioxidant properties that helps firm and smooth the skin. It improves texture, lightens age spots, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to address visible signs of aging.
Retinyl Palmitate
An ester of retinol and palmitic acid, sometimes called vitamin A palmitate. Derived from retinol, it provides antioxidant and rejuvenating benefits that can improve the appearance of aged or blemished skin.
Retinoids
A family of vitamin A-related compounds that includes pure retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, and prescription forms such as tretinoin. Among the most extensively studied skincare ingredients, retinoids help minimize the effects of skin aging and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They bind to retinoid receptors in the skin, signaling cells to increase collagen production.
S
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with antibacterial properties that is used in over-the-counter acne treatments. It also serves as an exfoliant in chemical peels to remove dead skin cells. Because BHAs are oil-soluble, they can work deeper within pores to help clear blockages.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Also known as seaberry oil, this ingredient is a source of vitamins C, B, and E, along with lycopene, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant benefits. In cosmetics, it functions as a skin-protecting ingredient and carrier to help relieve dry, sensitized skin.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A vitamin C derivative that provides benefits similar to those of ascorbic acid and is a suitable choice for acne-prone skin.
Sodium Dehydroacetate
The sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid, used as a preservative for its antimicrobial and antifungal activity. It is free of parabens and formaldehyde.
Sodium Hyaluronate
The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, capable of retaining 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps maintain skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Sodium Phytate
A natural chelating agent that supports product stability and helps prevent discoloration. It works synergistically with other antioxidants and preservatives.
Squalane
An oily, skin-conditioning substance that helps soften and smooth the skin’s appearance. It is a component of other oils and human sebum and is commonly obtained from plant sources such as sugar or olives.
T
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that supports collagen production and helps brighten the skin.
Tocopherol
Also called vitamin E, this naturally occurring, fat-soluble vitamin acts as an antioxidant and can be isolated from vegetable oils.
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
A form of vitamin E that helps protect the skin from free radicals while supporting the stability of other ingredients.
Tranexamic Acid
A derivative of the amino acid lysine used to lighten the skin and diminish hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
W
Willow Bark Extract
A natural ingredient with salicylic acid-like properties that may offer effects similar to synthetic salicylic acid with less irritation. It also has demonstrated soothing benefits and functions as a skin-toning agent.