Skincare Ingredient Glossary

Complex sugar molecules extracted from the aloe vera plant that bind water to the skin's surface.

A synthetic glycoside derived from the bearberry plant studied for its ability to support a brighter, more even-looking skin tone.

A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains that helps normalize keratinization and has mild exfoliating properties.

A plant-derived compound from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, studied as a gentler functional analog to retinol.

A naturally occurring alkaloid that constricts blood vessels and provides antioxidant protection when applied topically.

Lipid molecules that occur naturally in the skin's outermost layers, forming the structural matrix of the skin barrier.

A medicinal herb also known as 'cica' or Gotu Kola, containing compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside that support skin barrier function.

A tripeptide composed of three amino acids (glutamate, cysteine, glycine) that serves as the body's master antioxidant.

A colorless, odorless liquid that attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the stratum corneum.

A glycosaminoglycan naturally present in skin that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

An aromatic extract from Lavandula angustifolia containing linalool and linalyl acetate compounds.

A naturally-derived antimicrobial peptide produced through fermentation of Leuconostoc bacteria on radish roots.

Microscopic spherical vesicles composed of phospholipid bilayers that encapsulate active ingredients for enhanced delivery.

A water-soluble vitamin that supports the skin's natural barrier function and helps regulate sebum production.

Purified water infused with additional oxygen molecules, used as a hydrating base in skincare formulations.

A provitamin that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, providing humectant and emollient properties.

Short chains of amino acids used in cosmetic formulas for their conditioning feel on the skin's surface.

Fatty molecules containing a phosphate group that form cell membranes and liposomal delivery systems.

A form of vitamin A one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, offering similar activity with generally improved tolerability.

A fat-soluble vitamin derivative widely used in cosmetics and studied for its effect on the look of skin texture.

A beta hydroxy acid derived from willow bark that is oil-soluble, allowing it to exfoliate within the pore.

A stable, saturated form of squalene that mimics the skin's natural sebum for barrier reinforcement.

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports barrier function.

Stabilized forms of ascorbic acid—such as ascorbyl glucoside, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate—designed for improved formulation stability.

An extract from Hamamelis virginiana containing tannins that provide mild astringent properties.

The zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that helps regulate sebum.