Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also called Vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin widely used in skincare.
ReadmorePeptide Complex
A peptide complex is simply a blend of two or more peptides combined in one formula, rather than a single peptide working alone.
ReadmoreCaffeine
Caffeine used in skincare is the same stimulant compound found in coffee and tea, just applied directly to the skin instead of consumed.
ReadmoreOligopeptide-68
Oligopeptide-68 is a peptide used in skincare for its skin tone-evening effects.
ReadmoreGlutathione
Glutathione is a small molecule made of three amino acids (a tripeptide) that your body naturally produces and uses as one of its main antioxidants
ReadmoreCeramide (triple complex)
Ceramides are natural fats found in skin that help hold skin cells together and lock in moisture.
ReadmoreAlpha Arbutin
Alpha arbutin is a brightening ingredient derived from plants such as bearberry. It is chemically related to hydroquinone, a stronger skin-lightening ingredient, but alpha arbutin is a much gentler, more stable version that is widely used in over-the-counter skincare.
ReadmoreKojic Acid
Kojic acid is a brightening ingredient that comes from a natural fermentation process, similar to the fermentation used to make certain foods.
ReadmoreGlycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It has the smallest molecule of the common AHAs, which allows it to penetrate skin quickly and deliver a stronger exfoliating effect than gentler acids like mandelic acid.
ReadmorePalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide used in anti-aging skincare
ReadmorePalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a synthetic peptide used in anti-aging skincare. It is one of two peptides combined to make Matrixyl 3000, alongside palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
ReadmorePalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, also written as Pal-KTTKS, is the peptide behind the original Matrixyl ingredient, first introduced by Sederma in 2000
ReadmoreAcetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, widely known by its trade name Argireline, is a synthetic peptide marketed as a topical, lower-cost alternative to botulinum toxin (Botox) injections.
ReadmoreAcetyl Octapeptide-3 (Snap-8)
Acetyl Octapeptide-3, commonly sold under the trade name Snap-8, is a synthetic peptide built as an extended version of Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8).
ReadmorePalmitoyl Oligopeptide
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is an older ingredient name that appeared in some anti-aging skincare formulas, typically alongside palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 in combination products.
ReadmoreHexapeptide-11
Hexapeptide-11 is a synthetic peptide, made up of a chain of six amino acids, including alanine, phenylalanine, proline, and valine.
ReadmoreTripeptide-1
Tripeptide-1 is the plain, unmodified form of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine), a small peptide that occurs naturally in the human body and is known to decline with age.
ReadmoreNonapeptide-1
Nonapeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide, sometimes sold under the trade name Melanostatine-5, designed to mimic a small fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a natural hormone involved in triggering melanin production in skin.
ReadmoreEpidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a naturally occurring protein in the body that plays a central role in how skin cells grow, repair themselves, and communicate with one another
ReadmoreSodium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid. It comes from the exact same molecule, simply paired with a sodium ion, and in a water-based formula the two are chemically very closely related sodium hyaluronate separates into a hyaluronic acid molecule and a sodium ion once dissolved
ReadmoreGlycerin
Glycerin, also called glycerol, is one of the most widely used and longest-studied moisturizing ingredients in skincare.
ReadmorePanthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Panthenol is a provitamin form of vitamin B5, meaning the body converts it into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) once absorbed.
ReadmorePropanediol
Propanediol, also called 1,3-propanediol, is a multi-purpose ingredient widely used in modern skincare formulas.
ReadmoreBetaine
Betaine, also called trimethylglycine, is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, animals, and the human body, commonly sourced for cosmetics from sugar beets.
ReadmorePolyglutamic Acid
Polyglutamic Acid, often shortened to PGA, is a large, naturally derived molecule made of repeating units of the amino acid glutamic acid
ReadmoreButylene Glycol
Butylene Glycol, also called 1,3-butanediol, is a small organic alcohol widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulas
ReadmoreSorbitol
Sorbitol, also called D-glucitol, is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in various fruits, including plums, pears, and apples.
ReadmoreSodium PCA
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, and it is naturally present in skin as one of the main components of the Natural Moisturizing Factor, or NMF
ReadmoreUrea
Urea is a small, naturally occurring molecule that is already present in skin as part of its Natural Moisturizing Factor.
ReadmoreTrehalose
Trehalose is a natural sugar made of two glucose molecules joined together. Plants, fungi (including yeast and mushrooms), bacteria and insects make it, often as a survival tool: some organisms can dry out almost completely and then recover, and trehalose is part of how they protect their cells while they are dry. Humans do not make trehalose in their skin.
ReadmoreHoney Extract
Honey Extract is an ingredient made from honey, the sweet substance bees produce from flower nectar. It is listed on ingredient labels as Mel Extract, while plain honey is listed as Mel.
ReadmoreAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the official ingredient-label name for aloe vera juice, the clear, watery gel-like liquid found inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant
ReadmoreHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into smaller pieces. Hyaluronic acid is a long chain of sugar molecules that can hold a lot of water. In its natural, long form it is a large molecule that mostly stays on the skin's surface. "Hydrolyzed" means the chain has been cut into shorter fragments, which are smaller and can be easier to use in a formula.
ReadmoreLactic Acid
Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a type of exfoliating acid. It was first found in sour milk, which is where the name comes from, but the lactic acid used in skincare is usually made by fermenting sugars rather than taken from milk
ReadmoreCitric Acid
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges.
ReadmoreMalic Acid
Malic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in apples and many other fruits. The name comes from the Latin word for apple. It is what gives green apples their sour taste.
ReadmoreTartaric Acid
Tartaric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found naturally in grapes and tamarind, and it is one of the main acids in wine. The tartaric acid used in cosmetics is typically a purified form of the natural compound.
ReadmorePhytic Acid
Phytic Acid is a natural compound found in the seeds and fibre of plants such as grains, legumes and rice bran. It is how plants store phosphorus. In food, it is known for reducing how well the body absorbs minerals like iron and zinc.
ReadmoreSalicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and one of the most widely used ingredients for acne-prone, oily skin. It is related to the compound found in willow bark and is chemically similar to aspirin
ReadmoreGluconolactone
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), a newer and gentler cousin of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid. It is made from glucose (a sugar) and is a natural part of some fruits and honey.
ReadmoreLactobionic Acid
Lactobionic Acid is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) made from lactose, the sugar in milk. Its molecules are large, which means it works more slowly and gently than smaller exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid.
ReadmorePapain (Papaya Enzyme)
Papain is an enzyme found in the latex of the papaya fruit and plant. Enzymes like papain are proteins that break down other proteins, which is why papain is used as a meat tenderiser as well as in skincare.
ReadmoreBromelain (Pineapple Enzyme)
Bromelain is a mix of protein-digesting enzymes taken from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant. It is the reason fresh pineapple can make your mouth tingle, since it breaks down proteins.
ReadmorePumpkin Enzyme
Pumpkin Enzyme is a marketing term more than an ingredient name. On labels, it usually appears as pumpkin fruit extract or pumpkin seed oil. Products marketed as pumpkin enzyme peels or masks are popular, especially in autumn.
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