Ingredients Dictionary

Demystifying the science behind your favorite products. Understand what goes on your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water.

Key Benefits

Deep hydrationPlumping effectReduces fine lines

Best For

Dry SkinOily SkinMature SkinSensitive Skin

Salicylic Acid

A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside the pore.

Key Benefits

Clears acneReduces oilUnclogs pores

Best For

Oily SkinAcne-prone Skin

Niacinamide

A form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier.

Key Benefits

Refines poresEvens skin toneCalms redness

Best For

All skin types Skin

Retinol

A Vitamin A derivative that speeds up cell turnover.

Key Benefits

Anti-agingImproves textureBoosts collagen

Best For

Mature SkinSun-damaged Skin

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

A potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals.

Key Benefits

Brightens skinFades dark spotsProtects from pollution

Best For

Dull SkinHyperpigmented Skin

Squalane

A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics skin's natural sebum.

Key Benefits

MoisturizesSoothes irritationNon-greasy

Best For

Dry SkinSensitive SkinOily Skin

Glycolic Acid

An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane that exfoliates the skin surface.

Key Benefits

Brightens complexionSmooths textureReduces fine lines

Best For

Normal SkinDull SkinMature Skin

Ceramides

Lipid molecules found naturally in skin that help form the skin barrier and retain moisture.

Key Benefits

Restores skin barrierLocks in moistureProtects against irritants

Best For

Dry SkinSensitive SkinDamaged Skin

Azelaic Acid

A naturally occurring acid that helps reduce inflammation and clear pores.

Key Benefits

Reduces rednessFades hyperpigmentationAntibacterial

Best For

Sensitive SkinAcne-prone SkinRosacea-prone Skin

Peptides

Short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin.

Key Benefits

Firms skinImproves elasticityStrengthens barrier

Best For

Mature SkinAll skin types Skin

Bakuchiol

A plant-based alternative to retinol that offers similar anti-aging benefits without the irritation.

Key Benefits

Anti-agingGentle exfoliationEvens skin tone

Best For

Sensitive SkinMature SkinAll skin types Skin

Centella Asiatica (Cica)

A botanical herb known for its incredible healing and soothing properties.

Key Benefits

Calms inflammationHeals skinBoosts hydration

Best For

Sensitive SkinIrritated SkinAcne-prone Skin

Lactic Acid

A gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously.

Key Benefits

Gentle exfoliationIncreases moistureBrightens dullness

Best For

Dry SkinSensitive SkinNormal Skin

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

A humectant that attracts and holds moisture while soothing the skin.

Key Benefits

Deeply hydratingSoothes rednessPromotes skin healing

Best For

All skin types SkinSensitive SkinDry Skin

Allantoin

A non-irritating ingredient that soothes and protects the skin.

Key Benefits

Calms irritationSoftens skinPromotes cell regeneration

Best For

Sensitive SkinIrritated SkinAll skin types Skin

Alpha Arbutin

A safe and effective skin-brightening ingredient that fades hyperpigmentation.

Key Benefits

Fades dark spotsEvens skin toneBrightens complexion

Best For

Hyperpigmented SkinDull SkinAll skin types Skin

Tranexamic Acid

An amino acid derivative that helps fade discoloration and melasma.

Key Benefits

Reduces melasmaFades post-acne marksBrightens skin

Best For

Hyperpigmented SkinMature SkinAll skin types Skin

Ferulic Acid

A plant-based antioxidant that boosts the stability and efficacy of Vitamins C and E.

Key Benefits

Anti-agingProtects from UV damageStabilizes Vitamin C

Best For

Mature SkinDull SkinAll skin types Skin

Resveratrol

A powerful antioxidant found in grapes that protects the skin from environmental stress.

Key Benefits

Anti-agingNeutralizes free radicalsCalms redness

Best For

Mature SkinAll skin types Skin

Green Tea Extract

Rich in polyphenols, this extract provides potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Key Benefits

Antioxidant protectionSoothes inflammationReduces puffiness

Best For

All skin types SkinOily SkinSensitive Skin

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)

An enzyme produced naturally in the body that helps energize skin cells.

Key Benefits

Reduces fine linesProtects from sun damageEvens skin tone

Best For

Mature SkinAll skin types Skin

Mandelic Acid

A gentle AHA with larger molecules that penetrate the skin more slowly, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Key Benefits

Gentle exfoliationClears acneBrightens skin

Best For

Sensitive SkinAcne-prone SkinHyperpigmented Skin

PHA (Gluconolactone)

A Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) that provides gentle exfoliation and hydration.

Key Benefits

Ultra-gentle exfoliationHydratingStrengthens barrier

Best For

Sensitive SkinDry SkinAll skin types Skin

Glycerin

A classic humectant that draws moisture into the skin and strengthens the moisture barrier.

Key Benefits

Intense hydrationSmooths skinProtects barrier

Best For

All skin types SkinDry Skin

Urea

A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that hydrates and gently exfoliates extremely dry skin.

Key Benefits

Deep hydrationSoftens rough skinGentle exfoliation

Best For

Very Dry SkinRough SkinFlaky Skin

Cholesterol

A vital lipid that works with ceramides and fatty acids to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Key Benefits

Repairs barrierImproves elasticityLocks in moisture

Best For

Dry SkinMature SkinDamaged Skin

Shea Butter

A rich emollient that provides intense nourishment and protection.

Key Benefits

Deeply nourishingSoothes dry skinProtects from elements

Best For

Dry SkinVery Dry SkinSensitive Skin

Sulfur

A mineral that helps dry out the surface of the skin to absorb excess oil and unclog pores.

Key Benefits

Clears acneReduces oilAnti-inflammatory

Best For

Oily SkinAcne-prone Skin

Tea Tree Oil

A natural essential oil with powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Key Benefits

Fights acneCalms rednessAntibacterial

Best For

Acne-prone SkinOily Skin

Zinc PCA

A synthetic ingredient that helps regulate oil production and soothe inflammation.

Key Benefits

Controls oilReduces rednessFights acne

Best For

Oily SkinAcne-prone Skin

Kojic Acid

A natural ingredient derived from fungi that inhibits melanin production.

Key Benefits

Brightens skinFades dark spotsEvens skin tone

Best For

Hyperpigmented SkinDull Skin

Licorice Root Extract

A botanical ingredient that soothes the skin and helps fade hyperpigmentation.

Key Benefits

Brightens skinCalms rednessAntioxidant

Best For

Sensitive SkinHyperpigmented SkinAll skin types Skin

Aloe Vera

A cooling plant extract known for its soothing and hydrating properties.

Key Benefits

Cools skinSoothes burnsHydrating

Best For

All skin types SkinSunburned SkinSensitive Skin

Calendula Extract

A flower extract that helps soothe and heal irritated skin.

Key Benefits

Anti-inflammatoryHeals skinSoothes sensitivity

Best For

Sensitive SkinIrritated SkinDry Skin

Silica

A mineral used in makeup to absorb oil and provide a smooth, matte finish.

Key Benefits

Absorbs oilBlurs poresMatte finish

Best For

Oily SkinCombination Skin

Mica

A natural mineral dust used to add shimmer and glow to makeup products.

Key Benefits

Adds shimmerReflects lightLuminous finish

Best For

All skin types Skin

Kaolin Clay

A gentle clay that absorbs excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin.

Key Benefits

Deep cleansesAbsorbs oilGentle on skin

Best For

Oily SkinCombination SkinSensitive Skin

Bentonite Clay

A powerful clay that draws out toxins and deeply cleanses pores.

Key Benefits

DetoxifiesTightens poresAbsorbs heavy oil

Best For

Very Oily SkinAcne-prone Skin

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and supports the skin barrier.

Key Benefits

Antioxidant protectionMoisturizingSoothes skin

Best For

Dry SkinNormal SkinMature SkinSensitive Skin

Caffeine

A stimulant that can temporarily constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness.

Key Benefits

Reduces puffinessBrightens under-eyesAntioxidant

Best For

All skin types SkinDull Skin

Rosehip Oil

A pressed seed oil, rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, known for its regenerative properties.

Key Benefits

Fades scarsAnti-agingDeeply nourishing

Best For

Dry SkinMature SkinCombination Skin

Jojoba Oil

A liquid wax that closely resembles human sebum, making it highly compatible with skin.

Key Benefits

Balances oilMoisturizingNon-comedogenic

Best For

All skin types SkinOily SkinDry Skin

Argan Oil

A nutrient-rich oil from Morocco that provides intense hydration and antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits

Deeply hydratingSoftens skinAntioxidant

Best For

Dry SkinMature SkinNormal Skin

Witch Hazel

A botanical extract with astringent properties that helps tighten pores and soothe skin.

Key Benefits

Tightens poresReduces oilSoothes irritation

Best For

Oily SkinCombination SkinAcne-prone Skin

Rose Water

A gentle floral water that hydrates, soothes, and balances the skin's pH.

Key Benefits

HydratingCalms rednessRefreshing

Best For

All skin types SkinSensitive SkinDry Skin

Chamomile Extract

A soothing botanical known for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

Key Benefits

Calms irritationReduces rednessSoothes sensitivity

Best For

Sensitive SkinIrritated SkinDry Skin

Cucumber Extract

A cooling extract that provides hydration and helps reduce puffiness.

Key Benefits

Cools skinHydratingReduces puffiness

Best For

All skin types SkinSensitive SkinSunburned Skin

Ginseng Extract

A traditional herbal extract that helps energize and revitalize the skin.

Key Benefits

Anti-agingBrightens skinImproves elasticity

Best For

Mature SkinDull SkinAll skin types Skin

Mugwort Extract (Artemisia)

A powerful soothing ingredient that helps calm sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Key Benefits

Calms rednessAntibacterialSoothes irritation

Best For

Sensitive SkinAcne-prone SkinIrritated Skin

Heartleaf Extract (Houttuynia Cordata)

A popular K-beauty ingredient known for its intense soothing and pore-clearing properties.

Key Benefits

Soothes inflammationClears poresAntibacterial

Best For

Acne-prone SkinOily SkinSensitive Skin

Propolis

A resinous mixture produced by honeybees that has powerful antibacterial and healing properties.

Key Benefits

Heals skinAntibacterialNourishing

Best For

Acne-prone SkinDry SkinAll skin types Skin

Honey

A natural humectant and antibacterial agent that hydrates and soothes the skin.

Key Benefits

MoisturizingAntibacterialSoothes irritation

Best For

Dry SkinSensitive SkinAll skin types Skin

Snail Mucin (Snail Secretion Filtrate)

A unique ingredient that hydrates, repairs, and improves skin texture.

Key Benefits

Repairs skinDeeply hydratingSmooths texture

Best For

All skin types SkinDehydrated SkinAcne-prone Skin

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

A yeast extract that helps brighten skin, refine pores, and control oil.

Key Benefits

Brightens skinRefines poresControls oil

Best For

All skin types SkinDull SkinOily Skin

Bifida Ferment Lysate

A probiotic ingredient that helps strengthen the skin's microbiome and barrier.

Key Benefits

Strengthens barrierAnti-agingSoothes skin

Best For

Sensitive SkinMature SkinDamaged Skin

Copper Peptides

A specialized peptide that promotes collagen and elastin production while healing the skin.

Key Benefits

Firms skinHeals scarsAnti-aging

Best For

Mature SkinDamaged SkinAll skin types Skin

Matrixyl 3000

A powerful anti-aging peptide complex that stimulates collagen synthesis.

Key Benefits

Reduces wrinklesFirms skinImproves texture

Best For

Mature SkinAll skin types Skin

Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)

A peptide often called "Botox in a bottle" for its ability to reduce expression lines.

Key Benefits

Reduces expression linesSmooths skinAnti-aging

Best For

Mature SkinAll skin types Skin

Idebenone

A synthetic analog of Coenzyme Q10 that is one of the most powerful antioxidants available.

Key Benefits

Potent antioxidantAnti-agingBrightens skin

Best For

Mature SkinDull SkinAll skin types Skin

Astaxanthin

A keto-carotenoid that is significantly more powerful than Vitamin C as an antioxidant.

Key Benefits

Extreme antioxidantProtects from UVAnti-aging

Best For

Mature SkinSun-damaged SkinAll skin types Skin

Glutathione

A master antioxidant that helps brighten skin and reduce oxidative stress.

Key Benefits

Brightens skinFades dark spotsAntioxidant

Best For

Dull SkinHyperpigmented SkinAll skin types Skin

Benzoyl Peroxide

A powerful antibacterial ingredient that kills acne-causing bacteria.

Key Benefits

Kills acne bacteriaClears breakoutsReduces oil

Best For

Acne-prone SkinOily Skin

Zinc Oxide

A mineral sunscreen filter that provides broad-spectrum UV protection and soothes skin.

Key Benefits

UV protectionSoothes irritationAnti-inflammatory

Best For

All skin types SkinSensitive SkinBaby skin Skin

Titanium Dioxide

A mineral sunscreen filter that reflects UV rays and provides a brightening effect.

Key Benefits

UV protectionBrightens skinNon-irritating

Best For

All skin types SkinSensitive Skin

Avobenzone

A chemical sunscreen filter that provides excellent UVA protection.

Key Benefits

UVA protectionPrevents sun damageAnti-aging

Best For

All skin types Skin

Octocrylene

A chemical sunscreen filter that helps stabilize other filters and provides UVB protection.

Key Benefits

UVB protectionStabilizes sunscreensWater-resistant

Best For

All skin types Skin

Phenoxyethanol

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in skincare and makeup.

Key Benefits

Preserves productsSafe in low concentrationsAntibacterial

Best For

All skin types Skin

Ethylhexylglycerin

A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster.

Key Benefits

Conditions skinBoosts preservativesDeodorizing

Best For

All skin types Skin

Fragrance (Parfum)

A blend of natural or synthetic scents used to enhance the sensory experience of a product.

Key Benefits

Pleasant scentMasks base odors

Best For

Normal SkinOily SkinDry Skin

Alcohol Denat.

A drying alcohol used to make products feel lighter and help ingredients penetrate better.

Key Benefits

Quick dryingEnhances penetrationLightweight feel

Best For

Oily SkinCombination Skin

Butylene Glycol

A common solvent and humectant that improves product texture and hydration.

Key Benefits

SolventHumectantImproves spreadability

Best For

All skin types Skin

Propylene Glycol

A humectant and delivery ingredient that helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.

Key Benefits

HydratingEnhances penetrationSmooths texture

Best For

All skin types Skin

Dimethicone

A silicone-based polymer that creates a smooth, protective barrier on the skin.

Key Benefits

Smooths skinProtects barrierBlurs imperfections

Best For

All skin types SkinDry Skin

Cyclopentasiloxane

A lightweight silicone that provides a silky feel and evaporates quickly.

Key Benefits

Silky textureEasy spreadabilityNon-greasy

Best For

All skin types SkinOily Skin

Talc

A mineral used in powders to absorb moisture and provide a smooth application.

Key Benefits

Absorbs moistureSmooth finishPrevents caking

Best For

All skin types SkinOily Skin

Charcoal Powder

An activated ingredient that acts like a magnet to draw out impurities and excess oil.

Key Benefits

Deeply detoxifiesClears poresAbsorbs oil

Best For

Oily SkinAcne-prone SkinCongested Skin

Volcanic Ash

A natural exfoliant rich in minerals that helps clarify and brighten the skin.

Key Benefits

ExfoliatesClarifies skinRich in minerals

Best For

Oily SkinCombination SkinDull Skin

Sea Salt

A natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and provides minerals.

Key Benefits

ExfoliatesMineral-richAntibacterial

Best For

Body skin SkinOily Skin

Colloidal Oatmeal

Finely ground oats that provide exceptional soothing and anti-itch benefits.

Key Benefits

Soothes itchingCalms rednessProtects barrier

Best For

Sensitive SkinEczema-prone SkinDry Skin

Madecassoside

One of the primary active compounds in Centella Asiatica, known for its intense healing properties.

Key Benefits

Heals skinAnti-inflammatoryAntioxidant

Best For

Sensitive SkinDamaged SkinAcne-prone Skin

Bisabolol

A soothing ingredient derived from chamomile that helps reduce irritation.

Key Benefits

Calms skinAnti-inflammatoryBrightens skin

Best For

Sensitive SkinIrritated SkinAll skin types Skin

Adenosine

A yeast-derived ingredient that functions as a good soothing and skin-restoring agent.

Key Benefits

Anti-agingSmooths skinSoothes irritation

Best For

Mature SkinAll skin types Skin

Rice Bran Extract

A traditional ingredient rich in antioxidants and vitamins that softens and brightens skin.

Key Benefits

Brightens skinSoftens textureAntioxidant

Best For

All skin types SkinDull SkinDry Skin

Soy Isoflavones

Plant-derived compounds that help improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging.

Key Benefits

Improves elasticityAnti-agingFirms skin

Best For

Mature SkinAll skin types Skin

Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)

A potent antioxidant that helps protect collagen and elastin from degradation.

Key Benefits

Protects collagenAntioxidantImproves hydration

Best For

Mature SkinAll skin types Skin

Retinaldehyde (Retinal)

A more potent form of Vitamin A than retinol, requiring only one conversion step to retinoic acid.

Key Benefits

Faster resultsAnti-agingClears acne

Best For

Mature SkinAcne-prone SkinSun-damaged Skin

Adapalene

A third-generation retinoid specifically designed to treat acne by regulating cell turnover.

Key Benefits

Clears acnePrevents breakoutsReduces inflammation

Best For

Acne-prone SkinOily Skin