The Ingredient Glossary
What every active in skincare and aesthetics actually is, what it does, and whether the evidence backs it — in plain English, for owners and the patients who ask. 63 ingredients, free.
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant that holds up to 1000x its weight in water.
Hydration & BarrierPolyglutamic Acid
Amino acid polymer that holds water for plump, hydrated skin.
Hydration & BarrierGlycerin
Humectant that draws water into skin and strengthens barrier.
Hydration & BarrierSqualane
Lightweight plant-derived oil that mimics skin's natural moisture barrier.
Hydration & BarrierCeramides
Lipid molecules that repair and strengthen skin's moisture barrier.
Hydration & BarrierPanthenol
Humectant that hydrates and soothes irritated skin.
Hydration & BarrierBeta-Glucan
Polysaccharide that hydrates and strengthens skin barrier function.
Hydration & BarrierSnail Mucin
Snail secretion filtrate that hydrates and supports skin barrier repair.
Hydration & BarrierColloidal Oatmeal
Finely ground oat powder that soothes, hydrates, and protects skin.
Hydration & BarrierUrea
Humectant that draws moisture into skin and softens keratin.
RetinoidsRetinol
Vitamin A derivative that boosts cell turnover and collagen production.
RetinoidsRetinaldehyde
Potent retinoid precursor that converts to retinoic acid in skin.
RetinoidsTretinoin
Prescription vitamin A derivative that accelerates cell turnover and collagen production.
RetinoidsAdapalene
Prescription retinoid that normalizes skin cell turnover and reduces acne.
RetinoidsBakuchiol
Plant-derived retinol alternative with retinoid-like benefits, no irritation.
RetinoidsGranactive Retinoid
Stabilized retinoid ester that converts to retinoic acid on skin.
AntioxidantsVitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Potent antioxidant that brightens, firms, and protects skin.
AntioxidantsVitamin E
Fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative damage.
AntioxidantsFerulic Acid
Potent antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin C and boosts photoprotection.
AntioxidantsNiacinamide
Vitamin B3 that strengthens skin barrier and reduces inflammation.
AntioxidantsResveratrol
Polyphenol antioxidant from grapes; protects and firms skin.
AntioxidantsCoenzyme Q10
Mitochondrial antioxidant that energizes cells and fades fine lines.
AntioxidantsGreen Tea (EGCG)
Potent antioxidant polyphenol that neutralizes free radicals and inflammation.
AntioxidantsEctoin
Amino acid that stabilizes proteins and protects against environmental stress.
ExfoliantsGlycolic Acid
Alpha hydroxy acid that chemically exfoliates and brightens skin.
ExfoliantsLactic Acid
Gentle hydroxy acid that exfoliates and hydrates skin.
ExfoliantsSalicylic Acid
Beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores.
ExfoliantsMandelic Acid
Gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates and brightens skin.
ExfoliantsPolyhydroxy Acids (PHA)
Gentle, multi-weight exfoliants that dissolve dead skin without irritation.
ExfoliantsAzelaic Acid
Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory dicarboxylic acid for rosacea and acne.
ExfoliantsTCA (Trichloroacetic Acid)
Potent chemical exfoliant for controlled depth peels and resurfacing.
Peptides & Growth FactorsCopper Peptides (GHK-Cu)
Copper-binding peptide that stimulates collagen and elastin production.
Peptides & Growth FactorsMatrixyl
Peptide that signals collagen production and skin firmness.
Peptides & Growth FactorsArgireline
Peptide that relaxes facial muscles to reduce expression lines.
Peptides & Growth FactorsGrowth Factors
Signaling proteins that stimulate cell repair, collagen, and skin renewal.
Peptides & Growth FactorsPolynucleotides (PDRN)
DNA fragments that trigger repair and hydration in skin.
Peptides & Growth FactorsExosomes
Cell-derived vesicles delivering growth factors and signaling molecules.
BiostimulatorsPoly-L-Lactic Acid
Injectable biostimulator that triggers collagen production over months.
BiostimulatorsCalcium Hydroxylapatite
Mineral scaffold that stimulates collagen and restores lost volume.
BiostimulatorsPRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Autologous growth-factor concentrate that stimulates collagen and tissue repair.
BiostimulatorsPRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)
Autologous fibrin matrix rich in platelets and growth factors.
BrighteningKojic Acid
Fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor that fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
BrighteningAlpha Arbutin
Gentle tyrosinase inhibitor that fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
BrighteningTranexamic Acid
Brightening amino acid that reduces hyperpigmentation and melasma.
BrighteningHydroquinone
Prescription depigmenting agent that inhibits melanin production.
BrighteningLicorice Root Extract
Soothing botanical that brightens and calms irritated skin.
BrighteningCysteamine
Amino acid that breaks down melanin and brightens skin tone.
Soothing & RepairCentella Asiatica (Cica)
Healing plant extract that soothes, strengthens skin barrier, and reduces redness.
Soothing & RepairAllantoin
Soothing compound that accelerates skin healing and reduces irritation.
Soothing & RepairBisabolol
Natural sesquiterpene alcohol that calms inflammation and redness.
Soothing & RepairMadecassoside
Centella asiatica extract that soothes, strengthens skin barrier, and reduces redness.
Soothing & RepairAloe Vera
Gel-rich succulent leaf extract that soothes and hydrates skin.
AcneBenzoyl Peroxide
Potent antibacterial and keratolytic for moderate acne.
AcneSulfur
Antimicrobial and keratolytic mineral for acne-prone skin.
AcneZinc PCA
Zinc salt that reduces sebum and bacterial growth in acne.
AcneSodium Sulfacetamide
FDA-approved antimicrobial for acne-prone and rosacea-affected skin.
Sun ProtectionZinc Oxide
Broad-spectrum mineral UV blocker; physical sunscreen workhorse.
Sun ProtectionTitanium Dioxide
Mineral UV blocker that sits on skin surface.
Sun ProtectionAvobenzone
Broad-spectrum UVA absorber; degrades under sun exposure.
Other & TrendingCaffeine
Stimulates circulation and reduces puffiness and dark circles.
Other & TrendingSpermidine
Polyamine that boosts cellular autophagy and skin renewal.
Other & TrendingGlutathione
Powerful antioxidant tripeptide that brightens and protects skin.
Other & TrendingMethylene Blue
Synthetic dye with antioxidant and mitochondrial energy-boosting properties.
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