Ingredient Glossary

As part of our commitment to education and empowerment, we’ve curated an ingredient glossary. It’s time to move beyond marketing hype and delve into the real knowledge about the ingredients found in your cosmetics.

Retinol

Retinol is a retinoid used to target signs of aging, skin roughness and uneven tone. It plays an important role in the production of collagen and in supporting hyaluronic acid, contributing to its smoothing and firming benefits.

 

Niacinamide

What It Does Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 which helps to reinforce the skin barrier by supporting key skin components, brighten and even the appearance of skin tone, and target signs of congestion by helping balance surface sebum.

 

HA

Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium hyaluronate is a derivative of hyaluronic acid with water-binding properties, used to improve skin hydration & elasticity, as well as the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to aid with the delivery of active technologies within a formula.
centella

Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica, also known as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola, is a perennial herb prominent in Asia with a rich history in both culinary and medicinal practices. In recent years, it has gained popularity in skincare, particularly in South Korea, where it is a key component of moisturizers known as “cica creams” renowned for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb contains active compounds such as madecassoside, a potent antioxidant, and is rich in amino acids, offering multiple benefits for the skin, including hydration and reinforcement of the skin barrier. Concentrations as low as 0.2–0.5% have shown efficacy in maintaining skin hydration and improving the skin barrier, while higher concentrations, such as 5%, exhibit notable improvements in moisture content and additional soothing and antioxidant benefits.

glycolic acid

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that, like other ingredients in the category, can act as a water-binding agent and, when properly formulated and used in concentrations of 5% or greater, as an exfoliant. While there are several other types of AHA, glycolic acid is by far the one with the most research backing its effectiveness.

salicylic acid

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid (also called beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a desmolytic ingredient, which means it is able to exfoliate by dissolving the bonds that hold the dead cells to skin’s surface. Because salicylic acid is oil soluble, it also has the ability to penetrate into the pore lining and exfoliate inside the pore. This makes it especially effective for reducing breakouts, including blackheads and whiteheads.

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