Skincare Ingredient Glossary

Welcome to our Skincare Ingredient Glossary where you will find a A thru Z directory of the most commonly used cosmetic ingredients. We believe it's really important to educate our customers because knowing truly is half the battle. Ingredients are what make a product effective or not so get familiar as much as possible so you can make the best choices for your skin!!

Allantoin: Anti-irritant and soothing ingredient that helps moisturize the skin. Also helpful in reducing the appearance of large pores.

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis): Used for centuries to help soothe irritated skin, we know know it is an anti-inflammatory ingredient with high levels of antioxidants that is beneficial for dry, sensitive and dehydrated skin types. Promotes skin renewal.

Alpha-Arbutin: Brightening ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of discoloration caused by the sun exposure and helps promote a more radiant tone.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA): Well known anti-aging ingredient that helps encourage natural skin cell turnover rate to reveal fresher, younger looking skin. Also useful to even skin tone and brighten the complexion.

Alpha Lipoic Acid- Powerful antioxidant that helps protect healthy cells from free radical damage.

Amino Acids: Building blocks for protein that enhance moisture retention. Helps maintain hydration, resilience, skin texture revealing a healthier complexion.

Arginine: Amino Acid that binds to water and helps lock in moisture while increasing absorption. Useful for transporting ingredients as well as increasing blood circulation to help support cell health.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate/ Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: Very stable form of vitamin C that is oil soluble and able to penetrate deep in the dermal layers. Reduces the production of oxidizing agents that break down healthy cells. Helps protect DNA damage caused by UV exposure and other harmful environmental factors.

Avena Sativa (Oat): Anti-irritant that deeply hydrates and replenishes even stressed skin. Revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin while repairing the epidermal skin barrier.

Avocado (Persea Gratissima) Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids that deeply moisturize the skin while reducing inflammation and irritation as well as naturally high in antioxidants like Vitamin A and E that help promote collagen synthesis.

Bacillus Ferment- an enzymatic exfoliant used to exfoliate the skin.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Cleansing agent that helps dissolve sebum and dirt. Also useful for exfoliation.

Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract: high in silica that helps promote smoothness and resilience in skin and hair applications.

Beeswax (Cera Alba): produced by bees; used primarily as an emulsifier but also useful to lock in moisture and prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss).

Bentonite Clay: Known for its detoxifying properties that help pull impurities and toxins that get trapped in between the dermal layers of the skin.

Beta-Glucan: Soothing ingredient found in cellulose and other natural sources like oats and barley. Helps retain moisture in the skin and helps reduce the look of fine lines.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA): Exfoliator used to treat acne, wrinkles and prematuring aging caused by UV exposure.

Betaine: Contains a moisturizing amino acid derived from beets.

Baobab Oil (Adansonia Digitata): Helps soothe dry and irritated skin due to its high fatty acid content.

Brassica Glycerides: used a co-emulsifier and texturizer in cosmetics.

Caffeine: High in antioxidants that help combat premature aging and help encourage blood circulation.

Calendula Officinalis (Marigold): Anti-inflammatory that is useful to soothe irritation. Antioxidant rich in vitamins A and E that help combat signs of aging gently while also acting as a skin brightener.

Camellia Seed Oil (Camellia Japonica): Used for generation in Japan and a beauty secret kept by the Geisha’s, this highly nutritious plant oil deeply hydrates due to it’s high oleic acid content and has excellent absorption capabilities, leaving the skin hydrated without a greasy film.

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea): Rich in antioxidants that has cell protecting capabilities. Protects skin from damaging free radicals.

Camu-Camu (Myrciaria Dubia): Tropical fruit with one of the highest concentration of Vitamin C in the world. Beneficial as a depigmenting agent as well as providing environmental protection against UV damage as well as pollution.

Candelilla Wax: Natural wax derived from the Candelilla plant that protects the skin from moisture loss.

Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis): Derived from the seeds of the Castor Plant and known for its deeply nourishing and moisturizing properties. High is fatty acids that protect skin and reduce inflammation.

Ceramides: Naturally found and produced in the skin, ceramides are essential to keeping the skin deeply hydrated and balanced. Helps form a protective barrier, locking in essential moisture and protecting the skin from environmental damage. One of the most beneficial skin care ingredients clinically proven time and time again necessary to maintaining skin health and radiance.

Chamomile German (Matricaria Chamomilla): Extracted from the flowers of the plant, Chamomile is known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Has been used for centuries to help gently calm irritated skin.

Chamomile Roman (Anthemis Nobilis): Extracted from the flowers of the plant, Chamomile is known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Has been used for centuries to help gently calm irritated skin.

Citric Acid: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that can help increase skin cell turnover, reducing skin dullness and brightening the complexion. Often used in cosmetic formulation as a pH adjuster.

Chia Seed (Salvia Hispanica) Oil: Well balanced between Omega 3 (alpha linolenic acid) and Omega 6 (linoleic acid) fatty acids, that help restore the skin’s barrier function resulting in balanced skin and less inflammation. Naturally plumps the skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): An essential enzyme that naturally occurs in the skin that is responsible for cell energy and mitochondrial health. Overall, coQ10 helps keep the skin firm and elastic. Natural levels of this powerhouse ingredient decreases naturally starting roughly at the age of 30.

Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Extract: Contains Vitamin C and Caffeic Acid and possesses hydrating and moisturizing abilities. Useful in reducing inflammation and calming the skin.

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract: Used for thousands of years in India, turmeric is a powerful anti inflammatory that promotes blood circulation. High in antioxidants that help protect against environmental stressors that exhilarates premature aging. Has also been used throughout time to help lighten dark spots and brighten the complexion.

D
Daisy (Bellis Perennis): Obtained from the daisy flower, Daisy is used for it’s natural brightening effect because of its ability to inhibit the production of tyrosine, an amino acid responsible for melanin production.

Dandelion Root: Rich in antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, E and B complex that help protect the skin for skin aging as well as essential minerals like zinc and magnesium that assist in detoxification. Helps reduce inflammation and acne while aiding in the protection of free radical damage.

Dihydroxypropyl Arginine HCl: Amino-based skin conditioner; helps moisturize and soften.

Dimethicone: A silicone-based polymer that functions as a skin protectant and is also used for its smooth, non-greasy feel.

Disodium Ascorbyl Sulfate: Derived from vitamin C; used as an antioxidant and preservative.

Edelweiss (Leontopodium Alpinum) Extract: Extracted from the Swiss alpine flower Edelweiss contains phytochemicals like Chlorogenic acid (antioxidant activity, radical scavenging), Luteolin (hyaluronidase inhibition, antineoplastic activity), Bisabolane derivatives (anti-inflammatory activity) and beta Sitosterol (anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, bactericidal activity).

Elastin: A protein found in the dermis that keeps skin from sagging and wrinkling. Helps maintain firmness and elasticity.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera Biennis): Rich in gamma linoleic acid which is known to improve skin barrier function and improve skin elasticity. Very helpful in aiding hormonal acne reduction as well as reducing inflammation of over stressed skin.

F
Ferulic Acid: Found in the leaves and seeds of most plants and is used to combat aging because of its superior antioxidant composition. Excellent at neutralizing free radicals, especially free radicals known as “superoxides”, “hydroxyl radical” and “nitric oxide”. Interestingly, studies have shown that ferulic acid antioxidant power is heightened when exposed to UV light.

Flaxseed Oil (Linum Usitatissimum): Rich in essential fatty acids (EFA) especially Omega 3 which is known to reduce inflammation, provide superior hydration and improve skin barrier function.

Ginger Root Extract (Zingiber Officinale): One of the best known botanicals since ancient times and recognized for its potent anti aging effects due to its ability to inhibit collagen degradation by collagenase enzyme inhibition. There are over 40 antioxidants found in ginger.

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf: Potent plant that has been shown to reduce inflammation caused by environmental factors. Shown to increase blood circulation and the creation of fibroblast collagen.

Ginseng (Panax Ginseng): The root extract is used for its soothing and softening properties.

Glycerin: An emollient and humectant derived from vegetable oils that helps skin retain moisture.

Glycine Soya (Soy): Rice in protein, minerals and vitamins that are helpful in increasing firmness as well as providing natural moisture to the skin.

Glycolic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to remove dead skin cells and promote quicker skin cell turnover. Helps brighten the skin and even the tone.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice Root) Extract: contains the antioxidant glabridin that helps naturally lighten dark spots and uneven skin tone and licochalcone that helps balance oil production. Very useful ingredient for acne-prone skin.

Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum) Fruit Extract: Goji Berry has been shown to have potent anti aging and antioxidant properties. Contains 11 trace minerals, Vitamin C, Amino Acids, Carotenoids and Polysaccharides, all which benefit against skin aging.

Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica): Rich in phytonutrients and triterpene saponins shown to increase skin firmness by boosting the formation of collagen. Gotu Kola helps increase blood circulation which helps cells receive nutrients and oxygen from the blood.

Grape Seed Extract (Vitis Vinifera): Protects the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors due to its rich flavonoid content.

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis): Rich in antioxidants that has cell protecting capabilities. Protects skin from damaging free radicals.

H
Hibiscus Extract- Rich in antioxidants called anthocyanosides that help combat free radicals that damage elastin and collagen production. Also known as a natural source of alpha hydroxy acids that help speed cell turnover as well as keeping the pores clean of build up and dirt. Helpful in both anti aging and anti acne applications.

Honey: Natural humectant and antibacterial that helps in the reduction of acne as well deeply nourishing the skin to help balance and plump. Beneficial to aging skin because of its potent antioxidant and moisturizing properties.

Honeysuckle Extract (Lonicera Caprifolium)- Rich in flavonoids and saponins known to be highly beneficial in free radical neutralization. Naturally helps lighten and brighten dull complexions revealing a more radiant complexion.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum): Contains soothing properties and is often used in sensitive skin preparations.

Hyaluronic Acid: A protein naturally found in the body that provides superior hydration and plumps the skin. Not only hydrates but helps retain skin moisture.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Comes from Castor Oil but is processed in a way that makes it a thicker, waxy substance that contains the skin benefits of Castor Oil but becomes more stable due to its thicker consistency. Often used to increase the viscosity of a product.

Hydrolyzed Coconut Oil: Semi-solid oil expressed from coconuts used as an emollient and foaming agent. Contains lower chain length fatty acids including capric acid, lauric acid, palmitic and myristic acids.

Hydrolyzed Eggshell Membrane: Derived from egg shell membrane and used for it’s peptides and protein content that help firm and hydrate the skin. Useful in the protection against environmental stresses.

I

Iron oxides: Natural oxides of iron (iron combined with oxygen); pigments are used to enhance colors in cosmetics.

Isoflavones: High in phytoestrogens (plant form of estrogen). Science has shown estrogen’s importance in the maintenance of youthful skin because of it’s direct influence in stimulating fibroblasts that make collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis): Extracted from the desert shrub; used as a moisturizer and emollient.

K
Kakadu Plum Extract- Highest natural concentration of vitamin C known from any plant source. Vitamin C is well documented in scientific studies to be one of the most beneficial antioxidants that help slow down the aging process by forming proline, an amino acid that helps build collagen.

Kaolin: A fine white clay powder; used to absorb water and oil secreted by the skin, including excess sebum.

Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) Fruit: Extract of the kiwi fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.

Kojic Acid- Lightens skin by inhibiting melanin production.

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Root: Extract of the kudzu root; this Asian botanical helps brighten skin for a more even-looking complexion.

Lactobacillus/pear juice ferment filtrate: Contains alpha hydroxy acid to help refine and exfoliate skin.

Lactic acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane or milk; used to gently exfoliate dead skin cells.

Lakoocha (Artocarpus lakoocha) Wood: Extract from the wood of this tropical fruit tree is a skin-conditioning agent and source of the antioxidant oxyresveratrol.

Lanolin: An emollient derived from sheep's wool; used to condition skin and boost moisture.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Extracted from the flower; known for its aromatic and anti-irritant properties.

Lemon (Citrus medica limonum): A citrus fruit used in skincare for its astringent properties.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon schoenanthus): Used for its purifying properties.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Derived from the root of the plant; used as a brightener and skin soother.

Limnanthes alba: The emollient-rich, non-greasy oil derived from the Meadowfoam plant is particularly high in vitamin E resists oxidation to help prevent moisture loss in skin and protect from free radical damage.

M
Macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia): An emollient used in skincare for its soothing and conditioning properties.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: See vitamin C.

Magnesium Sulfate: Also known as Epsom salts; used to help soothe, soften, and condition skin; also used as a thickener in cosmetics.

Magnolia (Magnolia Obovata): Derived from the plant's bark; used to soothe skin.

Maitake Mushroom (Grifola Frondosa) Fruiting Body: Extracted from the Maitake mushroom, also known as the "hen-of-the-woods." This skin-conditioning ingredient is a natural source of beta-glucan, which moisturizes and soothes.

Malpighia Glabra; Malpighia emarginata: See acerola.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis) flower: Extracted from the flower of the plant; contains carotenoids and saponin. Used for its soothing and hydrating properties.

Matrixyl® 3000: A powerful wrinkle-fighter containing peptides that uses messenger molecules to help promote elasticity and tone.

Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba): The emollient-rich, non-greasy oil derived from this plant resists oxidation to help prevent moisture loss in skin.

Menthol: A natural cooling agent derived from peppermint.

Mevalonolactone: Form of Mevalonic acid; helps protect skin's moisture barrier.

Mica: A light-diffusing earth mineral; used as a pigment in cosmetics.

Mulberry (Morus Alba) Root: Extracted from the roots of the tree; used for its brightening properties to help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration.

Mushroom (Fomes officinalis): This extract from one of the longest-living mushrooms in the world, known to survive only in old-growth forests, is a skin-conditioning agent with pore-tightening properties.

Myrciaria dubia: See camu-camu.

Myristic Acid: A naturally occurring acid; used as a foaming agent.

Myristyl Lactate: A light moisturizing emollient; used as a skin conditioner.

N
Nasturtium officinale: See watercress.

Neem (Melia Azadirachta) Leaf Extract: derived from the Neem tree; known for its skin brightening and soothing properties.

Niacinamide: Known to boost collagen production and improve skin barrier function by increasing the production of ceramides that keep the skin hydrated and plump by the reduction of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Also very useful in reducing hyperpigmentation ultimately brightening and evening out skin tone.

Oat (Avena Sativa): Grain extract; used to help soothe skin and improve skin's firmness.

Octinoxate: Used as a sunscreen agent to absorb ultraviolet light.

Oenothera Biennis: See evening primrose.

Olea Europaea: See olive leaf and olive oil.

Olive (Olea Europaea) leaf: Rich in antioxidants; helps protect, firm, nourish, and revitalize sun-damaged skin.

Olive (Olea europaea) oil: Antioxidant-rich, emollient oil; helps fight damage caused by free radicals to protect, condition, and seal moisture into skin without clogging pores.

Oryza Sativa:(Rice Bran) Oil: This emollient oil is an excellent skin conditioner and antioxidant.

Oxyresveratrol: See Lakoocha wood.

Palm Kernel (Sodium Palm Kernelate): A natural oil derived from the seeds of palm trees or other plants; often used as a surfactant in soaps.

Palmitic Acid: Obtained from palm oil; used as a surfactant.

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide: Amino-based peptide that supports elasticity to encourage younger-looking skin.

Panax Ginseng: Root extract that is used for its soothing and softening properties.

Panthenol: Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.

Peach (Prunus Persica) Leaf: Extract of the peach leaf, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.

Peony (Paeonia Albiflora; Paeonia suffruticosa): Derived from the root of the plant; used as a skin brightener and conditioning agent.

Peptides: A compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of protein. They help support elasticity to encourage younger-looking skin.

Perilla (Perilla Ocymoides): Derived from the leaves and seeds of the plant; used as an anti-irritant and skin conditioner.

Persea Gratissima (Avocado): A skin softener and conditioner used in formulations as an emollient; rich in protein and vitamins.

pH: Potential hydrogen; pH is the scale used to measure acidity and alkalinity. Acids have a pH below 7.0, and alkalis (bases) have a pH above 7.0. Human skin is typically slightly acidic, with a healthy pH level generally ranging from 4.5 to 6.

Phellodendron Amurense (Amur Cork Tree): Used for its clarifying effects.

Placental Extract: Porcine-derived and a rich source of nutrients, amino acids, and proteins; conditions and softens skin.

Hydrolyzed Platycarya Strobilacea Fruit: a small deciduous tree native to eastern Asia, related to the walnut family. It produces brown, cone-like fruits that are a rich source of Ellagic acid, a natural phenol antioxidant. Helps promote collagen and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Polyglutamic Acid: A humectant amino acid polymer (Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid); used to promote smoothness and elasticity.

Polyquaternium-10: Conditioning, moisturizing, anti-static agent.

Pomegranate (Punica Granatum): This extract of the pomegranate fruit is a skin-conditioning agent with antioxidant properties.

Potassium DNA: The potassium salt of DNA; used as a protein to condition the skin.

Protease: An enzyme that helps dissolve amino acid bonds; helps exfoliate skin's surface by dissolving surface dead skin cells.

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot Kernel Oil): Rich in vitamin A & E and oleic & linoleic fatty acids that nourish and moisturize skin.

Punica Granatum (Pomegranate): This extract of the pomegranate fruit is a skin-conditioning agent with antioxidant properties.

Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea): Extracted from common purslane, an edible succulent plant that grows widely in various regions throughout the world. It contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This skin-conditioning ingredient is soothing.

Pyridoxine HCI (vitamin B6): See vitamin B6.

Pyrus Cydonia: See quince.

Pyrus Malus (Apple): Extract of the apple fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.

Q
Quince (Pyrus cydonia): Derived from the seed of the plant. Used as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier.

Quercus Suber: See cork oak.

R
Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus) fruit: Extract of the raspberry fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Stem: Extracted from the Reishi mushroom, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This skin-conditioning ingredient is a natural source of beta-glucan, which moisturizes and soothes.

Repa Germanium: See germanium.

Resveratrol: A polyphenol antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, cocoa, peanuts and other natural sources. It fights skin aging by protecting its barrier functions.

Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A): A form of vitamin A that is used to promote natural cell turnover, elasticity, and suppleness and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Rice Bran (Oryza sativa) oil: Antioxidant, emollient rich oil extracted from the outer layer of rice grains. Rich in vitamin E as well as oleic and linoleic acids, it helps soothe, protect, moisturize and nourish skin.

Rice Germ (Oryza sativa) oil: This emollient oil is an excellent skin conditioner and antioxidant.

Rose (Rosa Centifolia) Water: Rose infused water that is used as an astringent due to it's soothing properties.

Rose (Rosa Damascena): Helps hydrate, soften, and nurture dry and irritated skin.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Leaf Oil: Extracted from the leaves of the plant; used for its toning and invigorating properties as well as for its refreshing fragrance.

Royal Jelly Acid (10-hydroxydecanoic Acid): The fatty acid derived from royal jelly, the highly nutritive substance secreted by worker bees to feed the queen bee; used for its moisturizing and revitalizing properties.

Royal Jelly: A highly nutritive substance secreted by worker bees to feed the queen bee; used for its moisturizing and revitalizing properties.

Rutin: A bioflavonoid used for its antioxidant and invigorating properties.

S
Sage (Salvia officinalis): Extracted from the leaves of the plant; used for its purifying and fragrant properties.

Salicylic Acid: Acne-fighting beta hydroxy acid used to help fight blemishes and reduce sebaceous follicle blockage by exfoliating the surface of the skin.

Salix alba: See willow.

Sandalwood (Santalum Album): Extracted from the wood; used for its aromatic, woodsy scent.

Saponin: A compound derived from sugars that occurs in plants such as soapbark or soap nut; characterized by its ability to foam in water. Used chiefly as a foaming agent, emulsifier and detergent.

Satsuma Mandarin Orange (Citrus Unshiu): A variety of the mandarin orange used to visibly tighten pores and to brighten and revitalize skin.

Sea Salt: Used as a skin conditioner and softener.

Serine: A hydrophilic (water-attracting) amino acid used to help skin and hair retain its moisture balance.

Sesame (Sesame Indicum) Seed Oil: Emollient oil extracted from sesame seeds.

Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter: Extracted from the nuts of the karité tree, this emollient is naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Shell Ginger (Alpinia Uralensis) Leaf Water: extracted from the leaves of the shell ginger plant; known for its skin conditioning properties.

Silica: An earth mineral; used to condition and smooth skin, fill in visible fine lines and wrinkles, and to help absorb excess oil in skin; also used as a carrier for emollients to improve the feel of skin.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil): Extracted from the desert shrub; used as a moisturizer and emollient.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): Cleansing agent that helps dissolve dirt and sebum; also provides gentle exfoliation.

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate: Derivative of sodium hyaluronate. Excellent skin-softening and moisturizing agent. Due to its low molecular weight, it absorbs more quickly than regular hyaluronic acid.

Sodium Hyaluronate: The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, which is a protein occurring in the skin. An excellent skin conditioner and humectant, it helps prevent skin dehydration.

Sodium Lactate: The salt of lactic acid; used as a skin conditioner.

Sodium Palm Kernelate: See palm kernel.

Sodium PCA: A natural component of skin and a humectant and emollient; one of the best moisture binders available.

Sodium Riboflavin Phosphate (Vitamin B2): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Promotes moisture in the skin and fights the appearance of wrinkles. Skin-conditioning.

Sorbitol: A humectant that helps skin feel smoother and less dry.

Soy (Glycine Soja): Extracted from the bean; contains botanical ceramides used to protect and moisturize skin.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor): The SPF number references a sunscreen's ability to screen out the sun's "burning" UVB rays. The SPF rating is determined by contrasting the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.

Squalane: Derived from olive pits; used as an emollient and antioxidant-rich skin protectant.

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate (Licorice Root): Derived from the root of the plant; used as a brightener and skin soother.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) Flower/Leaf/Stem: Used for its soothing and astringent properties.

Sucrose (sugar): Used as a skin conditioner and humectant.

Sulfur: An essential component to all living cells; used as a skin purifier to fight acne blemishes and reduce flakiness.

Surfactant: Any substance that aids in emulsifying oils and suspending dirt on the skin, allowing them to be easily rinsed away.

Sweet Almond (Amygdalus Dulcis) Oil: Extracted from the seeds; used as an emollient.

Swertia Japonica: Native to Japan; extract of flowering plant is a skin conditioner used to help promote circulation of skin around the hair follicle.

Symphytum Officinale: See comfrey.

T

Talc: An earth mineral used as a texturizer in cosmetics and also to help make them opaque.

Tangerine (Citrus Reticulata): Citrus fruit extract used as a skin-conditioner and or fragrance.

Tapioca Starch Polymethylsilsesquioxane: Used as a texturizer or viscosity enhancer.

Thiamine HCl (Vitamin B): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Skin-conditioning.

Titanium Dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment in cosmetics.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Tocotrienols: A stable form of vitamin E; tocopherols and Tocotrienols make up the vitamin E family; used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Tourmaline: A precious gemstone that is used to energize skin and help remove surface impurities.

Trehalose: A moisture-binding sugar molecule that helps plants survive long periods without water; used to protect skin against moisture loss.

Triclosan: An antibacterial ingredient used in soaps.

Triticum Vulgare: See wheat germ.

U
Ubiquinone: An antioxidant that occurs naturally in skin; levels decrease after the age of 30. It helps skin defend itself against free radicals and visible signs of aging, including fine lines, loss of elasticity, and firmness.

Urea: Used for water binding and moisturizing properties.

Vitamin A: A form of vitamin A that is used to promote natural cell turnover, elasticity, and suppleness and minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine HCl): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Skin-conditioning.

Vitamin B2 (Sodium Riboflavin Phosphate): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Promotes moisture in the skin and fights the appearance of wrinkles. Skin-conditioning.

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Brightening, promotes moisture retention and elasticity, and helps control excess sebum to clarify skin.

Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Skin-conditioning.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Skin-conditioning.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Soothing; supports skin strength. Skin-conditioning.

Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Disodium Ascorbyl Sulfate, Ascorbyl Glucoside): A free radical–fighting antioxidant and collagen-supporter used to help fight visible fine lines and even out skin tone.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.

Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed): Emollient oil and skin-conditioner that contains antioxidants to fight visible signs of aging.

W

Watercress: Used for its nourishing properties.

Wheat Protein: Used as an emollient and water-binder.

Wheat (Triticum Vulgare) Germ: An antioxidant with high vitamin E content.

Wild Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum): Used for its tonic and fragrant properties.

Willow (Salix Alba): Extracted from the bark of the tree; used for its soothing and tonic properties as well as skin brightening.

Y
Yeast: Used as a water-binding agent and antioxidant.

Z
Zinc PCA: Helps control excess sebum to keep skin clarified.

Zinc Oxide: An earth mineral that provides protection from the sun and other irritants. When used in sunscreens, it reflects both UVA and UVB rays.

Ziyu glycoside I: See great burnet.