Skincare Dictionary

A

Adenosine

A naturally occurring compound that helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Adenosine supports skin's natural repair processes and promotes a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. Commonly found in anti-aging serums and creams.

Allantoin

A soothing ingredient derived from plants that helps calm irritated skin and promote healing. Allantoin is gentle enough for sensitive skin and helps maintain moisture while supporting the skin's natural barrier function.

Alpha-Arbutin

A stable, water-soluble brightening ingredient that helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone. More effective than regular arbutin, it works by inhibiting melanin production for a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Arbutin

A natural brightening agent derived from bearberry plants that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Works by slowing melanin production to promote a more even skin tone.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and protects against environmental damage. Vitamin C also supports collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Asiatic Acid

One of the active compounds found in Centella Asiatica that helps strengthen skin barrier, reduce redness, and support skin healing. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Asiaticoside

A key active component of Centella Asiatica that promotes wound healing and collagen synthesis. Helps improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes.

Azelaic Acid

A multi-tasking ingredient that helps brighten skin, reduce redness, and clear pores. Particularly effective for uneven skin tone, acne-prone skin, and rosacea. Gentle enough for sensitive skin while delivering visible results.

B

Beta-Glucan

A powerful humectant derived from oats or mushrooms that deeply hydrates and soothes skin. Helps strengthen the skin barrier and provides anti-aging benefits while calming irritation.

Betaine

A natural amino acid derivative that acts as a humectant to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Helps maintain skin's water balance and protects against environmental stressors.

Betaine Salicylate

A gentle exfoliating ingredient that combines betaine with salicylic acid. Helps clear pores and smooth skin texture while being less irritating than traditional salicylic acid.

Birch Juice (Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice)

A hydrating ingredient rich in minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. Birch juice helps moisturize skin, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection for a healthy, glowing complexion.

Butylene Glycol

A lightweight humectant that helps skin retain moisture while improving the absorption of other ingredients. Also acts as a solvent and texture enhancer in skincare formulations.

C

Caffeine

A stimulating ingredient that helps reduce puffiness, particularly around the eyes. Caffeine also provides antioxidant benefits and can help improve the appearance of dark circles.

Centella Asiatica (Cica)

A legendary healing herb used in Korean skincare for centuries. Centella Asiatica soothes irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, promotes healing, and reduces redness. Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone, or compromised skin.

Ceramides

Essential lipids that naturally occur in skin and make up a crucial part of the skin barrier. Ceramides help lock in moisture, protect against environmental damage, and keep skin smooth and supple. Multiple types (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP) work together for optimal barrier support.

Collagen

A protein that provides structure and elasticity to skin. While topical collagen cannot penetrate deeply, hydrolyzed collagen helps moisturize and plump the skin's surface for a smoother, more youthful appearance.

G

Glycerin

One of the most effective and widely used humectants in skincare. Glycerin draws moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated, soft, and supple. Suitable for all skin types.

Glutathione

A powerful antioxidant that helps brighten skin, fade dark spots, and protect against free radical damage. Glutathione works to inhibit melanin production for a more even, radiant complexion.

H

Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf)

A soothing botanical extract with 77% concentration in many toners. Heartleaf helps calm sensitive skin, reduce inflammation, protect against external irritations, and maintain skin's oil-moisture balance.

Hyaluronic Acid

A moisture-binding superstar that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates skin, plumps fine lines, and creates a dewy, healthy glow. Available in multiple molecular weights for multi-layer hydration.

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Collagen that has been broken down into smaller molecules for better absorption. Helps improve skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness while supporting a plump, youthful appearance.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

A smaller molecular form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into skin layers. Provides intense hydration from within while plumping and smoothing the skin's surface.

K

Kojic Acid

A natural brightening ingredient derived from mushrooms that helps fade dark spots, even skin tone, and reduce hyperpigmentation. Works by inhibiting melanin production for a clearer, more radiant complexion.

M

Madecassic Acid

One of the four main active compounds in Centella Asiatica. Madecassic acid provides anti-inflammatory benefits, supports collagen production, and helps strengthen the skin barrier.

Madecassoside

A powerful active component of Centella Asiatica known for its exceptional soothing and healing properties. Helps reduce redness, calm irritation, and support skin repair.

N

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

A versatile powerhouse ingredient that brightens skin, fades dark spots, minimizes pores, regulates oil production, and strengthens the skin barrier. Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types and addresses multiple concerns from acne to aging.

O

Oat Extract (Avena Sativa)

A calming ingredient rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Oat extract soothes dry and sensitive skin, relieves irritation, and helps restore the skin's natural moisture barrier.

P

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

A deeply hydrating ingredient that soothes, moisturizes, and supports skin healing. Panthenol helps improve skin barrier function, reduce redness, and promote a soft, smooth texture.

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)

A cutting-edge ingredient derived from salmon DNA that promotes skin regeneration and repair. PDRN helps improve skin tone, boost radiance, enhance elasticity, and support the skin's natural healing processes for a revitalized complexion.

Peptides

Short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. Peptides help firm skin, reduce fine lines, and support a more youthful appearance. Common types include Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4.

Polyglutamic Acid

A powerful humectant that holds even more moisture than hyaluronic acid. Polyglutamic acid creates a protective film on skin to lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss for plump, dewy skin.

Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria and ferments that help balance skin's microbiome, strengthen the barrier, and reduce inflammation. Probiotic ingredients support healthy, resilient skin.

R

Rice Extract

A nourishing ingredient rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Rice extract brightens skin, improves texture, and provides gentle hydration for a soft, glowing complexion.

S

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

A beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into pores to clear sebum, exfoliate dead skin cells, and prevent breakouts. Salicylic acid is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, helping to refine texture and minimize pores.

Sodium Hyaluronate

The salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular size that allows for better penetration. Provides deep hydration and helps maintain skin's moisture levels throughout the day.

Squalane

A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics skin's natural sebum. Squalane deeply moisturizes, improves skin elasticity, and provides antioxidant protection without feeling greasy.

T

Tranexamic Acid (TXA)

A brightening ingredient that targets dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Tranexamic acid works by reducing melanin production and inflammation for a clearer, more radiant complexion. Often paired with niacinamide for enhanced results.

Trehalose

A natural sugar that acts as a powerful humectant and protectant. Trehalose helps skin retain moisture, protects against environmental stress, and supports the skin barrier.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

A golden spice with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric helps brighten skin, reduce redness, and promote an even, healthy complexion.

Z

Zinc PCA

A combination of zinc and PCA (a natural component of skin) that helps regulate sebum production, reduce redness, and control oil. Particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin while maintaining hydration balance.