Easily read through skincare ingredients that we use in our skincare products and how they can help you achieve your skin goals.
Your Ultimate Skin Care Glossary: Decoding the Ingredients for You
Skincare can sometimes feel like a foreign language. With terms and ingredients popping up everywhere, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with the SKIN Functional Skin Care Glossary, you’ll have a handy guide to help you decode the science behind your skincare products.
Our Skin Care Glossary covers everything you need to know about the most common skincare ingredients. From acids to oils, vitamins to peptides, we break down each term to make it easy to understand how they work and what they can do for your skin. Whether you're new to skincare or a seasoned pro, understanding your products is the first step toward making informed decisions.
Skincare Ingredient Directory
| Skincare Ingredient | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Butylresorcinol | 4-Butylresorcinol is a powerful cosmetic ingredient used to treat skin hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven tone by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, crucial for melanin production, making it effective for brightening skin, melasma, and sun spots. |  |
| Adapalene | Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid. It is known for having a favorable tolerability profile and is more stable than older retinoids like tretinoin. | |
| Allantoin | A multi-talented ingredient known for soothing, healing, moisturizing, and gently exfoliating skin by promoting cell turnover, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin by calming inflammation and improving texture for a softer, smoother, and more resilient complexion. |  |
| Almond Oil | Sweet almond oil contains many nutrients that are good for the skin, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Products formulated with sweet almond oil may help soothe and hydrate your skin. |  |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | A popular skincare ingredient known for its powerful soothing, hydrating (humectant), and anti-inflammatory properties, delivering vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to calm irritation, reduce redness, promote healing, and maintain skin moisture, making it great for sunburns, sensitive skin, and general rejuvenation. |  |
| Alpha Arbutin | Alpha Arbutin is a skin-brightening, depigmenting agent that inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that decreases the overproduction of melanin. It reduces dark marks, fades uneven skin tone, brightens overall complexion, and reduces post-breakout marks without bleaching the skin. |  |
| Amino Acids | Amino acids are crucial skincare ingredients, acting as skin's building blocks to strengthen its barrier, boost hydration (with hyaluronic acid), promote collagen/elastin production, repair damage, and provide antioxidant protection, reducing signs of aging like fine lines and improving overall smoothness and resilience. They work by supporting the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and helping water transport, making skin healthier and better able to retain moisture. | |
| Azelaic Acid | Azelaic Acid skincare products can help treat acne and rosacea. This ingredient has powerful anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin and reduces the production of keratin, which can lead to blocked pores and breakouts. |  |
| Bakuchiol | Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient extracted from the seeds and leaves of the babchi tree. Clinically proven to have similar results to Retinol with no sun sensitivity and no side effects of typical retinoids. It improves skin firmness and elasticity, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. |  |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | Benzoyl peroxide is a common, effective ingredient for mild-to-moderate acne that kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and unclogs pores, but it can cause dryness, peeling, and sun sensitivity, requiring sunscreen and careful use, especially avoiding other irritants like alcohol or certain retinoids. | |
| Beta Glucan | Beta-Glucan in skincare is a powerful, natural hydrator and soothing agent derived from oats, yeast, or mushrooms, known for intensely moisturizing, calming redness, strengthening the skin barrier, promoting wound healing, and offering anti-aging benefits by boosting collagen and improving elasticity, making it great for dry, sensitive, and mature skin. It's a multitasking ingredient that protects against irritants, reduces inflammation, and helps skin repair itself for a plumper, more radiant complexion. |  |
| Betaine | Betaine in skincare is a powerful, gentle humectant and osmolyte derived from sugar beets that deeply hydrates, balances skin moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and calms irritation, making it great for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin, by attracting water to cells and protecting them from dehydration. It's a versatile ingredient found in moisturizers, serums, and cleansers, known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-aging benefits, improving skin smoothness and elasticity. |  |
| Bisabolol | A powerful, natural compound from chamomile known for its exceptional soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits, making it ideal for sensitive, irritated, or post-procedure skin to reduce redness, calm irritation (like sunburn/razor burn), restore suppleness, and protect against damage, all without clogging pores. | |
| Black Ginseng | A strong antioxidant with comparable efficacy to L-Ascorbic Acid. It protects skin by significantly reducing collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin. This ingredient boosts collagen production, offering comparable power to TGF-1 (Transforming Growth Factor 1) to enhance collagen production in the skin and rebuild skin. |  |
| Briteodant Complex | Briteodant Complex, a trademarked ingredient, is a powerful tyrosinase inhibitor to reduce the formation of melanin. | |
| Caffeine | Caffeine is often used in skincare for brightening and tightening. It has powerful antioxidant properties and decreases puffiness by improving circulation. |  |
| Centella Asiatica | Also known as gotu kola, it has been used in traditional medicines for many years. It is valued for its wound-healing abilities and anti-inflammatory effects. Centella Asiatica is used in the treatment of small wounds, hypertrophic wounds, burns, psoriasis, and scleroderma. It can stimulate fibroblast proliferation and activate the signaling pathway to stimulate collagen production. |  |
| Ceramide | Ceramide is found and produced naturally by the skin but depletes over time. Maintaining ceramide levels plays an essential role in managing dryness, dehydration, and premature signs of aging. |  |
| Co-enzyme Q10 | Co-enzyme Q10 is a powerful, naturally occurring antioxidant that protects against environmental skin damage while regenerating the skin and reducing the effects of photo-aging. It energizes cell activity, reduces sun damage, evens out skin tone, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. |  |
| Copper Peptide | Naturally occurring molecules in the body, vital for skin repair, acting as powerful anti-aging agents by boosting collagen/elastin, reducing wrinkles, improving firmness, healing wounds, and offering antioxidant/anti-inflammatory benefits, making them popular in serums for firmer, smoother, healthier skin. They are safe for most, but patch testing is advised, and they're often mixed with other peptides for enhanced effects. |  |
| Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) | A protein that stimulates cell growth and repair by binding to its receptor, EGFR, triggering cell division and differentiation. |  |
| Exosomes | Exosomes are tiny, lipid-wrapped vesicles naturally released by cells, acting as crucial messengers for cell-to-cell communication, carrying proteins, DNA, and RNA to influence recipient cell behavior, vital for healing and normal function. | |
| Ferulic Acid | Ferulic acid is a powerful plant-derived antioxidant found in grains (oats, rice), fruits, and coffee, known for neutralizing free radicals and protecting skin from damage. |  |
| GABA | A natural amino acid that acts as a topical relaxant, smoothing fine lines by easing facial muscle tension without paralyzing them like Botox, while also boosting hydration and elasticity by promoting collagen, hyaluronic acid, and skin cell production. | |
| Gamma-linolenic Acid | A beneficial omega-6 fatty acid in skincare, acting as an emollient and anti-inflammatory found in oils like evening primrose and borage, helping to soothe dryness, reduce redness, strengthen the skin barrier, retain moisture, and support collagen, making it great for acne, eczema, and aging skin by calming irritation and improving texture. | |
| Gluconolactone | Gluconolactone is a gentle Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) in skincare that offers exfoliation, hydration, and antioxidant protection, making it ideal for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, unlike harsher AHAs, as it's a larger molecule that exfoliates slowly, improves texture, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces fine lines without significant irritation or sun sensitivity. |  |
| Glycerin | Is a superstar skincare ingredient, acting as a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated, soft, and supple while strengthening its protective barrier. It's gentle, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), suitable for all skin types, and enhances other ingredients' penetration, making skin smoother, more resilient, and improving overall complexion and brightness. | |
| Glycolic Acid | Glycolic Acid, naturally found in sugar cane, is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) known for its exfoliation benefits. It has a small molecular structure for deeper penetration, assisting in unclogging pores and refining the appearance of enlarged pores. |  |
| Glycyrrhetinic Acid | Glycyrrhetinic acid, also known as enoxolone, is a triterpenoid compound derived from licorice root with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It is used in cosmetics for skin benefits like soothing irritation and reducing hyperpigmentation. | |
| Hexylresorcinol | Hexylresorcinol is an organic compound used for its antiseptic, local anesthetic, and skin-brightening properties. |  |
| Honey Acids | Honey Extract can be enzymatically converted to deliver Poly Hydroxy Acid, which is well-tolerated by the skin. This modification enables gentle skin exfoliation while retaining the soothing and healing benefits of honey, suitable for those new to exfoliation or with sensitive skin types. |  |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Hyaluronic Acid helps lubricate tissues and retain water, promoting healthier, more supple skin. It assists in reducing the appearance of wrinkles by plumping the skin. |  |
| Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate | A powerful yet gentle Vitamin A derivative (retinoid) in skincare that directly targets skin receptors for anti-aging benefits like reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, offering similar efficacy to prescription retinoids (like tretinoin) but with significantly less irritation because it doesn't need conversion. It boosts collagen, increases cell turnover, and improves texture, providing a stable, potent option in the retinoid family. |  |
| Hyperbrite Complex | Hyperbrite Complex, a trademarked peptide, is a powerful brightening complex that prevents melanin synthesis by inhibiting the activation of tyrosinase. | |
| Jojoba Oil | Jojoba Oil is a moisturizing, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and non-comedogenic ingredient that absorbs into the skin through pores and hair follicles, making the skin soft and supple. |  |
| Kojic Acid | Kojic Acid is an organic acid secreted by fungi and is commonly used in products claiming to be 'whitening'. It inhibits melanin production and prevents tyrosinase activity, managing hyperpigmentation. |  |
| L-Arginine | L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that serves as a fundamental building block for proteins. |  |
| L-Ascorbic Acid | L-Ascorbic Acid is the pure, biologically active form of Vitamin C, a vital water-soluble nutrient essential for collagen formation, immune support, and antioxidant protection against cellular damage. It's a powerful antioxidant used in skincare for brightening, anti-aging, and skin health. |  |
| Lactic Acid | Lactic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that helps shed dead skin cells. It can be used in various formulations at different concentrations, resulting in a brighter complexion and refined skin texture. |  |
| Lactobionic Acid | Is a gentle, hydrating, and antioxidant-rich Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) derived from milk sugars, perfect for sensitive skin, offering benefits like mild exfoliation, moisture retention (humectant), barrier strengthening, and anti-aging by fighting free radicals, improving texture, and boosting firmness without irritation. | |
| Licorice Extract | Licorice Root Extract has soothing anti-inflammatory benefits, reduces redness, protects the skin from oxidative stress, prevents melanin production, and brightens dark marks. |  |
| Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a stable, gentle, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C used in skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and collagen-boosting effects, making it great for sensitive skin to even tone, reduce dark spots, fight aging, and hydrate without irritation, unlike harsher Vitamin C forms. It converts to active Vitamin C in the skin, offering UV protection, anti-inflammatory benefits, and improving elasticity. |  |
| Mandelic Acid | Mandelic Acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), is a gentle chemical exfoliant used in many peels or tonics. It has a larger molecule size than other AHAs, allowing for slower penetration and making it suitable for all skin types. |  |
| Matrixyl | Matrixyl repairs skin damage while improving skin firmness and elasticity. |  |
| N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) | Is a popular skincare ingredient that boosts hydration, brightens skin, fades pigmentation (especially with niacinamide), gently exfoliates, and improves skin texture by supporting hyaluronic acid production, making skin smoother, firmer, and more even-toned, suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone. |  |
| Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF) | Are compounds like amino acids, fatty acids, glycerin, urea, and hyaluronic acid, found naturally in the skin's outer layer, that attract and hold moisture, keeping skin hydrated, protected, and supple. | |
| Niacinamide | Niacinamide, also known as B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps minimize enlarged pores, tighten skin, improve uneven skin texture, and regulate sebum production. |  |
| Optisorb Complexâ„¢ | Optisorb Complex is a trademarked blend of plant extracts that normalizes sebum production, optimizes moisture content, prevents oxidation of sebum lipids, and increases cell energization. | |
| Peptides | Peptides are made up of amino acids and stimulate collagen production, firming the skin. They are essential for maintaining skin structure and can be used in skincare routines for all skin types at any age. |  |
| Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) | Typically derived from salmon or trout DNA, acting as a natural cell repair booster that stimulates collagen, promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and improves hydration. | |
| Polyglutamic Acid | A powerful, natural humectant (moisture-binder) from fermented soybeans, known for holding significantly more water than Hyaluronic Acid, creating a film to prevent water loss (TEWL) and plump skin. It boosts Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs), strengthens the skin barrier, smooths wrinkles, and protects against pollution, making skin softer, firmer, and more youthful-looking, suitable for all skin types. |  |
| Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate | A gentle, water-soluble skincare ingredient derived from azelaic acid and glycine, known for brightening, sebum control, and soothing sensitive skin, making it great for acne, redness, dark spots, and oily skin by reducing inflammation and inhibiting melanin to even skin tone and calm irritation. |  |
| Propanediol | Propanediol is a popular, gentle skincare ingredient used as a humectant (hydrator), solvent, and penetration enhancer, often derived from corn, that boosts product texture and absorption, soothes skin, strengthens the barrier, and improves product preservation, making it great for sensitive skin. |  |
| Resveratrol | Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant found in plant sources like red grapes, blueberries, peanuts, and mulberries, produced by plants under stress. | |
| Retinaldehyde | A potent, over-the-counter Vitamin A derivative, a direct precursor to skin's active retinoic acid, making it highly effective for anti-aging, clearing acne, reducing dark spots, and improving texture by boosting cell turnover and collagen, all with less irritation than stronger retinoids like retinol. |  |
| Retinol | Retinol, a form of Vitamin A and member of the retinoid family, is a powerful skincare ingredient that boosts cell turnover, stimulates collagen, and improves skin texture, effectively reducing wrinkles, acne, dark spots, and signs of aging by promoting new cell growth. |  |
| Retinyl Palmitate | A gentle form of Vitamin A (a retinoid), formed from retinol and palmitic acid. Predominantly used for its anti-oxidant properties, suitable for sensitive skin types. |  |
| Salicylic Acid | Salicylic Acid, a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), exfoliates the outer layer of the skin, encouraging new cell production and penetrating the lipid barrier for deeper exfoliation. It helps manage acne and transforms dull skin to a bright, glowing appearance. |  |
| Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract | A versatile natural skincare ingredient with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is widely used in various cosmetic products for its ability to soothe the skin, control oil production, and protect against environmental stressors. | |
| Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | A stable, water-soluble vitamin C derivative used in skincare for antioxidant protection, collagen boosting, and skin brightening, effectively reducing dark spots and promoting even tone, while its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for acne-prone skin by reducing redness and sebum, offering a gentler, more stable alternative to pure ascorbic acid. |  |
| Squalane | Squalane is a plant-derived substance that mimics natural skin lipids and inhibits moisture loss. It is often used to repair the skin barrier and reduce irritation, making it ideal for use with products like Retinol. |  |
| Succinic Acid | Succinic Acid contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting bacterial growth and promoting cellular renewal. It helps manage acne and speeds up recovery while shortening the lifecycle of breakouts. |  |
| Synovea HR | Is a patented, high-purity hexylresorcinol ingredient used in skincare for skin lightening, even toning, and anti-aging; it works by inhibiting melanin production, proving safer and more effective than traditional agents like hydroquinone. | |
| Tea Tree Oil | Tea Tree Oil is a powerful essential oil known for its natural antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, used for skin issues. | |
| Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that penetrates deeper into the skin to boost collagen, brighten complexion, fade dark spots, and protect against UV damage by neutralizing free radicals. Unlike water-soluble Vitamin C, it's gentle, non-irritating, and ideal for sensitive or dry skin, working well with other antioxidants like Vitamin E and Retinol for enhanced anti-aging effects. |  |
| Tranexamic Acid | Tranexamic Acid helps manage skin discoloration, pigmentation, and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and improving existing discoloration. |  |
| Vitamin A (Retinol) | Vitamin A treats various skin concerns, with derivatives ranging in strength. It increases cell turnover, stimulates collagen and elastin production, assists with acne management, and helps fade hyperpigmentation. | |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and anti-aging benefits. It protects skin from free radicals, promotes collagen stimulation, reduces pigmentation, and brightens skin. L-Ascorbic Acid is the purest form, while Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a more gentle, stable form suitable for sensitive skin. | |
| Vitamin E | A powerful fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage, boosts hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and helps fade dark spots for brighter, smoother skin. |  |
| Zingiber Officinale Extract | A powerful natural skincare ingredient known for its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, helping to brighten skin, fight aging (wrinkles/fine lines), soothe redness, control acne, improve circulation, and even skin tone for a revitalized glow. |
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Looking for natural skin care ingredients? We've got you covered there too. Our glossary includes an in-depth look at plant-based ingredients, oils, and other natural elements that can help nourish and protect your skin, offering alternatives to synthetic options.
Knowing the science behind your skincare routine empowers you to make choices that are best suited for your skin type and concerns. So, dive into the skincare ingredient glossary at SKIN Functional and get equipped with all the information you need to create the perfect skincare regimen for yourself. Let's take the guesswork out of skincare together!
