ästhetik
skincare glossary
Acne
A skin condition characterized by inflamed or infected sebaceous glands, resulting in pimples, especially on the face, back, and shoulders.
Adapalene
A type of retinoid used to treat acne and promote cell turnover.
Aging (Intrinsic & Extrinsic)
Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process, while extrinsic aging is caused by external factors like UV exposure and pollution.
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
Water-soluble acids derived from fruits and milk that exfoliate the skin’s surface, improving texture and tone.
Allantoin
A compound that promotes skin healing and soothes irritation, commonly found in moisturizers and healing ointments.
Aloe Vera
A soothing plant extract known for its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, often used to calm irritated skin.
Antioxidants
Compounds like Vitamin C and E that protect skin from oxidative stress and free radicals, preventing premature aging.
Arbutin
A melanin-inhibiting compound used for skin brightening and reducing dark spots.
Azelaic Acid
A naturally occurring acid that helps reduce inflammation and treats acne and rosacea.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A stabilizer and texture enhancer that helps improve product consistency.
Alanine
An amino acid that helps maintain skin hydration and repair.
Alcohol
Used as a solvent and preservative in skincare formulations.
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
A gentle surfactant that cleanses the skin.
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
A cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil from the skin.
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
An essential oil with calming and skin-conditioning properties.
Argan Oil
Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, deeply moisturizes the skin.
Arginine
An amino acid that helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity.
Aspartic Acid
An amino acid that helps support skin barrier function.
Bakuchiol
A plant-based retinol alternative that promotes collagen production without irritation.
Barrier Function
The skin’s ability to act as a protective shield against irritants, bacteria, and moisture loss.
Barrier Repair
Strengthening the skin’s natural defenses to prevent moisture loss and irritation.
Benzoyl Peroxide
An acne-fighting ingredient that kills bacteria and helps reduce inflammation.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
Oil-soluble acids, such as salicylic acid, that exfoliate inside the pores to treat acne.
Beta-Glucan
A polysaccharide derived from oats or yeast that enhances the skin's natural barrier and provides deep hydration.
Blue Light Protection
Ingredients like lutein or algae extract that protect the skin from blue light emitted by screens, which can contribute to premature aging.
Botanical Extracts
Plant-derived ingredients used in skincare for their therapeutic properties.
Botox
A neurotoxin injection that temporarily relaxes facial muscles to reduce wrinkles.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
A sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn and premature aging.
Bee Balm
A plant extract known for its antimicrobial and soothing properties.
Beeswax
A natural emollient that helps seal in moisture.
Bladderwrack Extract
A type of seaweed that helps improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Borage Oil / Borage Seed Oil
A rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that soothes dry and sensitive skin.
Botanical Hyaluronic Acid
A plant-derived humectant that retains moisture and plumps the skin.
Burdock Root Extract
Helps detoxify the skin and reduce inflammation.
Butylene Glycol
A humectant that helps the skin retain moisture.
Caffeine
An antioxidant that constricts blood vessels, reducing puffiness and dark circles, commonly used in eye creams.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
A calming botanical known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ceramides
Lipids that help form the skin’s barrier and retain moisture, protecting against environmental aggressors.
Chemical Peel
An exfoliating treatment that removes dead skin cells to improve texture, tone, and clarity.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
A naturally occurring antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and boost skin cell energy.
Collagen
A protein that keeps skin firm and youthful but decreases with age.
Comedogenic
Refers to substances that tend to clog pores, potentially leading to blackheads and acne.
Copper Peptides
Peptides infused with copper that promote wound healing and collagen synthesis.
Cryotherapy
The use of cold temperatures to reduce inflammation and tighten pores.
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
A lightweight oil rich in antioxidants and nourishing fatty acids.
Camphor Oil
Provides a cooling effect and helps reduce irritation.
Carbomer
A thickening agent that enhances product texture.
Carrot Seed Oil
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, promotes skin renewal.
Carrageenan
A seaweed-derived ingredient that hydrates and smooths the skin.
Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide)
Used to adjust the pH of skincare formulations.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Organic Gotu Kola)
A healing botanical that boosts collagen production and soothes irritation.
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin.
Chamomile Extract
A calming ingredient that soothes sensitive skin and reduces redness.
Citrus Grapefruit Seed Extract
Has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Cocamide DEA
A surfactant that enhances foam and cleanses the skin.
Cocamide MIPA
A mild cleansing agent that helps improve texture and lather.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A mild surfactant that helps cleanse and condition the skin.
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
A surfactant that provides gentle cleansing and hydration.
Coconut Fruit Extract
Hydrates and nourishes the skin with natural fatty acids.
Coconut Powder (Organic)
Helps exfoliate and soften the skin.
Cranberry Seed Oil
A lightweight oil rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
Cucumber Extract
Hydrates and soothes the skin, reducing puffiness.
Dermaplaning
A method of exfoliation that removes dead skin and peach fuzz with a surgical blade.
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin that can be caused by allergies, irritants, or genetic factors.
Dermatologically Tested
Indicates that a product has been tested on human skin under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
The active ingredient in self-tanners that temporarily darkens the skin.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)
A compound that may improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines by stabilizing cell membranes.
Double Cleansing
A two-step cleansing method involving an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup and impurities.
Deionized Water
Purified water used as a base for skincare formulations.
Decyl Glucoside
A plant-derived surfactant that gently cleanses the skin.
Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM)
A sulfur compound that promotes skin healing and reduces inflammation.
Balsam Oil
A natural resin extract that has soothing properties.
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
A gentle surfactant used in cleansers.
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
A mild foaming agent that helps cleanse the skin.
Ectoin
A molecule that protects skin cells from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation, helping to maintain skin hydration.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
A chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
Elastin
A protein that allows skin to stretch and bounce back.
Emollient
Ingredients that soften and smooth the skin, like jojoba oil or squalane.
Emulsifiers
Ingredients that help mix oil and water in skincare formulations.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
A protein that stimulates cell growth and regeneration, promoting healing and reducing signs of aging.
Exfoliation
The process of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface to improve texture and promote cell turnover.
Ethanol (SD Alcohol 40)
A solvent and preservative used in skincare.
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster.
Eyebright
Helps reduce puffiness and brighten the under-eye area.
Echinacea Extract
Helps boost skin immunity and soothe irritation.
Fatty Acids
Essential components of healthy skin that help maintain the skin barrier.
Ferulic Acid
An antioxidant that enhances the stability and efficacy of vitamins C and E, providing protection against environmental damage.
Fillers
Injectable treatments that restore volume and smooth out wrinkles.
Free Radicals
Unstable molecules that can damage skin cells, leading to premature aging; antioxidants help neutralize them.
Fractional Laser
A laser treatment that targets a fraction of the skin at a time, promoting collagen production and improving texture with minimal downtime.
Frankincense Essential Oil
A soothing oil known for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
Geranium Essential Oil
Has balancing, soothing, and antimicrobial properties.
Ginkgo Leaf Extract
An antioxidant that improves circulation and protects against environmental stressors.
Glycerin
A humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin, helping to maintain hydration levels.
Glycerin (Kosher, Vegetable)
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Glycolic Acid
An AHA that exfoliates the skin’s surface to improve texture and brightness.
Glyceryl Caprylate
A skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative.
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier that helps keep ingredients blended.
Gommage
A type of exfoliation where a product is applied, allowed to dry, and then rubbed off, taking dead skin cells with it.
Green Tea
A powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors.
Green Tea Extract
A soothing, antioxidant-rich ingredient that reduces redness and protects against UV damage.
Growth Factors
Proteins that help stimulate cell repair, commonly used in anti-aging skincare.
Gua Sha
A traditional Chinese massage technique using a flat tool to stimulate circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage.
Humectant
Ingredients that draw water into the skin, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Hydration
The process of supplying water to the skin to maintain moisture balance and elasticity.
Hydration vs. Moisturization
Hydration refers to water content in the skin, while moisturization refers to sealing in that moisture.
Hydradermabrasion Facial
A multi-step facial that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin.
Hydrodermabrasion
Similar to microdermabrasion but uses water and oxygen for a gentler exfoliation.
Hyaluronic Acid
A molecule that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration and plumping the skin.
Hyperpigmentation
Darkened patches of skin due to sun exposure, acne scars, or hormonal changes.
Hypoallergenic
Products formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions, suitable for sensitive skin.
Hypopigmentation
Loss of pigment, leading to lighter patches of skin.
Horsetail Extract
A plant extract rich in silica that strengthens the skin.
Hazelnut Seed Oil
Lightweight and deeply moisturizing, suitable for oily skin.
Honey / Honey Powder
A natural humectant that hydrates and soothes the skin.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
A thickener that stabilizes formulations.
Inflammaging
Chronic inflammation that accelerates skin aging.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
A non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation, redness, and fine lines.
Isoleucine
An amino acid that helps maintain skin elasticity.
Isopropyl Palmitate
A skin-conditioning agent that enhances texture.
Jade Roller
A facial massage tool made from jade stone, believed to improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and enhance product absorption.
Jasmine Essential Oil / Jasmine Extract
A botanical oil known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties, often used in sensitive and dry skin formulations.
Jelly Cleanser
A type of facial cleanser with a gel-like, bouncy texture that gently removes impurities while maintaining hydration.
Jelly Mask
A hydrating and soothing face mask with a gel-like consistency, often infused with botanical extracts for deep hydration and calming effects.
Jojoba Beads
Biodegradable exfoliating beads derived from jojoba oil, used as a gentle alternative to microplastics in scrubs.
Jojoba Oil
A wax ester similar to skin's natural sebum, providing moisturizing and balancing benefits without clogging pores.
Juniper Berry Extract
A natural astringent with antimicrobial and detoxifying properties, commonly used in skincare for acne-prone or oily skin.
K-Beauty
Short for Korean Beauty, referring to skincare products and regimens originating from Korea, emphasizing hydration, layering, and innovative ingredients.
Kinetin
A plant hormone that promotes cell division and may improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging.
Kojic Acid
A natural skin brightener that helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Lactic Acid (Sodium Lactate)
A gentle AHA that hydrates while exfoliating, great for sensitive skin, and helps brighten skin tone.
Lecithin
A natural emulsifier that helps deliver active ingredients to the skin.
Lavender Essential Oil/ Lavender Extract
Soothing and anti-inflammatory, helps calm skin.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Has antimicrobial and astringent properties.
Laser Resurfacing
A treatment that uses laser energy to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and fade pigmentation.
LED Light Therapy
Uses different wavelengths of light to treat acne, inflammation, and signs of aging.
Licorice Root Extract
A natural ingredient that brightens skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.
Liposomes
Microscopic vesicles used to deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin for enhanced efficacy.
Mandelic Acid
An AHA derived from almonds that exfoliates gently, suitable for sensitive skin and effective in treating acne and hyperpigmentation.
Matrixyl
A peptide complex that stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.
Melissa Seed Essential Oil
Helps soothe and balance the skin.
Maltodextrin
A stabilizer that enhances product consistency.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Locks in moisture and softens the skin.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
A sulfur compound that reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
Microbiome
The ecosystem of good bacteria on your skin that helps maintain balance and prevent irritation.
Microblading
A semi-permanent tattooing technique that creates hair-like strokes to fill in sparse or thinning eyebrows.
Microcurrent Facial
A procedure that uses low-level electrical currents to tone facial muscles, improve contour, and reduce wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion
A procedure that gently buffs away the top layer of skin to promote cell turnover.
Microneedling
Tiny needles create micro-injuries to boost collagen production and improve skin texture.
Moisturization
The process of sealing moisture into the skin to prevent water loss and maintain softness.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine
A skin-replenishing ingredient that hydrates, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and improves skin elasticity.
Nano Needling
A less invasive alternative to microneedling that uses tiny needles to enhance product absorption and stimulate collagen production.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
A multi-functional ingredient that brightens, soothes inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Non-Comedogenic
A term meaning a product won’t clog pores.
Oat Seed Extract
Soothes and protects sensitive skin.
Occlusive
Ingredients that form a barrier to trap moisture, like petrolatum or shea butter.
Oil Cleansing
A skincare method that uses oil-based cleansers to dissolve makeup and excess sebum.
Oil vs. Water-Based Skincare
Oil-based products are great for dissolving makeup, while water-based products hydrate and nourish.
Olive Fruit Oil
Deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin.
Oligopeptides
Short chains of amino acids that signal the skin to repair itself, promoting collagen production and improving texture.
Oregano Extract
Has natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Oxygen Facial
A treatment that delivers oxygen and specialized serums to the skin, aiming to hydrate, brighten, and improve overall texture.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
A peptide that helps reduce inflammation and signs of aging by inhibiting the production of molecules that cause skin damage.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A peptide that supports collagen production and helps improve skin elasticity.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
A peptide that enhances collagen synthesis, promoting firmer, smoother skin.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, improving hydration and elasticity.
Papaya Fruit Extract
Contains natural enzymes (papain) that gently exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin.
Papaya Seed Oil
A lightweight oil rich in vitamins and fatty acids that help moisturize and brighten the skin.
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids that promote collagen production and help reduce signs of aging.
Q10 (Coenzyme Q10)
A powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, boosts skin cell energy, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Quassia Extract
A botanical ingredient known for its antimicrobial and soothing properties, sometimes used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Quercetin
A plant-derived antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin from environmental damage and signs of aging.
Queen of the Night Cactus Extract
A rare botanical extract with hydrating and soothing properties, often used in high-end skincare formulations.
Quinoa Seed Extract
Rich in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, it helps support skin hydration and repair.
Raspberry Seed Oil
A nourishing oil high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that protect and hydrate the skin.
Red Clover Leaf Extract
Contains isoflavones that help balance skin and support elasticity.
Retinol (Vitamin A)
A potent antioxidant that accelerates skin renewal, reduces wrinkles, and fades dark spots.
Rosehip Seed Oil
A nutrient-rich oil packed with vitamins A and C, known for its ability to brighten and rejuvenate the skin.
Rosemary Extract
An antioxidant-rich extract that protects the skin from environmental stressors and helps reduce signs of aging.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
An oil-soluble acid that penetrates pores to clear out excess oil and acne-causing bacteria.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
A vitamin-rich oil that helps regenerate skin cells and improve elasticity.
Sea Water Extract
Contains minerals that hydrate and revitalize the skin.
Squalane
A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Stem Cells
Cells derived from plants or humans that aid in regeneration and repair.
Tamanu Seed Oil
A healing oil known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
A powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil commonly used to treat acne.
Titanium Dioxide
A mineral sunscreen ingredient that protects skin from UV rays.
Ultherapy
A non-invasive ultrasound treatment that tightens and lifts the skin.
Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10)
A potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from oxidative stress, reduces fine lines, and promotes a youthful appearance.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
A type of radiation from the sun that can cause premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer; divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
Umbelliferae Extract
A botanical extract from the carrot family, known for its soothing and antioxidant properties.
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract (Wakame Seaweed)
A marine-based ingredient rich in vitamins and minerals that hydrates and protects the skin.
Urea
A natural humectant that helps retain moisture, gently exfoliates, and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.
Ursolic Acid
A plant-based compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, often found in anti-aging skincare products.
Valine
An amino acid that helps with skin repair, hydration, and maintaining a healthy barrier.
Vanilla Planifolia Extract
A natural antioxidant with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used in skincare for its calming effects.
Vegan Skincare
Products formulated without animal-derived ingredients or byproducts, suitable for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
Venus Freeze™
A non-invasive anti-aging treatment that uses radiofrequency and magnetic pulses to tighten skin and boost collagen production.
Verbena Extract
A botanical extract known for its astringent and soothing properties, often used in toners and calming skincare products.
Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinoids)
A powerful anti-aging ingredient that accelerates skin renewal, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin texture.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
A multitasking ingredient that brightens skin, improves elasticity, and reduces inflammation.
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, improving hydration and elasticity.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, etc.)
A potent antioxidant that brightens skin, boosts collagen, and protects against free radical damage.
Vitamin D
Supports skin barrier function and immune response, often included in skincare for its reparative benefits.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate)
A nourishing antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and retain moisture.
Vinca Major Extract (Periwinkle Extract)
Contains antioxidants and soothing properties to support skin health.
Volcanic Ash (Bentonite, Kaolin Clay)
A natural detoxifier that absorbs excess oil and impurities, commonly used in masks for acne-prone skin.
Wakame Bioferment Extract
A seaweed-derived extract rich in minerals and antioxidants that hydrates and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Water (Aqua/Deionized Water)
The primary base for most skincare formulations, helping to dissolve ingredients and provide hydration.
Watermelon Extract
A hydrating and antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps soothe and brighten the skin.
Wheat Germ Oil
A nutrient-rich oil high in vitamin E that helps soften and nourish the skin.
White Birch Extract
A botanical ingredient known for its brightening and skin-rejuvenating properties.
White Clay (Kaolin Clay)
A gentle, absorbent clay used in masks to detoxify and purify the skin.
White Tea Extract
A powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.
Willow Bark Extract
A natural source of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates, reduces inflammation, and helps clear pores.
Wintergreen Extract
A natural source of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), commonly used in acne treatments for its exfoliating and clarifying effects.
Wild Geranium Extract
A botanical extract with astringent and soothing properties, often used in toners and calming skincare.
Witch Hazel
A natural astringent that helps tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and control excess oil.
Zeaxanthin
A carotenoid antioxidant that helps protect the skin from blue light and oxidative stress, often found in anti-aging and sunscreen products.
Zanthoxylum Extract
A botanical extract with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used in sensitive skin formulations.
Zein
A corn-derived protein sometimes used in film-forming skincare products.
Zinc Oxide
A mineral sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum UV protection.
Zymomonas Ferment Extract
A probiotic ingredient that helps support the skin barrier and hydration.
Organic Mineral Sunscreen
SPF50 Protects Your Skin
& Ocean Reef Safe
