Allantoin |
A compound that soothes and protects the skin, promoting healing and cell regeneration. |
Aloe Vera |
Known for its soothing, moisturising, and healing properties, often used for burns and dry skin. |
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) |
Water-soluble acids that exfoliate the skin's surface, often used for sun-damaged and dry skin. |
Amino Acids |
The building blocks of proteins that help to maintain skin’s hydration, texture, resilience, and an overall supple, healthy appearance. |
Antioxidants |
Substances that protect the skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells. |
Apple Cider Vinegar |
Known for its antibacterial properties, it can be used as a natural toner and exfoliant but should be used with caution due to its acidity. |
Argan Oil |
A moisturising oil, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, beneficial for dry skin and hair. |
Argireline |
A peptide that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting muscle movement. |
Astaxanthin |
A potent antioxidant with anti-aging benefits, known to protect against UV damage. |
Avocado Oil |
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it’s deeply moisturising and nourishing for the skin. |
Azelaic Acid |
An acid that can reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and help reduce pigmentation. |
Baking Soda |
Sometimes used as a DIY exfoliant but can be harsh and disrupt the skin's natural pH balance. |
Bakuchiol |
A plant-derived retinol alternative that has been shown to have similar anti-aging effects without irritation. |
Beeswax |
Used as an emollient and to thicken formulations, provides a protective barrier on the skin. |
Benzenes |
Chemicals that are rarely used in skincare due to safety concerns; however, benzene derivatives like sodium benzoate are used as preservatives. |
Benzoyl Peroxide |
An antibacterial ingredient commonly used in acne treatments. |
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) |
Oil-soluble acids, such as salicylic acid, used to penetrate deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells. |
Betaine |
An amino acid derivative that serves as a humectant and anti-irritant, providing moisturising benefits for hair and skin. |
Biotin |
Part of the B-vitamin family, it helps maintain the health of skin, hair, and nails. |
Bithionol |
No longer commonly used in skincare due to safety concerns. |
Broad-spectrum Sunscreen |
Protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, essential for preventing sun damage. |
Butylene Glycol |
A conditioning agent that can increase the penetration of other ingredients and provide a smooth feel. |
Caffeine |
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which can help reduce puffiness. |
Calamine Lotion |
Used to relieve itching and skin irritation by providing a cooling sensation. |
Calcium Bentonite Clay |
Used in masks to absorb oil and impurities from the skin. |
Carrier Oil |
Oils used to dilute essential oils and carry them to the skin, such as jojoba oil and sweet almond oil. |
Castor Oil |
A thick oil that is often used for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties. |
CBD Oil (Cannabidiol) |
Known for its potential anti-inflammatory and calming effects on the skin. |
Ceramides |
Lipids that help form the skin's barrier and help skin retain moisture. |
Chamomile |
Contains anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used to soothe sensitive skin. |
Charcoal |
Used in skincare to draw out impurities from the pores, acting like a magnet to remove dirt and oil. |
Chia Seed Oil |
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it’s known for its powerful hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. |
Chlorofluorocarbon Propellants (CFCs) |
Once common in aerosol products but now largely phased out due to environmental impact. |
Citric Acid |
An AHA that can be used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations and has mild exfoliating properties. |
Coconut Oil |
A rich emollient known for its moisturising properties, but can be comedogenic for some people. |
Collagen |
A protein in the skin that diminishes with age; applied topically, it can provide a temporary plumping effect. |
Dimethicone |
A silicone-based polymer used as a skin protectant and to provide a silky, smooth texture to skincare products. |
Emollients |
Ingredients that soften and moisturise the skin and decrease itching and flaking. |
Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) |
Ingredients that promote skin regeneration and healing. |
Eucalyptus Oil |
Known for its antimicrobial properties and used to soothe coughs and clear congested skin. |
Ferulic Acid |
An antioxidant that works to boost the effects of other antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. |
Florabeads Jojoba 28/60 |
Jojoba esters used as an exfoliant and to deliver jojoba oil in a controlled manner to the skin. |
Formaldehyde |
A preservative and disinfectant not commonly used in skincare anymore due to safety concerns. |
Glycerin (Glycerol) |
A humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft. |
Glycolic Acid |
An AHA that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and may reduce the appearance of fine lines. |
Goat Milk |
Contains lactic acid and is often used for its gentle exfoliating and hydrating properties. |
Grapeseed Extract |
Rich in antioxidants, it’s known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties. |
Green Tea |
Contains polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties. |
Halogenated Salicylanilides |
Disinfectant compounds not commonly used in skincare due to safety concerns. |
Hemp Oil |
Known for its ideal balance of omega fatty acids, which can help to hydrate and soothe the skin. |
Hexachlorophene |
An antimicrobial agent that was once widely used in soaps and washes, now restricted due to safety concerns. |
Humectants |
Ingredients that attract water, helping to hydrate the skin. |
Hyaluronic Acid |
A sugar molecule that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, hydrating the skin. |
Hydrocortisone |
A topical steroid used to reduce inflammation in conditions like eczema and dermatitis. |
Hydrogen Peroxide |
An antiseptic used for wound cleaning, not commonly used in skincare formulations due to its potential to irritate the skin. |
Hydrolysed Soy Protein |
A water-soluble protein that provides moisture retention and conditioning properties in skin and hair care products. |
Hydroquinone |
A skin lightener used to reduce the appearance of dark spots but can have side effects and is regulated in some countries. |
Jojoba Oil |
A wax ester that closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it an effective moisturiser. |
Kaolin Clay |
A type of clay used in skincare to help absorb excess oil and remove impurities. |
Keratin |
A protein that can strengthen the skin, hair, and nails. |
Kojic Acid |
A skin lightening agent that works by inhibiting the production of melanin. |
Lactic Acid |
An AHA that exfoliates the skin and is known for its hydrating properties. |
Lactobionic Acid |
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) known for its antioxidant and humectant properties. |
Lanolin Oil |
A natural oil derived from sheep’s wool, used as an emollient with deep moisturising effects. |
Lavender Oil |
An essential oil known for its calming and soothing properties. |
Lemon |
Contains vitamin C and citric acid and has astringent qualities. |
Lysine |
An essential amino acid used in the synthesis of collagen. |
Macadamia Oil |
A rich oil high in monounsaturated fats, it’s known for its hydrating and repairing properties. |
Malic Acid |
An AHA derived from apples that can improve skin texture and pigmentation. |
Mandelic Acid |
An AHA that is larger in size, allowing for a slower, more even penetration that is less irritating to the skin. |
Marimoist |
A biotechnological ingredient that acts as a water-binding agent and provides hydration. |
Matrixyl 3000 |
A peptide used in anti-aging skincare products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. |
Mercury Compounds |
Rarely used and highly restricted in skincare products due to toxicity concerns. |
Methylene Chloride |
A solvent not commonly used in skincare due to safety concerns. |
Milk |
Contains lactic acid and can be used for its softening and exfoliating properties. |
Milk Thistle |
An antioxidant that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors. |
Mineral Oil |
A highly purified, liquid paraffin derived from petroleum, used as a moisturising agent. |
Niacinamide |
Also known as vitamin B3, it helps to improve the skin’s elasticity, erase discolourations, and revive the skin's healthy tone and texture. |
Occlusives |
Ingredients that form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to prevent loss of moisture. |
Olive Oil |
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it’s known for its hydrating and nourishing properties. |
Omega Fatty Acids |
Essential components of skin’s lipids that help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. |
Panthenol |
Also known as pro-vitamin B5, it’s used in skincare products as a humectant to moisturise and heal the skin. |
Papaya Extract |
Contains the enzyme papain, which helps to exfoliate and brighten the skin. |
Parabens |
Widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria and mould in cosmetic products. |
Peppermint Oil |
Known for its cooling sensation, it also has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. |
Peptides |
Short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins are the foundation of your skin and are responsible for its texture, strength, and resilience. |
Petroleum Jelly |
An occlusive that prevents moisture evaporation and has healing properties, especially for dry, chapped skin. |
Pink Clay |
Rich in minerals, it’s used for its cleansing and skin-softening properties, especially in face masks. |
Placenta |
An ingredient rich in growth factors, hormones, and proteins, it’s used in some skincare products for its anti-aging and healing benefits. |
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) |
Chemical exfoliants that are considered less irritating than AHAs and BHAs. They attract water molecules and are also humectants. |
Pomegranate Extract |
High in antioxidants, it’s used for its aging-delaying and photo-protective properties. |
Prebiotics |
Ingredients that support the skin’s natural microbiome. |
Probiotics |
Live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They can also help balance the skin's microbiome. |
Resveratrol |
A potent antioxidant found in grapes and berries, it’s used for its skin-calming properties and to help protect the skin’s surface. |
Retinoid |
A class of compounds derived from vitamin A, used in skincare for its ability to promote skin renewal and enhance collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. |
Retinol |
A form of retinoid commonly used in over-the-counter skincare products for anti-aging. |
Rice Flour |
Often used in masks and scrubs for its exfoliating properties. |
Rosehip Oil |
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it’s known for its hydrating properties and ability to help reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines. |
Salicylic Acid |
A BHA that works to exfoliate the skin and is particularly effective in reducing acne by clearing clogged pores. |
Sea Salt |
Often used in scrubs for its exfoliating properties, but can be drying to the skin. |
Shea Butter |
A fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, it’s used for its moisturising properties and is rich in vitamins and fatty acids. |
Sodium Hydroxide |
Also known as lye, it’s used in skincare to establish and hold the pH of a product. |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) |
A surfactant used to create lather in cleansing products, but can be irritating to the skin and scalp. |
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) |
A measure of how well a sunscreen will protect the skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. |
Squalane |
A saturated and stable hydrocarbon that mimics squalene, part of our skin’s own natural moisture. It’s an exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration. |
Sulfur |
An element used in skincare to dry out blemishes and exfoliate dead skin cells, often found in acne treatments. |
Sweet Almond Oil |
A nourishing oil that’s particularly good for dry skin. |
Tea Tree Oil |
Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, often used in treatments for acne and other skin conditions. |
Titanium Dioxide |
A mineral used in sunscreen for its ability to protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. |
Tranexamic Acid |
A synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine, it’s known for its ability to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. |
Turmeric |
Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. |
Vinyl Chloride |
Not typically used in skincare due to its toxic nature, mainly found in plastics. |
Vitamin A |
An essential nutrient that promotes skin renewal and strengthens the skin’s immune system. |
Vitamin C |
An antioxidant that is key to collagen production and also helps to reduce signs of aging. |
Vitamin E |
A nutrient and antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. |
Vitamin K |
Essential for the body’s healing process, it’s known to help with the reduction of dark circles and bruises. |
Witch Hazel |
An astringent derived from the witch hazel shrub, used for its soothing properties and to reduce |
Zinc Oxide |
A mineral that provides broad-spectrum sun protection and is known for its soothing effect on the skin, particularly used in mineral sunscreens and diaper rash creams. |