Skincare Terminologies

A 

ALPHA HYDROXY ACID (AHA) 

This substance, also known as AHA's, is derived from fruit and milk sugars and is used to exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are two of the most common examples. 

ACETONE 

Nail polish remover contains both naturally and synthetically derived liquids. Excessive use can cause skin and nails to dry out and appear white and dusty. 

ANTIOXIDANTS 

These chemicals, both natural and synthetic, are said to have "antioxidant" properties because they neutralise free radicals. They are designed to aid in the prevention and/or repair of damage. Antioxidants are commonly found in the form of vitamin C and vitamin E. 

ARGAN OIL

The oil comes from the seeds of the fruit that grows on Argan trees and is native to Morocco. The oil is high in vitamin E and vital fatty acids, making it an effective antioxidant as well as a hydration product. 

AMINO ACIDS

The building blocks of the proteins that make up collagen and elastin, provide structural support to the skin. The quantity of amino acids in the body is reduced as a result of ageing and a combination of external influences (such as UV light and environmental pollutants); creams containing amino acids may help restore them.

B 

BB CREAM

Depending on the market, it's also known as "Blemish Balm," "Blemish Base," or "Beauty Balm." In the mid-1980s, Korea and Japan were introduced to the recipe, which originated in Germany in the 1960s. It's marketed as a "wonder product" because it may serve as a serum, moisturiser, primer, foundation, and sunscreen, depending on the recipe. 

BENZOYL PEROXIDE 

A bacteria-fighting component found in acne-treatment skincare products provides clear skin.

BETA HYDROXY ACID (BHA) 

These acids, which are fully soluble in oil, exfoliate into the pores to remove dead skin cells, debris, and other deposits to treat acne and blackheads. They are less irritating than alpha hydroxy acids in most cases. Salicylic acid is the most prevalent kind. 

BIOTIN 

Biotin, often known as vitamin H, is a member of the vitamin B complex. Through cell development and fatty acid generation, it aids in the maintenance of healthy hair, skin, and nails. 

BROAD-SPECTRUM 

The word refers to protection from both UVA and UVB rays and can be found on the packaging of sunscreens. 

C 

CAFFEINE 

This antioxidant-rich plant extract is commonly utilised in skin and body care products. Its stimulating effects may assist to minimise the appearance of cellulite and reducing puffiness caused by inflammation. 

CC CREAM 

The major goals of these skincare/makeup hybrids, often known as "colour correcting" or "colour control" creams, are to lessen the appearance of redness, correct sallow-looking skin, and enhance uneven skin tone while providing foundation-like colour coverage. The formulations differ significantly from one brand to the next. 

CERAMIDES 

These fats, which are both naturally generated from plants and synthetic, help the skin's protective barrier and water-retention capacities. 

COLLAGEN

Pseudo-collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the human body as well as in animals. It is made up of plant derivatives that act like collagen. It is important for the skin's texture and suppleness, and it breaks down over time as a result of ageing and external influences (such as sun damage). 

D 

DIMETHICONE 

A type of silicone that is used in a variety of skincare and hair care products to help moisturise the skin and smooth the look of the hair shaft. 

E 

EMOLLIENTS 

Waxy lubricants and thickening agents help keep water from escaping the skin's barrier. Aid in the smoothing and softening of the skin by reducing rough, dry skin, but do not enter the skin. 

ENZYMES 

A collection of protein molecules that act as catalysts in processes such as photosynthesis, preventing free radical damage. They're found in skincare products to help with exfoliating. 

F 

FERULIC ACID

Plant-based components have antioxidant qualities that are widely found in face care products and are often used in conjunction with vitamin C and E to increase their performance. 

G 

GLYCERIN 

Glycerine, or glycerol, is a naturally occurring and synthetically produced substance. It's a humectant, which means it attracts water and can help keep the skin hydrated in the outer layers, reducing dryness. 

GLYCOLIC ACID

Alpha hydroxy acids are a type of alpha hydroxy acid. 

H

HYALURONIC ACID

When present in skincare products, this naturally occurring component helps to improve moisture content, alleviate irritation, give the skin a plump appearance, and prevent moisture loss. 

HYDROQUINONE 

This powerful antioxidant has been shown to help reduce and possibly eliminate age spots and hyperpigmentation by halting melanin production. It is used in combination with other ingredients to help reduce and possibly eliminate age spots and hyperpigmentation. It is mainly used in skin shine cream which reduces pigmentation of the skin.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Teeth whitening products, toothpaste, cold creams, skin whitening,  and hair bleaches all include this bleaching ingredient. 

HYPOALLERGENIC 

However, just because a product is considered unlikely to produce an allergic reaction does not mean it is gentler on the skin or allergy-proof. 

J 

JOJOBA OIL

Emollient that is non-fragrant and is used in products to help improve the skin's barrier of protection. It may also stimulate collagen production and have anti-inflammatory properties. 

K

KAOLIN 

Due to its oil-absorbing properties, soft clay is utilised in the creation of numerous cosmetics such as powders, foundations, and many others.

KERATIN 

It is a multi-structural protein that serves as the foundation for hair, skin, and nails. Because of its moisturising characteristics, hydrolyzed keratin is used in many hair care products. 

KOJIC ACID

A naturally generated material obtained from fungi (mushrooms) and used in the rice malting process. The acid is found in many cosmetics that claim to have "brightening" properties, as it helps to remove hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dark spots. 

L 

LACTIC ACID

This acid, which can be found in muscle tissue and fermented foods like beer and sour milk, is used in cosmetics to smooth the skin. 

LAVENDER 

Essential oils having antibacterial qualities are present. 

LECITHIN 

An antioxidant and emollient found in face and body creams and cosmetics (such as lipsticks and liquid powders) 

M 

METHICONE 

A skin-conditioning chemical that can be found in a variety of beauty items, including cosmetics and skin creams. It's mostly used to establish a barrier against cosmetics adhesion. 

MINERAL MAKEUP 

Mineral-based cosmetics (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, and iron oxide) are usually free of colours, preservatives, and aroma. 

N 

NIACINAMIDE 

A type of Vitamin B3 that is used in hair washing products to lighten the skin's colour. 

NON COMEDOGENIC 

Term for products that have been tested to not clog or restrict pores. 

O 

ORGANIC 

A term used to describe products that include at least 95% organically grown ingredients, excluding water and salt. 

P 

PARABENS 

Cosmetic preservatives that extend the shelf life of the product; FDA-approved at low concentrations (0.01 to 0.3 per cent). 

PHOTOAGING 

Sun exposure causes skin sagging, wrinkles, and sunspots because UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis and damage collagen strands. 

PRIMER 

Water- or silicone-based cream or lotion for the face increases wearability and creates a smooth, even surface for makeup. 

R 

RETINOL 

A milder form of retinoic acid and a derivative of vitamin A; often regarded as the most significant element in anti-ageing cosmetics. 

S 

SALICYLIC ACID

Used topically to treat acne by lowering swelling and redness and unplugging skin pores; also used to loosen dry or thickened skin in disorders like psoriasis. 

SERUM

Oil- or water-based product that penetrates deep into the skin and has a high concentration of active components such as nutrients, ceramides, glycerin, and vitamins. 

SETTING SPRAY

Applied after makeup to keep cosmetics in place for longer wear, especially in hot, humid, or windy weather. 

SPF 

The sun protection factor (SPF) is a measurement of how well a sunscreen protects skin from UVB radiation from the sun. 

SULFATE-FREE 

Sulfates, which lift debris and build foam in shampoos, are not present in these products. Frizz control and extending the effects of chemical treatments like hair colour and keratin are common recommendations. 

SUNSCREEN 

Products with a Sun Protection Factor of SPF that filter a percentage of the sun's rays. 

T

TONER 

This liquid, also known as a clarifying lotion, is frequently used on the skin after using a cleanser to help balance the skin's PH levels while also removing any dirt or oil that may have been left behind by the cleanser. 

U 

UVA 

Ultraviolet A is a kind of ultraviolet light. UVA is less powerful than UVB, but it is far more common and penetrates deeper into the skin. These long-wave photons are the primary source of skin damage linked with photoaging and are used in tanning. 

UVB 

UVB (ultraviolet B) is a type of ultraviolet light. These short-wave photons, which are strongest in the summer, are the main cause of sunburn, freckles, and sunspots, as well as skin cancer and premature ageing. 

V 

VITAMIN B

A water-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals by acting as an antioxidant. It has the ability to boost collagen formation, minimise skin discolourations, build the skin's barrier, improve the skin's repair cycle, and decrease inflammation. 

VITAMIN C

It’s an antioxidant that helps in radical damage prevention

Z 

ZINC OXIDE

Minerals are used in ointments, lotions, and powders to relieve dryness and irritation, as well as sunscreens to protect against UVA and UVB rays.