SKIN CARE INGREDIENTS DICTIONARY
Aerated silica
Known as airlicium, this synthetically-derived ingredient can absorb up to 15x its weight in oil to help mattify skin complexion.
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Algae extracts
Algae refer to a simple group of aquatic organisms capable of conducting photosynthesis. In skincare, some algae extracts have been shown to act as emollients and soothing agents capable of delivering a variety of nutrients to skin.
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Allantoin
Derived from the root of the comfrey plant, this potent ingredient promotes a healthy skin barrier by increasing water content in skin, effectively replenishing and smoothing its surface.
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Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Naturally occurring in aloe vera, this potent leaf extract has cooling and refreshing properties that are linked to its rich, moisturizing gel. It is known to have a synergistic effect when used in conjunction with other soothing ingredients.
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Clarifying Clay Masque | Hydra Balm | Micro-Exfoliating Scrub | Simply Clean
Baicalin
A flavonoid antioxidant derived from the roots of the baical skullcap plant, baicalin is a potent antioxidant with skin calming properties, shown to help protect skin from environmental aggressors.
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Bentonite clays
These natural Earth clays help clarify the skin, absorb excess oil and reduce shine.
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Beta glucan
Occurring naturally in the skin, this ingredient strengthens the skin's protective abilities and helps accelerate renewal of the upper layers of the skin.
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Bisabolol
Derived from the chamomile plant, this anti-irritant helps calm and soothe the skin.
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Blueberry extract
A naturally derived antioxidant, blueberry extract helps fortify skin’s matrix and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and laxity.
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BMX Complex™
Comprised of barley and tomato extracts, this ingredient helps reinforce the skin's barrier and prevents transepidermal water loss.
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Caffeine
This ingredient helps improve the look of under eye circles for a more vibrant, refreshed appearance
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Centella asiatica
This pharmaceutical-grade botanical extract supports collagen production and improves skin’s elasticity.
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Ceramides
Ceramides are waxy, lipid molecules naturally present in the stratum corneum that play a key role in skin lipid barrier function. When applied topically, ceramides work synergistically to help increase skin hydration and promote optimal barrier function. SkinCeuticals ceramides are formulated synthetically to be bioidentical to skin’s natural ceramides.
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Chamomile Extract
Derived from the matricara flower, this potent extract has effective soothing actions that calm and comfort the skin.
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Citric acid
Found naturally in citrus fruits, this alpha-hydroxy acid helps promote cell turnover to exfoliate and smooth skin. It can also act as a preservative in formulations to protect stability.
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Coconut oil fatty acids
Found naturally in coconuts, these fatty acids are used in cosmetics for their emollient and emulsifying properties. When incorporated into surfactants they help reduce surface tension and facilitate cleansing.
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Cucumber extract
Naturally found in cucumbers, this non-sensitizing extract has high quantities of vitamin C and amino acids which are known to help nourish, hydrate, and soothe skin.
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Phyto Corrective Masque | Phyto Corrective Serum | Soothing Cleanser
Dioic acid
Naturally found in various animals and vegetable fats and oils, dioic acid helps reduce excess sebum while diminishing P.acnes bacteria. This ingredient has also been shown to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. SkinCeuticals only uses vegetable-derived dioic acid in its formulations.
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Dipeptide
Helps reduce the perception of heat sensitivity
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Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (licorice root extract)
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is the principal component of licorice root. This potent ingredient is recognized for its ability to help even out skin tone and it has been shown to help preserve hyaluronic acid content in skin.
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Ectoin
Lauded for its ability to withstand extreme conditions, ectoin protects skin from environmental aggressors like UV, heat, cold, and chemicals, and helps accelerate skin's ability to repair itself.
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Ellagic acid
A naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidant found in fruits and berries that has been shown to help improve the look of skin discoloration.
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Eperua falcata bark extract
Rich in flavonoids, this natural active reduces skin hyper-reactivity and protects against inflammation.
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Eucalyptus oil
With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, this oil cleanses, heals, and reduces redness and irritation.
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Fatty acids
Naturally found in a variety of animal and vegetable sources including fish, seeds, and nuts, fatty acids aid in the structural integrity of skin lipids to optimize its overall lipid balance. SkinCeuticals only uses vegetable sources of fatty acids in its formulations.
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Ferulic acid
A powerful antioxidant found in the cell walls of plants such as wheat, rice, peanuts, oranges and apples, ferulic acid neutralizes free radicals and complements the antioxidant benefits of vitamins C and E for visible anti-aging benefits.
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AOX+ Eye Gel | C E Ferulic ® | Phloretin CF ® | Phloretin CF Gel | Serum 10 AOX+
| Serum 20 AOX+ | Serum 15 AOX+
Glycerin
Synthetically derived or found naturally in the lipids of animals and vegetables, this powerful humectant possesses water-binding properties that help deliver intense hydration. SkinCeuticals only uses vegetable-derived sources of glycerin in its formulations.
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Metacell Renewal B3 | Redness Neutralizer | Gentle Cleanser | Micro-Exfoliating Scrub | Simply Clean
| Soothing Cleanser | LHA Cleanser
Glycolic acid
Derived synthetically or found naturally in sugar cane, beetroot, grapes and other fruit, this alpha-hydroxy acid helps facilitate skin’s natural exfoliation and minimizes the build-up of dead skin cells to improve the appearance of the skin’s tone and texture.
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Blemish + Age Defense | Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight | Conditioning Toner | Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser | LHA Cleanser | LHA Toner
Gorgonian extract
A natural marine extract with anti-inflammatory properties
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Hyaluronic acid
A natural humectant capable of holding 1,000 times its own weight in water. Hyaluronic acid is the body’s natural hydrator, making it an excellent moisturizer when applied topically.
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Phyto Corrective Masque | Antioxidant Lip Repair | Body Retexturing Treatment | Retexturing Activator Serum | Phyto Corrective Serum | H.A. Intensifer Serum | Hydrating B5 Serum | Hydrating B5 Masque
Hydrolysed Rice Protein
Firms and tightens skin
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Hydroxy Acids
Provides exfoliation to help improve dry, dull skin.
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Hydroxyethyl urea
Derived synthetically, this humectant helps replenish and maintain skin’s moisture levels. In addition to its powerful hydrating ability, it also helps promote cell turnover.
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Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid
Recognized for its exfoliating properties, this aminosulfonic acid derivative works enzymatically to help break the bonds that bind dead cells to the skin’s surface for even exfoliation.
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Hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid
A non-toxic derivative of hydroquinone that helps fade the appearance of discoloration and improve uneven skin tone.
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Kaolin clays
These natural Earth clays help clarify the skin, absorb excess oil and reduce shine.
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Kojic acid
Naturally produced by certain fungi, kojic acid helps improve the appearance of discoloration and skin brightness.
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Kombucha
A byproduct of the tea fermentation process, this naturally derived ingredient is known to help promote smooth, radiant skin.
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Lactic acid
Found naturally in sour milk, this alpha-hydroxy acid loosens and exfoliates dead skin cells to effectively promote cell turnover
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L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Synthetically derived or found naturally in citrus fruits, l-ascorbic acid is lauded for its superior antioxidant benefits. This highly potent form of pure vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals and helps protect against oxidative stress while providing visible anti-aging benefits.
Featured In
AOX+ Eye Gel | C E Ferulic ® | Phloretin CF ® | Phloretin CF Gel | Serum 10 AOX+
| Serum 20 AOX+ | Serum 15 AOX+ | C + AHA Serum
LHA (caproloyl salicylic acid)
A derivative of salicylic acid, this lipo-hydroxy acid helps promote cell turnover via targeted exfoliation. It has also been shown to decongest pores and refine the skin’s surface.
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Mexoryl® SX
Advanced, photostable UV filters protects against short UVA rays
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Mexoryl® XL
State-of-the-art UV filters provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
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Natural cholesterol
Cholesterol is naturally found in the body and one of the predominant lipids found in skin. In topical skincare formulations, this ingredient is known to accelerate barrier recovery in aging skin. SkinCeuticals natural cholesterol is derived from a purified isolation of wool wax.
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Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Topical application of niacinamide has been shown to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier and reduce the appearance of discoloration and blotchiness.
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Olive leaf extract
Derived from olive leaves, this emollient plant extract is rich in antioxidants including oleuropeine and hydroxytyrosol. Its moisturizing properties make it beneficial for dry skin types.
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Optical diffusers
Designed to reflect and redirect light, optical diffusers help spread light evenly across a surface. In skincare, optical diffusers disperse light to help minimize the appearance of skin imperfections or uneven tone around the eyes.
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Orange Oil
Naturally found in citrus fruit, this essential oil helps to refresh, refine, and invigorate the skin.
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Orchis Mascula Extract
Derived from the orchid flower, this extract acts as a calming agent that protects the skin and helps to restore skin’s surface.
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Palmitoyl tripeptide-8
This biomimetic peptide prevents and reduces increases in skin temperature and mitigates the inflammatory cascade.
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Petrolatum
softens and smoothes skin, while forming a film on the skin's surface to prevent moisture loss and protect against irritation; permeates throughout the corneum layer, allowing normal barrier recovery.
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Phloretin
Derived from apples and the root bark of fruit trees including pear and grapefruit, this antioxidant neutralizes damaging free radicals and improves uneven skin tone
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Phytic Acid
Naturally present in legumes and seeds, this potent ingredient provides dual-action exfoliation and skin brightening effects. It helps to inhibit the impact of skin aggressors that can cause dullness, promoting skin clarity and glow.
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Phytosphingosine
This ceramide derivative helps facilitate skin’s natural barrier repair process.
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Proxylane™
Derived from beech wood through an environmentally-efficient process, this patented molecule helps support skin’s matrix and restores water to skin. Proxylane is easily biodegradable, non-bioaccumulatable, and non-eco-toxic.
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A.G.E. Eye Complex | A.G.E. Interrupter | H.A. Intensifer Serum
Pumice
Fragmented from naturally-occurring pumice-stone, this potent ingredient provides mild, yet effective exfoliation of surface dead skin cells to refine texture and brighten skin.
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Purple Rice Extract
Derived from the seed of oryza sativa linne, a type of rice originating in China, this extract helps preserve hyaluronic acid content in skin.
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Resveratrol
Known as the longevity molecule, resveratrol is sourced from grape skin, blueberries, raspberries, and various plants including knotweed. It has been recognized for its powerful antioxidant and anti-aging properties which include strengthening skin’s natural antioxidant defense system to help neutralize free radicals.
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Retinol
A form of vitamin A (retinoic acid) that is clinically proven to help improve the appearance of aging skin. Retinol is shown to help improve uneven skin tone, promote cell turnover, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Ruscus aculeatus
Derived from a small evergreen shrub native to Western Europe, this ingredient helps reduce the appearance of puffiness
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Salicylic acid
Often used as a key ingredient in topical acne products, this beta-hydroxy acid is extracted from the bark of willow trees. Salicylic acid exfoliates skin, refines pores, and reduces the formation of acne when used at an appropriate concentration.
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Advanced Pigment Corrector | Blemish + Age Defense | Conditioning Toner | Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser | LHA Cleanser | LHA Toner
Silymarin
This strong antioxidant neutralises free radicals and prevents signs of ageing.
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Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
An extremely mild cleansing agent derived from coconut.
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Sodium PCA
A high-performance humectant due to its moisture-binding abilities and exists naturally in the skin as a component of NMF (natural moisturising factor).
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sodium tetrahydro-jasmonate
Helps stimulate structural proteins to redensify skin and exfoliates to remove excess surface pigmentation.
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Sorbitol
A sugar alcohol found in plants with a protective outer skin, this natural humectant draws water to skin’s surface and helps maintain adequate moisture levels.
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Soy isoflavones
Rich in isolated soy isoflavones, this ingredient helps improve firmness in ageing and mature skin
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Squalane
a moisturiser and lubricant compatible with skin lips (human sebum is comprised of 25% squalane), membranes, and lipoproteins
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Sulfonic acid (HEPES)
This synthetically derived acid activates natural enzymes in skin to help break the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the surface for even exfoliation.
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Thyme extract
Found naturally in the leaves and flower of the thyme plant, this botanical extract is high in thymol, known for its anti-septic and skin soothing benefits.
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Tinosorb® S
Photostable UV filter protects against UVA and UVB rays
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Tripeptide
A peptide consisting of three amino acids that helps stimulate natural moisturising factor to fill skin with volume and helps support skin's structure.
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Tri-peptide
Peptides are compounds consisting of two or more linked amino acids (natural proteins). The number of amino acids that make up a peptide determine whether it is a di-peptide (2 peptides), tri-peptide (3 peptides), or more. In topical skincare formulations, some peptides are shown to help provide anti-aging benefits.
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vigna aconitifolia seed extract
Helps strengthen skin's structure and increases cellular renewal.
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Vitamin B5
Also known as pantothenic acid and found naturally in salmon, avocados, sunflower seeds, broccoli, and more, this essential nutrient helps promote the skin barrier’s natural repair process. SkinCeuticals only uses vegetable-derived sources of vitamin B5 in its formulations.
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Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
The most abundant, pure form of vitamin E, this powerful antioxidant can be derived synthetically or sourced naturally from a variety of foods including vegetable oils. Alpha tocopheral plays an important role in neutralizing free radicals, moisturizing skin, and improving the appearance of visible skin aging.
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C E Ferulic ® | Resveratrol B E | Antioxidant Lip Repair | Eye Balm | Face Cream | Daily Moisture
Yeast Extract
Helps reinflate skin to alleviate crepiness