Skin Care Ingredients Glossary
AERATED SILICA
Known as airlicium, this synthetically-derived ingredient can absorb up to 15x its weight in oil to help mattify skin complexion.
Featured in: Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
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.
Featured in: Emollience | Daily Moisture Cream
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.
Featured in: Gentle Cleanser | Antioxidant Lip Repair
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.
Featured in: Clarifying Clay Masque | 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 soothing properties, shown to help protect skin from environmental aggressors.
Featured in: Resveratrol B E
BENTONITE CLAYS
These natural Earth clays help clarify the skin, absorb excess oil and reduce shine.
Featured in: Clarifying Clay Masque
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.
Featured in: Epidermal Repair Cream
BISABOLOL
Derived from the chamomile plant, this ingredient helps soothe the skin.
Featured in: Redness Neutralizer Cream | Retinol 0.5 Cream
BLUEBERRY EXTRACT
A naturally derived antioxidant, blueberry extract helps fortify skin’s matrix and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and laxity.
Featured in: A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream | A.G.E. Advanced Interrupter Anti-Wrinkle Cream
CAFFEINE
This ingredient helps improve the look of under eye circles for a more refreshed appearance
Featured in: AOX Eye Gel
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.
Featured in: Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Moisturiser
CHAMOMILE EXTRACT
Derived from the matricara flower, this potent extract has a effective soothing actions that calm and to comfort the skin.
Featured in: Clarifying Clay Masque | Simply Clean Makeup Removal Cleanser
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.
Featured in: Blemish + Age Defence Serum
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.
Featured in: Soothing Foaming Cleanser
CUCUMBER EXTRACT
Why add Cucumber Extract to your skin care routine?
aturally found in cucumbers, this extract has high quantities of vitamin C and amino acids which are known to help nourish, hydrate, and soothe skin.
Featured in: Phyto Corrective Hydrating Mask | Phyto Corrective Gel Calming Serum | Soothing Foaming Cleanser
DIOIC ACID
Naturally found in various vegetable fats and oils, dioic acid helps reduce excess sebum and has anti-bacterial properties. This ingredient has also been shown to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Featured in: Blemish + Age Defence Serum
DIPEPTIDE
Helps reduce the perception of heat sensations
Featured in: Phyto Corrective Hydrating Mask
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.
Featured in: H.A. Intensifier Serum
ELLAGIC ACID
A naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidant found in fruits and berries that has been shown to help improve the look of skin discoloration.
EPERUA FALCATA BARK EXTRACT
Rich in flavonoids, this natural active helps reduce skin reactivity and protects against inflammation.
Featured in: Redness Neutralizer Cream
EUCALYPTUS OIL
With anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this oil cleanses and reduces redness and irritation.
FATTY ACID
Naturally found in a variety of vegetable sources including seeds, and nuts, fatty acids aid in the structural integrity of skin lipids to optimise its overall lipid balance.
Featured in: Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Moisturiser
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.
Featured in: C E Ferulic | Phloretin CF Serum | Phloretin CF Gel | AOX Eye Gel | Serum 10 AOX+ | Silymarin CF
GLYCERIN
Found naturally in the lipids of vegetables, this powerful humectant possesses water-binding properties that help deliver intense hydration.
Featured in: Metacell Renewal B3 Skin Tightening Cream | Redness Neutralizer Cream | Gentle Cream Cleanser | Micro Exfoliating Scrub | Simply Clean Makeup Removal Cleanser | Soothing Foaming Cleanser | LHA Gel Cleanser
GLYCOLIC ACID
The Gold Standard for Glowing Skin
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.
Featured in: Blemish + Age Defence Serum | Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Cream | LHA Gel Cleanser | Blemish and Age Toner
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.
Featured in: H.A. Intensifier Serum | Hydrating B5 Gel Serum | Retexturing Activator Serum | Phyto Corrective Gel Serum | Hydrating B5 Masque | Phyto Corrective Masque | Antioxidant Lip Repair
HYDROLYSED RICE PROTEIN
Firms and tightens skin
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.
Featured in: Retexturing Activator Serum | Antioxidant Lip Repair Moisturiser
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.
Featured in: Retexturing Activator Serum
HYDROXYPHENOXY PROPIONIC ACID
This ingredient helps fade the appearance of discoloration and improve uneven skin tone.
KAOLIN CLAYS
These natural Earth clays help clarify the skin, absorb excess oil and reduce shine.
Featured in: Clarifying Clay Masque
KOJIC ACID
Naturally produced by certain fungi, kojic acid helps improve the appearance of discoloration and skin brightness.
Featured in: Phyto Corrective Gel Calming Serum
KOMBUCHA
A byproduct of the tea fermentation process, this naturally derived ingredient is known to help promote smooth, radiant skin.
Featured in: Retexturing Activator Serum
LACTIC ACID
Found naturally in sour milk, this alpha-hydroxy acid loosens and exfoliates dead skin cells to effectively promote cell turnover
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® Serum | Phloretin CF® Serum | Phloretin CF Gel | Serum 10 AOX+
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.
Featured in: Blemish + Age Defence Serum | LHA Gel Cleanser | Blemish and Age Toner
MEXORYL® SX [ECAMSULE]
A photostable UV filter which protects against short UVA rays
Featured in: Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50+ Sunscreen
MEXORYL® XL [DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE]
A UV filter which provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Featured in: Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50+ Sunscreen
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 support barrier recovery in aging skin. SkinCeuticals natural cholesterol is derived from a purified isolation of wool wax.
Featured in: Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Moisturiser
NIACINAMIDE (VITAMIN B3)
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in yeast, 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.
Featured in: Metacell Renewal B3 Skin Tightening Cream
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.
Featured in: Phyto Corrective Hydrating Mask | Phyto Corrective Gel Calming Serum
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.
Featured in: A.G.E. Eye Advanced Eye Cream
ORANGE OIL
Naturally found in oranges, this essential oil helps to refresh, refine, and invigorate the skin.
Featured in: Gentle Cream Cleanser | Simply Clean Gel Cleanser
ORCHIS MASCULA EXTRACT
Derived from the orchid flower, this extract acts as a soothing agent that protects the skin and helps to restore skin’s surface.
Featured in: Soothing Foaming Cleanser
PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-8
This biomimetic peptide helps regulate increases in skin temperature as part of the inflammatory cascade.
Featured in: Redness Neutralizer Cream
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, supporting natural barrier recovery.
PHLORETIN
Derived from apples and the root bark of fruit trees including pear and grapefruit, this antioxidant neutralizes free radicals and improves uneven skin tone
Featured in: AOX Eye Gel | Phloretin CF® Serum | Phloretin CF Gel
PHYTIC ACID
Naturally present in legumes and seeds, this potent ingredient provides dual-action exfoliation and skin brightening effects. It helps to promote skin clarity and glow.
Featured in: Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Cream
PHYTOSPHINGOSINE
This ceramide derivative helps facilitate skin’s natural barrier repair process.
Featured in: A.G.E. Interrupter Anti-Wrinkle Cream
PROXYLANE™
Derived from beech wood through an environmentally-efficient process, this unique molecule helps support skin’s matrix and restores water to skin. Proxylane is easily biodegradable and non-bioaccumulatable.
Featured in: A.G.E. Eye Advanced Eye Cream | A.G.E. Interrupter Anti-Wrinkle Cream | H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Serum
PUMICE
Fragmented from naturally-occurring pumice-stone, this ingredient provides mild, yet effective exfoliation of surface dead skin cells to refine texture and brighten skin.
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.
Featured in: H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Serum
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.
Featured in: Resveratrol B E Serum
RETINOL
A form of vitamin A (retinoic acid) that is 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.
Featured in: Retinol 0.3 Cream | Retinol 0.5 Cream
RUSCUS ACULEATUS
Derived from a small evergreen shrub native to Western Europe, this ingredient helps reduce the appearance of puffiness.
Featured in: AOX Eye Gel
SALICYLIC ACID
Often used as a key ingredient in anti-acne products, this beta-hydroxy acid is extracted from the bark of willow trees. Salicylic acid exfoliates skin, refines pores, and reduces the appearance of acne
Featured in: Blemish + Age Defence Serum | LHA Gel Cleanser | Blemish and Age Toner
SILYMARIN
This strong antioxidant neutralises free radicals and helps prevent signs of ageing.
Featured in: Antioxidant Lip Repair | Silymarin CF Antioxidant Serum
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.
Featured in: Soothing Foaming Cleanser | LHA Gel Cleanser
SQUALANE
A moisturiser and lubricating agent compatible with skin lips (human sebum is comprised of 25% squalane), membranes, and lipoproteins
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.
Featured in: Retexturing Activator Exfoliating Serum | Simply Clean Makeup Removal Cleanser
THYME EXTRACT
Found naturally in the leaves and flower of the thyme plant, this botanical extract is high in thymol, known for its skin soothing benefits.
Featured in: Phyto Corrective Hydrating Mask | Phyto Corrective Gel Calming Serum
TINOSORB® S [BEMOTRIZINOL]
Photostable UV filter protects against UVA and UVB rays
Featured in: Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50+ Sunscreen
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. In skincare formulations, some peptides are shown to help provide anti-aging benefits.
Featured in: Metacell Renewal B3 Skin Tightening Cream
VITAMIN B5
Also known as pantothenic acid and found naturally in avocados, sunflower seeds, broccoli, and more, this essential nutrient helps promote the skin barrier’s natural repair process.
Featured in: Hydrating B5 Gel Serum | Hydrating B5 Masque
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.
Featured in: C E Ferulic® Serum | Resveratrol B E Serum | Antioxidant Lip Repair Moisturiser | Daily Moisture Cream
YEAST EXTRACT
Helps boost skin to alleviate the appearance of crepiness.