Ingredients Dictionary

Browse our dictionary for all the skincare ingredients in your favourite products.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A - B

Helps to slow down collagen loss. High in vitamin D & B12 to help increase circulation and oxygen in the skin.

High in antioxidants and effective for ageing.

Aloe Vera has significant moisturising, protective and regenerative properties. Helps support the natural balance of the skin and is ideal for after sun care due to its cooling and soothing properties. The % can vary in each product; however, it can range from 60% of a product. For creams or lotions a water based ingredient is required to help form the formulation. This ensures the cream can soak into the skin. 

Skin conditioning agent.

Supports healthy cell turnover and wards off free-radicals.

High in fatty acids to help support barrier function. Free radical scavenger Vitamin E helps to work against fine lines, ageing and sun damage.

Powerful antioxidant, assists with evening skin tone and helps brighten the complexion. Enhances collagen production, inhibition of melanin synthesis and enhanced radical scavenging. Known particularly for its sun protection and age-defying benefits. 

This anti-inflammatory deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, whilst smoothing fine lines & wrinkles.

Retinol-like properties. Penetrates deep in to the skin to help even out skin tone, smooth fine lines and add a plumping effect.

Rich in natural silica to help your skin glow!

Natural humectant to keep skin hydrated. Won’t clog pores and is safe for the most sensitive skins.

An anti-inflammatory clay that deeply cleanses, flushes out toxins and relieves dermatitis.

A gentle hydrating ingredient that may be plant-derived or synthetic, betaine also naturally occurs in skin and the body. It's known as an osmolyte, an ingredient that helps skin adapt to moisture losses and gains, essentially working to balance skin's hydration.

Supports collagen production.

A potent bio-active to help provide antioxidants in the skin and promote collagen production.

A skin superfood, rich in vitamin A,E & D. The natural healer. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin. Shea butter also provides anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating and nourishing benefits. 

C

Act as an emulsion stabiliser and viscosity increasing agent, allowing things to stay spreadable and creamy. 

Caffeine may have soothing and antioxidant properties, especially when skin is exposed to UV light.

Stimulates collagen production and alleviates dry skin.

Helps protect the skin from the sun and other environmental damage. Excellent antioxidant properties. 

A rich emollient and skin nutrient, high in essential fatty acids and antioxidant Vitamins A and E. Very soothing and moisturising to the skin. 

Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient. It's included in cosmetics due to its mix of fatty acids that skin can use to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. 

High concentration of vitamin C & antioxidants. Good for protection against the environment and to even out skin tone.

Contains beneficial fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid, that can help diminish signs and occurrence of dry skin and irritation. Can also balance out sebum levels. 

Effective at soothing irritation, reducing redness, itchiness and dryness.

The ‘miracle elixir of life’ is great for rosacea due to its assistance with microcirculation. Boosts collagen and is a great antioxidant.

Composed of a phytosphingosine base and stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It accounts for approximately up to 80% of the essential ceramides in the skin. It poses an effective barrier in the skin as it has an identical composition. It is eco friendly and 100% green process with COSMOS certification. It shows greater improvement in the skins barrier compared to plant oils and holders longer moisture levels than other types of ceramides. 

Combined with Sorbitan Olivate as an emulsifier.

Derived from coconut oil, the ingredient acts as an emulsifier, thickener and viscosity stabiliser in the products. 

Extracted from the flower, it is well known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing abilities.

Natural pH adjuster.

Fragrant and regarded as highly valued oil in aromatherapy, antimicrobial and a lot gentler on the skin than other phenols. 

Antioxidant that calms inflammation and offers a skin brightening solution. Natural exfoliator.

Skin brightening, reduces Acne bacteria and fights free radicals.

Antibacterial and anti-fungal activity. 

A very mild, gentle cleansing agent, derived from fruit sugars and coconut oil; a foaming surfactant that is suitable for even fragile and sensitive skin.

It is quick to absorb and locks in the moisture. Highly saturated fat semi-solid oil derived from the kernel of coconuts. Creams incorporating this oil have excellent emollient properties. 

Directly combat UV damage to improve the strength, resilience, and elasticity of your facial skin. 

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Highly effective against Acne and brightening complexion.

pH value identical to human skin. Anti-inflammatory and extremely hydrating.

High in vitamin A & C to help stimulate collagen production. AHAs can help increase cell turnover for a more even complexion. Extremely hydrating and nutrient dense.

D - E - F - G

Hydrating for the skin. Full of vitamins A & E. Great for sensitive or dry skin.

Acts as an AHA, helping to even out skin tone, promotes cell turnover and hydrates.

Made from glucose, extracted from corn. Exceptional cleansing and foaming properties. Non-toxic, non-irritating and will not block the pores. 

A mild surfactant with very good detergency and foaming power. It is produced from vegetable oils and is therefore readily biodegradable. It is also especially well-suited for cleansing sensitive skin. 

Helps increase lipid volume in the skin. Keeps the skin barrier strong.

Soothing and anti-inflammatory for the skin.

Natural scent balancer.

Supports collagen production and can be great to reduce appearance of scarring.

A natural substance contained in some essential oils. Reputed to smooth wrinkles and increase the skins elasticity.

Anti-ageing benefits. Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Helps maintain moisture levels in skin. Infused with hyaluronic acid.

Helps prevent moisture loss in skin, particularly good for dry, compromised barriers. High in antioxidants.

A natural fragrance.

“Humectant” - Locks in moisture to prevent dryness. A natural vegetable ‘soap’. 

Derived from Glycerine and Oleic Acid. Stabiliser and thickener in oil-in-water formulations.

An emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser. Also used as an opacifying and pearlising agent. 

Rich in linoleic acid, isoflavones, antioxidants, and vitamins that protect and nourish your skin. 

Soothes inflammation, reduces redness, inflammation and swelling. Treats skin conditions such as Eczema and Dermatitis. 

H - I - J - K - L

Helps to reduce redness and soothe the skin. Great for eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and itchiness.

Non-comedogenic, so great for Acne! Hydrating and healing.

Derived from Castor Oil. Natural alternative to a synthetic emollient.

Supports natural collagen production. Eases inflammation and helps to exfoliate and heal the skin.

Amazing for anti-ageing, encourages new cell growth. 

Functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, hydrogenated lecithin has the ability to soften and soothe the skin. 

Essential fatty acids from the jojoba plant, broken down by water to form a new complex with properties different from the original source. Functions as a skin softener.

The ester of isoamyl alcohol and lauric acid, this plant- or synthetic-based texture-enhancing ingredient feels velvety-soft. Assists with the spreadability of a product. 

Mildest clay used in skincare. Helps to draw out impurities, absorb excess oil and manage dry skin.

Native berries from Australia. High in antioxidants (3x more than blueberries) and provides skin brightening effects. An all-round superfood for the skin.

Pumpkin Enzyme to help exfoliate. Gentle alternative to AHAs.

Stabilises skin hydration.

A natural substance made up of fatty acids that functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. 

Penetration enhancing capabilities, and anti-inflammatory properties. Limonene has a light, fresh, and sweet citrus odour. 

Anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly good for eczema and rosacea. Improves complexion appearance.

The extract of the fruit commonly known as goji, goji berry, or wolfberry. This fruit extract is an antioxidant and also works as a skin-softening agent. 

A modified soy lecithin. It is often used as an emulsifier for light cosmetic products that are smoothing, non-greasy and hydrating. This lecithin promotes the delivery of active ingredients into the skin, without destroying the natural lipid structures. 

M - N - O - P - Q

Thickening agent.

Clinical studies show a reduction of C.Acnes bacterium within skin by 10-12% in 28 days with daily use of this herb.

Plant based sugar to improve texture.

Rich in AHAs.

Rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamin C, E and A. Helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hydrate the skin and soothe irritation and redness.

Derived from Extra-Virgin Olive oil it is obtained by crushing and pressing the fruit of the Olive tree. The fruit oil contains proteins, minerals, vitamins and it has superior penetrating power, in addition to antioxidant values. Will soften the skin and has a superior moisturising effect on the upper layer of the skin. 

An oil of 100% vegetable origin made from a blend of natural triglycerides. It is a white, odourless semi-solid. It functions as a skin-smoothening active ingredient, making skin soft and smooth. 

Protects skin from moisture loss and softens skin.

A fatty acid often found in moisturisers due to its function as an emollient. Emollients help to soften and soothe the skin, while also acting as occlusive agents.

Exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells. Works to reduce pigmentation.

It provides a floral citrus aroma and sourced from the flowers of the geranium plant. 

Locally sourced. Excellent penetration capabilities making it an excellent carrier of other ingredients into the skin. Avocado Oil is primarily a monounsaturated oil, rich in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidant.

Supports skin’s natural healing process. Anti-inflammatory and ideal for Acne, Eczema, Pigmentation and barrier disordered skins.

A natural chemical found in the body and is part of the family of lipids. 

Holds 4x more moisture than hyaluronic acid. 

A humectant with water binding properties.

Moisture retaining properties help to alleviate dry skin and heal wounds. Contains amino acids.

Its ability to provide an instant skin-tightening effect as it adheres to the skin. It is able to quickly form a sheer film that temporarily improves skin's texture and appearance. 

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory for the skin. Helps to absorb toxins.

R - S

Natural sugar found to benefit fibroblast activities.

Hydrating and protective against inflammation and environmental stressors.

Antibacterial for skin, great for Acne! Anti-ageing properties as it helps to boost circulation.

Hyaluronic Acid booster to help hydrate for up to 72 hours.

Natural source of glycolic acid. Smooths and softens skin.

Helps exfoliate dead skin cells from outer skin layer. Decreases redness and swelling.

Natural alternative to Salicylic Acid. Soothes irritated skin and works as an antibacterial. Especially great for Acne.

Significantly increases skin hydration, reduces trans-epidermal water loss and increases skin barrier function in even the driest skin. A rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids and Alpha Lipoic Acid - a powerful antioxidant that helps to minimise fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.

High in Vitamin C to help stimulate collagen production and reduce appearance of dark circles & pigmentation.

A gentle antiseptic which can protect the skin from future infection. 

A gel like thickening agent. Is an emulsion stabilising and viscosity controlling ingredient.

Regenerative, firming and helps prevent wrinkles. A source of Vitamin E. 

Controls pH in skincare.

A mild vegetable-based surfactant (foaming ingredient) derived from from coconut or palm kernel oil and glucose from corn. 

This structural component of the skin forms a gel between cells in the skin’s upper and lower layers where it helps to ensure that the skin is adequately hydrated. This moisture retaining film, permeable to light and air, will prevent the skin drying out even in low humidity atmosphere. 

A superior humectant for the skin. Draws in moisture.

Fatty acid from Olive Oil.

Principle liquid and emollient found in the human skin, making it bio-compatible with the skin. Ability to retain moisture and nourish the skin. 

Emulsifier & emolient.

Anti-ageing properties from a native Australian Tree.

T - U - V

3x higher in antioxidants than blueberries. Calming and protecting for the skin. Anti-inflammatory.

Kakadu Plum has 50 times the amount of vitamin C per 100 gram than oranges, it is the worlds richest source of vitamin C.

The rich butter nourishes and conditions the skin. Derived from Cocoa (Chocolate) tree. 

Promotes cell renewal and skin elasticity. Antioxidant properties help prevent the premature signs of ageing. Derived from sunflower seeds. 

Delivers a healthy infusion of vitamin A, vitamin D, B vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. A rich source of vitamin E, which helps reduce skin damage, fight free radicals, support healthy collagen formation and maintain even skin tone.

Kakadu Plum has 50 times the amount of vitamin C per 100 gram than oranges, it is the worlds richest source of vitamin C.

Highly effective at reducing redness due to calming properties. Boosts defence against UV.

A natural alternative to Retinol. Stimulates cell renewal & collagen production.

Contains powerful antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids that work together to combat skin issues. Wong says it's safe to use on all skin types since it's non-comedogenic, and has a mild scent. It can also help alleviate redness for those with sensitive skin. 

W - X - Y - Z

Soothes the skin and acts as a natural thickening agent. Produced by a fermentation process, derived from plants. 

Contains lactic acid to help dissolve dead skin cells. Probiotic for your face.

Has been found to have natural antiseptic and antibacterial abilities. Other benefits include healing epidermal wounds, burns, rashes, skin oiliness, infections and acne.