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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 | Blemish + 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.
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Phyto Corrective Masque | Retexturing Activator | Phyto Corrective | Hydrating B5
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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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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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.
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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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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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Panthenol
Derived from vitamin B5, this effective humectant helps skin absorb and retain moisture from the environment.
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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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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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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 | Blemish + Age Toner
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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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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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.