Ingredient Glossary A-Z
Allantoin
Found in chamomile and comfrey plants, allantoin is used by medical experts to reduce skin irritation and inflammation, especially when related to acne.
Azelaic Acid
Often used at prescription strengths to treat rosacea and acne, this ingredient is great for reducing general redness and inflammation It can also be used to decrease post inflammatory erythema.
Chamomile Extract
Chamomile is good for more than just your evening tea, it is used topically to reduce skin irritation and inflammation, especially when related to acne.
Cucumber
Cucumbers contain a lot of water, so this ingredient is very hydrating and calming. It can help to reduce redness and avoid stripping the skin while cleansing.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers combine water and oil together which makes product become creamy instead of separating. They create a water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion.
Enzymes
Enzymes contain natural exfoliating components like papain and bromelain which combine to gently remove dead skin cells and loosen up congestion.
Hyaluronic Acid
This ingredient is a humectant capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water, which helps to draw moisture into the skin from the surrounding environment to hydrate the skin.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is a light oil and is actually the most structurally similar to the natural oils our skin produces. It mimics these oils to prevent pore clogging.
Niacinamide
This ingredient is a superstar and cult favorite. It balances oil production, reduces redness, helps lighten pigmentation and reduces oxidative stress on the skin due to its antioxidant properties.
Salicylic Acid
Found in both OTC and prescription formulations, salicylic acid (or BHA) is a classic chemical exfoliant for acne and breakouts because it is the only one that is oil-soluble. It’s derived from the same plant as Aspirin, which gives it an anti-inflammatory effect.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A highly stable derivative of Vitamin C in its sodium salt form. It can help to protect from sun exposure, boost collagen production and reduce dark spots. It also has anti-microbial properties similar to Benzoyl Peroxide, which makes it great for acne-prone skin.
Surfactants
Surfactants like Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters and Glyceryl Stearate help water and oil communicate. They make product wash off clean with no greasy residue when water is introduced.
Tamanu Oil
A uniquely nourishing oil derived from a tamanu nut that helps to calm redness and repair a damaged skin barrier but does not clog the pores or cause breakouts.
Tranexamic Acid
This is a newer and less common ingredient used for different types of pigmentation. It helps to suppress excess melanin production and reduces redness from acne scarring.
Willow Bark
Both salicylic acid and Aspirin are derived from this willow bark plant. Willow bark is not exfoliating, but can be anti-inflammatory and somewhat astringent to help clean out the pores.