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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.

Featured In

Oil Shield UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

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

Daily Moisture

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.

Featured In

Resveratrol B E

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. Eye Complex | A.G.E. Interrupter

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 | Replenishing 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 Defense

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.

Featured In

Phyto Corrective Masque | Phyto Corrective

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.

Featured In

Blemish + Age Defense

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. Intensifer

Ellagic acid

A naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidant found in fruits and berries that has been shown to help improve the look of skin discoloration.

Featured In

Advanced Pigment Corrector

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.

Featured In

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

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 ®

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.

Featured In

Metacell Renewal B3 | Replenishing 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.

Featured In

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.

Featured In

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.

Featured In

Retexturing Activator

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

Hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid

A non-toxic derivative of hydroquinone that helps fade the appearance of discoloration and improve uneven skin tone.

Featured In

Advanced Pigment Corrector

Kojic acid

Naturally produced by certain fungi, kojic acid helps improve the appearance of discoloration and skin brightness.

Featured In

Phyto Corrective

Kombucha

A byproduct of the tea fermentation process, this naturally derived ingredient is known to help promote smooth, radiant skin.

Featured In

Retexturing Activator

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

C E Ferulic ® | Phloretin CF ® | Serum 10

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 Defense | Blemish + Age Toner

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.

Featured In

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

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.

Featured In

Metacell Renewal B3

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 Masque | Phyto Corrective

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 Complex

Panthenol

Derived from vitamin B5, this effective humectant helps skin absorb and retain moisture from the environment.

Featured In

Replenishing Cleanser

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

Featured In

Phloretin CF ®

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.

Featured In

Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

Phytosphingosine

This ceramide derivative helps facilitate skin’s natural barrier repair process.

Featured In

A.G.E. Interrupter

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.

Featured In

A.G.E. Eye Complex | A.G.E. Interrupter

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. Intensifer

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

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.

Featured In

Retinol 0.3

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.

Featured In

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.

Featured In

Retexturing Activator

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.

Featured In

Phyto Corrective Masque | Phyto Corrective

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.

Featured In

Metacell Renewal B3

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.

Featured In

Hydrating B5

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 ® | Resveratrol B E | Daily Moisture

Skin Ceuticals

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