Ingredient dictionary

This volcanic rock is highly abrasive and can cause skin barrier damage.

Exfoliating enzyme present in papaya latex that can irritate skin and disturb its barrier.

Often used as an abrasive agent in so-called "natural" scrubs.

Diamond powder is an abrasive mineral used in skin care products such as exfoliating cleansers where it provides buffing/scrubbing action.

Light-colored porous rock composed of the skeletons of minute sea creatures called diatoms.

Extract that is the source of papain, which theoretically can have exfoliating properties on skin.

Abrasive used in scrub products; not preferred to polyethylene beads.

Anything with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic; above 7 is considered alkaline.

This ingredient, also known as cornmeal, is used in cosmetics as a bulking agent and physical exfoliant

Extract of a type of mold whose enzymes are used as a food additive and flavour enhancer in cheeses.

A type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works as an exfoliant. Due to its large molecule size, it's generally better tolerated by those with sensitive skin than glycolic acid.

An ingredient derived from sugar beets that is sometimes used as an alternative to...

Vast group of protein , produced by all living things, that act as catalysts in chemical and biological reactions.

AHA, also known as alpha hydroxy acid, exfoliates skin and improves signs of ageing, dry skin and an uneven skin tone.

Also known as AHA, it exfoliates skin and improves signs of ageing, dry skin and an uneven skin tone.

Synthetic form of glycolic acid used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant.

Oil-soluble exfoliating ingredient that gently helps slough off dead skin cells and unclogs pores, for softer, smoother texture and tone.

BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is more commonly known as salicylic acid.

Oil-soluble exfoliating ingredient that gently helps slough off dead skin cells and unclogs pores, for softer, smoother texture and tone.

This fruit-derived ingredient can serve different purposes in cosmetics, including as an exfoliant (when formulated between pH 3-4) and as a pH adjuster.

An alpha hydroxy acid whose larger molecular size and slower rate of penetration make it the gentlest AHA. 

This acid acts as both an antioxidant and alpha hydroxy acid. It also helps stabilise the pH of other AHAs so they can work as exfoliants.

This ingredient is a type of polyhydroxy acid, or PHA, which is chemically and functionally similar to an AHA.

Ingredients such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are types of PHA.