Ingredient dictionary

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

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

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

Multi-tasking ferment of Punica granatum fruit extract that assists with visible signs of aging, like fine lines and dark spots, and provides light exfoliation.

Bromelain is an extract from the pineapple that contains, among other components, various closely related proteinases, demonstrating skin-soothing activities.

Multi-tasking skin-smoothing and soothing ingredient that helps tackle harmful microorganisms that can go on to irritate, sensitize and cause breakouts.

AKA goat milk, this ingredient is a gentle hydrator, soother and skin conditioner.

Soothing agent and gentle exfoliant that refines skin’s texture and reduces blemishes + their marks. Famous for calming reddened, sensitive skin.

A prescription azelaic acid medicine.

This over-the-counter topical antibacterial blemishes treatment is widely considered the most effective because of its ability to penetrate hair follicles and kill blemish-causing bacteria with low sensitivity.

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.

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

Long-proven humectant that in amounts of 10% or greater also offers keratolytic (exfoliating) benefits to improve dry, scaly, and thickened skin.

This well-known ingredient is the most-researched alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and helps renew skin’s surface as well as significantly improve its hydration.

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

This polyhydroxy acid is a natural humectant and has antioxidant ability to complement its exfoliating benefit.

The prickly pear cactus generates extracts with antioxidant properties in skin care.

Also known as prickly pear, this desert plant extract’s flowers are excellent sources of antioxidants that also soothe skin and can improve the stability of more delicate ingredients.