Ingredient dictionary

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Capryloyl salicylic acid is a derivative (ester) of salicylic acid developed by L'Oreal.

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.

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

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

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.

This alpha hydroxy acid can be naturally derived from milk or lab-made, and helps skin shed dead cells on the surface so you’ll see fewer wrinkles and discolourations.

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

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. 

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

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.

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

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