Skincare Education

Ingredient Glossary

Every active that earns its place in our products and treatments. Search, filter, and learn.

Every ingredient we use earns its place. Search by name, or filter by category, and find the products that actually contain what you’re looking for.

Antioxidant

L-Ascorbic AcidVitamin C, pure form

The gold-standard form of vitamin C. Neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution, brightens dark spots, and visibly firms skin over time. Best in 10-20% strength at low pH.

Antioxidant

PhloretinApple-derived polyphenol

Plant antioxidant from unripe apples. Pairs with vitamin C and ferulic acid to amplify antioxidant protection by up to 8x. Helps reverse photo damage at the DNA level.

Antioxidant

Ferulic AcidPlant-based stabilizer

A polyphenol antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin C + E formulations and doubles their photoprotection. Almost always paired with C E or Phloretin in serious antioxidant serums.

Antioxidant

ResveratrolGrape-skin polyphenol

Nighttime antioxidant that boosts skin’s own defense network while you sleep. Improves firmness, elasticity, and radiance over 12 weeks. Pairs beautifully with daytime vitamin C.

Find it in Resveratrol B E
Anti-aging

RetinolVitamin A derivative

The most-studied anti-aging molecule on earth. Speeds cell turnover, smooths fine lines, refines pores, and evens tone. Build tolerance slowly, start with 0.3%, work up to 0.5%+.

Anti-aging

A.G.E. ComplexAnti-glycation peptides

Targets advanced glycation end products, the sugar-protein bonds that stiffen collagen and accelerate visible aging. SkinCeuticals’ signature blend for mature, sun-damaged skin.

Exfoliant

LHALipo-hydroxy acid

A gentler, oil-soluble cousin of salicylic acid. Penetrates pores to dissolve oil, unclog blackheads, and refine texture, without irritating sensitive skin. Great for adult acne.

Exfoliant

Glycolic AcidAlpha hydroxy acid

The smallest AHA molecule, so it penetrates fastest. Lifts dead skin cells, smooths texture, brightens dullness. Found in most chemical peels and toners targeting dull or rough skin.

Exfoliant

Salicylic AcidBeta hydroxy acid

Oil-soluble exfoliant that goes deep into pores to break down sebum and dead skin. The acne-fighter classic. Often paired with LHA for sustained release.

Hydrator

Hyaluronic AcidHA, sodium hyaluronate

Holds up to 1000x its weight in water. Plumps fine lines, restores bounce, and is the headlining ingredient in dermal fillers. Multi-weight HA penetrates multiple skin layers.

Hydrator

PanthenolVitamin B5

Holds water in the skin, calms irritation, and supports the barrier. The reason “B5 gel” products feel so soothing, it’s also why post-treatment skin loves it.

Barrier repair

CeramidesSkin lipid

The mortar between your skin’s brick wall. Without enough, skin loses water and gets reactive. The 2:4:2 ratio in Triple Lipid Restore replicates the exact balance of healthy skin.

Brightener

NiacinamideVitamin B3

All-rounder ingredient. Reduces redness, fades hyperpigmentation, regulates oil, and strengthens the skin barrier. Works with almost everything, great for sensitive routines.

Brightener

Tranexamic AcidMelasma fighter

A targeted brightener that interrupts melanin production at the source. Especially effective for stubborn melasma, post-acne dark spots, and hormonal pigmentation that vitamin C alone cannot crack.

Brightener

Phyto BotanicalsPlant brighteners

A mix of cucumber, thyme, and olive leaf extracts that calm redness while brightening dullness. The active heart of SkinCeuticals’ Phyto line, calmer alternative to retinol.

Brightener

GlutathioneMaster antioxidant

Your liver’s most powerful antioxidant. Brightens skin from inside, supports detoxification, and reduces oxidative stress. Best delivered as a shot or IV for actual skin-visible results.

Luxury

Salmon DNAPDRN polynucleotides

Wild salmon DNA fragments that signal your skin to regenerate at the cellular level. The headline ingredient in our most-requested luxury facial. Plumps, hydrates, repairs.

Find it in
Luxury

24K GoldPure gold infusion

Gold ions are anti-inflammatory and brighten the appearance of dull skin. More importantly, they make the entire facial feel like an event. Pure indulgence with calming benefits.

Find it in
Luxury

Caviar & TruffleNutrient-rich extracts

Caviar is rich in omega-3s, amino acids, and vitamins that nourish mature skin. Truffle adds antioxidants and a luxurious aroma. The combination is decadent and surprisingly effective on dehydrated skin.

Find it in
Injectable

Botulinum ToxinBotox, Dysport

A purified protein that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. Used cosmetically for forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines, medically for TMJ, migraines, and hyperhidrosis. Results in 5-7 days, last 3-4 months.

Find it in Botox, Medical Botox
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