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SKINCARE INGREDIENTS DICTIONARY

Explore the ingredients in our skincare formulas. Read about our ingredients from baicalin to zinc oxide and uncover how each one works to improve specific skin concerns.

SKINCARE INGREDIENTS
DICTIONARY

Explore the ingredients in our skincare formulas. Read about our ingredients from
baicalin to zinc oxide and uncover how each one works to improve specific skin concerns.

View Alphabetically

AERATED SILICA

Why add Aerated Silica to your skin care routine?
Known as airlicium, this synthetically-derived ingredient can absorb up to 15x its weight in oil to help mattify skin complexion.
Featured in: Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50

ALGAE EXTRACTS

Why add Algae Extracts to your skin care routine?
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

ARTEMIA SALINA

Why add Artemia Salina to your skin care routine?
This plankton extract helps boost skin’s natural defenses and resistance to UV- and heat-induced stress.
Featured in: Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (1.7 oz), Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 (1.7 oz), Physical UV Defense SPF 30, Sport UV Defense SPF 50

AVOBENZONE

Why add Avobenzone to your skin care routine?
This oil-soluble organic compound is primarily used in sunscreen formulations to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays. Avobenzone is often used in conjunction with other sunscreen ingredients such as octocrylene.
Featured in: Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50, Sport UV Defense SPF 50

AZELAIC ACID

Why add Azelaic Acid to your skin care routine?
A true multitasking skincare ingredient, azelaic acid is a naturally-derived molecule that has been found to have antioxidant and other beneficial properties. Azelaic acid can help improve the appearance of discoloration, skin clarity, and other skin imperfections.

BAICALIN

Why add BaicalinExtract to your skin care routine?
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

Why add Blueberry Extract to your skin care routine?
A naturally derived antioxidant, blueberry extract helps fortify skin’s matrix and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and laxity.
Featured in: A.G.E. Interrupter, A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles

CERAMIDES

Why add Ceramides to your skin care routine?
Ceramides are waxy lipid molecules naturally present in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, that play a key role in skin lipid barrier function. 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, Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50


CUCUMBER EXTRACT

Why add Cucumber Extract to your skin care routine?
aturally 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 Gel, Phyto Corrective Mask

CITRIC ACID

Why add Citric Acid to your skin care routine?
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

DIOIC ACID

Why add Dioic Acid to your skincare routine?
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

Why add Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate to your skincare routine? Dipotassium glycyrrhizate (licorice root extract) 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: Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier (H.A.)

ELLAGIC ACID

Why add Ellagic Acid to your skin care routine?
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 ACID

Why add Fatty Acid to your skin care routine?
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

Ferulic acid neutralizes free radicals and complements the antioxidant benefits of vitamins C and E for visible aging benefits. This powerful antioxidant can be found in the cell walls of plants such as wheat, rice, peanuts, oranges and apples.
Featured in: C E Ferulic® with 15% L-ascorbic acid, Phloretin CF® with Ferulic Acid, Phloretin CF Gel, AOX+ Eye Gel, Serum 10 AOX+, Serum 15 AOX+, Serum 20 AOX+, Silymarin CF

GLAUCINE

Why add Glaucine to your skin care routine?
Derived from the yellow poppy seed plant, glaucine is an alkaloid compound that plays a vital role on skin, including supporting its resistance to visible signs of aging. This ingredient has been shown to inhibit the enzymes that compromise the supportive proteins that are responsible for healthy- and youthful-looking skin.
Featured in: Tripeptide-R Neck Repair

GLYCERIN

Why add Glycerin to your skin care routine?
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, Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50

GLYCOLIC ACID

The Gold Standard for Glowing Skin
Lauded as the gold standard in chemical exfoliation, glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). This potent ingredient is recognized for its ability to provide an even exfoliation to the skin by helping promote cellular turnover for improvement in the look of fine lines, skin texture, tone, and radiance. Available in cleansers, serums, toners, or creams, SkinCeuticals glycolic acid formulas provide an effective solution for various skin concerns including dullness, uneven texture and tone, blemishes, and or signs of skin aging.
Featured in: Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight, Blemish + Age Defense, LHA Cleansing Gel: Our Best Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin, Purifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid, Acne Skin System, C + AHA, Clarifying Clay Mask for Acne Prone Skin, Conditioning Toner, LHA Toner, Renew Overnight Dry, Renew Overnight Oily, Smart TCA Peel

HOMOSALATE

Why add Homosalate to your skin care routine?
Also known as homomenthyl salicylate, this non-sensitizing, organic compound is commonly found in sunscreen formulations. It works by absorbing burning UVB rays.
Featured in: Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50, Sport UV Defense SPF 50

HYALURONIC ACID

Why add Hyaluronic Acid to your skin care routine?
Hyaluronic acid is the body's natural hydrator, making it an excellent moisturizer when applied topically. This powerful natural humectant provides long lasting hydration to improve the look of skin texture.
Featured in: Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier (H.A.), Hydrating B5 Gel, Retexturing Activator, Phyto Corrective Gel, Hydrating B5 Mask, Phyto Corrective Mask, Antioxidant Lip Repair, Body Retexturing Treatment

HYDROXYETHYL UREA

Why add Hydroxyethyl Urea to your skin care routine?
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

Why add Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid to your skin care routine?
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

Why add Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid to your skin care routine?
A non-toxic derivative of hydroquinone that helps fade the appearance of discoloration and improve uneven skin tone.
Featured in: Advanced Pigment Corrector

IMPREGNATED BIOCELLULOSE FIBERS

A fine network of highly absorbent biofibers are impregnated with water to provide immediate cooling relief to skin.
Featured in: Biocellulose Restorative Mask


KOMBUCHA

Why add Kombucha to your skin care routine?
A byproduct of the tea fermentation process, this naturally derived ingredient is known to help promote smooth, radiant skin.
Featured in: Retexturing Activator

KOJIC ACID

Why add Kojic Acid to your skin care routine?
Naturally produced by certain fungi, kojic acid helps improve the appearance of discoloration and skin brightness.
Featured in: Discoloration Defense, Phyto +

L-ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)

THE GOLD STANDARD IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Synthetically derived or found naturally in fruits and vegetables, vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) is lauded for its powerful antioxidant benefits. In its pure form, it helps neutralize free radicals to protect against oxidative stress and provides visible anti-aging benefits. Suitable for all skin types, SkinCeuticals vitamin C antioxidants are strictly formulated for enhanced efficacy, absorption, and stability.
Featured in: C E Ferulic® with 15% L-ascorbic acid, Phloretin CF® with Ferulic Acid, AOX+ Eye Gel, Serum 10 AOX+, Phloretin CF Gel, Serum 15 AOX+, Serum 20 AOX+, C + AHA

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, LHA Cleansing Gel: Our Best Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin, LHA Toner


NATURAL CHOLESTEROL

Why add Natural Cholesterol to your skin care routine?
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)

Why add Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to your skin care routine?
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, Discoloration Defense

OCTISALATE

Why add Octisalate to your skin care routine?
Also known as octyl salicylate, this oil-soluble, organic sunscreen ingredient protects skin from the full spectrum of burning UVB rays.
Featured in: Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50, Sport UV Defense SPF 50

OCTOCRYLENE

Why add Octocrylene to your skin care routine?
Widely used in sunscreen formulations, this organic compound delivers effective UV protection by absorbing burning UVB rays. It possesses emollient properties and can be used as an additive to help preserve the nature of photosensitive ingredients.
Featured in: Light Moisture UV Defense SPF 50, Sport UV Defense SPF 50

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

Why add Olive Leaf Extract to your skin care routine?
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 Gel, Phyto Corrective Mask

OPTICAL DIFFUSERS

Why add Optical Diffusers to your skin care routine?
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 for Dark Circles

PHLORETIN

Why add Octisalate to your skin care routine?
Also known as octyl salicylate, this oil-soluble, organic sunscreen ingredient protects skin from the full spectrum of burning UVB rays.
Featured in: Phloretin CF® with Ferulic Acid , AOX+ Eye Gel , Phloretin CF Gel

PHYTIC ACID

Why add Phytic Acid to your skin care routine?
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

Why add Phytosphingosine to your skin care routine?
This ceramide derivative helps facilitate skin’s natural barrier repair process.
Featured in: A.G.E. Interrupter

PROXYLANE™

Why add Proxylane™ to your skin care routine?
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. Interrupter, A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles

PURPLE RICE EXTRACT

Why add Purple Rice Extract to your skin care routine?
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: Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier (H.A.)


RESVERATROL

Why add Resveratrol to your skin care routine?
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

Why add Retinol to your skin care routine?
Retinol is 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, Retinol 0.5, Retinol 1.0, Tripeptide-R Neck Repair

SALICYLIC ACID

Why add Salicylic Acid to your skin care routine?
Salicylic acid is a beneficial ingredient for those with oily and acne-prone skin, as well as other skin concerns. This beta hydroxy acid helps exfoliate the skin and refine the appearance of pores while reducing the formation of acne when used at the proper concentration.
Featured in: Blemish + Age Defense , Advanced Pigment Corrector , LHA Toner , Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser , Silymarin CF , LHA Cleansing Gel: Our Best Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin

SILYMARIN

A powerful, naturally derived skincare ingredient, silymarin provides antioxidant benefits and is shown to reduce lipid peroxidation, which can cascade into blemish formation.
Featured in: Silymarin CF

SULFONIC ACID (HEPES)

Why add Sulfonic Acid (HEPES) to your skin care routine?
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: Simply Clean (200ml): Our Best Cleanser for Oily Skin, Retexturing Activator, Discoloration Defense

SYMWHITE®

AN EFFECTIVE INGREDIENT FOR BRIGHTER, MORE EVEN-TONED SKIN
SymWhite® is a powerful skincare ingredient that provides skin-brightening benefits. Available in SkinCeuticals CUSTOM D.O.S.E formulations, SymWhite® can help improve the appearance of discoloration and uneven skin tone.

THYME EXTRACT

Why add Thyme Extract to your skin care routine?
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 Gel, Phyto Corrective Mask, Phyto +

TITANIUM DIOXIDE

Why add Titanium Dioxide to your skin care routine?
Titanium dioxide is a natural mineral used as a mineral UV filter. This key sunscreen ingredient forms a barrier on skin to reflect and help protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Featured in: Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (1.7 oz), Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 (1.7 oz), Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50, Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50

TRANEXAMIC ACID

The key to targeting stubborn discoloration
Widely used in dermatology to address skin discoloration, tranexamic acid is a powerful ingredient recognized for its ability to brighten skin complexion and improve the appearance of discoloration.
Featured in: Discoloration Defense

TRANSLUCENT COLOR SPHERES

Why add Translucent Color Spheres to your skin care routine?
Comprised of iron oxide spheres, this color-infused technology enhances natural skin tone and boosts radiance while providing a universal tint for most skin tones.
Featured in: Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (1.7 oz), Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50

TRICHLOROACETIC ACID

Why choose a Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peel?
Commonly used for chemical peels and versatile for a variety of skin types and tones, TCA has been proven to address fine lines, wrinkles, photodamage, and discoloration. To find out if a TCA peel is right for you, consult your skincare professional.
Featured in: Smart TCA Peel

TRI-PEPTIDE

Why add Tri-Peptide to your skin care routine?
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, Tripeptide-R Neck Repair


VITAMIN B5

Why add Vitamin B5 to your skin care routine?
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 Gel, Hydrating B5 Mask

VITAMIN E (ALPHA TOCOPHEROL)

Why add Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) to your skin care routine?
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® with 15% L-ascorbic acid, Resveratrol B E, Daily Moisture, Face Cream




ZINC OXIDE (Z-COTE®)

Why add Zinc Oxide (Z-Cote®) to your skin care routine?
Zinc oxide is a natural mineral used as a UV filter. This key sunscreen ingredient forms a barrier on skin to reflect and help protect against UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide demonstrates strong protection across the UVA spectrum and its distribution characteristics help provide an even spread without a whitening effect.
Featured in: Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (1.7 oz), Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 (1.7 oz), Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30, Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50, Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50, Physical UV Defense SPF 30

ADULT ACNE

Acne can occur at any age, and may appear as blackheads, whiteheads, or blemishes on the face and body. SkinCeuticals' acne products include cleansers, antioxidant serums, targeted treatments, and more. They are formulated to keep pores clear, improve the appearance of existing and past blemishes, and promote a clear, healthy-looking complexion.

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DEHYDRATED SKIN

Dehydrated skin lacks an adequate amount of water, which can lead to dryness and itching as well as fine lines and a dull appearance. SkinCeuticals offers advanced skincare products that restore the healthy appearance of dehydrated skin by replenishing hydration levels and reinforcing the skin's barrier to help prevent moisture loss.

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EYE BAGS & DARK CIRCLES

Dark circles and under eye bags can be a concern at any age, and they can be the result of genetics, aging, sun damage, lifestyle habits, and more. SkinCeuticals advanced skincare products for under eye bags and dark circles can help protect the skin from environmental damage and prevent age-related eye-area changes while improving the appearance of puffiness and discoloration.

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FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

It's never too early to embark on an anti-aging skincare regimen and the most common visible signs of aging are fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, loss of firmness and elasticity, and an increase in skin dryness and sensitivity. While protecting the skin from the elements can help slow the development of fine lines and wrinkles, SkinCeuticals advanced anti-aging skincare products can help improve the appearance of visible age-related changes.

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REDNESS PRONE

Visible skin redness can appear as blotchiness, flushing, or isolated spots. Factors that affect redness prone skin include sensitivity to certain skincare ingredients, exercise, exposure to extreme weather, underlying skin conditions, and more. SkinCeuticals offers scientifically proven formulations that help keep redness prone skin calm and comfortable while minimizing the appearance of visual skin redness.

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SENSITIVE SKIN

Sensitive skin can be the result of genetics or a reaction to certain skincare ingredients, fragrances, chemicals, stress, and environmental factors such as extreme heat or cold. SkinCeuticals advanced skincare products for sensitive skin are formulated to calm, soothe, and minimize symptoms t sensitive skin such as redness, burning, and stinging.

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SKIN DISCOLORATION

Skin discoloration and uneven skin tone are common skin concerns caused by excess and uneven distribution of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Factors including genetics, history of sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and acne can lead to skin discoloration. The appearance of skin discoloration varies in different skin types and tones, and can appear as overall uneven skin tone, brown patches, or isolated dark spots. Explore SkinCeuticals best products to improve the appearance of skin discoloration by protecting the skin from environmental damage, exfoliating dead skin cells, and correcting existing skin discoloration.

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