Glossary
Learn more about our vocabulary and other skincare specific terms.
Active ingredients
Active ingredients in the final molecular formulas are responsible for giving the intended benefits through their active interactions with the skin cells.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are plants, herbs or mushrooms with a very high concentration of nutrients and active compounds. They can help the body and skin adapt to many stress factors and needs.
Antioxidants
An antioxidant is a molecule that helps prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals and preventing or slowing down the damage they can cause. They can be found in a variety of natural sources. Antioxidant
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit. It is considered to be one of the oldest medicines in the world.
Ayurvedic plants & herbs
An Ayurvedic herb is a plant-based substance that has a history of use in Ayurveda, for promoting well-being, balance and health in the body and mind.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability is the percentage found in a compound, that is absorbed and used by the body. It comes from the molecular formula that is applied to your skin.
Bio-retinol
Bio-retinol is a compound that is derived from plants but functions in the same beneficial way as retinol (Vitamin A). Bidens Pilosa and Centella Asiatica are great examples of plants that have similar effects as bio-retinol.
Ceramides
Ceramides are fats (lipids) found on skin cells. They help retain moisture and maintain the skin's barrier functions.
Collagen
Collagen is one of the three major components of the extracellular matrix. It contributes to skin firmness, elasticity and hydration.
Elastin
Elastin is one of the three major components of the extracellular matrix of the skin. It contributes to skin elasticity and wrinkle depletion.
Enzyme
An enzyme is a protein that interacts with the molecule consumed in a chemical reaction to deliver a functional response in the cell.
Exposomes
Exposome is the measure of all the exposures from environmental and occupational sources of an individual, in a lifetime, and how those exposures relate to your health.
Fibroblasts
Fibroblast is a type of cell present in the skin. It is actively involved in the production of collagen and elastin to keep the skin healthy.
Filaggrin
Filaggrin is a type of protein found in skin cells. It helps maintain the skin barrier function.
Forsythosides B
Forsythoside B is a compound found in some plants. It is shown to prevent inflammatory molecules and also helps with skin itching.
Green chemistry
Green chemistry handles the design of products and its process, that minimize or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.
Keratin
Keratin is a protein which forms the main component of hair, nails and skin's outer layer.
Melanin
Melanin is a protein that gives pigmentation to skin, hair and nails.
Microbome
A microbiome is a community of microorganisms that can usually be found living together in a habitat, like skin, gut, etc. When balanced and healthy, a microbiome protects us against germs, contributes to energy release, and produces vitamins.
Multi-lamellar vesicles
Multi-lamellar vesicles are lipid vesicles with an aqueous core surrounded by multiple layers of lipids in an onion-like structure.
Phyto-concentrates
Phyto-concentrates are extracts of plant parts, which contain enriched portions of active molecules.
Polyphenols
Polyphenol is a type of compound which is known for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and other beneficial properties.
Polysaccharide
Polysaccharide is a compound formed by the linkage of multiple sugars (like glucose) molecules.
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are byproducts created by bacteria. They help maintain good skin, gut and overall health.
Senkyunolides
Senkyunolides are compounds found in some rhizome plants and are used for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Skin barrier
The skin barrier is the most outer layer of our skin. It is known as a defence layer against harmful environmental exposure.
Skin epithelium
Skin epithelium is a group of epithelial cells which gives a lining to the skin.
Skin lipids
Skin lipids are the lipid molecules that are present on the cell membranes of skin cells.
Supercritical CO2 extraction
Supercritical CO2 extraction is an environmentally friendly method used to extract hydrophobic compounds from plant materials.
Surfactants
Surfactant is a type of molecule that is used to stabilize oil and water interphase in a cosmetic formulation.
Triterpenes
Triterpenes are a type of compound present in many plants. They have been known for their anti-inflammatory and metabolic activities among other beneficial effects.
Tyrosinase
Tyrosinase is an enzyme present in plants and animals that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments.