Ingredient Intelligence
These ingredients give a product its texture, base, or ability to spread, but don’t actively change the skin.
Functional ingredients
The skin barrier located in the epidermis that limits penetration.
The stratum corneum
This acid group exfoliates by dissolving desmosomes between corneocytes.
AHAs
This measurement indicates protection from UVB.
SPF
This term means plant derived.
Botanical
This ingredient type is responsible for delivering visible change or targeted correction.
Performance (active) ingredients
Molecules must have this molecular property to penetrate deeply.
Lipophilic and low molecular weight.
Name one common AHA used in skincare.
Glycolic, lactic, mandelic, malic, or tartaric acid
Sunscreens fall into what two major types?
Mineral and chemical
“Natural” is not regulated, while this term requires certified farming, restricted chemicals, and traceability
Organic
Humectants, emollients, and occlusives fall into this cosmetic ingredient grouping based on their function.
Moisturizers
The “cellular messenger” ingredient that binds to nuclear receptors to boost cell turnover and collagen synthesis.
Retinoids
This oil-soluble exfoliating acid is ideal for acne-prone or congested skin.
Salicylic acid (BHA)
This mineral sunscreen ingredient protects against both UVA and UVB and is preferred for sensitive skin.
Zinc oxide
This compound helps protect against free-radical damage and oxidative aging.
Antioxidants
Surfactants are commonly used in cleansers for what reason?
Reducing surface tension and lifting dirt/oil from the skin.
This delivery system breaks molecules down into microscopic particles to improve penetration without irritation.
Nanotechnology or Nanoencapsulation
Retinoids influence the skin at what level?
Cellular/nuclear receptor level.
ethylhexyl salicylate, oxybenzone, avobenzone, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnimate, exist for this specific wavelength category.
UVB protection
This skin-damaging molecule is produced from pollution, UV exposure, and inflammation.
Free radical
Peptides, retinoids, and growth factors belong to this class because they create measurable biological changes.
Performance actives
If the barrier is impaired, ingredients may penetrate too deeply, increasing the risk of what?
Inflammation, irritation, or sensitization.
This process explains how retinoids accelerate epidermal turnover while also stimulating collagen in the dermis.
Increased cell proliferation and fibroblast stimulation.
This SPF value offers about 90% UVB protection, making it the lowest in the comparison list.
SPF 10
A product may smell botanical or herbal yet contain no real plant extracts. This comes from added what?
Synthetic fragrances or fragrance compounds