AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
A group of water-soluble acids derived from fruits, milk, and sugar cane, known for their exfoliating properties and ability to promote cell turnover.
Antioxidants
Compounds that help neutralise free radicals in the body, potentially reducing oxidative stress and preventing cell damage.
Azelaic Acid
A naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley and wheat, known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived ingredient often used in skincare as a gentler alternative to retinol, known for its anti-aging and antioxidant properties.
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
A group of chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid, that penetrate into pores to remove excess oil and dead skin cells, commonly used for treating acne and improving skin texture.
Biodegradable
Materials or ingredients that can be broken down by natural processes, such as bacteria or fungi, into simpler substances and absorbed back into the environment without causing harm. Biodegradable packaging and ingredients help reduce waste and pollution.
Ceramides
Lipids that help reinforce the skin's barrier function, ceramides prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from environmental damage. They're particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin, helping to restore and maintain optimal hydration levels.
Certified B Corp
Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are businesses that have undergone a rigorous assessment of their social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. B Corps are certified by the nonprofit B Lab and meet high standards of social and environmental performance, legal accountability, and public transparency. These companies consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and environment, aiming to use business as a force for good.
Certified Organic
Certified Organic refers to products, ingredients, or farming practices that have been certified by a recognised organic certification body, such as the COSMOS Organic certification in Europe or the USDA Organic in the United States. Organic certification ensures that products are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or other prohibited substances. Certified organic products are grown, harvested, processed, and labelled according to strict organic standards, promoting environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and consumer health.
Certified Natural
Certified Natural typically refers to beauty products or ingredients that have been certified by a recognized natural certification body, such as NATRUE or the Natural Products Association (NPA). These certifications verify that products meet specific criteria for natural and organic content, ingredient sourcing, processing methods, and environmental impact. Certified natural products often contain a high percentage of natural ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or other natural sources, with minimal synthetic additives or artificial chemicals.
Cruelty-Free
Cruelty-Free refers to products that are not tested on animals at any stage of development, including ingredient sourcing, formulation, and final product testing. Cruelty-free beauty products ensure that no animals are subjected to unnecessary suffering or harm for the sake of cosmetics. Many cruelty-free brands display certification logos from organisations like Leaping Bunny or PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program to indicate their commitment to cruelty-free practices.
Collagen
A protein found in the body that provides structural support to skin, hair, nails, and joints, often used in skincare products to promote elasticity and reduce signs of ageing.
Copper Peptides
Peptides containing copper molecules, believed to promote collagen production and skin regeneration, commonly used in anti-aging skincare products.
Ectoin
A naturally occurring molecule found in extremophile microorganisms, known for its skin-soothing and protective properties against environmental stressors.
Ethical Sourcing
The practice of sourcing ingredients in a manner that respects human rights, fair labour practices, and local communities. Ethical sourcing often involves fair trade partnerships, supporting small-scale producers, and ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain.
Glycolic Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and helps improve skin texture, tone, and clarity. It's effective for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of ageing.
Hyaluronic Acid
A naturally occurring molecule that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's commonly used in moisturisers, serums, and dermal fillers to maintain skin hydration and elasticity
Hypo-Allergenic
Products formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions, typically free from common allergens and irritants.
Lactic Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fermented milk, known for its exfoliating and moisturising properties, often used to improve skin texture and tone.
Mineral
Ingredients sourced from minerals, typically used in skincare products for their natural and non-comedogenic properties.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
A multi-functional ingredient that helps strengthen the skin's barrier, regulate oil production, and improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin
Peptides
Chains of amino acids that help support collagen and elastin production, peptides can help improve skin firmness, elasticity, and overall texture. Different peptides have specific functions, such as reducing wrinkles, boosting hydration, or enhancing skin repair processes.
Retinoids (Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Tretinoin)
Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are potent ingredients that promote skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve oil, exfoliate dead skin cells, and prevent acne breakouts. Salicylic acid is also effective for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and enlarged pores.
Silicone Free
Products formulated without silicone-based ingredients, often preferred by individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin who may experience clogged pores or irritation from silicones.
Sunscreen (Broad-Spectrum SPF)
Dermatologists universally recommended daily sunscreen use to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, which can cause premature ageing, sunburn, and skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and they should be applied generously and reapplied throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors.
Sustainable Beauty
Beauty products and practices that prioritise environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, social equity, and long-term viability. Sustainable beauty aims to minimise negative impacts on the planet and communities while promoting overall well-being.
Upcycling
The process of repurposing waste materials or by-products into new products of higher value or quality. Upcycling reduces waste and conserves resources by giving discarded materials a new life.
Vegan
Products containing no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. This includes ingredients such as honey, beeswax, lanolin (derived from sheep's wool), collagen (derived from animal tissue), and carmine (a red pigment obtained from crushed insects), among others.
Vegetarian
Beauty products that do not contain ingredients derived from the slaughter of animals, such as meat, poultry, or seafood. However, they may include ingredients like milk, eggs, honey and beeswax.
Vitamin A
A group of fat-soluble vitamins, including retinol and retinoids, known for their role in promoting cell turnover, collagen production, and improving skin texture and tone.
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
A potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. Vitamin C brightens the complexion, evens out skin tone, and stimulates collagen synthesis for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Vitamin D
A fat-soluble vitamin synthesised by the body when exposed to sunlight, important for overall health and skin function, often included in skincare products for its potential benefits in skin repair and barrier function.
Vitamin E
A fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, commonly used in skincare for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.
Zero Waste
A philosophy and practice aimed at minimising waste generation and maximising resource efficiency throughout the product life cycle. Zero waste beauty products and practices prioritise reusable, recyclable, compostable, or refillable packaging and containers.
