Glossary

Acid Mantle

A very thin slightly acidic film on your skins surface; a protective barrier.

Active Ingredients

Components in skincare products that provide specific benefits, such as salicylic acid for acne or hyaluronic acid for hydration.

Almond Oil

Moisturizing and nourishing, helps to soften the skin.

Aloe Vera

Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.

Antioxidant Cleanser

A cleanser enriched with antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental damage while cleansing.

Argan Oil

Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, deeply moisturizing.

Avocado Oil

Moisturizing and nourishing, rich in vitamins and fatty acids.

Bamboo Extract

Rich in antioxidants and silica, helps to strengthen the skin.

Basil Extract

Antioxidant-rich, helps to soothe and protect the skin.

Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

A chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid that helps to unclog pores and reduce acne.

Black Seed Oil

Rich in antioxidants, helps to protect the skin.

Calendula

Soothing, anti-inflammatory, promotes healing.

Carrot Seed Oil

Rich in antioxidants, helps to rejuvenate the skin.

Chamomile

Soothes and calms the skin.

Citric Acid

Used to adjust the pH of the cleanser to match the skin's natural pH.

Cleanser

A product used to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin. Can come in various forms such as gels, foams, creams, oils, and micellar water.

Cleansing Balm

A solid, oil-based cleanser that melts into an oil upon application, effectively removing makeup and impurities while moisturizing the skin.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

A gentler surfactant derived from coconut oil.

Cocoa Butter

Deeply moisturizing, helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Coconut Oil

Deeply moisturizing, helps to nourish and protect the skin.

Cream Cleanser

A thick, creamy cleanser that gently removes impurities while hydrating the skin. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

Cucumber Extract

Hydrating and soothing, reduces puffiness.

Detox Cleanser

A cleanser designed to remove toxins and pollutants from the skin, often containing charcoal or clay.

Double Cleansing

A two-step cleansing method that involves using an oil-based cleanser first to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin.

Exfoliating Cleanser

A cleanser that contains exfoliating particles or chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin.

Foaming Cleanser

A type of cleanser that lathers into a foam when applied to the skin, often preferred by those with oily or acne-prone skin for its deep-cleaning properties.

Fragrances

Natural or synthetic compounds used to give the cleanser a pleasant scent.

Gel Cleanser

A water-based cleanser with a gel-like consistency, typically designed to provide a deep clean without stripping the skin of moisture. Suitable for oily and combination skin types.

Glycerin

A humectant commonly used in skincare products, including cleansers, to draw moisture into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and smooth.

Glycolic Acid

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that promotes cell turnover and smoother skin.

Goji Berry Extract

Antioxidant-rich, helps to protect and rejuvenate the skin.

Grapeseed Oil

Lightweight and moisturizing, rich in antioxidants.

Green Tea Extract

Rich in antioxidants, helps protect skin from environmental damage.

Hibiscus Extract

Rich in AHAs, exfoliates and brightens the skin.

Honey

Antibacterial, moisturizing, and healing properties.

Hyaluronic Acid

A powerful humectant that retains moisture in the skin.

Hydrating Cleanser

A cleanser formulated to add moisture to the skin while cleaning it. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.

Jojoba Oil

Moisturizing, mimics the skin's natural sebum.

Kelp Extract

Rich in minerals and antioxidants, helps to nourish the skin.

Lavender Oil

Calming and soothing, promotes relaxation.

Licorice Root

Brightening and anti-inflammatory, helps to reduce dark spots.

Licorice Root Extract

Brightening and anti-inflammatory, helps to reduce dark spots.

Makeup Remover

A product specifically formulated to dissolve and remove makeup from the skin, often used before regular cleansing.

Manuka Honey

Antibacterial and healing, helps to treat acne.

Micellar Water

A cleansing water containing micelles, tiny oil molecules that attract dirt and oil, effectively removing impurities without the need for rinsing.

Moringa Oil

Nourishing and anti-aging, rich in vitamins and minerals.

Neem Oil

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, helps to treat acne.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Reduces inflammation and redness.

Non-comedogenic

A term used to describe products formulated to not clog pores, reducing the likelihood of breakouts.

Oat Extract

Soothing and moisturizing, helps to calm irritated skin.

Oil Cleanser

A cleansing oil that dissolves makeup, sebum, and impurities on the skin. Often used in the first step of a double-cleansing routine.

Papaya Extract

Exfoliating and brightening, helps to remove dead skin cells.

Parabens

Effective preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Phenoxyethanol

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.

Pomegranate Extract

Antioxidant-rich, helps to rejuvenate and brighten the skin.

Propylene Glycol

A moisturizer that helps to keep the skin hydrated.

Rose Water

Hydrating and soothing, helps to balance skin's pH.

Rosehip Oil

Rich in essential fatty acids, promotes skin regeneration.

Safflower Oil

Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory, helps to reduce dry skin.

Salicylic Acid

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps to unclog pores and reduce acne.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Rich in omega fatty acids, promotes skin regeneration.

Shea Butter

Deeply moisturizing, helps to heal and protect the skin.

Soap-Free Cleanser

A cleanser that does not contain traditional soap, which can be drying to the skin. These are typically gentler and better suited for sensitive skin.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

A milder surfactant compared to SLS, used for its foaming properties.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

A strong cleansing agent that can be harsh on sensitive skin.

Spirulina Extract

Rich in proteins and vitamins, helps to nourish the skin.

Sulfates

Cleansing agents commonly found in cleansers that create a lather. Some people avoid sulfates due to their potential to strip the skin of natural oils.

Tamanu Oil

Healing and anti-inflammatory, helps to treat scars.

Tea Tree Oil

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, helps to reduce acne.

Toner

A liquid applied after cleansing to remove any remaining impurities, balance the skin’s pH, and prepare it for further skincare steps. Can also provide additional hydration and exfoliation.

Turmeric

Anti-inflammatory and brightening, helps even skin tone.

Vitamin C

Protects the skin from environmental damage.

Vitamin E

Powerful antioxidant, protects the skin from free radicals.

Water

The base of most cleansers, used to dissolve other ingredients.

Witch Hazel

Astringent and anti-inflammatory, helps to tighten pores.

pH

Measure of skin acidity ona scale of 0-14 with 7 being neutral.

pH-Balanced Cleanser

A cleanser formulated to maintain the skin's natural pH level, preventing disruption of the skin barrier and irritation.