Glossary
Skin and product terms defined by our clinical team.
A
Acid Mantle — A thin, slightly acidic film on your skin's surface that helps protect against moisture loss and unwanted microbes.
Acne — A common skin condition where pores become blocked by oil and dead skin cells, leading to persistent breakouts.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) — A family of water-soluble exfoliating acids like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid that work on the skin's surface to loosen dead cells and smooth texture.
Allantoin — A gentle, naturally derived compound that soothes and conditions skin and supports its natural moisture balance.
Alpha Arbutin — A gentle, water-soluble ingredient used to support a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
Ascorbic Acid — The pure, water-soluble form of vitamin C used in skincare to support antioxidant defence and brighten skin tone.
Azelaic Acid — A naturally occurring acid that helps visibly even skin tone, ease congestion and calm the appearance of redness.
B
Bakuchiol — A plant-derived compound from the babchi plant that supports skin renewal in a similar way to retinol, but with a gentler profile.
Benzoyl Peroxide — A topical ingredient used in many products for breakout-prone skin to help keep the skin's surface clear; it can bleach fabric and cause dryness.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) — An oil-soluble exfoliating acid — salicylic acid is the main one — that can work inside pores to help clear congestion.
C
Cell Turnover — The ongoing process by which your skin sheds old surface cells and replaces them with newer ones from beneath.
Centella asiatica — A tropical plant extract that helps support the skin's moisture barrier and soothe the look of irritation.
Ceramides — Lipids naturally found in skin that help hold moisture in and keep irritants out by supporting the skin's protective barrier.
Cleanser — A wash-off product designed to lift dirt, oil, makeup and sunscreen from the skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier.
Collagen Synthesis — The biological process by which your skin builds new collagen protein to maintain its structure and firmness.
Comedonal Acne — A type of acne made up of clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads) rather than red, inflamed pimples.
Cystic Acne — Deep, painful breakouts (nodules and cysts) and the most severe form of acne. It can be hormonally driven but isn't always, and it often needs professional treatment.
D
Desquamation — The natural process where your skin sheds its outermost dead cells to reveal fresher layers beneath.
Double Cleansing — A two-step face wash method that uses an oil-based cleanser first, then a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove impurities.
E
Emollient — A moisturising ingredient or product that softens skin by filling gaps between skin cells with oils or lipids.
Essence — A lightweight, water-based liquid applied after cleansing to boost hydration and help skin absorb the products that follow.
Exfoliant — A product or ingredient that helps remove dead skin cells from the surface, revealing fresher skin underneath.
G
Glycation — A chemical reaction where sugars bind to proteins like collagen, gradually stiffening skin and contributing to visible ageing.
Glycerin — A humectant that draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to help keep your skin's surface hydrated.
Glycolic Acid — A small-molecule alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane that dissolves bonds between dead skin cells to reveal fresher skin.
H
Hormonal Acne — Breakouts influenced by hormonal fluctuations (especially androgens), often around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks — they can range from congestion to deeper, tender bumps.
Humectant — An ingredient that draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the outer surface of your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid — A large, moisture-binding molecule (a glycosaminoglycan) found naturally in skin that draws and holds water, helping skin stay hydrated and plump.
Hyperpigmentation — Areas where the skin looks darker or uneven — like post-blemish marks, sun spots, or melasma — caused by extra melanin in the skin.
K
Kojic Acid — A naturally derived acid used to support a brighter, more even-looking skin tone.
