Glossary
Skin and product terms defined by our clinical team.
L
Lactic Acid — A gentle alpha hydroxy acid derived from milk that dissolves dead skin cells and helps the skin hold onto moisture.
M
Mandelic Acid — A gentle alpha hydroxy acid derived from almonds that exfoliates skin more slowly, suiting sensitive and darker skin tones.
Melanogenesis — The biological process by which your skin produces melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their colour.
Microbiome — The community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live on your skin and help maintain its balance.
Moisturiser — A product designed to support your skin's barrier by reducing water loss and drawing hydration into the upper layers.
N
Niacinamide — A form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin's barrier function and helps with the look of oiliness and uneven tone.
O
Occlusive — A product or ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin's surface to slow moisture loss.
Oxidative Stress — An imbalance where excess free radicals damage skin cells faster than your body's natural defences can neutralise them.
P
Panthenol — A provitamin form of B5 that binds water to the skin and supports its natural barrier recovery.
Patch Testing — Applying a small amount of a new product to a discreet skin area to check for a reaction before full use.
PDRN — PDRN is a fragment of DNA, usually sourced from salmon, used in skincare to support hydration and a calmer, more comfortable feel.
Peptides — Short chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules, supporting the skin's natural firmness processes.
PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acids) — The gentlest group of exfoliating acids — like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid — with larger molecules that suit sensitive skin.
R
Retinal — Retinal (retinaldehyde) is a vitamin A derivative one conversion step from retinoic acid, the active form skin cells use.
Retinoids — The vitamin A family of ingredients — from gentler retinol to prescription retinoic acid — used to support skin renewal and firmness.
Retinol — A vitamin A derivative that supports the skin's natural renewal and firmness for smoother, more even-looking skin.
Rosacea — A chronic skin condition marked by persistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, and heightened reactivity to everyday triggers.
S
Salicylic Acid — A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that dissolves oil inside pores, helping to clear congestion and refine skin texture.
Sebum — The waxy, oily substance your skin naturally produces to lubricate and protect itself.
Serum — A lightweight, water-based liquid formulated to deliver concentrated active ingredients to the skin's surface layers.
Skin Barrier — The outermost layer of your skin that holds moisture in and keeps irritants, allergens, and bacteria out.
Squalane — A lightweight, stable oil derived from squalene that mimics your skin's own lipids to soften and protect the moisture barrier.
Stratum Corneum — The outermost layer of your skin, made of flattened dead cells that act as your body's primary protective barrier.
Sunscreen — A topical product that shields skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV rays.
T
Titanium Dioxide — A mineral UV filter that mainly absorbs (and partly reflects) ultraviolet radiation at the skin's surface to help shield against sun damage.
Toner — A liquid skincare step applied after cleansing to rebalance, hydrate, or prep the skin for products that follow.
Tranexamic Acid — A synthetic molecule modelled on the amino acid lysine, used in skincare to help reduce the appearance of uneven tone and post-breakout marks.
Transepidermal Water Loss — The natural, ongoing process of water evaporating from deeper skin layers through the outer barrier into the surrounding air.
V
Vitamin C — A potent antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and supports a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
Z
Zinc Oxide — A mineral filter that sits on the skin's surface and mainly absorbs (and partly reflects) UV radiation to help shield the skin.
