Concise Skincare Glossary: Guide to Essential Ingredients

The beauty landscape is always changing, and staying up to date with the latest trends can be quite a challenge! It can be especially confusing when you find yourself surrounded by various products and reviews online or when walking down the beauty aisle. Because of this, you might be hesitant to add something new to your skincare routine because you’re uncertain of how your skin will react to it.

Fortunately for you, this skincare ingredients guide will answer some of your burning questions and help you navigate and discover the most suitable ingredients for your skin type and skincare concerns.

Key ingredients to have in your skincare routine

There’s a lot of information available out there on skincare recommendations and reviews, but not all of it is credible. To achieve the desired results, you must use proven ingredients instead of blindly following the latest skincare trends. Your skincare routine should comprise these three main steps:

• Cleansing: Washing your face
• Toning: Balancing the skin
• Moisturising: Important for hydrating and softening the skin

Use these three steps to help you check skincare ingredients when shopping, as you need to ask yourself which role the product you want to buy fulfils the requirements of each.

Glossary of vital ingredients

AHAs

For exfoliating and removing dead skin cells, alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs) are advised because they aid in reducing signs of ageing. They are a group of plant- and animal-derived acids contained in many useful skincare products, such as an exfoliating scrub. They can also be used as a targeted approach to address certain skin concerns.

Aloe Vera

The solution for stressed or sunburnt skin? Aloe vera. For centuries it’s been known as a wonder plant, which is true to this day. It nourishes the skin and provides essential nutrients for healthier and brighter-looking hair and skin.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are vital for neutralising free radical damage resulting from the likes of pollution, sun exposure, and smoking, among other skin aggressors and stressors.

Argan oil

Sourced from the argan tree, which is indigenous to Morocco, this pure oil can be ingested or applied to the skin. Either way, it offers great benefits for a healthier you. It protects from skin damage while providing the necessary moisture to your skin. It also goes the extra mile to treat certain skin conditions.

Benzoyl peroxide

This essential ingredient is ideal for treating inflammatory skin breakouts by helping reduce oiliness, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts, particularly for people with naturally oily skin.

Biotin

Biotin is also referred to as vitamin B7. It’s a water-soluble B vitamin sourced from various foods, including but not limited to eggs, fish, meat, dairy products, and nuts. It’s a vital ingredient for processing glucose, fats, and proteins and converting them into energy that your body needs.

Borage seed oil

Effective in treating an assortment of skin conditions, borage seed oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Caffeine

For visibly brighter-looking skin, caffeine should be your go-to ingredient, especially around the eye area. Many eye creams have it to fight against puffiness and dark circles. A few body creams contain it because it actively works to reduce the appearance of cellulite as well.

Ceramides

A buzzword in the beauty industry of late, ceramides are fatty molecules that promote a healthy skin barrier. Products with ceramides replenish the skin barrier and provide relief from skin dryness and infection.

Citric acid

This alpha/beta hydroxy acid is sourced from citrus fruits. Those looking to spin back the hands of time and reclaim their youthfulness will appreciate that it has protective antioxidant and corrective anti-ageing effects.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid comes from sugarcane and is a type of AHA. It addresses fine lines and wrinkles by exfoliating the top layer of your skin, therefore boosting its renewal and helping retain hydration.

Grapeseed oil

Containing antioxidants such as vitamins E, A, and C, grapeseed oil aids in improving skin tone, texture, and elasticity. It can be used on all skin types and works to clear up acne breakouts, moisturise, and encourage an even skin tone.

Hyaluronic acid

Many skincare products pride themselves on containing hyaluronic acid, and for good reason! It’s a hydrating ingredient that is naturally produced by the body, particularly found in the eyes, joints, and skin. It addresses skin wrinkles, fine lines, and elasticity.

Jojoba oil

Extracted from the jojoba shrub, this oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties while encouraging collagen production.

Kojic acid

Predominantly used for lightening age spots and reducing scarring, kojic acid is made from various types of fungi. Interestingly, this acid – which is found in many cosmetic products – is also a byproduct when foods like soy sauce and rice water ferment.

Peptides

Possibly one of the lesser-known ingredients on this list, peptides are a chain of amino acids forming proteins. They indicate to the skin to create collagen for firmer and more supple skin.

Polyglutamic acid

For hydrating and retaining skin moisture, polyglutamic acid is the answer. You can also turn to it to aid in addressing the appearance of pores and fine lines.

Rambutan

Boost elasticity and firmness with rambutan, a key ingredient for helping you achieve a more youthful look. It also hydrates, retains moisture, and helps in reducing crow’s feet.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Alternatively known as baker’s yeast, saccharomyces cerevisiae is a powerhouse when it comes to hydrating. It boasts skin conditioning properties.

Soy

Filled with antioxidants to offer a wide range of beauty benefits, soy is essential for improving your skin texture, firming and plumping ageing skin, and reducing redness. It’s no wonder so many skincare products make a point of including this key ingredient!

Squalane

This natural antioxidant acts as your skin’s natural oils would. With antitumor properties to protect your skin from carcinogens, squalane is vital for hydration and revitalising your skin.

Vitamin C

Known and loved by many, vitamin C is contained in many anti-ageing products. As an antioxidant nutrient, you can rely on it to improve skin tone, help with tissue repair, and address signs of ageing.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant for combating the impact of harmful UV rays.

Enjoy the benefits of the best skincare ingredients with fresh

With products like the Soy Face Exfoliator and Vitamin Nectar Glow Moisturiser, fresh has nothing but safe, effective, sensorial products to offer. Treat your skin to the care it deserves by including our science-backed products with essential ingredients in your daily routine.