A

Active ingredients – Substances that truly benefit the skin, such as retinol for wrinkles or hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Astringent – Ingredients that lightly contract the skin, often used for oily skin and in toners.
Aloe vera – Soothing plant extract that moisturizes and reduces redness.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) – Fruit acids that remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin.
Antioxidants – Protect against free radicals and slow down skin aging.
Aromatherapy – Use of essential oils in cosmetics for scent and relaxation.
Azelaic acid – Mild acid that helps with acne and hyperpigmentation.

B

Balm – Rich skincare, often in jars, that protects skin from dehydration.
Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) – Acids like salicylic acid that deeply cleanse pores.
Biodegradable – Ingredients that are safely broken down by nature.
Botanical extracts – Plant-based ingredients like chamomile or rosemary.
Botox-like effect (peptides) – Peptides that optically reduce wrinkles.
Body butter – Rich cream for dry skin, often with shea butter or cocoa.
Bath bomb – Bath product that fizzes and releases scent or oils.

C

Ceramides – Building blocks of the skin barrier that retain moisture.
Clean beauty – Movement promoting transparency and "clean" formulas.
Collagen – Protein that keeps the skin firm, often found in anti-aging products.
Comedogenic – Ingredients that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Preservatives – Extend shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Cruelty-free – Product not tested on animals.
Cuticle – Thin skin rim around nails that provides protection.

D

Dermatologically tested – Tested by dermatologists, usually for tolerance.
Dermis – Deeper skin layer containing collagen and elastin.
Dry extract – Concentrated powder form of plants for creams or masks.
Double cleansing – First cleanse with oil, then with gel or foam for thorough makeup removal.

E

Eczema-friendly – Product without irritating substances, suitable for sensitive skin.
Emollient – Softening ingredient that makes the skin supple.
Emulsifier – Ensures that water and oil remain mixed in a cream.
Essential oils – Concentrated oils with scent and function, such as lavender or tea tree.
Exfoliate – Removal of dead skin cells for smoother skin.
Extracts – Isolated substances from plants, minerals or animals for specific effects.

F

Fermentation – Process in which microorganisms make ingredients more active and absorbable.
Filaggrin – Protein important for the skin barrier and moisture retention.
Formaldehyde (releasers) – Preservatives that release formaldehyde, increasingly less used.
Free radicals – Molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate aging.
Fragrance-free – Without added fragrances, suitable for sensitive skin.

G

Glycerin – Hydrating ingredient that attracts and retains moisture.
Green cosmetics – Products formulated sustainably and naturally.
Green clay – Purifying clay powder that absorbs sebum.
Gua Sha – Massage technique with a stone tool for improved circulation.

H

Hair serum – Leave-in product that adds shine and nourishment to hair.
Hyaluronic acid – Strong moisturizer that attracts water and plumps wrinkles.
Hydration – Process of retaining or replenishing moisture in the skin.
Hypoallergenic – Developed to minimize allergic reactions.

I

INCI – International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (e.g., Aqua = water).
Isopropyl myristate – Commonly used ester that gives products a smooth feel.
Isotretinoin – Strong medication for acne, sometimes related in a cosmetic context.
Irritation threshold – Point at which a substance can cause irritation.

J

Jojoba oil – Resembles skin sebum, nourishes and regulates.
Jasmine extract – Plant extract that has a calming and fragrant effect.

K

Chamomile – Soothing herb that calms redness and irritation.
Ceramides – (See Ceramides) building blocks of the skin.
Keratinization – Natural hardening of skin cells.
Keratolytic – Substances like salicylic acid that dissolve hardened skin.
Cucumber extract – Refreshing and hydrating plant extract.

L

Lactate (lactic acid) – Mild acid that exfoliates and hydrates.
Lanolin – Fat from sheep's wool that protects skin and lips.
Leave-in conditioner – Hair care product that stays in the hair for long-lasting effect.
Lipids – Fats that strengthen the skin barrier.
Lipoma – Benign fatty lump, sometimes cosmetically relevant.

M

Micellar water – Cleansing product with micelles that attract dirt.
Mineral oils – Oil from petroleum; gentle, but often avoided in natural cosmetics.
Mineral sunscreen – Physical UV protection with titanium or zinc oxide.
Moisturizer – Collective term for hydrating creams and lotions.
Multimasking – Using different masks simultaneously on different areas of the face.

N

Natural cosmetics – Products based on plant-based and mineral ingredients.
Non-comedogenic – Ingredients that do not clog pores.
Niacinamide – Vitamin B3, works against pigmentation and strengthens the skin barrier.
NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) – Substances in the skin that retain moisture, such as urea and lactates.

O

Occlusive – Ingredient that forms a protective layer and prevents moisture loss.
Oenothera (evening primrose oil) – Plant-based oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid, calming for the skin.
Oils – Vegetable or essential fats that nourish and protect the skin.
Oxybenzone – Chemical sunscreen filter, often avoided due to irritation/allergy.

P

Parabens – Preservatives, effective but often avoided in natural cosmetics.
Paraffin – Mineral oil that softens, but not desired by everyone.
Peeling – Treatment that removes dead skin cells, chemical or mechanical.
pH value – Acidity level; skin-friendly products have a pH of 4.5–5.5.
Phytonutrients – Plant-based nutrients with protective properties.
Plant-based oils – Natural oils such as olive or argan oil.
Probiotics – Bacteria or extracts that support the skin microbiome.

Q

Q10 (ubiquinone) – Antioxidant that supports cell energy and skin repair.
Quaternary ammonium compounds – Conditioning agents in hair products.

R

Retinol – Vitamin A derivative, stimulates cell renewal and collagen.
Rosemary oil – Stimulates the scalp and has antibacterial properties.
Castor oil – Plant-based oil that strengthens eyelashes and eyebrows.
Rooibos extract – Antioxidant from rooibos tea, calming for the skin.

S

Salicylic acid – BHA that cleanses pores and reduces inflammation.
Serum – Light, potent product with high concentrations of active ingredients.
Silicones – Synthetic substances that provide smoothness but can occlude the skin.
Sulfates (SLS/SLES) – Strong foaming agents that can be drying.
SPF – Sun Protection Factor; indicates the degree of UVB protection.
Stability – Property of a product to maintain its effectiveness throughout its shelf life.
Synthetic fragrance – Fragrances not derived from plants, often cheaper but sometimes irritating.

T

Sebum reduction – Reduction of skin oil production, often for acne.
Tea tree oil – Essential oil with antibacterial properties.
Toner – Liquid product that refreshes the skin and prepares it for cream.
Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) – The evaporation of water from the skin, important for dry skin.
Tretinoin – Prescription form of vitamin A, more potent than retinol.

U

UV-A – Long wavelength that causes skin aging.
UV-B – Shorter wavelength that causes sunburn.
Urea – NMF substance that attracts moisture and softens the skin.

V

Vegan cosmetics – Without animal ingredients.
Oily skin – Skin type with increased sebum production and often shine.
Vitamin A (retinoids) – Collective term for substances that stimulate cell renewal.
Vitamin C – Powerful antioxidant, brightens skin and reduces pigmentation.
Vitamin E – Antioxidant that protects and repairs the skin.

W

Water-based – Product where water is the main ingredient.
Witch hazel – Astringent extract, good for oily skin.
Wound healing – Cosmetic products that support healing, often with panthenol or zinc.

X

Xanthan gum – Thickening agent in creams and gels.
Xylitol – Sugar alcohol that retains moisture in skin and oral care.

Y

Ylang Ylang – Fragrant oil with a calming effect.
Yerba mate extract – Caffeine-rich extract with antioxidants.

Z

Sea salt scrub – Mechanical exfoliation with sea salt crystals.
Zinc oxide – Mineral sunscreen filter that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation.
Sunscreen – Collective term for protective products against UV radiation.
Black clay – Purifying clay type that absorbs toxins and sebum.