Index / Glossary
Skincare glossary
12 foundational terms, defined plainly — the vocabulary behind every ingredient dossier, guide, and comparison on this site.
Formulation
Formulation
- 01 Emollient An ingredient that softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between skin cells.
- 02 Humectant An ingredient that draws water into the skin from the environment or deeper skin layers.
- 03 Occlusive An ingredient that forms a physical barrier on the skin surface to prevent water loss.
- 04 Surfactant A molecule that lowers surface tension between water and oil, enabling cleansers to lift and rinse away sebum and dirt.
Chemistry
Chemistry
- 01 Antioxidant A molecule that neutralises free radicals by donating an electron, preventing oxidative damage to skin cells.
- 02 Free radical An unstable molecule with an unpaired electron that can damage skin cells through chain reactions.
- 03 pH A scale from 0 to 14 measuring how acidic or alkaline a solution is; 7 is neutral.
Label-reading
Label-reading
- 01 Active ingredient An ingredient included in a formula specifically to deliver a measurable cosmetic or drug effect.
- 02 Comedogenic Describing an ingredient or product with the potential to clog pores and cause blackheads or whiteheads.
- 03 INCI International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients — the standardised naming system used on ingredient labels worldwide.
- 04 Non-comedogenic A label claim indicating a product is formulated not to clog pores.
Testing