A common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Sebum—oil that helps keep skin from drying out—and dead skin cells clog the pores, which leads to outbreaks of lesions, commonly called pimples or zits. Acne can be caused by genetics, hormones, and lifestyle (or a combo).
A group of water-soluble acids that exfoliate the surface of the skin to improve texture, tone, and radiance.
Ingredients like vitamin C, E, or green tea that protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution.
A thick, waxy formula used to hydrate and protect the skin or as a cleanser to dissolve makeup and impurities.
Protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering comprehensive sun protection.
Plant-based Bakuchiol has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging (wrinkles, hyperpigmentation) but has a better skin tolerance.
Also known as Centella asiatica, this is a leafy green herb rich in fatty acids, vitamins and amino acids. It's been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat redness and inflammation thanks to its effective healing and soothing properties.
Combination skin means that there are some areas of your face that are dry (for example, your cheeks), and other areas of your face that are more oily (for example your forehead and nose).
The natural color, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially of the face.
Refers to skin being crêpe-like in texture - thin, paper-like, with fine lines and wrinkles.
Small blood vessels near the skin’s surface that can become visible when dilated or broken.
Contain organic compounds (e.g., avobenzone, oxybenzone) that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin.
A protein in the skin that provides structure, elasticity, and firmness, which declines with age.
A thicker moisturizer designed to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, often used as a final step in a skincare routine.
The middle layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing collagen, elastin, and blood vessels. Responsible for the skin’s strength, elasticity, and nourishment.
This condition reveals itself through dry skin, itchy skin, and/or an uneven complexion. It is not the same as having naturally dry skin. Dry skin is caused by a lack of natural oils. Dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water.
Refers to skin that looks healthy, fresh, and glowing, without appearing greasy.
A silicone-based polymer that is frequently used as a skin protectant in skincare products. Helps condition the skin—improving its softness and flexibility.
Cleansing face twice - usually first with some sort of oil-based cleanser (great for loosening waterproof makeup and sunscreen), followed by a regular gel/foaming cleanser.
'Dry' is used to describe a skin type that produces less sebum than normal skin. As a result of the lack of sebum, dry skin lacks the lipids that it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external influences. This leads to an impaired barrier function.
Process of removal of the surface skin cells and built-up dirt from the skin's surface. There are both physical (movement-based) and chemical (ingredient-based) methods of exfoliating.
A lightweight moisturizer with a texture between a serum and a cream, ideal for layering or hydrating oily skin without heaviness.
The outermost layer of the skin that serves as a protective barrier. Protects against environmental damage, prevents water loss, and supports immune response.
A water-based product with lightweight hydration and active ingredients to enhance skin texture and prep it for subsequent products.
A skincare treatment performed on the face to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin.
Shallow, delicate creases in the skin, often the first signs of aging.
A cleanser that lathers into a frothy texture to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, often used for deep cleansing.
Small, flat, brownish spots caused by sun exposure and genetic factors.
A humectant - a type of moisturizing agent that pulls water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels of your skin and the air. In skincare products, glycerin is commonly used with occlusives, another type of moisturizing agent, to trap the moisture it draws into the skin.
Used in traditional Chinese medicine, a tool which is used to scrape people's skin to release unhealthy bodily matter within sore, tired, stiff, or injured muscle areas to stimulate new oxygenated blood flow to the areas, thus promoting healing and recovery. Can be used on body and face; best when used with a gliding agent like some sort of oil. Regular safe use of gua sha tools can help with swelling and improve circulation/blood flow.
A lightweight, water-based formula that provides hydration without oiliness, ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
A gentle exfoliation technique using a product that forms a peelable layer on the skin, removing dead skin cells when rubbed off.
A substance that draws water into the skin, hair, or nails. In the skin, this may come from the deeper layers, or from the air if it is humid enough. Humectants are useful for adding hydration without feeling heavy or oily. Humectants include ingredients such as glycerin, urea, AHAs, and hyaluronic acid.
A humectant that attracts and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration and plumping the skin. Naturally found throughout the body’s connective tissue. HA is the main component of what gives your skin structure and is responsible for that plump and hydrated look. In cosmetics, can help increase the moisture content in your skin, which can have various skin benefits, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving wound healing, among others.
Combine physical and chemical filters for balanced protection and reduced drawbacks.
The process of adding water to the skin, often achieved through water-based ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Procedures that involve breaking the skin, inserting devices, or altering the body’s structure, often requiring recovery time.
Examples: Surgical facelifts, Dermabrasion, Deep chemical peels, Microneedling with RF, Cosmetic surgeries.
Korean Beauty. While K-Beauty often refers to products that were made in Korea, the term can also be used to describe the beauty, wisdom, and philosophy behind Korean beauty products. It is widely popular throughout the world because of its reputation for being affordable and efficacious.
Measures the intensity of the light reflected from the skin's surface as it bounces back into the observer's eye. The amount of light reflected from the skin is dependent on how smooth the skin is.
An AHA derived from milk, used for gentle exfoliation, hydration, and improving skin texture.
A condition causing dark, irregular patches on the skin, often triggered by hormones or sun exposure.
Refers to the skin’s natural water content or products designed to replenish and lock in water to prevent dryness.
Small, raised or flat spots on the skin caused by clusters of pigmented cells.
Refers to the absence of shine. It offers a polished, velvety look that's particularly appealing for those aiming to minimize the appearance of blemishes or control oiliness.
Often refers to noticeable changes in skin over time like increased dullness, more fine lines and winkles, more noticeable dark pigmentation and age spots, as well as sagging.
The purpose of neutralizing is to balance out any discoloration or undertones in the skin, creating a more even-toned base for makeup application.
Vitamin B3, an active ingredient commonly included in skincare formulas for its skin-brightening and hydrating properties. When used as part of a skincare routine, niacinamide can help your skin appear smoother, softer, and more radiant.
'Normal' is a term widely used to refer to well-balanced skin. The T-zone (forehead, chin and nose) may be a bit oily at times, but overall sebum and moisture is balanced and the skin is neither too oily nor too dry.
A term used to describe skincare or cosmetic products formulated to not clog pores or cause comedones (blackheads or whiteheads).
Treatments or procedures that do not break the skin or require significant recovery time.
Examples: Facials, Microdermabrasion, Chemical peels, LED light therapy, Laser treatments, Botox, or dermal fillers.
Created a physical barrier on top of the skin to keep skin moist and hydrated. These ingredients tend to be heavy, greasy, and often sticky. Mineral oil, silicones, vegetable oils, animal fats, wax esters, hydrocarbons, and sterols are examples of occlusives.
This skin type typically has an over-secretion of sebum, an oily substance our skin needs in order to function properly. Too much of this sebum can cause acne and too little can cause dry, cracked skin. The main characteristics of oily skin include: abundant shine and frequent breakouts.
Contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays.
Tiny openings in the skin that release oil and sweat, often appearing larger with excess oil or clogged with debris.
The quality of being porous, or full of tiny holes. Liquids go right through things that have higher porosity. The word “porosity” stems from the Greek word poros for "pore," which means “passage.” So things with more porosity let things through easily, while things with less porosity don’t let things pass through easily. In the beauty industry, this term is often used when referring to hair.
A chronic skin condition causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps, often triggered by heat, stress, or certain foods.
Skin radiance is the glowy, vibrant look we associate with healthy, well-rested skin. Skin tone, luminosity, firmness, and discolouration can all have an effect on the natural appearance of radiant skin.
Prone to irritation, often caused by ingredients in cosmetics. Reactive skin can be triggered by hormonal changes and stress as well.
Refers to an array of vitamin A-based products used on skin. (Retinol is a type of retinoid). Tretonoin, for example, was discovered in the 1970s by dermatologists to prevent pores from clogging, as well as reduces and prevents acne scars. It is also known to encourage faster turnover of surface skin cells and boost collagen, as well as improve skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Short for retinaldehyde, it is a retinoid and form of vitamin A. However, it's further along the vitamin A pathway than retinol, and just one conversion step away from becoming retinoic acid – which means it acts faster on the skin than retinol and boasts other added benefits. The challenge in skincare is that this form is hard to stabilize and deteriorates quickly.
A form of retinoid that’s routinely used to improve uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and texture. It is available over the counter in many products, or via prescription in higher doses of specialized skincare.
Refers to the in-between point of matte and dewy finish. For example, a semi-matte foundation has the long-lasting finish of matte foundation, combined with some of the subtle glow of a dewy foundation. Skin often has a small amount of shine in some areas, for a very natural skin like finish.
In cosmetics, this type of finish provides a soft sheen that adds depth and dimension to your makeup look, without shimmer or sparkle.
Refers to delicate skin that needs more care to fight dryness, roughness and its usual appearance as includes some redness and other irritation. Sensitive skin types often react to active ingredients, fragrances, dyes, and natural ingredients commonly found in skincare.
Cosmetic products with “shimmer”, often included finely milled glitter particles, with the purpose of adding light reflection and glow.
Used in cosmetic products to improve the feel and texture of some formulations. Silica is a multi-functional ingredient and has a lot of different functions - it can act as an absorbing agent, bulking agent, anti-caking agent, and as an abrasive in scrubs.
Used in some cosmetic products for their unique sensory benefits and properties. They can be used for their long-lasting effect in lipstick; they are smoothing - can give products like creams or make-up a silky, spreadable, luxurious texture. They also give shine and softness in shampoo and other hair care products.
Giving your skin a break – alternating powerful active ingredients with soothing rest days to aid the growth and repair cycle of the skin.
Generally categorized into four main groups: fair, medium, tan, and deep. Each category can be further divided based on undertones into cool, warm, or neutral. Cool undertones are typically pink, red, or blue, while warm undertones are yellow, golden, or peach. Neutral undertones are a mix of both.
We often refer to five primary types of skin: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive. Each of these skin types has unique characteristics and needs that can affect the look and feel of your complexion, and should influence the type of cosmetic products you choose to use.
Squalane is a processed version of squalene. This is a stable, non-oxidising compound. Unlike squalene, squalane does not possess antioxidant properties due to its saturated chemical structure.
A colourless oil, found in plants, fungi and animals that mimics human skin’s natural oils. It has a role in topical skin lubrication and protection. Originally sourced from shark liver oil, the processed version (Squalane) is now sourced sustainably thanks to advancements in biotechnology.
A moisturizing technique that involves slathering the face with an occlusive product (like Vaseline jelly) as the last step in your evening skincare routine. This skincare trend gets its name from the “slug-like” sheen it leaves on your skin after applying your slugging product of choice. The purpose is to “lock in” moisture overnight.
A term used to describe skin that appears dull, yellowish, or lacking in vibrancy, often due to dehydration, poor circulation, or environmental factors.
Skin prone to redness, irritation, or adverse reactions to products or environmental factors.
A lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare product with a high concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns.
The outermost layer of the skin, responsible for protecting against irritants and retaining moisture.
Small, benign growths that hang off the skin, commonly found on the neck, underarms, and eyelids.
Refers to a personalized routine or sequence of steps designed to care for the skin, maintain its health, and address specific concerns.
A measure of how well a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays.
Also called age spots, these are flat, brown spots caused by prolonged sun exposure.
A product that protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Include a tint to provide light coverage and prevent a white cast, often with added skincare benefits.
A liquid used after cleansing to remove residue, balance skin pH, and prepare the skin for
serums or moisturizers.
Refers to a sticky feeling on the skin. Ingredient interactions, as well as humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract moisture, which can sometimes leave a tacky sensation in high concentrations.
When referring to products, describes the consistency products and sensorial experience (i.e. rich, light, smooth, watery, grainy etc). When referring to skin, describes the feeling and appearance of the surface condition. Skin can appear raised/uneven vs smoother in certain areas.
Long-wave ultraviolet rays that penetrate deep into the skin, contributing to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Short-wave ultraviolet rays that primarily affect the skin’s surface, causing sunburn and direct DNA damage.
This is a makeup application technique that can enhance your makeup routine with expert-level blending and subtle skin sculpting. It's the practice of applying your cream contour, highlighter or blush before foundation. The results often yield a more seamless, blended finish free of harsh lines and shadows.
Refers to a video, image, written content or even product boasting widespread popularity among a high number of online users within a short time period. If something goes viral, this means that many people are discussing it, purchasing it, using it.
A powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and protects against environmental damage.
Refers to the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. For example, a fluid with large viscosity resists motion because its molecular makeup gives it a lot of internal friction (slow moving or thick). A fluid with low viscosity flows easily because its molecular makeup results in very little friction when it is in motion (aka more watery or runny).
Deeper lines and folds in the skin caused by aging, repeated facial expressions, or loss of collagen and elastin.
Designed to stay effective during sweating or swimming but still need reapplication every 40-80 minutes.
Used for its many properties and applications, as a UV filter in sunscreen (in the form of nano zinc oxide), as an agent to soothe skin and ease irritation, and as a white pigment in some make-up products such as foundation.