Inredients Glossary

Description text goes hereIt is an amino sugar derived from glucose, known for its skin-brightening and exfoliating properties.

It improves skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation and enhancing hydration.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night, depending on the product formulation.

The best type of product to look for Is Serums or moisturisers that target uneven skin tone.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide for synergistic brightening effects.

Avoid mixing with: Strong acids or retinoids in the same routine to prevent irritation.

Emily’s tip: A gentle alternative for those sensitive to more potent brightening agents.

A peptide that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by inhibiting muscle

movement. It minimises expression lines, particularly on the forehead and around the eyes.

When to use it: Use it consistently, morning and night.

The best type of product to look for is lightweight serums or creams.

Best ingredients to pair with: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.

Avoid mixing with: No significant contraindications; generally well-tolerated.

Emily’s tip: Think of it as a topical alternative to injectable treatments for early signs of ageing.

A marine plant extract packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and minerals. It hydrates the skin,

soothes irritation, and helps protect against environmental stress. It is calming and deeply hydrating

to the skin, supporting elasticity and giving a fresh, dewy look.

It is primarily formulated in hydrating masks, particularly sheet masks or gel masks. It’s also found

in lightweight serums and moisturisers, but masks are where it does the most.

When to use it: Morning or night.

Best ingredients to pair with: Hyaluronic acid, centella, niacinamide.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing, it’s gentle and safe for most skin types.

Tip: I reach for algae-based masks when my skin feels dry or overworked. It’s like giving your skin

a drink of water with a hug.

A compound derived from the comfrey plant, known for its soothing and healing properties.

Calms irritated skin, promotes healing, and improves skin texture.

Found in formulas such as creams, lotions, or serums designed for sensitive skin.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night, as needed.

Best ingredients to pair with: Aloe vera, panthenol, and ceramides.

Avoid mixing with: No significant contraindications; generally well-tolerated.

Tip: A go-to ingredient for soothing post-treatment or compromised skin barriers.

A skin-brightening agent derived from the bearberry plant, known for inhibiting melanin

production, it reduces hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.

Formulated in serums or creams with a concentration of 2-4%.

When to use it: In the morning and/or evening, consistently over several weeks.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for enhanced brightening and

hydration.

Avoid mixing with: High concentrations of acids or retinoids in the same routine to minimise

irritation.

Tip: A gentler alternative to hydroquinone, suitable for those with sensitive skin seeking to address

pigmentation issues.

A group of water-soluble acids, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and citric acid,

used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. These acids work by loosening the bonds between dead

skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily. This helps improve skin texture, reduce the

appearance of fine lines, fade hyperpigmentation, and encourage smoother, more even-toned skin

over time.

AHAs also help your other skincare products absorb more effectively by clearing away surface

buildup. Glycolic acid is the most powerful and penetrates deeply, while lactic and mandelic acids

are gentler and better suited for sensitive or darker skin tones. These ingredients are commonly

found in exfoliating toners, masks, and treatment serums. You’ll also find them in some cleansers,

but they’re most effective when left on the skin in a treatment step rather than washed off.

When to use it: At night only, starting once or twice a week and building up to 2–3 times per week

if tolerated.

Best ingredients to pair with: Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and barrier-repair

ingredients like panthenol or centella.

Avoid mixing with: Retinol, vitamin C, or salicylic acid in the same routine—it can overwhelm the

skin and cause irritation.

Tip: For deeper skin tones, we recommend starting with mandelic or lactic acid. They exfoliate

without triggering inflammation, which helps prevent rebound pigmentation

These are building blocks of proteins, essential for maintaining skin hydration and resilience. They

support the skin's natural moisturising factors and barrier function.

Found in formulas such as serums, moisturisers, or cleansers.

When to use it: In the morning or at night, depending on the product formulation.

Best ingredients to pair with: Peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.

Avoid mixing with: No significant contraindications; generally well-tolerated.

Tip: Ideal for all skin types, especially those looking to enhance hydration and skin health.

Item descriptionFermented apple juice containing acetic acid, known for its antibacterial and exfoliating properties,

balancing skin pH, treating acne, and exfoliating dead skin cells.

Formulated in toners or spot treatments, these products contain diluted concentrations.

When to use it: In the evening, diluted appropriately to prevent irritation.

Best ingredients to pair with: Soothing agents like aloe vera or chamomile.

Avoid mixing with: Other acids or retinoids in the same routine to prevent over-exfoliation.

Tip: Use with caution and always patch test; not recommended for sensitive skin types.

A lightweight oil derived from apricot seeds, rich in fatty acids and vitamins. It moisturises,

nourishes, and softens the skin. This oil is commonly used in facial oils, moisturisers, and body

lotions.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night, depending on your skin's needs.

Best ingredients to pair with: Other emollients and hydrating agents.

Avoid mixing with: No significant contraindications; generally well-tolerated.

Tip: Ideal for dry or mature skin, this product provides a natural glow without feeling greasy.

A naturally occurring compound from the bearberry plant, known for its skin-brightening

properties. It helps reduce hyperpigmentation, age spots, and uneven skin tone. Look for serums or

creams with a concentration of 2-4%.

When to use it: In the morning and/or evening, consistently over several weeks.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for enhanced brightening and

hydration.

Avoid mixing with: High concentrations of acids or retinoids in the same routine to minimise

irritation.

Tip: A gentler alternative to hydroquinone, suitable for those with sensitive skin seeking to address

pigmentation issues.

Argan oil is a plant oil that is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, sourced from Moroccan argan trees.

Key Benefits:

- Nourishes dry skin

- Softens fine lines

- Seals in moisture

Recommended Products:

Look for pure cold-pressed argan oil or products containing it, such as moisturisers and hair oils.

When to use it: At night, as the last step or mixed into moisturiser.

Best ingredients to pair with: Ceramides, squalene, hyaluronic acid.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing specific—it’s a finishing touch.

Tip: I love using this as a natural glow booster for dry skin or during the winter months. You only

need a drop or two.

A botanical extract traditionally used to reduce bruising, swelling, and inflammation. In skincare,

it’s valued for its calming and soothing properties, especially after treatments that may leave the

skin red, puffy, or sensitive. Arnica helps to ease discomfort, support healing, and reduce visible

signs of trauma or irritation on the skin’s surface. It’s most commonly found in recovery creams,

eye treatments, and post-facial masks designed to comfort the skin after procedures like micro-

needling, waxing, or extractions. Because it works gently and effectively, arnica is often paired with

other calming ingredients for a well-rounded recovery formula.

When to use it: As needed, typically after cosmetic treatments, waxing, or when the skin is feeling

puffy, tender, or inflamed.

Best ingredients to pair with: Centella asiatica, panthenol, aloe vera.

Avoid mixing with: Avoid applying over broken skin; otherwise, it’s well-tolerated.

Tip: I like to keep an arnica-based recovery cream on hand after facials or skin needling; it’s one of

those ingredients that quietly does the job without any fuss.

is a plant-based antioxidant often recognised as a natural alternative to retinol. It helps smooth fine

lines, even out skin tone, and support collagen production without the irritation, peeling, or sun

sensitivity that typically accompanies retinoids. Additionally, bakuchiol has antibacterial and anti-

inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for individuals with acne-prone skin. It is gentle

enough for sensitive skin, safe for use during pregnancy, and suitable for individuals who cannot

tolerate stronger active ingredients. You can find bakuchiol in lightweight serums, facial oils, and

night creams formulated for anti-aging or skin renewal.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night, once or twice daily, depending on your routine.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing, it’s very forgiving.

Tip: We recommend this to anyone who wants the benefits of retinol without the drama. It’s a

beautiful option for sensitive skin, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is an antibacterial active that targets acne at the source by killing the bacteria that cause inflamed

breakouts. It also helps clear pores and reduce redness in active pimples. Most effective against

pustules, cystic spots, and whiteheads, benzoyl peroxide is often used as a spot treatment or applied

to acne-prone areas in gel or cleanser form. It can be drying, so it’s important to pair it with

moisturising and barrier-supporting ingredients. Strengths range from 2.5% to 10%, but lower

percentages are often just as effective and less irritating.

When to use it: Night only, and only on active breakouts or oily zones.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide, ceramides, gentle hydrating moisturisers.

Avoid mixing with: Retinoids, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids in the same routine.

Tip: Use it sparingly and only where needed. Always follow with a calming moisturiser, and be

patient, less is more with benzoyl peroxide.

A soothing, moisture-binding ingredient usually derived from oats or mushrooms. It helps reduce

redness, calms sensitivity, and deeply hydrates the skin. Beta-glucan can hold more moisture than

hyaluronic acid and is especially helpful for dry, compromised, or post-procedure skin. It also

supports the skin’s barrier function, making it great for people who over-exfoliate or react easily.

It’s most commonly found in calming serums, hydrating masks, and barrier repair creams.

When to use it: Morning and night—it’s gentle enough to use daily.

Best ingredients to pair with: Panthenol, ceramides, centella, hyaluronic acid.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—it’s very barrier-friendly.

Tip: If your skin is red, flaky, or irritated, reach for something with beta-glucan. It’s like a soft

blanket for your face.

It is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid that travels deep into the pores to dissolve excess oil and dead

skin buildup. BHA is best known for treating acne, congestion, and blackheads, especially in oily

and combination skin. It also helps calm inflammation and can reduce the appearance of large pores

with regular use. You’ll mostly find it in cleansers, exfoliating toners, and treatment serums.

Because it works below the surface, it’s one of the most effective actives for managing breakouts

long term.

When to use it: Night only, two to three times per week, depending on tolerance.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol.

Avoid mixing with: Retinol or AHAs in the same routine, as it can cause irritation.

Tip: For oily, breakout-prone skin, a 2% salicylic acid toner a few nights a week is one of the most

powerful yet simple tools you can use.

A calming compound derived from chamomile. It helps reduce redness, soothes irritation, and

supports the skin’s natural healing process. Bisabolol also has brightening properties and can help

enhance the effectiveness of other active ingredients by improving skin penetration. It’s ideal for

sensitive or sensitised skin and is often found in products for post-treatment care, barrier repair, or

calming inflammation. You’ll see it in serums, moisturisers, and sometimes even in sunscreens or

masks.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night, daily, or whenever your skin feels irritated.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide, centella asiatica, panthenol, ceramides.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—it’s very gentle and soothing.

Tip: We recommend including bisabolol in routines where actives like retinol or exfoliants can be

irritating. It helps your skin stay calm while you work on the deeper issues.

A natural botanical extract rich in antioxidants and known for its skin-brightening effects. Bearberry

contains arbutin, a compound that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots by slowing melanin

production. It’s a gentler alternative to synthetic brighteners, working well for individuals with

sensitive or reactive skin. Bearberry is most commonly found in brightening serums, pigmentation

spot treatments, and even some moisturisers that target uneven skin tone. With consistent use, it can

help improve the look of post-acne marks and sun spots.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night, once or twice daily.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide, alpha arbutin, licorice root, and vitamin C.

Avoid mixing with: High-strength exfoliants in the same routine. Give your skin time to adjust.

Tip: If you’re starting your pigmentation journey, bearberry is a beautiful, gentle way to begin. It

layers easily and doesn’t irritate some stronger brightening agents.

A natural clay made from volcanic ash, known for its ability to absorb oil and draw out impurities

from the skin. It’s particularly useful for oily or acne-prone skin because it helps clear pores, reduce

shine, and calm inflammation. Bentonite clay has a slightly tightening effect as it dries, which some

people love for a “detox” feeling. You’ll mostly find it in wash-off clay masks or spot treatments

aimed at deep cleaning. While powerful, it can be drying if overused, especially on drier or more

sensitive skin types.

When to use it: Apply one to two times per week at night, either as a mask or a spot treatment.

Best ingredients to pair with: Aloe vera, panthenol, or glycerin to balance moisture.

Avoid mixing with: Strong acids or retinoids in the same routine it can be too drying.

Tip: Use this as a once-a-week detox for oily zones or breakouts. Follow with a hydrating serum

and moisturiser to keep your skin balanced.

An enzyme extracted from pineapple, known for its gentle exfoliating and anti-inflammatory

properties. Bromelain works by breaking down dead skin cells on the surface, resulting in smoother

and more radiant skin. Unlike acids, enzymes like bromelain don’t disrupt the skin barrier as easily,

making them a great choice for sensitive or reactive skin. It’s typically found in exfoliating masks,

cleansers, or enzyme peels, often paired with papaya enzymes (papain) or other fruit-based actives.

When to use it: Use it one to two times per week, typically in the evening.

Best ingredients to pair with: Aloe vera, panthenol, licorice root.

Avoid mixing with: Strong acids or scrubs, let enzymes do the work on their own.

Tip: If your skin can’t handle acids, try an enzyme mask with bromelain. It gives you that smooth,

post-facial glow without the sting.

A plant-derived ingredient rich in antioxidants, silica, and amino acids. Bamboo helps strengthen

the skin barrier, soothe irritation, and control excess oil without over-drying. It also has a mattifying

effect, making it a great choice for oily or combination skin. You’ll often find bamboo extract in

lightweight moisturisers, toners, and serums designed to balance the skin and minimise shine. It’s

also popular in Korean skincare for its calming and refreshing feel.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night, depending on the product.

Best ingredients to pair with: Green tea, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—it’s very gentle.

Tip: If your skin gets oily in the T-zone but feels sensitive elsewhere, look for bamboo extract in a

light gel moisturiser—it hydrates while keeping shine under control.

A unique active known for its anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating properties. Bee venom

works by lightly “tricking” the skin into thinking it’s been stung, which triggers a healing response

and promotes the production of collagen and elastin. This makes it useful for firming, smoothing,

and revitalising dull or ageing skin. It’s commonly found in serums, creams, and masks marketed

for anti-ageing or skin renewal. Individuals with bee allergies should avoid contact with bees.

When to use it: Nighttime is best, especially in anti-ageing routines.

Best ingredients to pair with: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, centella asiatica.

Avoid mixing with: Avoid use if you have a bee allergy or broken skin.

Tip: Use bee venom products like a gentle reboot for tired skin. It’s a natural firming ingredient that

gives that “lifted” look without irritation.

A probiotic-rich fermented ingredient that helps repair and protect the skin barrier. It supports the

microbiome, strengthens the skin’s natural defences, and helps the skin become more resilient to

environmental stress. Bifida is especially useful for sensitive, irritated, or over-treated skin. You’ll

usually find it in Korean or Japanese skincare, especially in essences and serums designed for

barrier repair, hydration, or post-treatment recovery.

When to use it: Morning or night, daily.

Best ingredients to pair with: Ceramides, niacinamide, panthenol.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing, it’s extremely gentle.

Tip: This is one of our go-to ingredients when the skin feels raw, flaky, or confused. It’s like feeding

your skin good bacteria to help it recover faster.

Also known as vitamin B7, biotin helps support healthy skin, hair, and nails. In skincare, it plays a

role in maintaining skin hydration and promoting a strong barrier. It’s usually included in

formulations aimed at boosting skin vitality, though it’s more effective as a support ingredient than

a hero on its own. You’ll find it in some moisturisers, supplements, and barrier creams.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night, depending on the product.

Best ingredients to pair with: Ceramides, panthenol, amino acids.

Avoid mixing with: No known conflicts.

Tip: If your skin feels dull and tired, biotin in your skincare or supplements can help give it that

revived, healthy look, but don’t rely on it as a solo act.

A plant extract with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Birch helps soothe sensitive

or inflamed skin, support hydration, and promote skin clarity. It’s commonly used in Korean

skincare, particularly in products designed to target redness, dehydration, or post-acne recovery.

You’ll often see it in calming essences, hydrating toners, and gel moisturisers.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night. Daily use is safe.

Best ingredients to pair with: Centella asiatica, panthenol, green tea.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—it’s very skin-friendly.

Tip: This is one of those quiet, underrated ingredients that work beautifully behind the scenes. If

your skin is fussy or flushed, birch can help calm it all down.

A powerful antioxidant that helps defend the skin against free radicals, improves skin tone, and

smooths fine lines. Black tea is rich in polyphenols, which are known for their anti-ageing and anti-

inflammatory benefits. It’s also known to help improve circulation and give the skin a healthy,

radiant look. You’ll find it in toners, essences, and moisturisers, especially those designed for dull,

tired, or mature skin.

When to use it: Morning or night.

Best ingredients to pair with: Vitamin C, peptides, caffeine.

Avoid mixing with: No specific conflicts.

Tip: We love using black tea-based products in the morning. They help wake up the skin and give it

a brighter, more alive look, especially when I haven’t slept well.

Item descriptionA green powerhouse packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and sulforaphane.

Broccoli extract helps detoxify the skin, balance oil production, and protect against environmental

stress. It’s especially useful in products designed to brighten, protect, or calm the skin. You’ll find it

in serums and moisturisers that focus on antioxidant support or balancing combination skin.

When to use it: Morning or night.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide, green tea, hyaluronic acid.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—it’s a flexible ingredient.

Tip: Broccoli isn’t just good for your diet, it’s surprisingly good for your skin too. I recommend it

for individuals experiencing both dullness and oiliness simultaneously.

A gentle botanical brightener known for its ability to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Daisy

flower extract helps regulate melanin production in the skin, making it useful for addressing

concerns such as sun spots and post-acne marks. It’s often found in natural or sensitive-skin

formulations because it offers brightening without the harshness of synthetic actives. You’ll see it in

serums, moisturisers, and under-eye treatments aimed at glow and tone correction.

When to use it: Use it in the morning or at night. Daily use is safe.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide, licorice root, alpha arbutin.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—it’s a gentle team player.

Tip: If you’re looking for plant-based brightening without the risk of irritation, daisy extract is a

lovely option. Great for beginners and for layering with other pigment-fading ingredients.

A nutrient-rich oil pressed from the seeds of the African baobab tree. It’s high in omega fatty acids,

antioxidants, and vitamins A, D, and E, which help deeply nourish the skin, support elasticity, and

repair the barrier. Baobab oil is especially helpful for dry, damaged, or ageing skin, and it absorbs

surprisingly well for a plant oil, leaving skin soft, not greasy. You’ll find it in facial oils, rich

creams, or body products for dry or mature skin types.

When to use it: At nighttime, as a final step or mixed into a moisturiser.

Best ingredients to pair with: Ceramides, squalene, peptides.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—it layers well with most routines.

Tip: We love baobab oil for skin that feels dry, stretched, or depleted. It’s like feeding your skin a

vitamin smoothie.

A traditional oil known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Black seed oil, also

known as Nigella Sativa, can help calm acne, reduce irritation, and support the skin's barrier

function. It’s rich in antioxidants and has been used for centuries in holistic medicine. In skincare,

it’s often found in facial oils and creams for acne-prone, stressed, or reactive skin.

When to use it: Nighttime, especially when your skin feels inflamed or needs healing.

Best ingredients to pair with: Niacinamide, Centella asiatica, and Aloe vera.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—just patch test first, as it’s a potent oil.

Tip: If your skin breaks out but also feels dry or tight, black seed oil is a calming solution that

supports both repair and clarity.

A nutrient-rich oil extracted from the American palm tree, native to Central America and

traditionally used by the Miskito people of Honduras. Batana oil is packed with fatty acids,

antioxidants, and amino acids that help restore moisture, repair the skin barrier, and promote

softness. It’s best known for its use in haircare, but when applied to the skin, it offers deep

nourishment for dry, damaged, or mature skin types. Its thick, balm-like texture makes it ideal for

targeted areas that need serious care.

When to use it: Nighttime, especially on dry patches or as a sealing step in your routine.

Best ingredients to pair with: Squalene, ceramides, shea butter.

Avoid mixing with: Nothing—it’s best used alone or over lighter layers.

Tip: If you have dry, rough, or compromised skin, especially in colder months, batana oil is like a

natural balm. It’s deeply restorative and a beautiful way to bring cultural richness into your skincare

ritual.