Key Ingredients

The Skin Perfection Ingredient Glossary, A to Z

This is the complete index of the Skin Perfection ingredient glossary. Glossary entries explain what an ingredient is, how it works on the look of skin, the typical usage rate, and how to use it in a routine or a DIY formula, with sources. Below most glossary articles you will also find the Skin Perfection products that contain that ingredient, so you can go straight from learning to shopping. The glossary covers 127 ingredients, from amino acid sequences such as Argireline and Matrixyl 3000 to botanical extracts, plant oils, vitamins, and exfoliating acids.

Prefer to browse by skin goal instead of by name? See Key Product Ingredients, which groups our most-used ingredients by what they do, such as smoothing the look of lines, hydrating, or brightening.

How to Use This Glossary

  • Check the usage rate. Entries list the manufacturer's recommended range where one is published. For DIY formulas, Skin Perfection uses the highest manufacturer rate, and our house drop rate for serum boosters is 9 drops = 1% per fluid ounce.
  • Read the INCI name. The INCI name is the standardized name you will see on an ingredient label. U.S. labeling rules (21 CFR 701.3) list ingredients in descending order of predominance, with ingredients at 1% or less allowed in any order after the rest.
  • Look for the study details. Our entries report studies by what was tested, in how many people, and for how long, so you can judge the evidence yourself.
  • Patch test first. If your skin is sensitive, patch test any new ingredient on the inner arm for 24 hours and start at the lowest recommended rate.

Glossary Index

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

More Ways to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a skincare ingredient glossary?

A skincare ingredient glossary is a reference that explains what each ingredient is, what it does for the look of skin, and how much is typically used. The Skin Perfection glossary also lists sources and links to the products that contain each ingredient. Use it to understand a label before you buy.

What is an INCI name?

INCI stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, the standardized naming system used on cosmetic labels. For example, vitamin E often appears as tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate. Each glossary entry lists the INCI name so you can match it to a label.

How are ingredients ordered on a label?

In the U.S., cosmetic ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance under 21 CFR 701.3. Ingredients present at 1% or less may be listed in any order after the others, and color additives come last. The ingredients at the top of the list are present in the largest amounts.

What does usage rate mean?

The usage rate is the percentage of an ingredient in a finished formula, usually given by the manufacturer as a recommended range. For Skin Perfection serum boosters, 9 drops equals 1% in one fluid ounce, so 5% is 45 drops. Using the right rate matters for both results and comfort.

Which ingredients should I start with for anti-aging?

Most routines start with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, an antioxidant such as vitamin C, a hydrator such as hyaluronic acid, and one targeted ingredient such as a peptide or retinol. Our Key Product Ingredients page groups these by skin goal. Add one new ingredient at a time and patch test it first.

Sources

  • Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 701.3, Designation of ingredients. ecfr.gov
  • American Academy of Dermatology. How to test skin care products. aad.org

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.