SKINCARE GLOSSARY
Understand The Ingredients Terms And Science Behind Skincare
Explore skincare definitions, ingredient explanations, and beauty terminology designed to help you shop and care for your skin with confidence.
A
Apocrine gland
A type of sweat gland located in the armpit and anal-genital regions; products a secretion containing water, salts, proteins and lipids.
Antioxidants
A compound that fights against the destructive effects of free radicals. They work as scavengers to prevent the formation of free radicals or neutralise these reactive substances before they damage...
Acne vulgaris
An inflammatory skin condition affecting sebaceous gland ducts. It occurs most frequently in adolescent years due to hormonal imbalance occurring at the time of puberty, however, it is not limited...
C
Comedogenic
The potential to block pores, which may lead to acne and blackheads.
Comedones
Small flesh-coloured or black spots on the skin caused by sebum blockage. Closed comedones are referred to as whiteheads, whereas open comedones are blackheads.
Connective tissue
A primary tissue. The form and function vary widely between types of connective tissue, but all connective tissues contain a large amount of extracellular matrix. Functions of connective tissues include...
Collagen
Principle organic constituent of connective tissue.
D
E
Epidermis
The outer layer of the skin that is mainly responsible for ensuring a healthy barrier function.
Elastosis
Scientific term for lack of skin elasticity.
Elastin
Main protein in elastic fibres of connective tissues; it is the protein that gives skin its shape.
Eczema
An inflammatory skin condition associated with various diseases and characterised by erythema, papules , vesicles and crusts.
Eccrine gland
The most common form of sweat gland that can be found on all surfaces of the skin.
Essence
A skin toner (product) that typically provides preparatory hydration.
Extrinsic ageing
Environmental and lifestyle factors that cause ageing; these include UV damage, smoking and poor diet. Extrinsic ageing is responsible for approximately 90% of the visible ageing process.
F
Free radicals
Molecules or atoms that are toxic to the human body; usually oxygen or an oxygen-based compound that have lost electrons and are not stable.The fatty membrane that surrounds cells is...
Fibrosis
Excess of connective tissue; seen most commonly as scarring.
Fibroblast cells
Collagen and elastin producing cells. These cells are found in the dermis.
I
INCI
International Nomenclatures of Cosmetic Ingredients
In vivo
Testing conducted on living organisms (generally participant product testing).
In vitro
Commonly referred as "test tube" testing. These are studies that are performed with microorganisms, cells, or biological molecules outside their normal biological context.
Intrinsic ageing
Genetically programmed ageing. It is responsible for approximately 10% of the ageing process, primarily by slow irreversible tissue degeneration.
M
P
S
Skin conditions
Skin conditions develop over time and can apply to all skin types. Examples of common skin conditions include sensitive, allergic, dehydrated, sun-damaged, ageing and acne.
Sebum
An oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It moisturises and creates and occlusive film on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
Stratum corneum
The outer most layer of the skin often referred to as the 'horny' layer.
Skin types
Skin types can be classified into four categories - normal, dry, oily and combination. They are determined by the functionality of the oil glands. These are generally inherited traits but...
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