Welcome to the Just Eco skincare glossary. With new products and ingredients popping out faster than you can say "hello," keeping up can feel like a full-time job with no lunch break. That is why we have put together an extensive glossary to help you navigate the world of the skincare industry. Here is a list of standard terms, ingredients, and concepts for decoding product labels and successfully choosing your skincare products.

So, let's start.

A

AHAs- Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of acids that occur naturally in fruits, sugar cane, and milk. They help remove dead skin cells to reveal smoother skin and can also help brighten it. 

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are nutrients, such as vitamins C or E or carotenoids, that may help protect cells against daily damage. Numerous studies have confirmed that antioxidants benefit the skin, helping to reduce wrinkles, enhance radiance, improve firmness, stimulate regeneration, and boost collagen production. 

B

BHA- Beta Hydroxy Acid

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical compounds that act as deep exfoliators. They can penetrate pores and help dissolve excess oil, unclogging and clearing the skin of dirt and bacteria.

Barrier ( Skin Barrier)

The outer layer of the skin is dead and made of dead cells, lipids, proteins, and fat. The main role of the skin barrier is to protect our body; without it, harmful toxins could enter our skin and damage our health. It is important to take good care of the skin barrier. Just Eco believes that complicating skincare routines and adding too many products will weaken the barrier.

C

Cellulite

Cellulite is an uneven appearance of the skin, usually on the thighs, hips, and buttocks. It often looks like an orange peel. Cellulite happens when fat cells push up against the skin while fibrous connective cords pull down, forming a dimpled look. Genetics, hormones, skin elasticity, and lifestyle influence cellulite. You can treat it with skin care products or professional treatments such as laser therapy or lymphatic massage. A healthy lifestyle can help battle cellulite. 

Ceramides ( Lipids), fats

Lipids are healthy skin fats that our body naturally creates. They are crucial for the functioning of the skin barrier and play an important role in the look of the skin and how it ages. Lipid production slows down with age. Using skincare products that include lipids can hydrate the skin and postpone aging to a certain extent. 

Comedogenic 

Refers to pore-clogging ingredients. Some ingredients tend to close pores, which can result in acne breakouts. There is a way to check if the ingredients are comedogenic, and usually, the range is from 0-5. The lowest number means that is a non-comedogenic ingredient. The scale is universal, and what works for one person does not necessarily apply to another. If you have acne-prone skin, consider alternative products that are non-comedogenic. The safest way, especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, is to visit a dermatologist who will determine what skincare routine is best for you. 

D

Dermatology tested

A dermatologist is a skin doctor who specializes in treating skin conditions. When a product is dermatologically tested, it is evaluated under medical practice. Products tested should be safe when applied to the skin and not cause any skin reaction.

E

Elastin

Our body naturally produces the protein elastin, which helps our tissues and organs stretch. Elastin and collagen have similar functions; while collagen gives the skin firmness, elastin gives flexibility. Elastin is concentrated in areas of the body and face that move. Elastin is hard to regenerate, but you can help protect it by using products rich in antioxidants and applying SPF products.

Exfoliation  

The process of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. You can either do it by using scrubs, brushes, or other exfoliating tools or chemically by using acids ( AHAs, BHAs, or enzymes) 

After removing dead skin, exfoliation will give you a glow and healthy skin. It can also help you battle blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts and promote healthy skin renewal. Please be conscious that overdoing exfoliation can damage your skin barrier and irritate your skin. 

F

Facial

Refers to skin care treatment for the face involving cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing

Ferulic Acid

Found in various plants, fruits, vegetables, and some grains, ferulic acid can help protect and repair the skin and make it glow. It is usually formulated in skincare products with other antioxidants, like vitamin C. When combined with other ingredients, ferulic acid can effectively prevent skin damage and reduce redness and inflammation. 

G

Glycolic Acid

An AHA acid used in skin care products for exfoliation and brightening of the skin

Glycerin 

A natural moisturizing agent that hydrates and protects the skin,  It is the third most common ingredient used in skincare care products (after water and fragrance)

H

Hydration

Refers to increasing the water in the skin. Dehydrated skin lacks water and has a reduced ability to hold onto water. When your skin is well hydrated, it is plump, soft, and smooth.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin and is very good at retaining water. It helps skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles. Most importantly, it is safe to use.

I

Idebenone

A synthetic antioxidant compound reduces inflammation and UV damage to skin cells that can cause wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Ingredient list

The list on a product label informs us what the product is made of, in descending order of concentration

J

Jojoba oil

Natural oil similar to the skin's sebum, great oil for moisturizing and balancing skin

K

Keratin

Protein is found in skin, hair, and nails. It is used in treatments to strengthen hair.

Keratosis pilaris

Known as "chicken skin," it looks like tiny, often red and white bumps on the skin. It's caused by a buildup of keratin around the hair follicle, which can clog pores and cause inflammation or redness of the skin.

L

Lactic acid

Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) is derived from milk, fruit, or vegetable sources. It removes the top layer of dead skin cells and can help improve skin texture, reduce dark spots, and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles on all skin types.

Lipids 

The skin's natural fats are crucial in maintaining the skin's moisture barrier. Lipids are responsible for how the skin ages. Our capacity to produce lipids declines with age. When you apply the right products, you can help restore lipid levels and maintain healthy skin.

M

Melanin

The pigment that gives skin its color is created by cells called melanocytes.

Micellar Water

A gentle cleanser for skin made of purified water infused with micelles ( cleansing oil molecules), perfect for removing dirt, oil, and makeup. 

N

Non- comedogenic

Ingredients in skincare products are designed to avoid blocking pores. They are usually better, but it is always wise to test every new product, whether it is comedogenic or non-comedogenic, as it can cause a skin reaction depending on the skin type.

Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3 used in the skincare industry to brighten, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin appearance.

O

Overtone

The overtone refers to the visible tone of the skin as opposed to the undertone, which is beneath the surface. The overtone color depends on factors such as melanin, hemoglobin, and carotene and can change, while the undertone never changes.

Oil cleansing 

A method of washing and massaging your face with natural oils. Oils serve as a natural makeup remover. You should use an oil suitable for your skin type. Grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and sunflower oil are generally better for oily skin, while avocado oil is good for dry and combination skin. Olive oil is better for dry and mature skin, although some people with oily skin have no issues when applying olive oil. 

P

Paraben-free

Parabens are a group of related molecules added in small amounts (less than 1%, usually lower) to food, drugs, and cosmetics as preservatives. When a product is labeled paraben-free, it means that it does not contain synthetic preservatives. 

Peptides

Refers to chains of amino acids that help build proteins in the skin and boost the production of collagen and elastin. Peptides penetrate the outer layer of the skin, telling cells to produce more collagen and elastin. Peptides can help slow the natural aging process and reduce skin inflammation.

Q

CoQ10 

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell in our body. It is a powerful antioxidant, vital in maintaining healthy skin.CoQ10 helps get rid of toxins. It is also a powerful ingredient that can slow down the aging process by stimulating the production of collagen. The results of introducing skincare with CoQ10 will be firmer and younger-looking skin. 

R

Retinol

A vitamin A derivative used to boost cell turnover and reduce wrinkles. Retinol is powerful in reversing signs of aging and in controlling oil production. The best way to introduce retinol in your skincare routine is to start with low concentrations. Retinol is used for the nighttime routine only.

Rosacea 

A skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in the face. 

S

Sebum

Sebum is an oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin. Each gland secretes sebum. The primary function of sebum is to protect your skin and hair from moisture loss. You should use creams, soaps, and other topicals to help treat the symptoms associated with too much or too little sebum.

Serum

A concentrated skincare product with active ingredients that targets specific concerns. Serums are usually water-based or gel-textured, perfect after cleansing and before applying moisturizer. You can use serum in the morning and evening for better results.  There are many different types of serum, such as hydrating, brightening, and anti-acne serum. Serum is used in small quantities; a pea-sized drop will do the job.

Shea butter 

Shea butter is fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which is found in East and West tropical Africa. It contains components that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as triterpenes. Shea butter is also an emollient, helping trap moisture in the skin.

T

Toner

A toner is a liquid applied after cleansing the skin. It helps restore pH balance and remove residual impurities. It is usually water-based and contains active ingredients that benefit the skin's production. You should choose a toner based on your skin type and concern, whether hydration, acne control, or maintaining a balanced pH.

Tea tree oil

An essential oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. The oil is derived from the tea tree leaves found in Australia. Tea tree oil can help treat various skin conditions and fungal infections. It efficiently treats mild acne, but you should use tea tree oil cautiously as it could cause allergic reactions. 

U

UVA/ UVB

Types of ultraviolet rays from the Sun. UVA ages the skin, and UVB burns the skin. A broad spectrum of sunscreens available in the market can protect the skin from UVA and UVB.

V

Vitamin C ( Ascorbic Acid)

The powerful antioxidant used in skincare to help brighten the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production. It is advised to use it in the morning and evening for best results. 

Vitamin E

A Fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant. It is found in our sebum, and it declines with age. It can protect cells from damage, hydrating and softening the skin. Vitamin E can help rehydrate the skin and balance excess oil production. 

W

Water-based cleanser

The face wash is designed to remove dirt and sweat from the skin. It is popular because it is suitable for all skin types.

X

Xanthan Gum 

It is a sugar molecule commonly used in the skincare industry as it helps create a smooth and evenly textured product. It is derived from corn, wheat, soy, and dairy.

Y

Yeast extract 

A fermented ingredient rich in amino acids, peptides, and antioxidants. It is often used in skincare, especially for anti-aging and brightening products. 

Ylang Ylang oil 

An essential oil famous for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and balancing properties. 

Z

Zinc 

A Mineral essential for overall health boosts your immune system, treats acne and pigmentary disorders, and helps protect against harmful UV rays.