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Ingredients Glossary
Come and learn about the most common beauty ingredients used in cosmetics and what they are used for in your beauty routine.
HYALURONIC ACID (HA)
What is it?
The most talked about and searched ingredient in the last years which can be found in multiple cosmetic products. It is produced by the cells of our body and its main function is to retain water to keep our tissues with optimum hydration levels. Over time, with age and environmental pollution, the production of hyaluronic acid decreases, which results in loss of skin moiture.
What does it do?
An ally of all types of skin in any season due to its absorbtion capacity, hydration and antioxidant properties. Depending on the texture and the product, it can be easily combined with other key ingredientes in order to obtain better results.
Skin types: All skin types.
CERAMIDES
What is it?
Ceramides are lipids (oils) occurring naturally in the skin. They make up 50% of the skin barrier, and therefore they play an important role in protecting it against pollution and keeping it soft and healthy. This ingredient also decreases gradually in quantity and quality in our body as a result of age, sun exposure and other external factors to which skin is daily exposed.
What does it do?
In general, the use of this ingredient helps to improve the aspect and texture of skin, keeping it more moisturized, firm and elastic.
Skin types: All skin types, namely dry skin.
COLLAGEN
What is it?
The most abundant protein in our body, responsible for strong healthy hair, nails, skin, ligaments and bones.
What does it do?
When ingested as a supplement or topically used in cosmetics, collagen helps to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles and skin elasticity.
Skin types: All skin types.
RETINOL (VITAMIN A)
What is it?
A group of vitamin A that includes retinol, retinal, retinoic acid. Totally lab-made, it is perhaps the active ingredient subject to more scientific studies, which accounts for the support of its action on the skin. We can see it very often used in anti-ageing cosmetics, in the treatment of acne, hyperpigmentation and skin spots.
What does it do?
It smooths wrinkles, makes skin firmer, increases collagen production, evens out skin tone. In general, it helps to improve various skin conditions, namely those related with ageing. As it is one of the strongest ingredients with a high degree of effectiveness, it should be introduced gradually in the skin care routine.
Skin types: Skin types showing first ageing signs.
It is not recommended during pregnancy, for sensitive skins (eczema, rosacea), sun exposure and in combination with other cosmetic acids and actives (glycolic acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid).
VITAMIN C
What is it?
A powerful antioxidant found naturally in fruits and vegetables. It can be applied topically through cosmetic products that have this active as the main ingredient. It ensures high antioxidant protection against harmful environmental factors.
What does it do?
It fights dull skin, improving its tone and natural radiance. The continuous use of Vitamin C as a cosmetic aims at reducing the first signs of ageing, dark spots and protecting skin from free radical damage. When applied during the day, it must always be followed by an SPF cream.
Skin types: All skin types, except sensitive skin (eczema, rosacea).
