Skincare Ingredient Glossary

The avocado fruit yields an oil that is high in oleic acid. In a cream it gives a rich, cushioned feel that helps dry skin feel soft and comfortable. It suits night care best.

Find it in our Avocado Korean Night Cream, Avocado Night Cream and Avocado Glow Skin Cream.

The gel from the aloe leaf is mostly water and is used in cosmetics for its light, fresh, hydrating feel. It balances heavier ingredients so a rich cream does not feel greasy.

Find it in most Mirc Glow creams.

One of the most widely used skincare ingredients in the world. It is included in products made for a smoother surface, a more even-looking tone and a less shiny look. It is well tolerated by most skin types and layers easily with other ingredients.

Find it in most Mirc Glow creams.

Kojic acid is produced by certain fungi during fermentation, the same process used to make sake and soy sauce. Cosmetics use it for a brighter, more even-looking tone. Wear sunscreen in the daytime when your routine includes it. It is in most Mirc Glow creams.

Read our kojic acid guide.

Glutathione is a small molecule made of three amino acids, and it occurs naturally in the body as an antioxidant. In creams it is used in formulas designed for a radiant, luminous-looking complexion.

Find it in our Glutathione Cream and read the glutathione guide.

A classic antioxidant used for a brighter, fresher-looking complexion. Pure ascorbic acid is powerful but unstable, so many products use gentler, more stable derivatives.

Find it in our Glutathione Cream.

PDRN is made of small fragments of DNA, traditionally taken from salmon. It became famous through Korean clinic treatments and now appears in serums and creams sold for a smooth, plump, healthy look. Research on applying it to the skin surface is still limited, so treat big promises with care.

Exosomes are microscopic bubbles that cells release to send signals to each other. Cosmetic exosomes usually come from plants or lab-grown cells. They are marketed for a renewed, refreshed look. The science is young and product quality varies widely.

A lab-made relative of the amino acid lysine. Skincare products use it for the look of dark spots and uneven tone. It is often paired with niacinamide or kojic acid in tone-focused routines.

Peptides are small pieces of protein. Different peptides are used for different goals, most often in products made for a firmer, smoother look. They are gentle and combine well with almost everything.

A herb long used in Asian skincare. Its key compounds, such as madecassoside, are valued in products made to calm and comfort skin that feels stressed. It grows widely in India, where it is known as brahmi or mandukaparni.

A humectant, which means it helps skin hold on to water. It is used in barrier-care creams for a soft, soothed feel and is a staple of Korean pharmacy-style skincare.

A signalling protein. On labels it usually appears as sh-oligopeptide-1. It is used in premium products sold for a smoother, renewed look.

A stable, skin-friendly oil, usually made from olives or sugarcane. It softens skin without feeling heavy and is now common in both skincare and make-up.

A humectant that attracts and holds water. It gives skin a plump, hydrated look. Apply it to damp skin and seal it with a cream.