Skincare Encyclopedia | Rituals, Ingredients & Insights

A

• Aloe Vera – Nature’s skin whisperer. Hydrates, soothes, and heals—without needing lab-made moisturizers.

• Alcohol (Denatured) – Found in toners but destroys your skin barrier over time. Alternative? Rose water or witch hazel.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – Exfoliate naturally from fruit acids—unlike synthetic peels that can strip your skin.

• Acrylates Copolymer – Used in waterproof makeup and sunscreens, but it is a microplastic sitting on your skin.

• Argan Oil – The original anti-aging elixir, packed with fatty acids for deep hydration. No silicones needed.

• Aminomethyl Propanol – A pH adjuster found in cosmetics, but synthetic and can irritate skin.

• Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) – The ultimate glow booster. When sourced from Kakadu Plum, it is even stronger than lab-made Vitamin C.

• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) – A harsh detergent found in drugstore shampoos and body washes. It strips your skin’s natural oils.

• Avocado Oil – A luxurious, fatty acid-rich oil that deeply nourishes without clogging pores.

B

• Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA - Salicylic Acid) – Found naturally in willow bark, helping clear breakouts without harsh chemicals.

• Benzoyl Peroxide – An acne-fighter, but extremely drying and irritating. Better alternative? Tea tree oil.

• Biotin – Supports healthy hair and nails—naturally found in nuts, seeds, and avocados.

• Butylene Glycol – A moisture booster but petroleum-derived. Plant-based glycerin works better.

• Beeswax – Nature’s protective barrier against dryness—without the need for synthetic waxes.

• Bismuth Oxychloride – Used in mineral makeup but can cause clogged pores and irritation.

• Bakuchiol – A plant-based alternative to retinol that delivers anti-aging benefits without harsh side effects.

C

• Caffeine – Found in coffee and green tea, naturally wakes up your skin and reduces puffiness.

• Carbomers – Used to make products feel “silky,” but they are synthetic thickeners with no skincare benefits.

• Ceramides – Essential for skin barrier repair—found naturally in oats and plant oils.

• Cyclopentasiloxane – A silicone found in haircare and lotions that coats your skin but does not nourish it.

• Charcoal – Absorbs toxins and excess oil without damaging the skin barrier.

• Citronellol – Found in synthetic fragrances but can trigger allergies and irritation.

• Citric Acid – A gentle, fruit-based exfoliant that keeps your pH balanced.

D

• Dimethicone – That “silky” finish in lotions comes from a silicone that sits on your skin. Jojoba oil and shea butter give the same effect without blocking pores.

• Disodium EDTA – A preservative in lotions and shampoos, but unnecessary in natural formulations.

• DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) – The self-tanning chemical that dries out your skin. Better alternative? Antioxidant-rich oils like carrot seed and raspberry.

• Diazolidinyl Urea – A preservative that releases formaldehyde over time.

• D-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – Deeply hydrates and repairs skin, naturally found in rice and honey.

E

• Eucalyptus Oil – Naturally antibacterial and cooling, perfect for skin and scalp.

• Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate – A common sunscreen ingredient but linked to hormone disruption. Zinc oxide is a better alternative.

• Essential Oils – Natural fragrances that actually benefit your skin—unlike synthetic perfumes.

• Ethoxylated Surfactants – Found in shampoos and cleansers, but often contaminated with carcinogens.

• Emulsifying Wax – The natural way to blend oil and water—no need for petroleum-based thickeners.

F

• Ferulic Acid – A powerful antioxidant that makes Vitamin C more effective—naturally found in rice bran and apples.

• Fragrance (Parfum) – A mystery blend of chemicals that can trigger allergies, irritation, and even hormone disruption.

• Flaxseed Oil – Rich in Omega-3s, keeping skin soft, nourished, and hydrated.

G

• Glycerin – A hydration powerhouse—but only when it is plant-based. Many brands use synthetic glycerin from petroleum.

• Glycol Distearate – Used in lotions and shampoos to give a “pearly” effect—but completely unnecessary for your skin.

• Green Tea Extract – Soothes, protects, and reduces inflammation—nature’s ultimate chill pill for your skin.

H

• Hyaluronic Acid – The ultimate hydrator, but better when derived from root vegetables instead of synthetic versions.

• Hydroquinone – A harsh skin-bleaching agent banned in some countries. Use licorice root or niacinamide instead.

• Honey Extract – Deeply moisturizing and antibacterial. A natural solution for dryness and acne.

I - K

• Iron Oxides – Natural pigments used in tinted skincare.

• Isopropyl Alcohol – Used in some skincare, but extremely drying and harsh.

• Jojoba Oil – The closest oil to your skin’s natural sebum, making it the perfect moisturizer.

• Kaolin Clay – A gentle detoxifier that absorbs oil without overdrying.

• Kojic Acid – A natural brightener derived from mushrooms.

L

• Lactic Acid – A mild exfoliator that also hydrates, found in milk and fermented foods.

• Lanolin – A natural emollient from sheep’s wool.

• Limonene – Found in citrus but can cause irritation in synthetic forms.

• Licorice Root Extract – A natural brightener that evens out skin tone.

M - O

• Mandelic Acid – A gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin.

• Menthol – A cooling ingredient that feels fresh but can irritate sensitive skin.

• Mineral Oil – A petroleum-based moisturizer that clogs pores.

• Macadamia Oil – A rich, buttery oil that deeply nourishes.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Brightens, soothes, and evens out skin tone.

P - Z

• Parabens – Synthetic preservatives linked to hormone disruption. Natural alternatives exist.

• Peptides – The anti-aging proteins that keep skin firm.

• Retinol (Vitamin A) – Fights wrinkles and acne but can be irritating.

• Salicylic Acid – The acne-fighting, pore-clearing powerhouse.

• Shea Butter – A creamy, nourishing skin savior.

• Squalane – The lightweight oil that feels like liquid velvet.

• Titanium Dioxide – A natural mineral sunscreen.

• Tea Tree Oil – A natural antimicrobial that fights acne.

• Zinc Oxide – A mineral SPF protector and skin soother.