Learn More: Skin Care Science
Skin Care Products -- Popular Ingredients -- A - B
- Allantoin is a derivative of urea with soothing, anti-irritant properties.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are exfoliants that remove dead, surface skin cells while reducing the appearance of sun exposure, fine lines, age spots, and acne. Examples of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, mixed fruit acid, malic acid, sugarcane extract, and hydroxycaprylic acid.
- Amino acids are building blocks of proteins with good water-binding, or humectant, qualities that help moisturize the skin.
- Antioxidants may help protect skin against free radical damage. Examples include vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), grape seed extract, lycopene, resveratrol, glutathione, flavonoids, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc.
- Beeswax is a natural, waxy, highly occlusive compound that helps the skin retain moisture.
- Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many acne treatments. It may dry or irritate the skin, causing itching and redness.
- Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), including salicylic acid, tropic acid, and trethocanic acid, act as exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, treat acne, and improve the appearance of skin damaged by photoaging.
- Biological products include compounds derived from human or animal tissue including placenta, collagen, and other compounds.
- Botanicals include products derived from plants such as algae, aloe vera, evening primrose oil, grape seed extract, green tea, ginger, soy, silk proteins, avocado oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, witch hazel, soya oil, beeswax (cera alba), and linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids. They are said to have skin-enhancing properties when applied topically.
