SABLISSIME's Glossary.

Acetyl hexapeptide-38
Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 is a perfect ingredient for skin which can reshape and remodel problematic sites. It smooths expression lines and wrinkles by increasing the volume of the skin, exposing a lifted, supple, and youthful appearance.

Argania spinosa kernel oil
Argania spinosa kernel oil is the latin name for the oil expressed from the kernels of the argan tree.

Ascorbyl palmitate potassium sorbate
Stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and helps stabilise skin care formulas.

Aqua/Water/Eau
This is the most widely used ingredient in skin care, often appearing first in product ingredient lists. Used as a solvent.

Benzyl alcoholDerived from natural sources, this non-drying alcohol serves as a preservative in cosmetics products, and is considered one of the least-sensitizing preservatives in use.

Butylene glycol
Humectant (hydration booster), texture/penetration enhancer, and formulary solvent. May also help decrease rough surface skin and stabilise the formula.

Butyrospermum parkii butter
Also known as shea butter, this a plant lipid used as an emollient in cosmetics. It also provides antioxidant benefits.

Caprylol GlycolMoisturising ingredient in many skin care products. Because of its antibacterial action, it also is an effective cosmetics preservative.

Carbomer
Often used to create gel-textured formulas or to influence the product’s thickness. Research also shows carbomers can enhance the penetration & effectiveness of key actives.

Cetearyl alcohol
Beneficial skin softening ingredient for skin (completely different from damaging/drying forms of alcohol).

Citric acid
Fruit-derived ingredient used in skin care products to adjust a formula’s pH. In the right concentration/formula, it can also exfoliate skin.

Decylene Glycol
Moisturising ingredient in many skin care products. Because of its antibacterial action, it also is an effective cosmetics preservative.

Diacetate
Used in anti aging creams,it targets wrinkles such as laugh lines and crow’s feet. It smooths the skin reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Ethylhexyl stearateEmollient that delivers skin-softening properties and a smooth after feel.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin-softening agent with hydration boosting properties. Also plays an important preservative role to help keep cosmetic formulas stable.

Fragaria vesca leaf extractThe extract of strawberry leaves is beneficial for all skin types.Its richness in polyphenols allows it toimprove the complexion by toning the skin’s micro-vessels , thus contributing to better cellular oxygenation. The skin appears regenerated and fresher. It is therefore an excellent active ingredient for mature skin. With potent antioxidant compounds, strawberry leaf extract improves hydration and elasticity when applied to skin.

It also helps to brighten and even out the skin tone due to its anti-tyrosinase properties.

GlycerinA moisturising ingredient commonly found in skincare – it’s found in most serums and moisturisers as well as products like cleansers and face masks. Glycerin is a humectant which means it works by drawing moisture into the skin.
It also helps to brighten and even out the skin tone due to its anti-tyrosinase properties.

Glyceryl stearate
A moisturising ingredient commonly found in skincare – it’s found in most serums and moisturisers as well as products like cleansers and face masks. Glycerin is a humectant which means it works by drawing moisture into the skin.
It also helps to brighten and even out the skin tone due to its anti-tyrosinase properties.

Glycolic acid
With the smallest particle size of all the AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), glycolic acid is able to effectively penetrate the upper layers of the skin. Here it works to breakdown bonds between skin cells so they are easily exfoliated away to reveal fresher, newer skin cells beneath. This not only helps to stop pore blockages which can form blemishes, but also leaves the skin’s surface smooth and soft. Gentle exfoliation with glycolic acid a few times a week helps to encourage cell turnover, which eventually leads to healthier, more youthful-looking skin. With exceptional exfoliation benefits, glycolic acid allows any skincare applied afterwards to work on the lower layers of the skin, where it has the most benefit.

Helianthus annuusNon-fragrant plant oil used as skin-calming antioxidant and an emollient in cosmetics.

Kojic Acid

Naturally found in wild mushrooms, kojic acid is able to block tyrosinase, the enzyme that forms melanin pigment in the skin. Tyrosinase works by converting the amino acid tyrosine into melanin. Kojic acid blocks this process by sitting in the active site of tyrosinase, leaving no space for amino acid, tyrosine.

Lecithin

Beneficial properties include emolliency (think skin softening), water-binding (to boost hydration), and emulsifying (to help water + oil ingredients mesh in a formula). Can also be used to encapsulate ingredients for improved dermal delivery.

Mandelic AcidAn alpha hydroxy acid whose larger molecular size and slower rate of penetration make it the gentlest AHA. Naturally occuring in almonds, mandelic acid is both oil and water soluble, meaning it can penetrate oily pores while working on the upper layers of the skin.

NiacinamideHelps visibly minimize pore size, improve dull/uneven tone, and reduce wrinkle depth. Also known to fortify skin’s barrier strength and boost hydration.

Nigella sativa seed oil
Nigella sativa seed oil is an emollient yellow-orange oil containing unsaturated fatty acids extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a small flowering plant. This oil has a long history of usage in traditional herbal medicinal practices in Africa and Asia.

Black seed oil is known for its wound-healing effects. It can help speed up wound healing, reduce tissue damage, keep bacteria from spreading.

PhenoxyethanolSafe preservative known to be well-tolerated by skin; offers wide spectrum protection against unwanted microbials in a formula.

Potassium palmitoyl hydrolyzed wheat
potassium salt from natural origin with a plant base that acts as emulsifier. Benefits: cleanses and conditions skin. Regulates the skin’s physiological conditions and helps maintain natural pH balance.

Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
This non-fragrant plant oil has numerous benefits for skin, including as a source of triglycerides, fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Punica Granatum Bark extract
Commonly known as pomegranate, this antioxidant can help improve the appearance of ageing skin by inhibiting damaging environmental stressors. It can also have a soothing effect on skin.

Rosa moschata seed oil Non-fragrant, emollient plant oil (commonly known as rose hip) that offers antioxidant properties and is a rich source of skin-beneficial fatty acids.

Sodium BenzoateThis preservative is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetics and food products. It’s derived from benzoic acid.

Sodium Dehydroacetate
An organic salt used in low amounts as a preservative to prevent formulary spoilage.

Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid. Like its sister ingredient, it’s considered an excellent moisturizer, helping skin retain water so it looks and feels smoother. It is more bioavailable than hyaluronic acid, meaning it is more readily absorbed by skin.

Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is a pH balancer used in a wide range of beauty and skin care items, like cleansers, soaps, makeup, and creams or lotions.

Tetrasodium glutamateA safe synthetic chelating agent with natural origins. Used in amounts up to 1% to boost the effectiveness of preservatives, allowing for the use of lower amounts than is typical without compromising effectiveness.

Tocopherol
One of four forms of vitamin E. It can be naturally or synthetically derived. Regardless of its origin, tocopherol has potent oil-soluble antioxidant properties and can help defend skin from pollution and environmental stressors.

Tocopheryl acetate
A form of vitamin E frequently used in cosmetics for its antioxidant benefit.

Xanthan gumThis naturally derived ingredient is produced from the fermentation of simple sugars, and acts as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetics.