The Beauty A-Z Glossary: Buzzwords You Need To Know About

A collection of beauty products, tools and ingredients

Searching for the ultimate beauty glossary? Look no further. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro needing a refresher on what’s hot in the beauty world, we’ve got you covered with our skincare and beauty buzzword A-Z. From probiotic skincare to the latest lip tint technology and everything in between: here are the terms you need to brush up on your beauty knowledge and help you navigate the skincare aisles.

A

Antioxidants – Ingredients that protect the skin from environmental damage, free radicals and oxidative damage. Antioxidant ingredients can be used during your morning or evening skincare regime.

AHA Exfoliants – Also known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, these are fruit-based acids found in skincare. AHA’s exfoliate the top layer of skin to promote a smoother, more even complexion and skin cell regeneration.

Acne – A skin condition that is usually identified by pimples, inflammation and blemishes on the skin.

B

Benzoyl Peroxide – A common ingredient in some acne-tackling products.

BHA Exfoliants – Also known as Beta Hydroxy Acids, these are chemical-based exfoliants that effectively remove dead cells from the skin’s surface.

C

Ceramides – Fatty acids that are naturally produced by the glands in our skin. Also referred to as the ‘glue’ that keeps our skin cells together and healthy. Ceramides provide moisture and help to protect the skin’s protective barrier.

Collagen – A natural protein that is produced by our bodies to strengthen hair, skin, muscles and bones. It is one substance that keeps the 'bounce' in our skin and can help with premature ageing.

Cryotherapy – The use of extreme cold temperatures to promote skin health and treat various skin conditions. The therapy involves exposing the skin to sub-zero temperatures for a short period, typically using liquid nitrogen or other cooling agents. The benefits include anti-ageing, reduced inflammation, improved skin tone and texture and increased collagen production.

D

Double Cleanse – The art of cleansing twice! Double cleansing involves using two different cleansers to clean your face. The first cleanse is typically used as a makeup removal, and the second is to give the skin a deep clean.

Dermaplaning -This treatment involves scraping off dead skin cells and peach fuzz with a scalpel. The benefits include a light exfoliation, softer and smoother skin and a brighter looking complexion.

E

Elastin – A protein found within the skin that keeps it bouncy and taut to the facial muscles.

Emollient – A soothing ingredient that softens and provides deep moisture to the skin. Emollients are excellent to use on dry, itchy or rough skin as well as burns and rashes.

Essence – A water-based product with a high concentration of active ingredients that work in tandem to protect and hydrate the skin

Try: Clarins Super Restorative Smoothing Treatment Essence, £58

F

Fruit Enzymes – A naturally occurring, glow-inducing skincare ingredient that deeply exfoliates.

Free Radicals – Molecules within our skin that can actively damage healthy skin cells.

G

Glycolic Acid – A chemical exfoliant that dissolves dead cells on the skin's surface.

Glycerin – A moisturising ingredient that attracts water to the top layer of skin from the skin’s deeper layers as well as the air.

H

Harungana – A plant extract that is commonly used in skincare products for its anti-ageing benefits. Also known as ‘nature’s retinol’.

Try: Clarins Super Restorative Range

Hyaluronic Acid – A naturally occurring substance that provides moisture to the skin to maintain elasticity and reduce fine lines, as well as dryness and dehydration.

Try: Clarins Hydra-Essentiel [HA2] Rich Cream, £38

Hyperpigmentation – A skin condition in which areas of the skin appear darker due to the overproduction of skin melanin (its natural pigment). Hyperpigmentation can be genetic or caused by factors such as overexposure to the sun.

Hypoallergenic – A term used to refer to a skincare product that is much less likely to cause allergic reactions.

I

Injectable – A skin treatment where needles inject various ingredients into the skin – this usually is Botox, fillers and pro-age brands like Profhilo.

J

Jojoba Oil – A humectant ingredient that attracts moisture to the top layer of the skin.

K

Kojic Acid – A bleaching agent often used to lighten or even out skin tone.

Katafray – A skin-quenching, radiance-boosting skincare ingredient derived from the bark of the Madagascan katafray tree.

Keratin - A protective protein that's resistant to acids, alkalines, solvents, and water that forms the outer layer of skin, hair and nails

Try: Clarins Double Serum, from £65

L

Lactic Acid – An AHA used to rid the skin’s surface of dead skin cells.

Lip Tint – A product that adds super long-wearing colour to the lips.

Try: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in 03 Cherry, £25

Lymphatic Drainage – A type of massage that relieves swelling and clears out toxins.

M

Microbiome – The range of microorganisms that live within and on the skin’s surface.

Micellar Water – A water-based cleansing product that cleanses and tones the skin.

Try: Clarins Cleansing Micellar Water, £27

N

Niacinamide – An ingredient that improves skin hydration levels by preventing the evaporation of moisture from the skin.

Non-comedogenic – A term used to refer to a product that does not clog pores.

O

Omega 3 Fatty Acids – nutrients found in foods that can help to regulate skin’s oil production.

Oxidative Stress – An increase in the number of oxidants in the skin that can lead to inflammation and affect the natural functions within the skin.

P

Peptides – Amino acids within the skin that help to build elastin, keratin and collagen.

Probiotics – Live micro-organisms that help balance, maintain, and improve the skin’s overall health.

Prebiotics – Prebiotics in skincare refer to ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin’s surface. These ingredients are designed to nourish the good bacteria that naturally live on the skin and help to maintain the skin’s microbiome balance.

Parabens – A type of preservative used in some beauty products.

Q

(Coenzyme) Q10 – An antioxidant that helps shield the skin from free radicals and helps to repair sun damage.

R

Retinol – A form of vitamin A commonly added to skincare products for anti-ageing benefits.

S

Salicylic Acid – A common skincare ingredient that penetrates pores to banish excess oil and debris.

SPF - Sun Protection Factor, this product protects your skin from the suns harmful waves

Try: Clarins UV PLUS [5P] Anti-Pollution SPF 50, from £34

Squalane – A deeply moisturising ingredient used in some skincare products.

Try: Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream, £82

T

Tightlining – A technique in which eyeliner is applied to the waterlines of the eyes, tightly defining the natural eye shape.

Try: Clarins Waterproof Eye Pencil, £23

T-Zone – The central part of the face, such as the chin, nose and forehead.

U

UVA/UVB – waves emitted by the sun that can damage, burn and age the skin if not protected.

Undertone – The natural colour beneath the skin’s surface, often found as warm, cold or neutral.

V

Vitamins – The term refers to the entire range of vitamins used in beauty products, such as vitamins A, B, C, D and E.

W

Winged Liner – An eyeliner technique to elongate the eye by strategically applying ‘flicks’ to the outer corners, this can also be called cat-eye liner.

Witch Hazel – An ingredient known to help soothe skin inflammation, pimples and rashes.

Y

Facial Yoga – A type of facial massage technique in which various exercises stimulate blood flow, tighten muscles and promote lymphatic drainage in the face.