Skincare Glossary

Skincare Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | H | k | N | O | P | R | s | T | V

A

Natural
Fruit Acids (AHAs)

Brighten. Refine. Renew. An alarm clock for the skin. By improving the functionality of skin, natural fruit acids increase cellular turnover, help lift age spots, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Age Spots

These dark patches or areas on the skin can be the result of overexposure to the sun, underuse of SPF, or may be hereditary.

Allergy Tested

Products that have been tested on a repeat Insult Patch test. This is supervised by a dermatologist.

Antioxidants

These superhero ingredients help protect skin from free radical and oxidative damage caused by sun, stress and pollution.

B
C
D
E
F
H
K
N - O
P
R
S
T - V

A

Natural
Fruit Acids (AHAs)

Brighten. Refine. Renew. An alarm clock for the skin. By improving the functionality of skin, natural fruit acids increase cellular turnover, help lift age spots, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Age Spots

These dark patches or areas on the skin can be the result of overexposure to the sun, underuse of SPF, or may be hereditary.

Allergy Tested

Products that have been tested on a repeat Insult Patch test. This is supervised by a dermatologist.

Antioxidants

These superhero ingredients help protect skin from free radical and oxidative damage caused by sun, stress and pollution.

B

Blackheads

The result of dead skin cells and sebum (oil) sticking together and becoming trapped inside pores. When exposed to oxygen, the dead skin and sebum take on a darkened appearance.

Brightness

This term is used to describe skin that is glowing, fresh and radiant.

C

Cell Turnover

The natural cycle of skin cells dying and shedding from the skin’s surface while being replenished by new cells.
Lasting approximately one month, the cycle gradually takes longer as we age.

Ceramides

Naturally occurring compounds related to lipids (fats) in skin’s outer layer that are a major component of skin’s protective moisture barrier. When used in skincare products, ceramides help repair the moisture barrier and keep skin looking healthy, plump and hydrated.

Clinically Tested

Tested by independent researchers in a controlled lab setting for the efficacy to support and substantiate product claims.

Collagen

Naturally found in the skin, hair and nails, this protein decreases as we age. Collagen, together with elastin, is responsible for skin’s elasticity, resilience and overall strength.

Combination Skin

A skin type that has some oily areas, most commonly the T-zone, combined with some dry areas, most commonly the cheeks.

Cruelty-free

Not tested on animals.

D

Dermatologist Tested

Dermatologists have supervised some or in some cases, all the testing.

Dry Skin

A dry skin type has barely visible pores due to its lack of oil flow.

E

Elasticity

The quickness with which skin returns to its natural state.

Even Skin Tone

An even skin tone refers to one global color depth and pigment all over the skin. Even skin tones have very little transition from one skin depth of color to the next, free from blotches or discoloration.

Exfoliation

The process of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Exfoliation can be performed by chemical exfoliants (alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid), physical exfoliants (scrubs), or devices (cleansing brushes). 

F

Fine lines & wrinkles

These develop over time due to the muscles beneath the skin stretching and moving with normal facial expressions. Fine lines and wrinkles also develop due to aging, and can become more prominent in dry or dehydrated skin.

H

Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT)

A stringent test done on human participants' skin to assess the potential of skin sensitization and allergy potential of a particular product by repeated topical applications.

Hyaluronic Acid

A moisturizer that occurs naturally in the skin. One molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold 1000 times its molecular weight in water, offering superb hydrating capability. When used as a skincare ingredient, it helps retain and bolster skin’s natural moisture.

Hyperpigmenta-tion

Dark patches, discoloration or brown spots that develop when excess melanin forms deposits in the skin. Excess melanin production can be triggered by unprotected sun exposure.

Hydration

A common reference to the level of skin’s hydration. Hydrated skin has an adequate balance of water retention throughout the surface.

K

Kakadu Plum Complex

Exclusive to MONAT, this custom-created complex contains 15% vitamin C by effectively combining three superhero antioxidants: Kakadu plum, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

N-O

Normal Skin

A skin type that has an even distribution of average-size pores and “normal” oil production throughout the face.

Ophthalmologist Tested

Products for the eyes or eye area that have independently tested and approved by an ophthalmologist.

P

Peptides

The building blocks of proteins that are responsible for bringing nutrients to cells and providing structure to skin’s proteins.

Plant-based Stem Cells

Regenerating phyto-elements that help strengthen skin, helping create a tighter and more “lifted” appearance. Infused with antioxidants, plant-based stem cells also help protect against inflammation and sun damage.

R

REJUVENIQE S™

This clinically proven proprietary ingredient combines the nourishing and revitalizing powers of 17 botanical oils and extracts with a patented, activated oil from olive and jojoba seed extract to help increase hyaluronic acid expression and maintain optimum hydration.

S

Sensitive Skin

Skin that has a compromised barrier function, causing the skin to be highly reactive and responsive.

Skin Type

The categorization of skin based on hereditary oiliness or dryness levels. Skin type is categorized into four different types: Oily, Normal, Dry, and Combination. Combination skin is the most common skin type.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

A stable water-soluble form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic Acid) that performs as an antioxidant to effectively brighten and help even out skin tone. Protects skin against oxidative damage of free radicals, improves skin appearance and promotes the production of collagen.

T-V

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

An oil-soluble ester (derivative) of vitamin C. This antioxidant protects skin lipids from free-radical damage and stimulates collagen. Studies show it promotes more even skin tone by inhibiting pigment production and providing brightness to the skin.

T-Zone

The zone on the face across the forehead and down the nose to the chin, forming the letter “T”. It is often oily and may have larger pores.

Vegan

Using or containing no animal products or ingredients.

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