High's Ultimate Skincare Ingredient Glossary

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Aloe Vera

A naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing properties. It can come in powder, liquid and gel form and can be found in creams, moisturizers, gels and masks. The leaves of the aloe vera plant are made up of 99.5% water. Aloe is rich in vitamins, amino acids and phytosterols. It is very hydrating, calming and soothing.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Alpha-hydroxy acids are a group of acid compounds, most often derived from plant-based sources. There are a variety of different ones out there, some of the most common of which include: glycolic (derived from sugarcane), lactic (derived from sour milk), citric (derived from lemons), and malic (derived from apples).
Found In: high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins and have a role in virtually all the biological processes that occur in our bodies. There are 20 amino acids.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK, high expectations FACIAL OIL.

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Ascorbyl glucoside is a water-soluble form of vitamin C that's combined with glucose, a sugar. 

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an organic acid in the peroxide family

Beta Glucan

Beta glucan is a humectant moisturizer that attracts water to the top layers of skin

Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin

Butylene Glycol

Butylene glycol is an organic alcohol derived from petroleum and is water-soluble.

C-F

Caprylyl Glycol

Caprylyl glycol is an alcohol derived from caprylic acid, which is found naturally found in palm and coconut oils. 
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER.

Ceramides

Ceramides help hold skin together by forming a protective layer that limits moisture loss and protects against visible damage from pollution and other environmental stressors.

Collagen

Collagen is the most important structural protein in skin. Not only is it made in our bodies, it can also be derived from plants and animals.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 , also known as ubiquinone is a naturally produced bodily enzyme and one of the most fundamental antioxidants. 
Found In: high & bye REFINING OIL, high & bye CLEARING GEL.

Dimethicone

Dimethicone is a synthetic polymer of silicon (a natural element of the Earth) and an emollient that works to improve the softness of skin by sealing the spaces between the superficial dead cells of the stratum corneum (the top layer of the epidermis).

Emollients

Butters, oils, esters, lipids and fatty acids are all emollients that replenish the skin barrier , soothes and softens skin.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK, high expectations FACIAL OIL.

Copper Peptides

Copper peptides serve as an antioxidant, promote collagen and elastin production and also remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid, aka hydroxycinnamic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free-radical damage from pollution, ultraviolet light, or infrared radiation. It can be found in oats, brown rice, peanuts and oranges.

G-I

Glycerin

Glycerin is a naturally occuring compound in our bodies, or it can be derived from plants. Glycerin works as a humectant, it attracts moisture from the air into the stratum corneum (top layer of skin), and due to its low molecular weight, will continue to draw moisture to the deeper layers of the dermis. 

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a light-weight oil that is extracted from the seeds of grapes. It is known for its anti-microbial and antiinflammatory properties. It also contains a high amount of omega fatty acids and vitamin E.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Green Tea

Green tea is a botanical derived from the leaves and buds of the tea plant Camellia sinensis.  The active components of green tea are polyphenols are high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Found In: high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Hempseed Oil

Hempseed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of the hemp plant which is a cannabis plant cultivated for non-drug use. It is high in essential fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is non-psychoactive and contains no THC or CBD.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK, high expectations FACIAL OIL.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occuring compound found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubricating agent. It also acts as a moisture binder and can draw moisture from air, holding almost 1000 times its own weight in water.
Found In: high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, that reduces inflammation. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Isopropyl Myristate

A synthetic oil, isopropyl myristate is made up of isopropyl alcohol—a propane derivative—and myristic acid, a naturally-occurring fatty acid. It is usually used as a product thickener.

J-L

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a natural oil produced from the seed of the chinensis plant, a drought-resistant shrub native to southern Arizona, California, and Mexico. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Found In: high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a byproduct of mushrooms, used to inhibit pigment production.

Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from sour milk. It is commonly used as a light exfoliating peel.
Found In: high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high priority CLEANSING FOAM.

Lanolin

Lanolin is a non-clogging oil produced from a sheep's wool. Lanolin traps moisture and reduces the skin's overall moisture loss.

Licorice Extract

Derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant ( licorice plant), it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and helps fade dark spots.

Lysine

An essential amino acid that helps build collagen and elastin.

M-O

Magnesium

Magnesium is an absorbent mineral that is crucial to the body's overall health. It is known for its cell repair and building propoerties, as well as reducing sun damage and soothing /calming the skin. 
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Malic Acid

An alpha hydroxy acid, derived from apples and pears. It is an axfoliator as well as a humectant.
Found In: high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Marshmallow Root Extract

Marshmallow root extract is derived from the Althae plant, native to North Africa, Europe and Western Asia. It provides anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties to the skin.

Methylparaben

Methylparaben is a perservative that occurs in a handful of fruits, such as blueberries, or can be created synthetically. It prevents fungus growth, is antibacterial and preserves ingredients found in products.

Mineral Oil

Mineral Oil is a colorless, odorless petrolatum derivative used to trap moisture. It is normally not used in 'clean' skin care formulations.

Moringa Oil

Moringa seed oil is an oil that comes from the moringa plant found in the Himalayan mountains. The oil is rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, which soothe and protect the skin.

Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide helps restore cellular energy, helps reduce dark spots, is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce the effects of the sun's UV rays.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK, high expectations FACIAL OIL.

Octinoxate

Octinoxate is an organic compound used in chemical sunscreens due to its protective ability against certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light.

Oxido Reductases

An antioxidant enzyme that inhibits free radicals found on skin's surface.
Found In: high eye-Q EYE GEL.

P-S

Palmitoyl Tripeptide 5

A peptide known to boost collagen production. Helps with firmimg and smoothing wrinkles.
Found In: high eye-Q EYE GEL.

Panthenol

Panthenol is the provitamin—a precursor, or substance that the body can convert into a specific vitamin—for B5. B5 binds to and holds water effectively, moisturizing the skin and helping it maintain softness and elasticity.

Propanediol

Derived from corn sugar, propanediol mixes with water and can be used as a solvent, humectant or emollient.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is a colorless, oderless liquid, derived from petroleum products. It can be used as a humectant, solvent, emollient or preservative.

Pycnogenol

An extract derived from French maratime pine trees, (Pinus pinaster). This extract is an antioxidant that binds and protects collagen and elastin.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant that can be found in the skin of grapes, peanuts, all berries, and even dark chocolate.  It is known for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory properties.

Retin-A

Retin-A is the brand name for tretinoin or all-trans retinoic acid, a form of acidic Vitamin A. It is a exfoliant that promotes cellular turnover.

Retinol

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. It promotes faster cellular turnover, increases collagen production and helps lighten brown spots.

Retinyl Palmitate

A less irritating derivative of Vitamin A. Similar to Retinol, it promotes faster cellular turnover, promotes collagen production and helps fade brown spots.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

A less potent form of Vitamin C. More light and oxygen stable than L-Ascorbic Acid, this antioxidant fights free radicals, boosts collagen production and helps even out skin tone.

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate

A mild vegetable-based surfactant (foaming agent) derived from coconut or palm oil.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM.

Sodium Hyaluronate

A water-soluble salt that is derived from hyaluronic acid and produced naturally in the body. Like hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate binds up to 1000 times its weight in water, but this form can penetrate deeper into the skin.
Found In: high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

A surfactant derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil or petroleum oil. Acts as a foaming agent and/or product emulsifier.

Sulfates

A synthetic ingredient used as a sudsing agent. Not used in 'clean' skincare formulations. (Not used in any High skincare products)

T-Z

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

A stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C ester with antioxidant properties.
Found In: high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER.

Transexamic Acid

A synthetic derivative of amino acid Lysine. Used to brighten skin.

Triethanolamine

A thick, colorless liquid derived from petroleum and ammonia, used to adjust pH and emulsify fluids.

Troxerutin

A plant-derived, anti-inflammatory. Derived from the Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica).
Found In: high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER and high expectations FACIAL OIL.

Tumeric

A powder made from the root of the Curcuma zedoaria plant - a form of ginger. It is a potent antioxidant.

Urea

A naturally occurring by-product of bodily waste, like sweat and urine. Synthetic urea is manufactured for skincare use. It is known for moisturizing and anti-fungal properties, and sloughing off dead skin

Vitamin C

A powerful antioxidant and essential nutrient required for the growth and repair of tissue. Naturally found in fruits and vegetables.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Vitamin D

A crucial, fat-soluble vitamin. An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory vitamin that normalizes cellular turnover, protects skin and decreases environmental oxidants that cause premature aging.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK, high expectations FACIAL OIL.

Vitamin E

Also known as Alpha-tocypherol, which can be found in avocado, pumpkin and wheat germ oil. This antioxidant protects skin's lipid barrier, heals and soothes skin.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK, high expectations FACIAL OIL.

Vitamin F

Not actually a vitamin, but a combination of two essential fatty acids - linoleic acid and alpha linoleic acid. This powerful antioxidant also helps skin retain moisture, combats acne and protects skin from UV rays.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK, high expectations FACIAL OIL.

Vitis Vinfera Seed Oil

Also known as grapeseed oil. A favinoid known for antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Found In: high priority CLEANSING FOAM, high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high eye-Q EYE GEL, high maintenance PEELING MASK.

Zinc

An essential mineral that helps with inflammation, boosts immunity and protects skin by physically deflecting UV rays.
Found In: high five FACIAL MOISTURIZER, high maintenance PEELING MASK.