SKINCARE GLOSSARY
AGING SKIN
Aging is inevitable. However, we can prevent and optimise our skin to slow signs of aging, 24/7 Repair Serum is made for this purpose. Signs of aging skin include sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, and dark spots or uneven tone. You start producing less collagen around your mid-to-late 20s, which means your skin starts to lose its ability to bounce back. Your skin also naturally produces less and less oil as you mature, which makes lines more visible. Unprotected exposure to the sun, environmental damage, and lifestyle factors can all worsen the signs of aging. Eyes often show signs of aging first because of the delicate thin skin there.
ALOE VERA
Derived from the aloe plant, aloe juice is a super anti-inflammatory ingredient containing antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins that soothe and hydrate the skin. It often creates a cooling and refreshing effect, making it a hero for sunburns, acne-prone skin, and dry skin. Find it in our 24/7 Repair Serum
ALPHA ARBUTIN
Arbutin, found in our 24/7 Repair Serum is a molecule extracted from the Bearberry plant that prevents the formation of melanin. Brown spots come from pigments produced in cells called melanocytes, which contain tyrosinase enzymes. They can activate anytime they come in contact with UV light, which is why you’ll notice freckles and sun spots starting to develop if you spend too much time in the sun.
That’s when arbutin comes in, it blocks tyrosinase and keeps dark spots at bay, lightens them, as well as the appearance of acne scars, and helps even skin tone. This works well with Vitamin C, also found in our 24/7 Repair Serum.
ALPHA BISABOLOL
A known skin soothing agent. Due to the calming effects bisabolol can have on the skin, it can reduce redness and irritation, helping individuals who suffer from rosacea, rashes, and more. It can also help reduce discomfort after a sunburn. For this reason, bisabolol is sometimes used in sunscreens.
Commonly found in many personal care products, including moisturizers, cleansers, and 24/7 Repair Serum. It often plays a bio-active skin-calming role thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and shows up in many products designed for sensitive skin. Beyond its soothing properties, research indicates bisabolol may offer some discoloration-fading capabilities.
ANTIOXIDANTS
You can find sources of antioxidants pretty much anywhere in nature—berries, grapes, nuts, plants, and more. When used in skincare, antioxidants protect your skin by preventing or slowing cellular damage. They also combat free radicals, which damage your skin and lead to hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity, as well as premature aging.
COLLOIDAL SILVER
Topical colloidal silver is a gentle ingredient that helps to reduce bacteria and blemish-prone skin without harming the natural flora of the skin. Anti-inflammatory, colloidal silver may help reduce redness and swelling of acne and blemishes.
DARK SPOTS
Dark spots, brown spots, and sun spots, are classified as hyperpigmentation, often caused by sun damage, scarring from inflammation (like acne), or natural aging. Dark Spots are essentially an overproduction of melanin, which is what gives your skin and hair their color.
To help with that, look for brightening and exfoliating products.
DEHYDRATED SKIN
This is a skin concern, as opposed to a skin type. It means that your skin is lacking and having trouble retaining water. It is important to note that even people with oily skin can experience dehydration since hydration levels are not tied to oil production.
DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOCCINATE
Found in our Kind Cleanser, it is a mild, anionic, and non-irritating cleansing agent which has great foaming properties. It has been recommended for use in gentle cleansers and especially for babies and/or sensitive skin.
DERMIS
The inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis (the outermost layer) and above the hypodermis (the third layer of skin that is made of fat and connective tissue right above your muscles; skincare doesn’t reach this layer). It’s the middle-man that contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
DOUBLE CLEANSE
A two-step cleansing process developed and made famous by Korean beauty to ensure your skin is totally clean and prepped to absorb your products. The first step uses oil-based cleansers, like oils or balms, to remove makeup and wash away impurities. The second step usually involves a gel, cream, foaming, or treatment cleanser to remove any leftover dirt and bacteria you missed the first time.
Our Kind Cleanser is so gentle that you can use the same cleanser twice, for a more efficient clean on a grimy day.
DULLNESS
Dullness refers to skin that doesn’t look as bright and radiant as it can be. Dullness can be impacted by lifestyle, environmental pollutants, and diet, and can be improved with antioxidants, exfoliation, and brightening ingredients. Our 24/7 Repair Serum targets these concerns.
DRYNESS
Dryness is a skin concern, resulting in tight, itchy, even flaky skin, that can affect all skin types, even oily skin. But most often it’s a concern for people with dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dryness can be exacerbated by dry climate, heavy air conditioning or heating, and harsh, stripping ingredients in skincare products, like SD Alcohol.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin, not to be confused with dehydrated skin, is a skin type that lacks oil or isn’t producing enough oil on its own. Dry skin will always need help in replenishing moisture in the skin; use rich, emollient products like creams and oils to give it the moisture it craves.
FERMENTED RICE EXTRACT
Fermented rice water is a byproduct of the fermentation process of rice. It is a liquid that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fermented rice water is commonly used in Asian skincare and beauty products and is derived from rice grown in Asia. Known for its ability to hold onto moisture and hydrate the skin, Fermented rice water helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent premature aging.
FRAGRANCE
The ingredients that make up “fragrance” on an ingredient list can be anything since brands don’t have to disclose this information. There could be hundreds or even thousands of ingredients making up that ingredient of “fragrance.” The mystery blend of alcohol, natural or synthetic oils, and other chemicals can often cause skin irritations. According to The Environment Working Group, fragrance is the number one cause of allergic reactions in skincare products. Paloma products do not contain fragrance.
GLYCERIN
Glycerin is a humectant, which means it pulls moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate the skin. It’s commonly found in moisturizers and hydrating products. It’s an effective and inexpensive skincare ingredient, which explains why it’s so pervasive.
HYALURONIC ACID
This is another popular skincare ingredient that’s found naturally in the skin. It’s technically a sugar molecule that increases the skin’s moisture content and actively prevents water loss, which makes it a great ingredient for people who struggle with dry and dehydrated skin. In fact, it can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.
HUMECTANTS
This term doesn’t refer to a specific ingredient so much as it refers to a category or class of moisturizing ingredients. These moisturizing ingredients pull water into the skin from the atmosphere, keeping it plump and hydrated.
HYDROQUINONE
You can find this ingredient in many bleaching creams as a pigment lightening agent. Unlike the other brightening ingredients like vitamin C, it’s a much harsher and aggressive ingredient that can potentially lead to allergic reaction, organ system toxicity, and even cancer. It’s particularly unsafe for darker skin tones, which can adverse reactions to it like burns. Paloma products will never contain unsafe ingredients.
HYPERPIGMENTATION
This is essentially another name for what we call “uneven skin tone.” It refers to an apparent darkening of skin tone triggered by such things as sun exposure (use your SPF, people!), a wound, an illness, hormonal changes, or even certain prescription medications. Hyperpigmentation rears its ugly head in a variety of ways. It might make itself known through a uniform tan, an isolated acne scar, or melasma (which are uneven patches of discoloration).
INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is another way of saying your skin is irritated, and it could be from the external environmental factors or your own body. The symptoms include itchiness, pain, or redness like when you first get a pimple or a rash. Some forms of information are eczema and acne, and they can be affected by the things you eat to your hormone levels. According to how acute or severe your inflammation is, you can treat it with anti-inflammatory treatments containing calming ingredients or with oral medication.
KERATOSIS PILARIS
More commonly recognized as "chicken skin", keratosis pilaris is a skin condition where small, rough bumps appear on the arms, thighs, bum, and more as a result of blocked follicles caused by the buildup of the protein keratin. It's more common for those with dry skin and can usually be solved by keeping skin properly moisturized.
MELANIN
The pigment that gives hair and skin their color. Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are a result of patches of excess melanin; it can be caused by age, sun damage, and more.
MELASMA
Also called chloasma, this is a type of pigmentation that causes dark, brown, or gray patches to appear on the skin. It often results from sun exposure or hormonal changes, particularly in pregnant women, which is why it's also referred to as "the mask of pregnancy".
MICROBIOME
The skin is our largest organ, and it’s filled with trillions of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These invisible guys are known as the skin microbiome. It’s part of a physical layer that protects you from the outside world and works with other parts of your skin to fight infection, aid your immune system, heal wounds, and control inflammation.
MILIA
These tiny, white, painless bumps appear when keratin (a type of protein) gets trapped under the skin. AHAs, retinol, and using non-comedogenic products can help reduce their appearance.
MICRONEEDLE ROLLING
At home microneedling, also referred to as dermarolling, uses a roller tool spiked with teeny tiny needles less than 0.5mm that create microscopic punctures. These little micro-injuries trigger to your body to send collagen to those “injured” cells. It helps your products absorb better (some have linked it to aerating the grass), improves skin texture and tone, and boosts collagen production to help your skin look plump and smooth.
MORINGA SEED EXTRACT
Not only is this skin protectant packed with free radical-fighting antioxidants, moringa seed extract actually prevents pollution particles from adhering to skin. Its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties have made it staple of Ayurvedic medicine, since it originated in India thousands of years ago. Keep an eye out for this in our next product! COMING SOON.
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide, aka vitamin B3, is a hero ingredient. It’s well known for brightening and so much more, like minimizing the appearance of pores, improving uneven skin tone, boosting elasticity, and strengthening your skin’s overall surface. That's why it's so beneficial in our Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum and Out of Sight Dark Spot Gel. It’s also very calming and anti-inflammatory, which is why it’s often used in anti-breakout products (like our Just Breathe Clarifying Serum).
NODULAR ACNE
A more severe type of inflammatory acne caused by a bacteria known as p. acne. These hard pimples live beneath the surface of the skin, can be swollen, and are usually painful. These are best treated by a dermatologist-prescribed medication.
NON-COMEDOGENIC
Non-comedogenic means proven to not block pores. While some ingredients are naturally non-comedogenic (such as the black currant seed oil found in our Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm), a formula's pore-clogging abilities can also be tested in a lab. If it passes the test, it's considered non-comedogenic (as our Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Moisturizer, Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops, and Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream formulas are). It’s important to mention that just because an ingredient or product isn't labeled non-comedogenic doesn’t mean it will definitely clog your pores; it’s just something to be mindful of, especially if you are acne-prone.
OCCLUSIVE
Not to be confused with a humectant (attraction and transportation of water into the skin), an occlusive is another type of ingredient often found in moisturizers. It seals a protective layer on the surface of your skin to prevent moisture loss. Occlusive agents such as petrolatum, squalane, and shea butter are multitaskers that have proven to be the holy grail for dry, dehydrated skin, and also help with skin aging, sun damage, and wound healing.
OLIVE OIL
Derived from olives, olive oil not only helps keep the moisture in your skin, but also helps prevent signs of photo-aging and sun damage making it great for dryness and aging skin. Find it in our Zero-G Smoothing Eye Cream.
OIL PRODUCTION
Everyone’s skin produces oil, it’s the body’s way of moisturizing. An overproduction of oil can result in shiny, oily skin, clogged pores, and acne without proper care. As we age, oil production slows, which leads to drier skin and skin aging.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin over produces oil. Oil production is natural and essential to healthy skin, but people with this skin type often find their skin getting shiny throughout the day.
OTC
Over-the-counter products, often associated with retinol or acne treatments, can be used without having a prescription.
PAPULES
A small, raised, type of inflammatory acne often caused by clogged pores.
PARABENS
Parabens are commonly used as preservatives protect cosmetics from bacteria and fungi. Although not restricted by FDA, they are known to disrupt hormone function, mimic estrogen, and possibly increase the risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. To spot parabens in an ingredient list, look for prefixes like methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.
PEEL
Facial peels are a type of chemical exfoliation using acids (those AHAs and BHAs) that breaks down dead skin cells, dissolves excess sebum trapped underneath, and allows other products to better and deeply penetrate your skin to do their job. Turn to peels to boost cell turnover and brighten your complexion. They come in all different forms (leave-on lotions, wash off gels, peel pads) and common ingredients in facial peels include lactic acid and glycolic acid.
PETROLEUM
Petroleum is used to soften and smooth the skin by forming a film on the outer layer, which prevents moisture loss. However it can also clog pores, cause allergic reactions and acne, and has been linked to cancer and pulmonary arterial hypertension (aka high blood pressure in the lungs).
PEPTIDES
Peptides are strings of amino acids that make up proteins, like collagen in your skin. Peptides are the foundation for what gives your skin its structure and bounce, which is why they are an important ingredient in firming and texture-smoothing products, such as Zero-G Smoothing Eye Cream.
PHENOXYETHANOL
Phenoxyethanol helps to prevent fungi, bacteria, and yeast from growing in your products. This gives them a longer shelf life and ensures safety. If your cosmetics products aren't preserved correctly and become contaminated, they are at risk of being very harmful.
PHLORETIN
Primarily known for its ability to help protect skin against environmental stressors, this ingredient also helps to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, resulting in an overall more even-toned complexion.
PHTHALATES
Phthalates are essentially a group of diverse materials that make plastics more flexible; commonly used in a wide variety of beauty products including skincare to moisturize and soften the skin, and sometimes dissolve other ingredients, too. Why is it bad? Phthalates have a reputation of hormone disruption and developmental and reproductive toxicity. It has been banned in the EU, yet the FDA still rejects taking any regulatory action against it in cosmetics.
PINEAPPLE ENZYMES
It only takes one glance at this summery fruit to imagine the skin-brightening benefits it brings to your complexion. Besides being packed with vitamin C, pineapple enzymes offer gentle exfoliation without stripping the skin. In fact, it's quite moisturizing and leaves you feeling soft and smooth. That's why we included them in our Doctor's Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask.
POLYGLUTAMIC ACID
Known for its ability to topically plump and hydrate the skin, this amino acid holds 4 times as much moisture when compared to hyaluronic acid. It plays well with other active ingredients, particularly vitamin C, and is ideal for those with a drier skin type or anyone who counts dehydration as a skin concern. Find this peptide in our Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops.
POLYHYDROXY ACID (PHA)
The AHA cousin, PHAs are chemical exfoliators that help slough away dead cells from the skin’s surface in an effort to promote an even tone and radiant appearance. While PHAs, AHAs, and BHAs have their similarities, this ingredient can cater to all skin types (hello, nice to meet you!). PHAs are more moisturizing and can help strengthen skin barrier function.
PORE
The little, tiny openings or holes on the surface of your skin that act as a tunnel for oil and sweat to come through. When your pores are clogged with access oil or bacteria, acne can form and your pores are then enlarged to make room for the extra stuff in the tunnel.
PH
PH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity of your skin or ingredient. Normally, your skin is slightly acidic ranging from a pH of 4.4 to 6.7. Although the pH in skincare can tip off your natural level with harsh ingredients, you can also restore it with certain products (like our Baby Cheeks Hydrating Milk).
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics can be applied topically, or taken internally, to balance the skin and help keep acne at bay. Thanks to their ability to repair and strengthen your moisture barrier, probiotics also help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Find it in our Gentle Cycle Milky Cleanser.
PROTEIN
Proteins are the basic building blocks of life and can be found at the microscopic level in our cells and at the macroscopic level in our skin. They play an important role in the health and function of our bodies and must be consumed on a daily basis so that we can perform well—like collagen and elastin.
PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease where a buildup of skin cells causes large, raised patches of skin to become inflamed. Flare-ups often show up on the elbows, knees, scalp, feet, or palms and may itch, burn, or feel sore. There is no cure and flare-ups may come and go—often triggered by skin injuries like sunburn and scratches. A dermatologist will be able to determine the best treatments for psoriasis and may prescribe topical creams or oral medications.
RESVERATROL
An antioxidant often found in grapes. Resveratrol is great for fighting free radicals from the environment and the sun. It essentially serves as a guardian for you skin and can brighten up your complexion, too.
Try our 24/7 Repair Serum powered with Resveratrol from berries.
RETINOL
A form of Vitamin A that is known for stimulating the process of cell turnover in your skin (which is good news for all skin concerns, especially acne-prone skin) and increasing collagen production. Retinol is also great for fading hyperpigmentation in your skin, too. It’s the gold standard for aging skin. It can be irritating to some skin types when used at high concentration, so always ease into a new retinol product—start with once a week and work your way up. Our Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum uses microencapsulated retinol and natural retinol alternatives, so it's gentle enough for sensitive skin types and first-time retinol users to use nightly. For retinol results from the neck down, use our Retinol Body Lotion.
SEBUM
Aka oil in your skin, sebum is a light yellow oily substance that is produced by your oil glands. It consists of some of the things you may have heard of before that your body produces naturally, such as squalene, wax esters, fatty acids, and more. Sebum is not a bad thing, but it can get trapped in your pores and become pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads.
SENSITIVE SKIN
This is a skin type that you are born with and encompassing a range of skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. Often signs of sensitive skin are inflammation, redness, itchiness, and discomfort. People often self-diagnose themselves as having sensitive skin when their skin reacts to a product or ingredient poorly, but what they’re really experiencing is sensitized skin.
SILICONE
Silicone is known for providing a prettier look to formulas, preventing moisture from evaporating, and creating a blurring or smoothing effect on the skin. It’s the ingredient responsible for the ‘slip’ in complexion products, most often found in personal care products such as serums, primers, foundation, and moisturizers. Dimethicone, an oil-free silicone, is one of the most common.
SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE
This ingredient is known to be a mild cleanser and helps to remove dirt and minerals. The unique cleansing and foaming properties of sodium cocoyl glutamate makes it ideal for usage in personal products. Sodium cocoyl glutamate protects the skin from drying and retains the moisture content.
SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a sodium salt of the coconut fatty acid ester of isethionic acid. It is an anionic surfactant, meaning it carries a negative charge that helps to create a lather and lift dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin and hair. Found in our Kind Cleanser, it is mild and non-irritating.
SODIUM HYALURONATE
Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is synthesized to create a smaller molecular structure for stability and increased resistance to oxidation. Its smaller molecular structure and water solubility means that it can penetrate deeper into skin, providing intense hydration beyond the skin's surface. When applied topically, sodium hyaluronate is excellent for reducing dryness and wrinkles.
You can find it in products like 24/7 Repair Serum, eye creams, and facial cleansers.
TRIETHANOLAMINE
Triethanolamine (TEA) is a non-active ingredient that does not have any effect on the skin but is only used to balance the pH of formulations and stabilize them. This ingredient improves the feel of the product and the way that it interacts with the skin.
TOCOTRIENOLS
Known colloquially as Vitamin E, is a well-known and revered skincare ingredient. Tocotrienols, its lesser-known form, possess a unique set of qualities that make them a true powerhouse in the quest for radiant and resilient skin. Our 24/7 Repair Serum uses this best form, Tocotrienols, period.
UVA
The ultraviolet rays from the sun that penetrate deep into the dermis, the second and also thickest layer of your skin. UVA rays cause premature aging and are the culprit for wrinkles caused by sun damage. Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays.
UVB
These ultraviolet rays usually burn the surface layer of your skin, which is what makes you tan. However, protection from UVB rays is crucial because UVB plays a key role in skin cancer. Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays.
VITAMIN C
A potent and praised antioxidant that fights free radicals, encourages collagen synthesis (collagen keeps skin looking plump and youthful), and brightens skin. It gently lightens hyperpigmentation (dark spots)—by inhibiting an enzyme that produces pigment in our skin—for a more even and radiant complexion. It helps stimulate production of collagen—one of the building blocks of healthy, youthful skin and something we naturally produce less of as we age—for firmer, smoother skin. And, as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it defends against one of the leading causes of premature skin aging: free radical damage from the sun and pollution.
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E, which is also goes by the name Tocopherol or Tocopherol Acetate, is another powerful antioxidant. It’s essential for protecting the skin from free radicals. It also conditions the surface of the skin, making it feel soft and smooth to the touch. Find it in many of our moisturizing products, like Sunday Morning and Skin Soak.