Ace your skin care ingredient education with this easy-to-understand glossary. This educational resource features some of the most sought-after ingredients found in your favorite skin care products and cosmetics.

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An illustration of charcoal that represents activated charcoal

Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is an ingredient in skin care known for cleansing. It acts like a magnet and can absorb up to double its weight in impurities to help unclog pores.

Find it in: Clear Proof® Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask

An illustration of a molecular structure that represents alpha hydroxy acid

Alpha Hydroxy Acids
(also known as AHAs like Glycolic Acid)

Alpha hydroxy acids are a common family of exfoliants. These skin care essentials provide chemical exfoliation that helps buff away dead skin cells.

Find them in: TimeWise Repair® Revealing Radiance® Facial Peel

An illustration of a plant that represents Alpinia galanga leaf

Alpinia Galanga Leaf
(also known as Galangal)

Alpinia galanga leaf is an ingredient known for its anti-aging properties. It supports natural collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Find it in: TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Advanced Lifting Serum

An illustration of amla fruit that represents amla fruit extract

Amla Fruit Extract
(also known as Phyllanthus Emblica Extract)


Amla fruit extract is an ingredient rich in antioxidants. It protects skin health and is shown to help support natural collagen production.

Find it in: TimeWise Replenishing Serum C+E

An molecular drawing that represents antioxidants

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are ingredients known for their anti-aging benefits. They protect skin health, protect against premature skin aging and provide defense against free radicals on skin.

Find them in: Botanical Effects® Regimen
Satin Lips® Shea Butter Balm
TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D
TimeWise Replenishing Serum C+E
Mary Kay Naturally® Nourishing Oil

An illustration of a molecular structure that represents benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide
(also known as Dibenzoyl Peroxide)

Benzoyl peroxide is known for acne-fighting and exfoliating. It penetrates pores to dry and clear acne blemishes and can help dissolve the buildup of dead skin cells.

Find it in: Clear Proof® Acne Treatment Gel

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An illustration of a molecular structure that represents resveratrol

Encapsulated Resveratrol
Encapsulated resveratrol is an ingredient known for anti-aging and antioxidant benefits. It evens skin tone and supports natural collagen and elastin.

Find it in: TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™

An illustration of droplets that represents fatty acids

Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are ingredients known for their moisturizing and emollient properties. Fatty acids help enhance skin hydration to help with dry skin.

Find them in: Botanical Effects® Regimen
Mary Kay Naturally® Nourishing Oil

An illustration of a molecular structure that represents glycolic acid

Glycolic Acid
(also known as Acetic Acid or AHA)

Glycolic acid is an ingredient known for exfoliation. It enhances skin’s own renewal process and helps remove pore-clogging dead skin cells.

Find it in: TimeWise Repair® Revealing Radiance® Facial Peel

An illustration of a plant that represents Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola
(also known as Centella Asiatica Stem Cells)

Gotu kola is a plant-derived, anti-aging ingredient. It helps support the natural framework of skin.

Find it in: TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Advanced Lifting Serum

An illustration of an organic molecular structure that represents hyaluronic

Hyaluronic Acid
(also known as Sodium Hyaluronate)

Hyaluronic acid is well known for moisturization. Hyaluronic acid is a skin cushioning, water-binding ingredient that holds onto moisture and plumps dry skin.

Find it in: TimeWise Repair® Volu-Fill® Deep Wrinkle Filler

An illustration of a molecular structure that represents a peptide

Peptides
Peptides are ingredients known for anti-aging benefits. Different kinds of peptides can help improve the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles, help contribute to younger-looking skin, and support skin’s natural collagen and elastin.

Find them in: TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D
TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Regimen

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An molecular structure-inspired illustration that represents retinol

Retinol
(also known as Vitamin A)

Retinol – or vitamin A – is a powerhouse retinoid found in anti-aging products. It has antioxidant properties and encourages skin cells to turnover and renew. It also supports natural collagen and elastin; helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and helps tone, tighten and firm.

Find it in: TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Night Treatment With Retinol

Mary Kay Clinical Solutions™ Retinol 0.5

An illustration of a molecular structure that represents salicylic acid

Salicylic Acid
(also known as Beta-Hydroxy Acid)

Salicylic acid is an exfoliating ingredient known for acne-fighting. It helps remove dead skin cells and helps keep pores unclogged to reduce buildup of P. acnes bacteria on acne-prone skin.

Find it in: Clear Proof® Clarifying Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
Clear Proof® Spot Solution for Acne-Prone Skin
Clear Proof® Pore-Purifying Serum for Acne-Prone Skin

An illustration of a plant that represents squalane

Squalane
Squalane is an ingredient known for its moisturizing and emollient properties. It helps support the skin barrier while reducing dryness.

Find it in: Mary Kay Naturally® Nourishing Oil
Mary Kay Naturally® Moisturizing Stick

An illustration of a bottle with a sun on it that represents sunscreen

Sunscreen
(also known as sunscreen actives)

Sunscreen is a critical ingredient in beauty products when it comes to premature age-fighting and preventing sun damage. Broad-spectrum options protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Find it in: Any products containing SPF

An illustration of the letter C inside of a fruit that represents vitamin C

Vitamin C
(also known as Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is an anti-aging ingredient rich in antioxidants. Vitamin C has skin-brightening benefits and can help with radiance, even skin tone, the support of natural collagen and elastin, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Find it in: TimeWise Replenishing Serum C+E

An illustration of the letter E inside of a droplet that represents vitamin E

Vitamin E
(also known as Tocopheryl Acetate)

Vitamin E is an anti-aging ingredient rich in antioxidants that's often found in skin care and personal care products. Vitamin E has skin-brightening benefits and can help with radiance, even skin tone, the support of natural collagen and elastin, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Find it in: White Tea & Citrus Satin Body® Silkening Shea Lotion
Mary Kay Naturally® Nourishing Oil
Mary Kay Naturally® Purifying Cleanser

Ingredients You Can Trust

No matter how you’d like to update your skin care routine, your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant is always ready to help you find beauty products with ingredients that will make your skin happy. Just contact her to learn more about the skin-loving ingredients in our cosmetic products, virtually or in person!