Skincare Ingredients: The Selfnamed Standard for Ingredient Transparency for Professionals

This glossary outlines key active and functional ingredients used across our formulations. Each entry includes:

• INCI name (per EU Regulation No. 1223/2009)
• Primary cosmetic function
• Origin (plant-based / synthetic / biotech)
• Usage concentration (typical range)
• Safety + regulatory notes
• Links to extended use guides or FAQs

Understanding and selecting effective ingredients in skincare routines is crucial for achieving optimal results.

A

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Soothing agent, humectant

• Origin: Organic plant extract
• Usage: 5–20%
• Notes: Certified organic available. Supports hydration and post-treatment recovery. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is excellent for sensitive skin and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Allantoin

Skin protectant, keratolytic  

• Origin: Biotech-derived  
• Usage: 0.2–0.5%  
• Notes: Listed as OTC skin protectant (EU + FDA). Excellent for sensitive or compromised skin.

B

Bakuchiol

Retinol alternative, anti-aging

• Origin: Plant-based (Psoralea corylifolia)
• Usage: 0.5–1%
• Notes: Clinically backed. Requires formulation stability support. Bakuchiol also supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin firmness and reducing signs of aging.
• 📘 Blog: Bakuchiol vs Retinol

Betaine 

Osmoprotectant, moisturizer  

• Origin: Sugar beet fermentation  
• Usage: 1–5%  
• Notes: Excellent for barrier repair and hydration balance.

C

Centella Asiatica Extract

Wound healing, anti-inflammatory

• Origin: CO2 or water extract
• Usage: 0.5–2%
• Notes: High in asiaticoside. Calms irritated skin. Effective in treating eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Coco-Glucoside  

Non-ionic surfactant  

• Origin: Coconut + glucose  
• Usage: 3–10%  
• Notes: Ultra-mild. Baby care-safe. Biodegradable.

D

D-Panthenol (Provitamin B5)

Moisturizer, skin barrier support

• Origin: Biotech
• Usage: 1–5%
• Notes: Supports barrier and hydration post-acid use. D-Panthenol also reduces irritation and redness, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

E

Ectoin

Anti-pollution, stress protection

• Origin: Fermented from extremophile bacteria
• Usage: 0.5–2%
• Notes: Shields skin from oxidative and environmental stress. Ectoin also helps protect against sun damage, contributing to overall skin health.

G

Glycerin (Vegetable origin)

Humectant, stabilizer  

• Origin: Plant-based  
• Usage: 2–10%  
• Notes: EU-compliant. Supports hydration and preservation.

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

• Origin: Water or ethanol extracted
• Usage: 0.1–3%
• Notes: Rich in EGCG. Supports calming and firming. Acts as a protective antioxidant, helping to combat free radical damage.

H

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)  

Hydrator, plumper

• Origin: Fermentation-derived
• Usage: 0.01–1%
• Notes: Multi-weight complex preferred. Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) also improves skin texture by enhancing hydration and plumping the skin.

J

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)

Emollient, lipid balancer

• Origin: Cold-pressed
• Usage: 3–10%
• Notes: Mimics sebum. Excellent for oily or acne-prone skin. Jojoba Oil also supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and overall appearance.

L

Lactic Acid  

AHA exfoliant, brightener

• Origin: Plant fermentation
• Usage: 1–10%
• Notes: Requires pH balancing. Brightens and renews. Promotes cell turnover, leading to improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging.

N

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Barrier booster, tone corrector

• Origin: Synthetic
• Usage: 2–10%
• Notes: Well-tolerated. Pair with zinc for acne-prone skin. Niacinamide also minimizes pores, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces inflammation.

R

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rosehip)  

Emollient, antioxidant

• Origin: Cold-pressed
• Usage: 3–8%
• Notes: Supports scar repair and tone. Sensitive to oxidation. Additionally, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rosehip) is effective in treating dark spots and improving skin tone.

S

Squalane (Plant-based)

Emollient, lipid restorer

• Origin: Sugarcane or olive
• Usage: 1–10%
• Notes: Non-comedogenic. Silky skin feel. Squalane mimics the skin's natural oils, enhancing hydration and improving the skin's appearance.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)  

Occlusive, nourishing  

• Origin: Raw/refined butter  
• Usage: 3–15%  
• Notes: Strengthens emulsions. Deep nourishment for dry skin.

T

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Antioxidant, preservative booster

• Origin: Sunflower
• Usage: 0.1–1%
• Notes: Stabilizes oils. Improves skin elasticity. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) also helps combat fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)  

Antimicrobial  

• Origin: Steam-distilled  
• Usage: <1%  
• Notes: Use with caution. Check regional allergen limits.

Z

Zinc PCA  

Sebum regulator, antimicrobial  

• Origin: Zinc salt of PCA  
• Usage: 0.1–1%  
• Notes: Ideal for blemish-prone skin. Balances without drying.

⚠️ Ingredient Safety & Labeling

All Selfnamed formulations comply with:  

• EU Regulation 1223/2009  
• US FDA cosmetic labeling  
• IFRA fragrance allergen limits