Activated charcoal is a skincare ingredient known for its purifying properties. It acts like a magnet and can absorb up to twice its weight in impurities to deeply cleanse pores.
Ingredient Glossary
Want to learn more about the ingredients in your Mary Kay skincare products? Then you've come to the right place! In this glossary, you'll learn more about the effects and benefits of key ingredients found in your favorite products and cosmetics.
A-F
Activated charcoal
Alpha hydroxy acids
(also known as AHAs, such as glycolic acid)
Alpha hydroxy acids are often used as a chemical peel to help remove dead skin cells.
Alpinia Galanga-Blatt
Alpinia galanga leaf is an ingredient known for its anti-aging properties. It supports natural collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production.
Amla fruit extract
Amla fruit extract is an ingredient rich in antioxidants. It protects skin health and has been shown to support natural collagen production.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are ingredients known for their anti-aging effects. They protect the skin from premature aging and offer protection against free radicals on the skin.
Encapsulated Resveratrol
Encapsulated resveratrol is an ingredient known for its anti-aging and antioxidant properties. It evens out skin tone and supports natural collagen and elastin production.
Fatty acids
Fatty acids are ingredients known for their moisturizing and soothing properties. They help improve skin hydration and are beneficial for dry skin.
G-O
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an ingredient known for its exfoliating properties. It promotes the skin's natural renewal process and helps remove dead skin cells that clog pores.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is a plant-based anti-aging ingredient. It helps support the skin's natural system.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is known for its moisturizing and moisture-retaining properties. It is a water-binding ingredient that plumps up dry skin and retains moisture.
P-X
Peptide
Peptides are ingredients known for their anti-aging effects. Different types of peptides can help improve the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles, achieve a more youthful look, and support the skin's natural collagen and elastin production.
Retinol
Retinol – or vitamin A – is a powerful retinoid found in anti-aging products. It has antioxidant properties and stimulates the turnover and renewal of skin cells. It also supports the natural production of collagen and elastin, helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to tighten, firm, and strengthen the skin.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an exfoliating agent known for fighting acne. It helps remove dead skin cells and prevents pores from becoming clogged, thus reducing the buildup of P. acnes bacteria on acne-prone skin.
Squalane
Squalane is an ingredient known for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It helps support the skin barrier and reduce dryness.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens are an important component of beauty products when it comes to combating premature skin aging and preventing sun damage. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an anti-aging ingredient rich in antioxidants. It has a skin-brightening effect and can contribute to a radiant complexion, an even skin tone, support for natural collagen and elastin production, and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an anti-aging ingredient rich in antioxidants and frequently found in skincare and body care products. Vitamin E has a skin-brightening effect and can contribute to a radiant complexion, an even skin tone, support natural collagen and elastin production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Expert advice on ingredients you can trust
No matter how you want to adjust your skincare routine, your Beauty Consultant is always happy to help you find cosmetic products with ingredients that will make your skin happy. Simply get in touch to learn more about the skin-friendly ingredients in our products.