Taurine — an amino acid used in skin care products, particularly anti-aging lines, where it is said to help calm the skin and when combined with glycolic acid it is also said to have an exfoliating effect that helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Taurine is believed to inhibit glycation [when ...
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Want to know more about the details in the chemistry of skin care?
Here you can look up any topic - sorted alphabetically - and read more about what each ingredient includes and does for your skin.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta 3 (TGF-b3), also known as sh-Polypeptide- 5 — My new personal favorite protein (encoded by the TGFB3 gene) is making waves in skincare in the field of wound healing. (See microneedling and microchanneling). TGF-beta 3 enhances glycosaminoglycan production by mesenc...
Tranexamic Acid - A synthetic derivative of the amino acid L-Lysine, that has shown promise in reducing unwanted pigmentation via tyrosinase inhibition and reduction in Prostaglandin E2 production. It also acts as a UV induced pigment inhibitor. Tranexamic acid works especially well when used i...
Urea — regarded as a “true” moisturizer rather than a humectant because it attracts and retains moisture in the corneum layer. It facilitates the natural exfoliation of keratinocytes given its ability to dissolve intercellular cement in the corneum layer. Through its anti-microbial properties tha...
Ubiquinone — also known as coenzyme Q10 it is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally found in the cells. It acts as a free radical neutralizer.
Vitamin K — It is being incorporated into cosmetic preparations, particularly those used for treating dark circles. It could also be used in acne products. There are studies underway on its efficacy for the treatment of small facial capillaries; however, no topical skincare cream can improve the ...
Vitamin E acetate (tocopherol acetate) — an anti-oxidant with skin moisturizing activity. Given its free-radical scavenging properties, it is useful in UV protective products. Vitamin E acetate is commonly used to replace vitamin E because it is more stable and is converted to vitamin E by the bo...
Vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol; DL-alpha-tocopherol; tocopherol) — considered the most important oil-soluble anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger. Studies indicate that vitamin E performs these functions when topically applied. It is also a photo-protectant, and it helps protect the cellular me...
Vitamin C — Vitamin C is one of the relatively few topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a fair amount of reliable scientific evidence. There are many forms of Vitamin C.
L-ascorbic acid, a well-known anti-oxidant that clearly shines when paired with Vita...
Vitamin B — an antioxidant that with consistent use can help decrease redness and help with skin texture. The most common ones found in topical skincare are vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B7 (biotin), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin).
Niacinamide (B3) is an ingredie...
Willow Bark Extract is a source of natural "salicylic acid-like" ingredients which has been shown to contribute effects similar to those seen from synthetic salicylic acid with none of the drawbacks associated with its use, primarily irritation. Willow Bark Extract has been found to increase str...