Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
ChemicalSubstanceA biomimetic neuro-modulatory peptide that reduces expression lines by competing with the SNARE complex, offering a non-invasive alternative to botulinum toxin.
Chemical Substance
61 entities in this category
Explore the Science of Chemical Substances
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Amino acid
ChemicalSubstanceThe molecular building blocks from which every structural and functional protein in the skin is assembled. Collagen, elastin, keratin, and filaggrin are all amino acid sequences.
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Biotin
ChemicalSubstanceWater‑soluble B vitamin serving as a covalent cofactor for carboxylase enzymes in fatty‑acid, amino‑acid, and glucose metabolism; its skin, hair, and nail effects appear only in true deficiency.
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Butyric acid
ChemicalSubstanceButyrate is a four-carbon short-chain fatty acid with roles as a gut barrier protector, epigenetic immune regulator, and a contributor to keratinocyte differentiation.
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Catecholamine
ChemicalSubstanceCatecholamines are a class of monoamine compounds — principally adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and dopamine.
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Ceramide NP
ChemicalSubstanceMost abundant ceramide subtype in skin, primarily responsible for the barrier's hydration-retention function.
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Ceramides
ChemicalSubstanceFamily of lipids comprising 50% of your skin barrier, essential for retaining moisture and defending against environmental damage.
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Coenzyme A
ChemicalSubstanceCoenzyme A is the acyl‑carrier cofactor required for lipid and energy metabolism, including ceramide, fatty‑acid, sterol, and sebum synthesis, linking vitamin B5 to barrier and sebaceous function.
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Coenzyme Q10
ChemicalSubstanceCoQ10 is the skin’s primary lipid‑soluble antioxidant and a key mitochondrial cofactor; its levels fall with age and UV exposure but can be replenished topically.
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Copper Peptide GHK-Cu
ChemicalSubstanceAn endogenous human tripeptide that acts as a carrier for copper ions and a genomic regulator of tissue repair and matrix remodelling.
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Cysteine
ChemicalSubstanceA sulphur-containing amino acid that provides the cross-linking chemistry holding keratin structures together in skin, hair, and nails.
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Deoxycholic acid
ChemicalSubstanceDeoxycholic acid is a bile acid that disrupts adipocyte membranes on injection, producing necrosis and permanent fat‑cell loss followed by inflammatory clearance.
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Dexpanthenol
ChemicalSubstanceProvitamin form of pantothenic acid (B5) that converts to pantothenic acid within skin cells, supporting keratinocyte proliferation, dermal fibroblast migration, and barrier function.
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Diacylglycerol
ChemicalSubstanceA lipid intermediate that accumulates when fatty‑acid entry is blocked, activating PKC to drive IRS‑1 serine phosphorylation and impair insulin signalling.
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Dietary fat
ChemicalSubstanceA macronutrient category encompassing saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and essential fatty acids, serve distinct and non-interchangeable functions in skin biology.
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Dietary protein
ChemicalSubstanceThe dietary macronutrient that provides the amino acid supply from which the body builds and maintains all structural and functional proteins, including collagen, keratin, elastin.
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Docosahexaenoic acid
ChemicalSubstanceActive omega-3 fatty acid form (DHA) used directly by the body, supporting anti-inflammatory processes and cell membrane health.
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Eicosapentaenoic acid
ChemicalSubstanceActive omega-3 fatty acid form (EPA) with anti-inflammatory properties, supporting skin health when combined with DHA.
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Fatty acids
ChemicalSubstanceFatty acids are the molecular building blocks of dietary and bodily fats. They vary by chain length, degree of saturation, and double bond position.
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Free fatty acids
ChemicalSubstanceBarrier lipids comprising 15–25% of the stratum corneum matrix. Beyond structural support, they generate the skin's acidic pH.
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Gluconolactone
ChemicalSubstanceA gentle PHA that chelates minerals, lightly exfoliates, hydrates, and provides antioxidant activity, with surface‑limited penetration ideal for sensitive skin.
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Glycerin
ChemicalSubstanceHighly effective humectant that draws moisture into skin from the environment and deeper tissue layers.
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Glycine
ChemicalSubstanceThe smallest amino acid and the most abundant in collagen, occupying every third position in the triple-helix structure.
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Glycolic acid
ChemicalSubstanceAlpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that dissolves bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating cell turnover and improving skin texture.
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Hard water
ChemicalSubstanceWater with elevated dissolved calcium and magnesium content. Disrupts skin barrier function through four mechanistically independent pathways.
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Histidine
ChemicalSubstanceAn essential amino acid with a uniquely skin-specific metabolic pathway. Filaggrin is particularly rich in histidine, and its degradation converts histidine to trans-urocanic acid.
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Hyaluronic acid
ChemicalSubstanceA glycosaminoglycan that forms the water-retaining ground substance of the dermis and maintains the mechanical environment fibroblasts need for collagen synthesis.
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Inulin
ChemicalSubstanceA fructooligosaccharide prebiotic fermented by S. epidermidis to support SCFA‑driven acidification, AMP tone, and barrier integrity while forming a hygroscopic film that reduces TEWL.
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Irritant lip plumping agents
ChemicalSubstanceTopical actives that trigger TRP‑channel‑mediated neurogenic inflammation to produce transient lip swelling; effects are short‑lived and increase barrier disruption with repeated use.
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Lactic acid
ChemicalSubstanceA dual-action AHA: exfoliates via desmosome disruption and replenishes NMF as a humectant. Better tolerated than glycolic acid at equivalent efficacy.