Molecular Entities – Science Glossary – Creative Touch

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Molecular Entity

26 entities in this category

Explore the Science of Molecular Entities

Acetyl coenzyme A
MolecularEntity
The metabolic convergence point where glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid catabolism each deliver a two-carbon acetyl unit.
Arachidonic acid
MolecularEntity
The terminal pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid, produced from DGLA. Feeds the eicosanoid pathways that drive vasodilation, immune cell recruitment, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
MolecularEntity
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the predominant ketone body produced by the liver during states of carbohydrate restriction, fasting, caloric deficit, or sustained aerobic exercise.
Ceramide AP
MolecularEntity
Ceramide subtype providing structural support within the skin barrier's lipid matrix, contributing to overall barrier integrity.
Ceramide EOP
MolecularEntity
Ceramide subtype that helps anchor the barrier's crucial long periodicity phase structure alongside Ceramide EOS.
Ceramide EOS
MolecularEntity
Critical ceramide subtype comprising about 10% of total ceramides, essential for forming the barrier's most important structural element.
Cholesterol
MolecularEntity
Barrier lipid comprising ~25% of the stratum corneum matrix. Essential for forming both lamellar phases and regulating desquamation through its sulfate cycle.
Corticosterone
MolecularEntity
A secondary glucocorticoid in humans, produced by the adrenal cortex and elevated during rapid metabolic change, contributing to hair follicle stress and potential shedding.
Cortisol
MolecularEntity
Stress hormone that breaks down collagen, inhibits barrier lipid production, and measurably delays skin recovery when chronically elevated.
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
MolecularEntity
An omega-6 fatty acid formed from GLA, and the immediate precursor to both anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid.
Dihydrotestosterone
MolecularEntity
The locally amplified form of testosterone, produced in skin tissue by 5-alpha reductase enzymes. Drives sebaceous gland activity and sebum production.
Gamma-linolenic acid
MolecularEntity
An omega-6 fatty acid produced from linoleic acid via delta-6 desaturase, and the precursor to DGLA. GLA generates predominantly anti-inflammatory mediators.
Linoleic Acid
MolecularEntity
An essential omega-6 fatty acid with a specific structural role in the stratum corneum's lamellar lipid architecture. Precursor to GLA, DGLA, and arachidonic acid in the omega-6 metabolic pathway.
Niacinamide
MolecularEntity
Water‑soluble vitamin B3 that boosts ceramide synthesis, supports cellular NAD⁺, and reduces inflammation and glycation to strengthen barrier and dermal integrity.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
MolecularEntity
Coenzyme present in every skin cell that powers both cellular energy metabolism and a suite of signalling enzymes, including the sirtuins that regulate the skin's circadian repair clock.
Oestrogen
MolecularEntity
A steroid sex hormone acting directly on dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes to regulate collagen synthesis, ceramide production, hyaluronic acid content, and barrier integrity.
Oleic acid
MolecularEntity
An 18-carbon monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid abundant in olive oil, tallow, and sebum. Plays a role in membrane fluidity and skin feel.
Palmitic acid
MolecularEntity
The most abundant saturated fatty acid in human skin, tallow, and sebum. The primary product of endogenous fatty acid synthesis and the direct substrate for serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT).
Poly-gamma-glutamic acid
MolecularEntity
Poly-gamma-glutamic acid (PGA) is a naturally occurring anionic polypeptide. Its polyanionic structure gives it physical and biological properties that distinguish it from standard humectants.
Sapienic acid
MolecularEntity
A C16:1 delta-6 monounsaturated fatty acid produced exclusively by human sebaceous glands. The most abundant fatty acid in human sebum.
Sebaleic acid
MolecularEntity
A C18:2 delta-5,8 polyunsaturated fatty acid produced exclusively in human sebaceous glands by elongation and desaturation of sapienic acid.
Squalane
MolecularEntity
The fully hydrogenated, saturated derivative of squalene. Retains squalene's emollient properties and skin compatibility whilst offering oxidative stability.
Squalene
MolecularEntity
A triterpene lipid produced endogenously in the liver and sebaceous glands, and a significant component of human sebum. Functions as a surface antioxidant and emollient.
Stearic acid
MolecularEntity
An 18-carbon saturated fatty acid found in tallow, beef, and cocoa butter, and a significant component of human sebum.
Testosterone
MolecularEntity
Primary androgen hormone affecting hair follicles, with elevated free testosterone contributing to androgenetic hair loss.
Vitamin C
MolecularEntity
Water‑soluble vitamin that stabilises collagen by supporting hydroxylation enzymes and suppresses UV‑driven ROS that trigger MMP‑1 collagen breakdown.