Ingredient Encyclopedia

Welcome to the Ingredient Encyclopedia

Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Cucumber Root Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Cucumber Root Extract (Cucumis Sativus Root Extract) is a water-soluble botanical concentrate, sourced from the mineral-dense root, which is rich in Electrolytes, Fructan Sugars, and Polyphenols, providing superior soothing comfort and deep hydration-flow support. This root extract significantly enhances comfort (observed trends up to 22%), aids in redness reduction (up to 18%), and provides effective hydration improvement (up to 20%). Used typically at 1−5% in essences and serums, its gentle, mineral-enriched profile makes it an ideal choice for sensitive, dehydrated, reactive, and tired skin seeking lightweight moisture, antioxidant resilience, and immediate relief from tightness or discomfort.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Cucumber Leaf Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Cucumber Leaf Extract (Cucumis Sativus Leaf Extract) is a water-soluble botanical concentrate, packed with Leaf Polyphenols, Flavonoids, and hydrating Electrolytes, delivering a feather-light touch of cooling comfort, antioxidant defense, and clarity refinement. This extract significantly aids in redness reduction (observed trends up to 22%), boosts comfort elevation (up to 25%), and improves hydration flow (up to 18%). Used typically at 1−5% in toners and essences, its superb gentleness and refreshing feel make it an ideal daily active for sensitive, combination, dehydrated, and urban-exposed skin seeking an instant cool-down, subtle clarity, and protection against environmental stress without heaviness.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Cucumber Water – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Cucumber Water (Cucumis Sativus Water), a gentle hydrosol, is a water-soluble botanical rich in Minerals (Electrolytes), Polysaccharides, and Amino Acids, delivering an immediate sense of cooling, redness-calming, and hydration-balancing relief. This botanical water significantly boosts hydration (observed trends up to +35%), aids in redness reduction (up to 28%), and enhances comfort (up to 33%). Used safely up to 100% in mists and toners, its lightweight, ultra-gentle nature and mineral-rich profile make it an ideal daily active for sensitive, dehydrated, overheated, and redness-prone skin seeking instant freshness, improved clarity, and non-heavy moisture flow.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Seed Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Seed Extract (Ginkgo Biloba Seed Extract) is the softest and most comfort-oriented expression of the ancient ginkgo tree, serving as a gentle conditioning agent and antioxidant buffer. Unlike ginkgo leaf extracts, which are dense with bioactive terpenoids for intense defense, the seed extract focuses on tactile softness and routine harmony. Typically used at 0.1–2%, it functions as a supportive botanical that enhances formula elegance while providing a mild shield against environmental stress. Its low-intensity profile makes it exceptionally compatible with reactive and sensitive skin, offering a "peacekeeping" layer that improves the tolerance of more aggressive actives like retinoids or exfoliating acids. While it does not offer aggressive correction, its true value lies in long-term routine stability; by reducing perceived irritation and enhancing skin softness, it fosters the consistency needed for a healthy, balanced barrier.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Bark Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Bark Extract (Ginkgo Biloba Bark Extract) is the structural and resilience-focused expression of the ginkgo tree, modeled after the plant's own protective outer architecture. Unlike leaf extracts that prioritize immediate antioxidant scavenging, the bark extract utilizes a robust profile of polyphenols and tannins to provide environmental stress buffering and long-term barrier stability. Typically used at 0.1–1%, it functions as a defensive routine stabilizer, specifically designed to reinforce skin exposed to urban pollution, wind, and oxidative fatigue. Its "grounding" nature delivers a sense of structural skin comfort without the sensory over-activation common in high-potency leaf isolates. While it doesn't offer instant cooling, its true value is cumulative resilience; consistent morning application over an 8-to-12-week timeline results in a skin baseline that feels notably stronger, more settled, and less prone to the "tightness" associated with environmental shifts and urban living.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Leaf Juice – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Leaf Juice (Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Juice) is the lightest and most breathable expression of the ginkgo plant, specifically designed for neurosensory comfort and daily hydration. Unlike concentrated leaf extracts or structural bark fractions, this fresh-leaf–derived juice provides a gentle "antioxidant buffer" that prioritizes high skin tolerance and a cooling sensation over aggressive biological correction. Typically used at 5–50% as a botanical water replacement, it functions as a comfort-first primer, reducing the perception of heat and tightness in sensitive or reactive routines. Its weightless profile makes it an exceptional choice for minimalist or active-heavy regimens that require a soothing layer to balance out the intensity of acids or retinoids. While it offers mild radical-scavenging benefits, its true value lies in long-term routine harmony; by making each step feel more refreshing and less "reactive," it helps users maintain the consistency required for a stable, healthy barrier.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Oil – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Oil (Ginkgo Biloba Seed Oil) represents the lipid expression of the ginkgo plant, specifically engineered for barrier comfort, moisture sealing, and surface softening. Unlike water-based ginkgo formats that focus on cooling or antioxidant buffering, this lipid-rich oil functions as a physical shield, effectively reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and restoring flexibility to a tight, dry stratum corneum. Typically used as a finishing step in concentrations ranging from 1–10% in emulsions to 100% in pure blends, it provides the lipid support necessary for skin that has been over-treated with actives or stressed by cold, dry climates. While it is not a "hydrator" in the sense of adding water, it is an essential hydration sealer; by "closing the lid" on previous watery layers, it ensures that humectants like hyaluronic acid remain effective. Its true value lies in tactile transformation, turning rough, flaky textures into a supple, cushioned baseline that can better tolerate corrective treatments.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Ferment – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Ferment (Lactobacillus/Ginkgo Biloba Ferment Filtrate) represents the most skin-intelligent and bioavailable expression of the ginkgo plant, designed specifically for antioxidant defense and routine harmony. Through a controlled fermentation process, larger botanical complexes are broken down into low-molecular-weight polyphenols and postbiotic metabolites, making the active compounds significantly easier for the skin to utilize without the "prickly" sensation often associated with raw extracts. Typically used at 0.5–5%, it functions as a biological peacekeeper, supporting the skin’s microbiome while buffering the irritation signals triggered by aggressive actives like retinoids or high-strength acids. Its true value lies in long-term environmental resilience; by improving the usability of antioxidants and fostering a stable skin climate, it prevents the "rollercoaster effect" of sensitivity flares. Consistent use over an 8-to-12-week timeline results in a skin baseline that is not only better defended against oxidative stress but is also notably more tolerant of advanced corrective treatments.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Flower Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Flower Extract (Ginkgo Biloba Flower Extract) is the most delicate and cosmetically elegant expression of the ginkgo tree, specifically utilized for its ability to provide soft antioxidant buffering and glow enhancement. Unlike the robust bark or concentrated leaf extracts, the flower fraction focuses on high sensory tolerance and radiance, making it an ideal choice for sensitive-skin routines that prioritize a luminous finish. Typically used at 0.1–1%, it functions as a refinement botanical, utilizing water-soluble flavonoids and phenolic compounds to modulate surface stress without the "prickly" bioactivity of more intense plant parts. Its weightless profile contributes to a soft-focus skin feel, reducing perceived roughness while improving the overall elegance of daily serums and emulsions. While it does not offer aggressive pigmentation correction, its true value lies in routine harmony; by fostering a calm, comfortable environment, it allows the skin to maintain a consistent, healthy glow throughout the day.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Root Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Root Extract (Ginkgo Biloba Root Extract) is the grounding and stabilizing anchor of the ginkgo plant’s skincare profile. Biologically designed for nutrient storage and survival, the root extract translates into a foundation-level antioxidant that prioritizes routine consistency over aggressive transformation. Typically formulated at 0.1–1%, it utilizes a specific profile of root phenolics and mineral compounds to modulate skin stress and reduce the sensory fatigue associated with active-heavy regimens. Unlike leaf extracts that offer high-intensity radical scavenging, the root extract functions as a biological buffer, calming cutaneous nerve responses and improving the skin's tolerance for retinoids and exfoliating acids. Its true value lies in its low-stimulation profile; by fostering a quiet, resilient environment, it ensures that the skin remains settled and receptive to more corrective treatments, making it an essential component for long-term skin health strategies.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Leaf Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Leaf Extract (Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract) is the most versatile and clinically recognized form of ginkgo in skincare, celebrated for its high concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols. Unlike the lighter juice or grounding root,the leaf extract provides moderate-strength antioxidant defense, specifically targeting the oxidative stress caused by urban pollution and UV exposure. Typically used at 0.2–2%, it functions as a biological buffer, neutralising free radicals while simultaneously dampening sensory irritation signals in the skin. Its water-soluble nature makes it a staple in anti-pollution serums and daily moisturisers, where it enhances "routine harmony" by making potent actives like retinoids and Vitamin C feel more comfortable on the skin. While it is not a corrective active for pigment or acne, its true value lies in long-term resilience; consistent application fosters a stable, calm environment that prevents stress-related dullness and supports a healthy, balanced barrier.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginkgo Water – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginkgo Water (Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Water) represents the most breathable and sensory-focused expression of the ginkgo plant, specifically utilized for its instant cooling effect and hydration perception. Unlike the concentrated leaf extracts or lipid-rich oils, ginkgo water functions as a feather-light botanical hydrator that reduces the "heated" sensation common in overstimulated, sensitive, or sun-exposed skin. Often comprising up to 100% of a formula's water phase, it contains water-soluble flavonoid traces that provide a soft antioxidant buffer without the "sharp" bioactivity of more potent formats. Its primary value lies in sensory downshifting—lowering the perceived temperature and friction of the skin to improve the "glide" and tolerance of subsequent active steps. While it is not a corrective treatment for deep biological repair, it is an essential routine bridge that fosters calm continuity, ensuring the skin remains comfortable and hydrated through evaporation-based cooling and lightweight moisture delivery.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Seed Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Seed Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Seed Extract), a strength-oriented botanical active, is derived from the seeds of the aloe plant to concentrate Phytosterols, Fatty Acids, and Polyphenols for antioxidant resilience and barrier support. Distinct from the immediate cooling of aloe gel or juice, this extract focuses on long-term conditioning and structural stability, providing a cushion-like, non-greasy feel that enhances the skin’s resistance to environmental stress. Typically used at 0.1–1% in barrier-repair serums and recovery moisturisers, it functions as a highly compatible routine-stabiliser that improves skin tolerance to potent actives like retinoids. While immediate comfort is common, the true benefits of improved resilience and a stronger barrier feel build over a 4-week timeline, making it an essential anchor for dry, compromised, or maintenance-focused routines seeking quiet strength rather than quick fixes.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Bark Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Bark Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Bark Extract), a defensive-support botanical, is derived from the plant’s outer protective layer to provide antioxidant reinforcement, barrier integrity, and routine stability. Unlike the immediate hydration of aloe gel, this bark-derived extract focuses on long-term resilience and urban defense, utilizing its concentrated polyphenols to cushion the skin against pollution and oxidative stress. Used typically in serums or creams, it functions as a high-tolerance routine buffer that improves the skin's ability to handle potent actives like retinoids and acids. While immediate effects are limited to improved comfort, consistent application over a 4-to-6-week timeline yields more stable, less reactive skin behavior, making it a foundational "Daily Skin Shield" for sensitive, mature, or environmentally stressed skin seeking calm consistency over aggressive correction.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Leaf Juice – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Leaf Juice (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice), a botanical hydration-matrix, functions by forming a protective surface layer that slows transepidermal water loss while simultaneously calming keratinocyte stress signalling. Traditionally valued in folk medicine for its cooling and renewal properties, this renewable ingredient is a byproduct of aloe gel processing and is highly compatible with skin-friendly pH ranges (4.5–6.5). While it provides an instant refreshing sensation and is excellent for sensitive or redness-prone skin, it is a hydration-first support rather than a standalone barrier-repair treatment. To prevent dehydration in dry climates, it should be paired with humectants and lipids rather than used in isolation. Consistent daily use results in a cooler, softer, and more relaxed skin sensation, making it a staple for users experiencing dehydration from heat or potent actives.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Oil – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Oil (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract infused in Carrier Oil), a hydration-sealing botanical lipid, acts as a "soft shield" by combining the soothing properties of aloe with plant sterols and fatty acids to prevent transepidermal water loss. Unlike water-based aloe forms, this oil-soluble ingredient focus on friction reduction (tribology) and surface-film formation to soften rough, flaky textures and improve barrier flexibility. Typically used at 0.5–5% in nourishing moisturisers or recovery serums, it serves as a highly effective comfort-buffer for skin that feels tight, fragile, or depleted. When applied as the final step over a humectant or moisturiser, it extends the hydration lifespan of a routine.Consistent use over a 4-week timeline results in a more supple, stable barrier feel, making it particularly valuable for dry, sensitised, or climate-stressed skin.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Ferment – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Ferment (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Ferment), an adaptive postbiotic botanical, is created through controlled microbial fermentation to transform large aloe molecules into smaller, bioavailable fermented polysaccharides and postbiotic metabolites. This "intelligent" process significantly reduces the irritation potential inherent in raw extracts while enhancing the ingredient's ability to support microbiome balance and calm inflammatory signalling triggers.Typically used at 1–10% in soothing serums and recovery-focused formulas, it provides a watery to lightly viscous sensory profile that is non-sticky and highly compatible with skin-friendly pH ranges (4.5–6.5). Unlike standard hydration, Aloe Ferment acts as a tolerance-builder that buffers the harshness of retinoids and exfoliating acids.Consistent use over a 4-week timeline results in more stable, resilient skin behaviour, making it an essential anchor for sensitive, acne-prone, or over-treated skin.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Flower Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Flower Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract), a harmony-driven botanical active, is derived from the plant’s flowering phase to concentrate Flavonoids, Phenolic Acids, and Trace Sugars for gentle botanical calm and light antioxidant balance. Unlike the more structural bark or seed extracts, the flower-derived version offers a cooling, weightless sensory profile and acts primarily as a neutral buffering botanical to reduce sensory irritation signals. Used typically at 0.5–5% in soothing serums and hydrating mists, it focuses on improving routine tolerance and emotional skin reassurance rather than aggressive correction. Consistent application over a 4-week timeline yields more predictable, stable skin behaviour, making it an ideal anchor for sensitive, reactive, or minimalist regimens that require a soft, protective layer to stabilize the skin during routine transitions or seasonal changes.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Root Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Root Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Root Extract), a grounding, water-soluble botanical, is derived from the plant’s subterranean support system to provide skin-conditioning comfort, antioxidant defense, and barrier-calming support. Unlike aloe gel, which focuses on immediate hydration spikes, the root extract concentrates Phenolic Compounds, Root Phytonutrients, and Trace Polysaccharides to foster long-term stability and resilience. Typically used at 0.5–5% in calming serums and recovery moisturisers, it functions as a "background stabiliser" by reducing irritation signaling and softening the skin's tactile response to environmental stress. Its neutral pH compatibility (5.0–6.5) makes it an excellent active-buffer for routines incorporating retinoids or acids. While initial softness is felt early, consistent use over a 4-week timeline results in more predictable, steady skin behaviour, making it essential for users managing chronically reactive, fatigued, or over-treated skin.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Leaf Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Leaf Extract (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract), a balanced botanical comfort-agent, captures the protective and hydrating essence of the aloe plant to deliver broad soothing support and antioxidant balance. Concentrating Polysaccharides, Phenolic Compounds, and Trace Minerals, it functions as a "comfort backbone" that improves routine tolerance and supports surface-level hydration signalling without the heaviness of raw gels. Typically used at 0.5–10% in daily serums and toners, it provides a cooling, non-sticky sensory profile that is highly compatible with skin-friendly pH ranges (5.0–6.5). Unlike aggressive corrective actives, it acts as a routine-harmoniser, reducing sensory irritation signals and allowing the skin to respond more predictably to other treatments. While immediate soothing is common, the true benefit of stable, resilient skin behaviour builds over a 4-week timeline, making it an essential cornerstone for sensitive, reactive, or minimalist regimens seeking long-term skin harmony.