Ingredient Encyclopedia

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

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.