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

Ginseng Water – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginseng Water (Panax Ginseng Water) is the "quiet foundation" of the ginseng ingredient family, specifically formulated for routines that prioritize cooling hydration, breathability, and high tolerance. Unlike concentrated root extracts or ferments, ginseng water is a base-phase botanical designed to restore comfort immediately after cleansing without adding heavy oils or waxes. Typically used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 50% (and sometimes higher), it functions as a biological stabilizer, neutralizing the "tight" sensation of hard water or foaming cleansers while providing a gentle antioxidant buffer. Its primary value lies in its active-friendly nature; by creating a calm, hydrated surface environment, it improves the skin’s tolerance for more aggressive treatments like Vitamin C or retinoids. Especially suited for hot, humid climates and oily or combination skin, its benefits are cumulative, leading to a steadier skin baseline and improved routine consistency over a 6-to-12-week timeline.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Green Tea Root Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Green Tea Root Extract (Camellia Sinensis Root Extract) is the foundation-building and grounding expression of the tea plant, sourced from the underground root system to prioritize structural resilience and long-term barrier stability. Unlike leaf extracts that focus on immediate radical scavenging, the root concentrate utilizes saponins and root-specific polyphenols to provide a "low-stimulation" antioxidant defense that buffers skin against sensory stress and over-activation. Typically used at 0.5–3%, it functions as a routine stabilizer, making it an essential recovery hero for reactive, over-stimulated, or barrier-compromised skin. Its earthy, aqueous profile delivers a cushiony, non-stinging feel that is highly compatible with aggressive actives, serving as a peaceful baseline for high-strength regimens. While a calmer skin feel is noted shortly after application, the true value of Green Tea Root Extract is cumulative skin confidence; consistent use over a 4-to-8-week timeline results in a visibly more settled and resilient skin response that is less prone to random flare-ups.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Algae Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
The scientific intrigue of Algae Extract stems from the concept of extremophile biology. Because marine algae (especially Brown and Red varieties) thrive in the intertidal zone—exposed to punishing UV radiation, high salinity, and dehydration during low tide—they produce unique Sulfated Polysaccharides (like Fucoidan) and Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs). In skincare, these compounds act as a biological sun-buffer and hydration lock. MAAs are often referred to as "natural microbial sunscreens," providing a secondary layer of antioxidant defense that neutralizes the free radicals SPF might miss. This makes Algae Extract a protective stabilizer; it reinforces the skin’s ability to "hold its own" against environmental fluctuating stressors, ensuring that hydration isn't just added to the skin, but physically anchored there.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Jojoba Oil – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Jojoba Oil is a premium botanical lipid that functions as a biomimetic wax ester. While commonly referred to as an oil, it is chemically a liquid wax that mirrors approximately 25-30% of human sebum. This unique structural harmony allows Jojoba to penetrate the follicular openings and integrate with the skin's natural lipid mantle without the "heavy" occlusion of traditional triglyceride oils (like Coconut or Olive oil). By providing non-comedogenic emolliency, Jojoba Oil supports the skin's moisture barrier, smooths the stratum corneum, and provides a breathable protective seal that reduces Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).