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

Green Tea Leaf Juice – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Green Tea Leaf Juice (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Juice) represents the most fresh and water-forward expression of green tea, functioning as a breathable, comfort-first hydration medium. Unlike concentrated extracts that prioritize high-dose catechins, the juice focuses on delivering trace polyphenols and water-soluble flavonoids in a format that offers immediate cooling relief and hydration support. Often used as a primary water-phase base at concentrations up to 100%, it acts as a routine-stability layer, improving the wearability of potent actives like retinoids and acids by reducing perceived tightness and irritation. Its fully water-soluble nature makes it an ideal "clarifying base" for sensitive, oily-dehydrated, or heat-reactive skin, especially in hot and humid climates. While its antioxidant buffering is gentle, consistent daily use over a 4-to-6-week timeline fosters a stable skin baseline and reduces the frequency of "reset days" caused by environmental stress or over-treatment.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Green Tea Oil – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Green Tea Oil (Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil) is the lipid-replenishing expression of the tea plant, functioning as a barrier-supportive emollient that prioritizes nourishment, suppleness, and moisture retention. Unlike aqueous green tea formats, this oil concentrates Oleic and Linoleic fatty acids alongside trace tocopherols to restore the skin's natural lipid matrix and significantly reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Typically used at 1–10% in emulsions or up to 100% in pure facial blends, it acts as a comfort-forward sealing step, making it an essential "barrier-feel fixer" for dry, depleted, or over-treated skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy profile allows it to function as an effective buffer for potent actives like retinoids and exfoliating acids, reducing the perception of tightness and flaking without disrupting active pathways. While immediate softness is felt upon application, consistent use over a 3-to-6-week period results in a visibly stronger barrier and a more resilient, comfortable skin baseline that resists seasonal dryness and environmental stress.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Green Tea Ferment – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Green Tea Ferment (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Ferment) is the bio-transformed and skin-adaptive expression of green tea, engineered through fermentation to maximize bio-compatibility and routine harmony. By utilizing microbial enzymes to break down complex polyphenols into smaller, more easily absorbed molecules, this ferment provides gentle, steady antioxidant support without the "catechin-spike" irritation sometimes associated with raw extracts. Typically formulated at 0.5–5%, it functions as a routine stabilizer, bridging the gap between high-potency actives (like retinoids or acids) and barrier recovery steps. Its watery to slightly viscous profile delivers a soft, cushiony feel that is inherently microbiome-friendly, making it a premier choice for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin that requires antioxidant protection without the risk of stinging. While immediate calming is often felt, the true value of Green Tea Ferment is cumulative skin stability; consistent use over a 4-to-8-week timeline fosters a more resilient, less reactive skin response to environmental stressors and aggressive skincare regimens.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Green Tea Flower Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Green Tea Flower Extract (Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract) is the most delicate and luminous expression of the green tea plant, specifically harvested from blossoms to provide a softer antioxidant profile than leaf-derived formats. By concentrating floral flavonoids and phenolic acids rather than aggressive catechins, this extract offers a "quiet refinement" that supports skin brightness and oxidative stress buffering without the irritation risk often associated with high-potency EGCG. Typically used at 0.5–3%, it acts as a glow-focused stabilizer, making it an ideal choice for sensitive or dull skin that requires environmental defense but cannot tolerate high-intensity actives. Its water-soluble nature and neutral sensory profile allow it to integrate seamlessly into daily antioxidant serums and essences, where it functions as a "rest day" hero between stronger treatments. While a smoother skin feel is noticeable early on, the true value of the flower extract is cumulative radiance balance; consistent use over a 4-to-6-week timeline helps establish a stable, luminous skin baseline that feels both reassured and resilient.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Green Tea Leaf Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) is the gold-standard and most researched expression of green tea science, acting as a versatile antioxidant backbone for daily environmental defense. Rich in polyphenolic catechins, most notably EGCG, it provides proven radical-scavenging activity while balancing oil production and soothing visible redness. Typically used at 0.5–5%, it functions as a protective anchor in modern routines, shielding the skin from urban pollution and oxidative stress without the heaviness of oils or the potential sting of high-potency isolates. Its fresh, water-soluble profile makes it exceptionally compatible with oily and acne-prone skin, offering calm comfort while maintaining a breathable finish. While immediate soothing is often felt, the true value of the leaf extract is long-term resilience; consistent use over a 4-to-8-week timeline results in a more balanced, defended, and stable skin baseline that better tolerates environmental shifts and active-heavy regimens.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Green Tea Water – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Green Tea Water (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water) is the lightest and most sensory-focused expression of the green tea plant, designed primarily for cooling hydration and routine balance. Unlike potent extracts or EGCG isolates, this botanical water provides a "feather-light" antioxidant buffer that prioritizes instant skin comfort and heat relief over aggressive correction. Typically making up 10–100% of a product's water phase, it functions as a comfort primer, reducing the perception of tightness and heat—especially in hot, humid climates or after sun exposure. Its weightless, non-greasy profile makes it an exceptional choice for oily, acne-prone, or reactive skin that needs a breathable hydration layer without the risk of stinging. While immediate cooling is its primary payoff, the long-term value of Green Tea Water lies in routine stability; by making a daily regimen feel more refreshing and less "heavy," it encourages the consistency required for visible results. For maximum efficacy, it should be applied to damp skin and sealed within 60 seconds with a humectant or moisturizer to prevent trans-epidermal water loss.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Licorice Seed Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
By 2026, Licorice Seed Extract has redefined how we approach "Reactive Pigmentation." Unlike traditional brighteners that can be inflammatory, Licorice Seed Extract utilizes Licochalcone-A, a potent phyto-compound that inhibits the skin’s "alarm signals" triggered by UV and pollution. This creates a "Silent Barrier" effect, allowing the skin to recover from micro-stress before it translates into visible redness or dark spots. For the high-performance minimalist, it serves as the ultimate routine stabilizer, ensuring that strong actives like Retinol can deliver results without the associated "retinoid flush" or barrier fatigue.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Licorice Bark Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
In the 2026 skincare landscape, Licorice Bark Extract has emerged as a specialized "Resilience Anchor" for reactive routines. While the root is famous for aggressive brightening, the bark extract mirrors its biological role as the plant’s outer protective layer. By concentrating surface-level tannins and protective polyphenols, it acts as a biological "shock absorber" for the skin. In an era of high-intensity actives, Licorice Bark Extract provides the Defensive Architecture necessary to prevent micro-inflammation from becoming a full-scale barrier flare. It is the ideal ingredient for users who need their skin to remain "steady" and calm while using corrective treatments like Retinol or Vitamin C.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Licorice Leaf Juice – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
In 2026, Licorice Leaf Juice has become a cornerstone for "Skin Longevity" routines. While the root provides the heavy-lifting for pigment correction, the leaf juice specializes in Biological Resilience. Because the leaf must survive constant UV exposure and transpiration stress, its juice is naturally optimized with specialized flavonoids that act as "surface stabilizers." In a skincare routine, this translates to a Hydration Anchor—a step that doesn't just add water, but helps the skin maintain its "cool" under the pressure of active ingredients. For those transitioning into higher-strength retinoids or vitamin C, Licorice Leaf Juice serves as the ultimate comfort insurance.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Licorice Oil – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Licorice Oil serves as a Biological Sealant. Unlike the root extract (which targets pigment) or the leaf juice (which targets immediate hydration), the oil targets Texture Stability. It works by reinforcing the skin's natural "mortar"—the lipids that hold skin cells together. In an era of aggressive "skin cycling," Licorice Oil is the final step that prevents Surface Burnout. By creating a microscopic, breathable film, it allows the skin to repair itself underneath without interference from wind, pollution, or dry air.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Licorice Ferment – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Licorice Ferment serves as a Microbiome Stabilizer. Unlike the root (which targets pigment) or the leaf (which targets immediate surface calm), the ferment targets Metabolic Balance. During fermentation, microbes create specialized fatty acids and antioxidants that mimic the skin’s natural defense chemicals. In a high-performance routine, this translates to a Resilience Anchor—a step that doesn't just soothe on contact, but helps the skin "forget" the stress of the day. For those using heavy-hitting actives like Tretinoin or 20% Vitamin C, Licorice Ferment acts as a sensory insurance policy.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Licorice Flower Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Licorice Flower Extract serves as a Biological Routine Buffer. Unlike the root (which focuses on enzyme inhibition) or the oil (which focuses on the lipid seal), the flower extract focuses on Surface Equilibrium. It targets the "micro-sting" threshold—the point at which wind, heat, or friction turns into visible redness. In an era of high-intensity "skin cycling," this extract provides the necessary baseline calm that allows the skin to remain in a repair state rather than a reactive state.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Licorice Leaf Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Licorice Leaf Extract serves as a Micro-Stress Neutralizer. During the extraction process, the leaf's natural defense chemicals—evolved to protect the plant from sun and pests—are captured to provide a Secondary Antioxidant Layer for the skin. In a high-performance routine, this translates to Environmental Insurance. If you are an active user of L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), the leaf extract acts as a stabilizer, preventing the "pro-oxidative" shift that can sometimes happen when Vitamin C is exposed to heavy pollution.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Licorice Water – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Licorice Water operates on the principle of Aqueous Buffering. In modern skincare, we often use "sharp" actives (Retinols, AHAs, Vitamin C) that can cause a micro-sting on a dry or stressed barrier. Licorice Water rounds off these sharp edges. By applying it as the very first layer, you create a Biological Landing Zone—a reservoir of calm that allows subsequent products to penetrate effectively without triggering the inflammatory "alarm bells" of the skin.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Centella Bark Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Centella Bark Extract (Centella Asiatica Bark Extract) is the "structural stabilizer" of the Centella family, specifically positioned for routines that require deep comforting feel and routine resilience. While leaf extracts focus on rapid soothing and seeds offer breathable buffering, bark-derived extracts are often utilized for their light antioxidant supportand ability to anchor a formula's "steadying" effect on the skin. Typically integrated into serums and barrier creams, it functions as a consistency enhancer, helping to reduce the perception of skin "fatigue" caused by environmental stressors or over-active routines. Its primary value lies in its universal compatibility; it creates a low-stimulation environment that allows high-potency actives like Retinol or Niacinamide to perform without triggering defensive reactivity. Over 4-to-8 weeks of consistent use, this contributes to a visibly more "settled" complexion and improved routine tolerance, making it a strategic choice for those seeking a sustainable, long-term approach to skin health.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Centella Leaf Juice – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Centella Leaf Juice (Centella Asiatica Leaf Juice) is the "everyday breathable base" of the Cica family, specifically designed for routines that prioritize cooling hydration and high tolerance. Unlike concentrated extracts or ferments, leaf juice is a water-phase botanical that provides a fresh, "barely-there" sensation, making it ideal for those who find traditional barrier creams too heavy or suffocating. Typically utilized as a primary base in toners, mists, and essences, it functions as a biological primer, neutralizing post-cleansing tightness and preparing the skin's surface for more aggressive treatment steps. Its primary value lies in its active-friendly nature; by providing a gentle antioxidant buffer and immediate cooling comfort, it improves routine harmony, allowing users to remain consistent with potent actives like retinoids or Vitamin C without the common "overstimulated" skin feel. Over a 3-to-6-week period, this translates into steadier skin behavior and a more resilient, calm complexion, particularly in hot, humid climates.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Centella Oil – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Centella Oil (Centella Asiatica Oil) is the "lipid-shield stabilizer" of the Cica family, specifically designed for routines that prioritize moisture retention, barrier comfort, and structural softness. Unlike water-based Centella steps that focus on surface cooling, Centella oil functions as a comfort-seal, typically utilizing carrier oils like squalane or triglycerides to anchor Centella’s soothing properties into the skin's lipid layers. It is a non-negotiable for dry or sensitized-feeling skin, acting as a protective buffer that prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and softens the rough, flaky texture often associated with retinoid use or harsh weather. Its primary value lies in its active-routine synergy; by creating a supple, protected surface environment, it reduces the "dry-tight" threshold, allowing users to remain consistent with high-potency treatments. Over 2-to-4 weeks, this results in a visibly smoother, more radiant complexion and a significantly more resilient barrier feel.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Centella Ferment – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Centella Ferment (Centella Asiatica Ferment Filtrate) is the "refined stabilizer" of the Cica family, engineered for routines that prioritize microbiome-friendly balance and high bioavailability. By subjecting traditional Centella to a controlled fermentation process—often utilizing beneficial microorganisms like Saccharomyces or Lactobacillus—complex plant fibers are broken down into smaller, more usable molecular fractions. This biotransformation typically results in a texture that is significantly lighter and faster-absorbing than standard extracts, making it a "smart" comfort layer for oily and combination skin types. Its primary value lies in its routine-smoothing effect; it functions as a biological buffer that reduces "irritation noise," helping the skin tolerate potent actives like L-Ascorbic Acid or Retinoids more effectively. Over 2 to 6 weeks, this translates into a visibly more "settled" complexion and improved barrier resilience, particularly for those living in high-stress urban environments or humid climates.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Centella Flower Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Centella Flower Extract (Centella Asiatica Flower Extract) is the "breathable stabilizer" of the Cica family,specifically curated for routines that prioritize sensorial lightness and daily antioxidant harmony. While other parts of the plant are often extracted for heavy-duty repair, the flower extract offers a "soft bloom" effect, delivering calming triterpenes and polyphenols in a format that feels weightless on the skin. It functions primarily as a stress-diffuser layer,reducing the "warm-tight" sensation often triggered by hard water, environmental heat, or the introduction of potent actives. For oily and combination skin types—particularly those in humid climates—Centella Flower Extract provides the necessary comfort buffer to maintain routine consistency without the risk of pore-clogging heaviness. Over 2 to 6 weeks,its cumulative impact is a visibly steadier, more resilient barrier that remains calm under the pressure of a multi-step active routine.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Centella Root Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Centella Root Extract (Centella Asiatica Root Extract) serves as the "tolerance anchor" of the Cica family, engineered for routines that require a grounded, structural calm without the weight of traditional oils. While the leaves and flowers provide surface-level freshness, the root extract is often valued for its concentration of triterpenes and essential minerals that support long-term routine stability. It functions as a biological buffer, dampening the "overstimulation" signals—such as warmth, tightness, and stinging—that frequently occur when skin is challenged by high-potency Vitamin C, Retinoids, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids. By providing a predictable, barrier-friendly baseline, Centella Root Extract allows for better active-step adherence; users find they can maintain their treatment schedules more consistently because their skin feels less "on edge." Over 2 to 6 weeks, this results in a complexion that is not only calmer but more resilient to the daily stressors of a complex skincare regimen.