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

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.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Aloe Water – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Aloe Water (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water), the lightest expression of aloe, is a breathable botanical hydration-carrier designed for immediate cooling relief and sensory comfort. Unlike concentrated extracts or juices, this ultra-clean aqueous system utilizes Trace Polysaccharides and Water-Soluble Phenolic Traces to provide weightless hydration without the stickiness or biological intensity of gels. Functioning as a feather-light routine-buffer, it can be used at up to 100% as a water-phase replacement in toners and mists to reduce sensory irritation signals from environmental heat or potent actives. While its cooling sensation is immediate, consistent use over a 4-week timeline results in more stable, calm skin behavior and improved hydration perception. It is the ideal "breathable" layer for sensitive routines, hot climates, or post-sun recovery, effectively preping the skin for further treatment steps without adding active load or heaviness.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Seed Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Seed Extract (Curcuma Longa Seed Extract) is a glow-supportive botanical, rich in Curcuminoids, Seed Polyphenols, and Essential Fatty Acids, offering a gentler, more balanced approach to antioxidant defense, soothing comfort, and radiance enhancement than traditional root extracts. This extract significantly improves comfort(observed trends up to 30%), aids in redness reduction (up to 25%), and boosts radiance (up to 20%). Used typically at 0.2−2% in serums and creams, its gentleness and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for sensitive, dull, and redness-prone skin seeking clarified tone, daily antioxidant balance, and enhanced resilience without the risk of irritation.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Bark Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Bark Extract is a highly specialized, gentle botanical extract—likely derived from the outer rhizome layer or a unique low-curcuminoid preparation—that is rich in sesquiterpenes, trace minerals, and bark polyphenols, offering superior comfort, redness reduction, and gentle antioxidant balance. This extract is explicitly noted for its low-pigment nature, ensuring no yellow undertones or staining. It significantly enhances comfort (observed trends up to 30%improvement), aids in redness reduction (up to 25%), and supports clarity/smoothness (seen in 3−4 weeks). Used typically at 0.2−1.0% in serums and creams, its very low irritation potential makes it ideal for sensitive, oily, combination, and redness-prone users, providing soothing benefits without compromising active routines.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Leaf Juice – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Leaf Juice is a light, water-soluble botanical fluid, generally milder than root extracts, containing leaf polyphenols, trace antioxidants, and botanical sugars, primarily valued for its comforting feel, light antioxidant support, and ease of incorporation into diverse skincare routines. Due to its gentle nature, it's suitable for most skin types seeking gentle comfort, including use in AM/PM serums or moisturisers. While often well-tolerated, individuals with botanical or essential oil sensitivities should perform a patch test. Consistent use over several weeks, paired with moisturiser and daily SPF, is necessary to observe results in skin comfort and antioxidant protection.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Oil – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Oil (Curcuma Longa Root Oil or similar lipid extract) is a botanical oil derived from the Turmeric rhizome, rich in sesquiterpenoids (like Turmerone), that helps boost the feel of hydration and comfort and supports a supple-looking barrier. It excels at softening the look of dryness and can be beneficial for dry, dehydrated, or sensitised-feeling skin. Due to its oil-based nature, it should be used AM/PM after watery serums and sealed with a moisturiser. While generally well-tolerated, individuals should patch test if very reactive. Consistent use over several weeks, alongside daily SPF, is recommended for best results.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Ferment – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Ferment (Lactobacillus/Curcuma Longa Ferment Filtrate or similar) is a water-soluble botanical fluid created through fermentation, which enhances the bioavailability of its antioxidants and soothing metabolites, offering an elevated comforting feel and light antioxidant support. This ferment is generally well-tolerated and suitable for most skin types seeking gentle comfort, and can be used AM/PM within serums or moisturisers. As with all potent botanicals, individuals with botanical or essential oil sensitivities should perform a patch test. Consistent use over several weeks, paired with moisturiser and daily SPF, is key to achieving optimal results in skin resilience and comfort.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Flower Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Flower Extract (Curcuma Longa Flower Extract or similar) is a delicate, water-soluble botanical active derived from the blossoms, offering a unique profile of floral flavonoids, trace minerals, and light antioxidants, primarily valued for its comforting feel and gentle antioxidant support. This extract is suitable for most skin types seeking gentle comfort and can be easily integrated into AM/PM routines within serums or moisturisers. Due to its botanical source, individuals with botanical or essential oil sensitivities should perform a patch test. Consistent use over several weeks, alongside moisturiser and daily SPF, is necessary to observe benefits in skin soothing and antioxidant resilience.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Root Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Root Extract (Curcuma Longa Root Extract or Rhizome Extract) is the most common and potent botanical extract from Turmeric, containing high concentrations of Curcuminoids and polyphenols that provide powerful antioxidant support, anti-inflammatory action, and a comforting feel. It is suitable for most skin types seeking gentle comfort, especially those targeting dullness, redness, or hyperpigmentation, and can be used AM/PM within serums or moisturisers. Due to its potency, individuals with botanical or essential oil sensitivities should perform a patch test. Consistent use over several weeks, paired with moisturiser and daily SPF, is necessary to achieve results in skin clarity and resilience.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Leaf Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Leaf Extract (Curcuma Longa Leaf Extract or similar) is a water-soluble botanical active derived from the leaves, generally milder than the root extract, containing leaf polyphenols and light antioxidants, primarily valued for its comforting feel and gentle antioxidant support. This extract is suitable for most skin types seeking gentle comfortand can be easily integrated into AM/PM routines within serums or moisturisers. Due to its botanical source, individuals with botanical or essential oil sensitivities should perform a patch test. Consistent use over several weeks, paired with moisturiser and daily SPF, is needed to observe benefits in skin soothing and antioxidant resilience.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Turmeric Water – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Turmeric Water (Curcuma Longa Root Water or similar hydrosol) is a gentle, water-soluble botanical fluid created via distillation, carrying light concentrations of trace minerals, volatile oils, and light antioxidants, primarily valued for its comforting feel and mild antioxidant support. As a gentle hydrosol, it is suitable for most skin types seeking comfortand integrates easily into AM/PM routines within serums, toners, or moisturisers. Due to its botanical source, individuals with botanical or essential oil sensitivities should perform a patch test. Consistent use over several weeks, paired with moisturiser and daily SPF, is needed to observe benefits in skin soothing and antioxidant resilience.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginseng Seed Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginseng Seed Extract (Panax Ginseng Seed Extract) is the resilience-focused anchor of the ginseng family, specifically valued for its ability to provide long-term antioxidant buffering and routine stability. While the root extract is often associated with immediate revitalization, the seed-derived fraction focuses on preservation and environmental defense, utilizing seed-specific polyphenols and phytosterols to neutralize oxidative stress without overstimulating the skin. Typically formulated at 0.1–1%, it functions as a biological stabilizer, calming the skin’s response to daily stressors and buffering the potential irritation triggered by high-performance actives like retinoids. Its true value lies in its gentle yet protective profile; by fostering a consistent, balanced environment, it supports the skin’s natural resilience over an 8-to-12-week timeline, making it an essential component for preventative skincare and maintenance-focused regimens that prioritize comfort and longevity over aggressive correction.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Ginseng Bark Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Ginseng Bark Extract (Panax Ginseng Bark Extract) is the structural defender of the ginseng family, uniquely positioned for its ability to provide shield-like antioxidant buffering and environmental resilience. In nature, bark serves as the plant's primary defense against physical and oxidative damage; in skincare, this translates into a biological buffer that helps the skin withstand urban pollution and chronic environmental stress. Typically formulated at 0.1–1%, it utilizes a profile of structural polyphenols and protective flavonoids to reinforce the skin's surface without the aggressive metabolic stimulation often associated with ginseng root. Its true value lies in its grounding and stabilizing nature; rather than pushing for rapid turnover, it focuses on strengthening the barrier's endurance, making it an ideal choice for sensitive or "overworked" skin that requires long-term stability and a reduction in oxidative fatigue over a 4-to-12-week consistency period.