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The Glossary

dive into the science behind our streamlined formulations.

explore below or tap through any product ingredient list for quick popup excerpts.

mango ginger root curcuma amada

Curcuma Amada (Mango Ginger) Root Extract

A close relative of turmeric, mango ginger contains high concentrations of curcuminoids and terpenoids. These active constituents provide impressive soothing and antioxidant benefits to calm the appearance of irritation and ailments.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
dextrin palmitate tapioca pearls plant starch

Dextrin Palmitate

Dextrin palmitate is a naturally-derived palmitic acid ester of dextrin. Dextrins are carbohydrates produced from enzymatic hydrolysis of plant starches like tapioca. It's an emulsifying agent that excels at thickening and stabilizing the oily portion…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
diglucosyl gallic acid

Diglucosyl Gallic Acid

An innovative biotech molecule activated by the skin's microbiome. It acts on seven biological targets to visibly brighten, calm, and protect skin from UV damage.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
Diheptyl Succinate Capryloyl Glycerin Sebacic Acid Copolymer

Diheptyl Succinate

A light, dry emollient often combined with Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer to form a natural texture and skin-feel enhancing alternative to silicones. The viscosity and feel varies based on the ratio of diheptyl succinate to…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
Dimethyl Isosorbide

Dimethyl Isosorbide

A biobased solvent and carrier. It solubilizes difficult to dissolve ingredients (like salicylic acid) without allowing them to re-crystalize in formula. It also facilitates delivery of active ingredients to enhance efficacy.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
disodium edta Sodium Metabisulfite

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA is salt forms of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). It's a safe and effective chelating agent, meaning it binds to metal ions to help stabilize products and extend shelf life and ingredient efficacy.
cipherskincare
September 25, 2022
ectoine Extremolytes Extremophiles

Ectoine

Ectoine is a multifunctional active touted as a "stress-protection molecule." It is a fermentation-derived amino acid derivative belonging to the group Extremolytes, which are molecules that protect extremophilic microorganisms from their hostile habitats. Benefits of…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
ethyl oleate

Ethyl Oleate

Ethyl Oleate is an ultra-light vitamin F fatty acid ester formed by the condensation of oleic acid and ethanol. Being a "vitamin F", or fatty acid vitamin, it helps restore skin's lipid barrier and protect…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
acai oil

Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil

Organic açaí berry oil is a stunning green lipid that helps maintain optimal skin balance with its impressive antioxidant content and emollient properties. This oil can effectively restore skin elasticity, minimise the appearance of wrinkles…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
sandalwood nut oil

Fusanus Spicatus Kernel (Sandalwood Nut) Oil

Australian sandalwood nuts are a sustainable byproduct from the fragrance industry. This supercritical CO2 extracted oil is prized for its ximenynic acid content accounting for over 30% of the total fatty acid composition. Not to…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate glycyrrhetinic acid glycyrrhiza glabra licorice root extract glabridin

Glabridin

Glabridin is an isoflavonoid isolated from the roots of glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root). This multifunctional active is a strong tyrosinase inhibitor that also posesses antioxidant and soothing anti-inflammatory activity. This unique combination of skills ensures…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022

Gluconolactone

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) with more talents than exfoliation alone. Gentle and hydrating, it can be great for everyday use. Like all acids, PHAs stimulate skin’s repair process while lessening the appearance of…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
glycereth-26

Glycereth-26

A humectant that provides exceptional slip and hydration. It delivers the skin benefits of glycerin without the tacky finish.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
glyceryn

Glycerin

Glycerin is a humectant that works to draw moisture into the upper layers of the skin. It also supports proper function of the skin’s moisture barrier and can help active ingredients better penetrate skin.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
glyceryl oleate citrate

Glyceryl Oleate Citrate

Glyceryl oleate citrate is an ester of glycerin that functions as an emulsifier and emollient. It helps stabilise formulas and keep the oil and water portions from separating. It also provides moisturising and skin softening…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022

Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl stearate is a fatty acid found naturally in the human body. For cosmetic use, it is derived by reacting glycerin with stearic acid. It functions as thickener, co-emulsifier and formulation stabiliser. It is gentle…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
Glycine Alanine

Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid. It supports healthy skin function and helps ensure optimal hydration. Amino acids are building blocks of collagen and elastin.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate glycyrrhetinic acid glycyrrhiza glabra licorice root extract glabridin

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract

A whole-root licorice extract standardized for its anti-inflammatory glycyrrhizinic acid content. It is great for sensitive skin and boasts antioxidant, brightening, and skin repairing properties. It can diminish the appearance of scars and dark spots,…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
dna repair enzymes

Haematococcus Pluvialis (Microalgae) Extract

Haematococcus pluvialis is a form of green microalgae and is a rich source of astaxanthin. In our formulas, it combines with a second microalgae, chlorella vulgaris, to form a powerful DNA repairing active. This specialty…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
castor plant fruit heptyl undecylenate

Heptyl Undecylenate

Heptyl undecylenate is an extremely light and dry emollient that is derived from castor oil. This soft-touch oil is a natural alternative to synthetic fluids such as cyclomethicone and mineral oils. It reduces the greasy…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
amino acid skin hydration natural moisturizing factors serine Histidine

Histidine

Histidine is an amino acid. It supports healthy skin function and helps ensure optimal hydration. Amino acids are building blocks of collagen and elastin.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
ethylhexyl olivate

Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate

Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate and Hydrogenated Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables form a light, soft lipid. Derived from olive oil, it's a natural ester of skin-conditioning fatty acids containing nourishing phytocompounds to support healthy skin.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
hydroxyacetophenone

Hydroxyacetophenone

Hydroxyacetophenone is a nature-identical phenolic antioxidant and soothing agent. This powerful free radical scavenger has synergistic effects with other antioxidants, boosts the efficacy of preservatives and supports formula mildness.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin structure

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin

Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin is skin-friendly, plant derived carbohydrate and skin conditioning agent.  It helps keep skin soft and smooth and provides a visible lifting effect.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
hydroxypropyl starch phosphate corn

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a naturally derived, biodegradable rheology modifier isolated from starch granules of corn and wheat. It performs as a thickener, emulsion stabilizer and foam enhancer over a broad pH range.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
St. John's Wort hyperforin Hyperium Perforatum

Hyperium Perforatum (St. John’s Wort) Extract

An extract of St. John's Wort standardized to a minimum hyperforin content of 30%. Hyperforin, an active component of the plant, is a phloroglucinol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Most impressively, it promotes faster skin…
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022
Isodecyl Neopentanoate

Isodecyl Neopentanoate

An ultra-light, low molecular weight, fast-spreading emollient ester that aids in product application, absorbtion, and dissolving oil-soluble active ingredients. It gives formulas an incredibly elegant feel and soft skin finish.
cipherskincare
September 25, 2022
aspartic acid Isoleucine amino acids

Isoleucine

Isoleucine is an amino acid. It supports healthy skin function and helps ensure optimal hydration. Amino acids are building blocks of collagen and elastin.
cipherskincare
September 21, 2022