Glossary · 62 actives
Skincare & haircare ingredients, explained
What each active ingredient does, in plain language — and which concerns it helps with.
Activated Charcoal
Highly porous carbon that absorbs excess oil, dirt and pollution from the skin's surface.
Adapalene
A retinoid that speeds up cell turnover so pores stop clogging; clinically proven for acne.
Alpha Arbutin
Blocks the enzyme that makes melanin, fading dark spots gradually and safely.
Aluminium Chlorohydrate
Temporarily plugs sweat ducts to reduce sweating and odour.
Helps withBody Odour & SweatAmla
Vitamin C-rich Indian gooseberry traditionally used to strengthen and darken hair.
Helps withPremature GreyingArgan Oil
Nourishing oil rich in vitamin E that tames frizz and adds shine.
Azelaic Acid
Gentle acid that reduces acne, redness and pigmentation; safe for sensitive skin.
Bakuchiol
Plant-based retinol alternative that improves fine lines with less irritation.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Kills acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes) and helps clear inflamed red pimples.
Bhringraj
Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to nourish the scalp and support hair growth.
Biotin
B-vitamin involved in keratin production; helps hair and nails when levels are low.
Bond Repair Complex
Rebuilds broken disulfide bonds inside chemically or heat-damaged hair.
Caffeine
Constricts blood vessels to reduce puffiness and dark under-eye shadows.
Castor Oil
Thick, ricinoleic-acid-rich oil used to condition lashes, brows and hair.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Soothing botanical that calms irritation and supports healing.
Ceramides
Lipids that rebuild the skin barrier and lock moisture in.
Climbazole
Antifungal that targets Malassezia yeast; works best combined with zinc pyrithione or piroctone olamine.
Helps withDandruffClotrimazole
Antifungal medicine used for fungal skin and nail infections.
Helps withNail FungusCocoa Butter
Rich emollient that keeps stretching skin supple and moisturised.
Helps withStretch MarksCoconut Oil
Penetrates the hair shaft to reduce protein loss; deeply moisturising.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Relieves itching and dryness; recommended for eczema-prone skin.
Glycerin
Classic humectant that draws moisture into skin and hair.
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Small-molecule exfoliant that resurfaces dull, rough skin and evens tone.
Green Tea
Antioxidant-rich extract that helps control oil and soothe irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant that pulls water into the skin for plump, hydrated look.
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Protein that fills gaps in damaged hair or nails for strength and smoothness.
Jojoba Oil
Light oil close to skin's sebum; conditions cuticles, beard and scalp.
Ketoconazole
Antifungal that controls Malassezia yeast, the main cause of dandruff.
Kojic Acid
Brightening agent derived from fungi that reduces melanin production.
Helps withPigmentation & Dark SpotsLactic Acid (AHA)
Mild exfoliant that also hydrates; good for dry, rough or bumpy skin.
Licorice Root Extract
Natural brightener with anti-inflammatory benefits for spots and redness.
Mandelic Acid (AHA)
Large-molecule, slow-penetrating acid; gentle option for pigmentation and acne on Indian skin.
Helps withUneven Skin ToneMinoxidil
Clinically proven to extend the hair growth phase and regrow thinning hair.
Modern UV Filters
Photostable filters (e.g. Tinosorb, Uvinul) that give high UVA + UVB protection without white cast.
Neem
Ayurvedic herb with antibacterial properties that helps keep oily, pimple-prone skin clear.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Balances oil, strengthens the skin barrier, calms redness and fades dark marks.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Hydrates and soothes skin and hair; improves elasticity and shine.
Peptides
Amino-acid chains that signal skin to produce collagen for firmness.
Petrolatum / Beeswax
Occlusives that form a protective seal so lips and skin can heal.
PHA (Gluconolactone)
Gentle, large-molecule exfoliating acid that smooths and brightens with little irritation.
Piroctone Olamine
Gentle anti-dandruff active that reduces flakes and itch.
Red Onion Extract
Sulfur-rich extract popular in India for strengthening roots and reducing hair fall.
Helps withHair FallRedensyl
Plant-derived complex that targets hair follicle stem cells to reduce hair fall.
Retinol
Vitamin A derivative that boosts collagen, smooths wrinkles and refines texture.
Rice Water
Traditional Asian brightening ingredient that helps skin look smoother and more even.
Rosemary Oil
Improves scalp circulation; studied as a gentle option for hair thinning.
Saffron
Precious spice extract traditionally used in Indian skincare for a brighter, more even look.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Oil-soluble exfoliant that gets inside pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin that cause clogs.
Selenium Sulfide
Slows skin cell turnover on the scalp and fights yeast; for stubborn dandruff.
Helps withDandruffShea Butter
Rich emollient that seals in moisture and repairs very dry skin.
Silicones (Dimethicone)
Coat the hair to smooth frizz, add slip and protect from heat.
Squalane
Lightweight, non-greasy oil that mimics skin's own sebum to soften and protect.
Helps withDry SkinTea Tree Oil
Natural antibacterial that can calm mild breakouts and fungal irritation.
Tranexamic Acid
Targets stubborn pigmentation and melasma by interrupting melanin triggers.
Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory spice extract that helps calm redness and brighten skin.
Urea
Hydrates and softens thick, rough skin; at higher % it gently exfoliates.
Vitamin C
Antioxidant that brightens, fades dark spots and protects against sun damage.
Vitamin E
Antioxidant that moisturises and protects skin, cuticles and lips.
Witch Hazel
Plant astringent that helps reduce oiliness and the look of pores.
Zinc (PCA / Gluconate)
Regulates oil production and has soothing, antibacterial effects.
Zinc Oxide
Mineral UV filter that gives broad-spectrum protection and calms skin.
Zinc Pyrithione
Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial agent widely used in anti-dandruff shampoos.