Clean And Clinical Skin Care Ingredients Explained: Glossary & Definitions

Explore the ingredients used in Alchimie Forever's clean clinical and skin care formulations. Developed by Swiss dermatologist Dr. Luigi L. Polla, our products combine anti-inflammatory botanicals, antioxidants, peptides, and advanced skin care actives selected for their efficacy, safety, and skin compatibility. This ingredient glossary was created to help you better understand the purpose, benefits, and origin of the ingredients used throughout our skin care collection.

FEATURED INGREDIENTS

Bilberry aka European Blueberry

Powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-redness benefits. This ingredient is different than the North American Blueberry.

Edelweiss

Traditional Swiss flower with antioxidant and photo-protective properties.

Green Tea

Antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental aggressors while soothing and supporting healthy-looking skin.

Rosemary

Purifying and antioxidant-rich botanical with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-septic properties.

Red Clover

Botanical extract rich in antioxidants and phytoestrogens (isoflavones) that helps support skin elasticity, hydration, and barrier function.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrating ingredient that helps attract and retain moisture for smoother, plumper-looking skin. (Note that this is not an AHA or BHA).

Peptides

Advanced skin care ingredients that help stimulate collagen production and support firmer, smoother skin.

Retinol

A derivative of vitamin A that speeds up cell turnover and boosts collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Turmeric

Highly anti-inflammatory botanical rich in antioxidant activity.

ALPHABETICAL INGREDIENT LISTING

A

  • Alchemilla Vulgaris (Alchemilla) Plant Extract (NATURAL): powerful astringent that minimizes under-eye bags; also has antioxidant and iron chelating properties

  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (NATURAL): powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient with wound healing effects; also prevent moisture loss

  • Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera (Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax) (NATURAL): film-forming properties

  • Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (NATURAL): calming and soothing ingredient that reduces inflammation and irritation

  • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that thickens and stabilizes the formula

  • Alcohol (LAB MADE): used to dissolve salicylic acid and menthol for proper absorption in the skin

  • Allantoin (LAB MADE): used for healing, soothing, and anti-irritating properties

  • Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that thickens and stabilizes the formula

  • Alpha-arbutin (LAB MADE): powerful anti-pigmentation active that works to lighten brown spots

  • Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate (LAB MADE): ingredient that helps to increase and strengthen the effects of sun protection factors

  • Ascorbic Acid (LAB MADE): vitamin C, has anti-aging, rejuvenating, and brightening properties

  • Ascorbyl Glucoside (LAB MADE): vitamin C, has anti-aging, rejuvenating, and brightening properties

  • Avobenzone (LAB MADE): chemical UV filter that absorbs UVA; allowed in all states including Hawaii

B

  • Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (NATURAL): nourishing and hydrating ingredient

  • Benzoic Acid (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of mold and yeast

  • Biotin (LAB MADE): renewal and repair of skin cells

  • Benzyl Alcohol (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of mold and yeast

  • Bisabolol (NATURAL): calming and soothing ingredient that reduces inflammation and irritation

  • Butyloctyl Salicylate (LAB MADE): ingredient used to stabilize UV filters

C

  • Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant that minimizes hyper-pigmentation and has photo-protective properties

  • Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract (NATURAL): natural enzyme that exfoliates and removes dead skin cells

  • Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract (NATURAL): antibacterial ingredient that has astringent properties to tighten the pores and prevent shine

  • Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract (NATURAL): powerful anti-pigmentation active that works to lighten brown spots

  • Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract (NATURAL): hydrating and softening ingredient that is rich in vitamin E; non-comedogenic

  • Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract (NATURAL): highly anti-inflammatory ingredient with antioxidant properties

  • C14-22 Alcohol (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • C15-19 Alkane (LAB MADE): ingredient that adds texture to products

  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer (LAB MADE): ingredient that improves the feel of cream

  • Caprylyl Glycol (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Carbomer (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Cetearyl Alcohol (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • Cetearyl Glucoside (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Cetearyl Olivate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Cetyl Alcohol (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex (LAB MADE): ingredient that creates a green color

  • Chlorphenesin (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of mold and yeast

  • Citric Acid (LAB MADE): alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that has firming benefits and helps to even out pigmentation

  • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (LAB MADE): gentle cleansing ingredient

  • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • Cyclopentasiloxane (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

D

  • Dea-Cetyl Phosphate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Decylene Glycol (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and yeast

  • Dehydroacetic Acid (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and yeast

  • Diheptyl Succinate (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Diisostearyl Malate (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Dimethicone (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Disodium EDTA (LAB MADE): ingredient that preserves the efficacy of other ingredients

E

  • 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (LAB MADE): vitamin C, has anti-aging, rejuvenating, and brightening properties

  • Ethylhexyl Palmitate (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

F

  • Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Extract (NATURAL): marine algae that prevent water retention

  • Fragrance (NATURAL OR LAB MADE): aromas to give the products an appealing smell; read more about our fragrance ingredients here

G

  • Gluconolactone (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient; non-comedogenic

  • Glucose (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • Glycerin (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate (LAB MADE): vitamin C, has anti-aging, rejuvenating, and brightening properties

  • Glyceryl Stearate (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • Glycolic Acid (LAB MADE): alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that stimulates new collagen formation and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines

H

  • Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (NATURAL): hydrating and antioxidant ingredient

  • Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax (NATURAL): nourishing and antioxidant ingredient

  • Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Strobile (NATURAL): antioxidant ingredient that lightens brown spots

  • Homosalate (LAB MADE): chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB; allowed in all states including Hawaii

  • Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Hydroxyethylcellulose (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

I

  • Ilex Paraguariensis (Maté) Leaf Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant ingredient highly concentrated in caffeine

  • Isomalt (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • Isononyl Isononanoate (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin; non-comedogenic

  • Isopropyl Myristate (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient

  • Isopropyl Palmitate (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient

J

  • Jojoba Esters (NATURAL): jojoba pearls to physically exfoliate the skin

L

  • Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract (NATURAL): plant with anti-stress, calming, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-septic properties.

  • Leontopodium Alpinum (Edelweiss) Extract (NATURAL): traditional Swiss plant with antioxidant and photo-protective properties

  • Lactic Acid (LAB MADE): alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that has firming properties and helps to even out pigmentation

M

  • Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Plant Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant ingredient rich in vitamins A and B, has healing properties

  • Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Plant Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant ingredient highly concentrated in vitamin K to protect the vascular system

  • Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract (ORGANIC): active ingredient that delays skin aging

  • Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit (NATURAL): antioxidant ingredient

  • Mandelic Acid (LAB MADE): alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that evens out pigmentation, has antiseptic properties, and is ideal for skin prone to inflammatory acne

  • Menthol (LAB MADE): ingredient that has cooling and soothing properties

  • Menthyl Lactate (LAB MADE): ingredient that has cooling and soothing properties

  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast

  • Methylisothiazolinone (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast

  • Methyl nicotinate (LAB MADE): derived from vitamin B3 to give an immediate plumping effect

  • Mica (MINERAL): white pigment with light reflecting properties

  • Myristyl Lactate (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin

N

  • Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant ingredient with detoxifying, toning, and anti-swelling properties

O

  • Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Herb Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant highly concentrated in vitamin K

  • Octisalate (LAB MADE): chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB rays; allowed in all states including Hawaii

  • Octocrylene (LAB MADE): chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB rays; allowed in all states including Hawaii

  • Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

P

  • Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Seed Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant ingredient highly concentrated in caffeine

  • Portulaca Pilosa (Purslane) Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant ingredient

  • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (LAB MADE): peptide with collagen-stimulating and plumping benefits

  • Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (LAB MADE): peptide with collagen-stimulating and plumping benefits

  • Phenylpropanol (NATURAL): floral component with a delicate scent

  • Panthenol (LAB MADE): pro-vitamin B5, enhances wound healing, with soothing and regenerating properties

  • PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • PEG-100 Stearate (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Phenoxyethanol (LAB MADE): preservative, prevents development of bacteria

  • Polyglycerin-6 (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate/Caprate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Polysorbate 20 (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Polysorbate 60 (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Potassium sorbate (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and mold

  • Propyl Gallate (LAB MADE): preserves the efficacy of other ingredients

R

  • Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant with calming, soothing, healing properties

  • Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic properties

  • Retinol (LAB MADE): powerful anti-aging ingredient that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and minimizes uneven pigmentation

S

  • Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract (NATURAL): ingredient that contains salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid, and has exfoliating and natural pain alleviating properties

  • Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (NATURAL): moisturizing ingredient whose composition is comparable to human sebum; non-comedogenic and sebum-regulating

  • Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (LAB MADE): gentle cleansing ingredient

  • Sodium Chloride (LAB MADE): ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract (NATURAL): powerful natural antioxidant that contains lycopene

  • Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract (NATURAL): nourishing ingredient

  • Salicylic Acid (LAB MADE): Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) with powerful astringent properties to help minimize acne and breakouts and facilitate extractions

  • Sodium Benzoate (LAB MADE): preservative ingredient that prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria

  • Sodium Hyaluronate (LAB MADE): form of hyaluronic acid that enables the skin to retain more water and has moisturizing properties

  • Sodium Hydroxide (LAB MADE): preserves the efficacy of other ingredients

  • Sodium Metabisulfite (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria

  • Sodium Phytate (LAB MADE): gentle foaming ingredient

  • Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enables oil and water to mix

  • Sodium Sulfite (LAB MADE): preserves the efficacy of other ingredients

  • Sorbic Acid (LAB MADE): preservative that prevents the growth of mold and yeast

  • Sorbitan Isostearate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Sorbitan Oleate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Sorbitan Olivate (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

  • Squalane (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient; non-comedogenic

  • Stearyl Alcohol (LAB MADE): moisturizing and nourishing ingredient that prevents water evaporation off of the skin

  • Sucrose Cocoate (LAB MADE): preserves the efficacy of other ingredients

T

  • Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter (NATURAL): nourishing and hydrating ingredient; non-comedogenic

  • Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract (NATURAL): powerful antioxidant that contains phytoestrogen (plant-based estrogen) to hydrate and stimulate collagen production

  • Titanium Dioxide (MINERAL): white pigment that reflects light particles

  • Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (LAB MADE): vitamin C, has anti-aging, rejuvenating, and brightening properties

  • Tocopherol (LAB MADE): vitamin E, has moisturizing and hydrating properties

  • Tocopheryl Acetate (LAB MADE): vitamin E, has moisturizing and hydrating properties

  • Tribehenin (LAB MADE): preserves the efficacy of other ingredients

  • Triethanolamine (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that thickens and stabilizes the formula

  • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate (LAB MADE): preserves the efficacy of other ingredients

V

  • Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Powder (NATURAL): cranberry pearls to physically exfoliate the skin

  • Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant that has iron chelating properties, helps to minimize redness, and is highly anti-inflammatory

  • Viola Tricolor (Pansy) Herb Extract (NATURAL): soothing, calming, nourishing ingredient that has anti-itch and anti-irritation properties

  • Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract (NATURAL): antioxidant rich in resveratrol that has anti-aging properties

W

  • Water/Aqua (NATURAL): when listed as the first ingredient, this indicates that the product is water-based (versus oil-based), which makes for a lighter texture

X

  • Xanthan Gum (LAB MADE): emulsifying ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability

Z

  • Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract (NATURAL): ingredient with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and stimulating properties