INGREDIENT GLOSSARY

Hair supplements work when there is a deficiency. What do biotin, zinc, iron, sulfur-containing amino acids, and selenium do, what does European law authorize, and why can biotin distort test results?

Pomegranate ellagitannins interrupt the oxidation of barrier lipids. The difference between classic and fermented extract—and what to really expect.

Argan, jojoba, rosehip, shea, coconut: what distinguishes one plant oil from another, why the fatty acid profile matters, and how to choose the right one for your skin.

It is the most powerful depigmenting agent, which is why it cannot be included in a cream. Why it is banned in European cosmetics, the risks of uncontrolled use, and how cosmetics work in its place by combining multiple active ingredients.

Marshmallow root is one of the richest sources of mucilage: it forms a film that retains water and reduces friction. Who it is suitable for and what it does not do.

In cosmetics, Echinacea angustifolia is used, not the purpurea found in supplements. How do alkylamides work, why is a tingling sensation felt, and what does research say about the enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid?

Piroctone olamine and climbazole are the most widely used anti-dandruff active ingredients in European shampoos following the ban on zinc pyrithione. What do they do, how can they be identified in the INCI, and what limits does the Cosmetics Regulation set?