Glossary

Alpha Hydroxy Acids: AHA's are agents that provide surface-level cleansing and exfoliation. This provides a gentle exfoliation, and preferred for people with sensitive / dry and inflammatory skin. AHA's can improve the texture, tone, and brightness of skin.  Popular AHA's include Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Mandelic acid.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: An organosulphur compound derived form caprylic acid. Alpha lipoic acid is also produced within the mitochondria, where it helps turn nutrients into energy.

Amino Acids: Amino Acids are organic compounds containing a carboxyl (—COOH) and an amino (—NH₂) functional group. They are the building blocks of proteins, and facilitate multiple functions in the body.

Essential Amino Acids: Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized in the body, thereby making them essential for consumption. The 9 essential amino acids are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. 

Non-Essential Amino Acids: Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized in the human body, whether or not consumed through dietary sources. Nonessential amino acids include: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.

Azelaic Acid: A dicarboxylic acid found in skincare formulations reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, improve skin cell turnover, with antibacterial / antioxidant properties.

Beta-Hydroxy Acids: BHA's are chemical exfoliating agents that penetrate the skin's surface layer to remove excess debris, and sebum build up. The most popular BHA is salicylic acid.

Bentonite Clay: Bentonite clay is a powder typically derived from volcanic ash. It is used topically to remove impurities and debris from the skin. Bentonite is commonly used a facial mask, soap and even konjac sponges.

Calendula Oil / Extract: Calendula flower is used to improve dry, damaged skin. It protects against UV ray sun damage, can be applied topically for healing wounds, and burns. Calendula is anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. It is a popular ingredient in baby / childcare skin / diaper creams, and for adults with sensitive skin. 

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a popular ingredient for culinary and medicinal use. It is rich in Lauric acid (49%) which contains anti-microbial activities useful for the skin, microbiome, and immune system. It is extremely dense in fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for hydrating dry skin. Coconut oil also carries a high smoke point, making it a popular choice for cooking. 

Collagen: Collagen is essential for maintaining the structure and elasticity of our joints, hair, skin, nails, blood vessels, and uterous. Overtime, collagen naturally decreases with age - leading to impaired mobility of the joints, sagging skin, and weakened hair + nails. It can be derived from Bovine and Marine sources. 

Digestive Enzymes:

• Alpha Amylase: Breaks down starches
• Protease: Breaks down the peptide bonds in proteins.
• Lipase: Produced by the pancreas, lipase breaks down fats.
• Papain: Proteolytic enzymes help break proteins down into smaller. protein fragments called peptides and amino acids. Typically extracted from Papaya.
• Xylanase: Responsible for breaking down major components for the cell wall via breaking down hemicellulose. This helps the degradation of plant matter into usable nutrients.

Glutamine: Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid with strong medicinal properties. It has been shown to rebuild the gut lining, essential for individuals with IBS, Leaky Gut, and stomach ulcers. Glutamine is also used in sports nutrition to support post-recovery muscle development.

Glutathione: Glutathione is a major antioxidant preventing free-radical damage in the body. It is a tripeptide (cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid) produced  in the body. It is essential for cellular health, and a major component the body's natural detoxification process + liver cleansing.

Glycerin: Glycerin is humectant, which is known to draw moisture from the air to keep skin moisturized. Glycerin is also paired with occlusive to lock in moisture on the skin's surface barrier.

Magnesium Stearate: Magnesium stearate is the magnesium salt of the fatty acid, stearic acid. The fatty acid is typically derived from Chicken, Beef, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, or Palm Oil.  Upon ingestion, magnesium stearate is dissolved into magnesium ion and stearic and palmitic acids. In the supplement industry, it is considered a "flow agent"  with its primary role of keeping medicinal ingredients from sticking together. This ingredient is often listed in the "Non-Medicinal" section of a label.

Methylglyoxal content (MGO): Manuka Honey is considered a superfood due to its antibacterial properties. The antibacterial strength is listed under the "MGO" content found on the label. Common strengths include: 30+MGO (Daily), 100+MGO (Extra), 250+MGO (Seasonal) , 400+MGO (Clinical).

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): Is a naturally occurring organosulphur found in high concentrations of Eggs, Fish, and plant-based sources including the brassica family. MSM is most notably known for its anti-inflammatory effects. For example, the inhibitory effect of MSM results in the downregulation of mRNA for interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 (pro-inflammatory cytokines).

L-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF): 5-MTHF is the active version of Folate (Vitamin B9).  Approximately 30-60 percent of all people carry a MTHFR gene variant that cannot process folate, and may lead to low levels of a) folate, b) B vitamins, and c) high levels of homocysteine in the blood. Folate converted into its activated form via MTHFR (methyl-tetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme) is essential for methylation. The downstream effects of unable to methylate include 1. disruption of the body's natural detoxification process, 2. hormone metabolism, and 3. neurotransmitter production affecting mood.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: A polyunsaturated fatty acid with multiple health benefits. Commonly found in fish, fish oil supplements, nuts & seeds, and plant oils. 

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): DHA is a derivative of an omega-3-fatty acid. You will find this listed under the "Total Omega 3 Content" found on a supplement bottle. DHA is essential for the growth and development in infant brains, and adults. High concentrations are also found in the retina, and play an integral role in the immune system, and cellular metabolism.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): EPA is a derivative of an omega-3-fatty acid. You will find this listed under the "Total Omega 3 Content" found on a supplement bottle. EPA works as an anti-inflammatory agent, supports cardiovascular health, and is a strong option for people with achy joints and pain. 

Occlusive: Occlusive provides a protective seal over the skin to lock in moisturize and keep skin hydrated. 

Polyphenol [poly = many - phenol]. Organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl functional (—OH) group attached to a carbon atom in a benzene ring, primarily found in plants. Based on the number of Phenol groups, polyphenols can range into a diverse amount of classes: Stilbenes (Resveratrol), Lignans (Flaxseed), Phenolic Acid (Caffeic Acid), and Flavinoids. Polyphenols have health promoting effects from anti-inflammatory, to fighting against reactive oxygen species.

Resveratrol: A polyphenol (antioxidant) belonging to stilbenes. It is found in Grapes and Wines. It is commonly listed  as a supplement for cardiovascular health, anti-aging, "anti-cancer", and cosmetics to maintain the appearance of youthful skin.

Silicon Dioxide: Silicon dioxide is made from the combination of Silica, and Oxygen (SiO2). It is found in human tissue, leafy greens, and quartz, amongst other natural resources. It is most commonly found in tablets / pills / protein powders, serving as a anti-caking agent, also preventing moisture retention in ingredients.

Silica: Silica is a trace mineral that provides structural integrity to the body's connective tissue. Including: hair, skin, and nails. Silica is plant-based, and commonly used as a substitute for collagen in vegan/vegetarian populations.

Tincture: Tinctures are a medicine that use alcohol or glycerin to extract the active constituents from a herb, mushroom, or bark. Tinctures can be applied sublingually or can be diluted in water as a delivery method.

Tyrosinase Inhibitors: Tyrosinase Inhibitors are a group of compounds that inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme from producing melanin. This is used clinically, and commercially for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. Popular Tyrosinase inhibitors include Licorice Root.