Ingredients Glossary
We prioritize science over trends when it comes to ingredients, and that armed with right facts you can decide which are right for you personally. Our Ingredients Glossary is your definitive guide to ingredients used in supplement and skincare products — from those considered safe and effective to the potentially harmful hormone disruptors that we recommend you avoid.
Body Safe & Veracity Approved
From chemicals to plant extracts, there are many amazing and powerful ingredients that can help safely combat signs of hormonal imbalance and aging. Many of these ingredients power Veracity skincare and supplements, but regardless of brand, we hope this list will help you understand what you’re putting on your face and in your body.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are a category of ingredients that come from various plants and herbs like maca, ashwagandha, and mushrooms, and provide adaptive or customizable skin support by assisting with your body's natural defenses.
Adaptogen Blend
A blend of clinical strength adaptogens – Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, & Eleuthero – that work together to balance cortisol, which improves sleep and supports the body’s immune response.
AHA
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a skincare workhorse that offers different benefits depending on its concentration.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant commonly used to soothe minor irritations and sunburns, but it also has useful applications in skincare.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are a wellness buzzword for a reason, especially when it comes to skincare.
Apple Extract
Apple extract is derived from the fruit of the apple tree.
Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that interacts with skin like an antioxidant.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Ascorbyl glucoside is an amped up version of vitamin C.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid (or L-ascorbic acid) is the most common form of vitamin C, and it acts as a powerful antioxidant to fight pigmentation, maintain skin barrier function, and smooth skin.
Ashwagandha Root Extract
An adaptogen which supports adrenal and thyroid hormones to protect the body against exhaustion of the nervous system, helping restore a sense of calm and relaxation.
Bacopa Monnieri
A nootropic herb that balances serotonin and cortisol hormones, providing nervous system support when the body is under stress.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a natural plant extract that has proven to have the same powerful effects as retinol, but it is better for sensitive skin and safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Barley Extract
Barley is a plant-derived antioxidant that has an abundance of phenols and flavonoids.
Benzoic Acid
Benzoic acid is a skincare preservative, and its main purpose in beauty products is to keep things fresh and fungus-free.
Benthi Plant Peptides
Benthi plant peptides are a compound of a protein known as growth factor Beta-2 and they work to enhance the production of epidermal lipids through protein synthesis.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
A probiotic strain that maintains a healthy gut microbiome while working from the inside out to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Bifidobacterium lactis
A probiotic strain that balances androgen hormones to diminish acne and protect from environmental allergens.
Bilberry Fruit Extract
Bilberries are edible berries that can provide the skin with a dose of antioxidants while soothing sensitivity and redness.
Birch Tree Water
Birch tree water is the sap directly harvested from birch trees.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol is a natural alcohol derived from chamomile, though it can also be made synthetically.
Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate
Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate is a combination of copper and the amino acids glycine, histidine, and lysine.
Black Cohosh Root Extract
Clinically proven to improve vaginal health, while reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and cramps commonly associated with perimenopause.
Black Cumin Seed Oil
With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the oil from black cumin seeds keeps acne, excess sebum, and sensitivity at bay.
Black Tea Ferment
The product of fermenting black tea with Saccharomyces yeast and Xylinum bacteria, black tea ferment provides a “lipofilling” effect.
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Boswellia Serrata Extract has traditionally been used for Ayurvedic and functional medicine applications through oral ingestion helping to address various inflammatory conditions in the body.
B Vitamin Complex
Supports hormone detoxification pathways in the body.
Caffeine
Caffeine’s energy-boosting effects are well known, courtesy of our beloved morning beverages.
Calcium D-Glucarate
An extensively studied ingredient that has been shown to support the body’s ability to detoxify estrogen and progesterone, foreign molecules, and fat-soluble toxins.
Ceramides
Your skin naturally produces ceramides, a type of lipid (fat), but synthetic and plant-derived forms are also added to skincare products for their hydration boosting powers.
Chaste Berry Extract
A powerful botanical that supports healthy levels of prolactin and progesterone, which promotes menstrual cycle regularity.
Cherimoya Extract
Cherimoya, or custard apple, is a sweet, creamy-textured fruit that is also overflowing with vitamins and minerals beneficial for the skin.
Citric Acid
As its name suggests, citric acid is an ingredient that comes from citrus fruit.
Coconut Alkanes
Coconut alkanes are emollients used to smooth skin, lock in moisture, and provide a natural “photo-filtered” effect.
Coconut Water
Rich in proteins, amino acids, and electrolytes, coconut water is not only good for you to drink, it’s also great for your skin.
Coenzyme Q10 (CO-Q10)
Co-Q10 is an enzyme naturally produced in the body and found in every cell.
Collagen
A fundamental building block of skin, collagen is responsible for keeping things looking supple, firm, and glowing.
Copper Lysinate
Copper Lysinate is an amino acid complex that visibly diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that accelerate when hormonal imbalances disrupt the skin barrier’s ability to retain moisture and protect itself from external aggressors. Its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production also does double duty in fading fine lines by plumping up the skin.
Date Palm Seed Extract
Date palm is an essential part of the diet in many Arabian countries, but its seeds have proven to also be a rich source of antioxidants and soothing ingredients.
DIM + I3C
Phytonutrients naturally found in cruciferous vegetables that detox excess estrogen and progesterone to maintain a healthy weight and balance sebum production to clear and moisturize skin.
Dong Quai
Balances estrogen, helping to reduce painful menstruation, support a regular menstrual cycle, and reduce menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes - minerals including potassium, sodium, calcium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium - have a single-minded purpose: hydration.
Eleuthero Root Extract
An adaptogen that restores adrenal function by improving cortisol levels to improve stress resilience, support memory, maintain energy, and boost the immune system.
Essential Trace Minerals
Building blocks that facilitate nutrient absorption required for hormone production.
Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived antioxidant and popular skincare ingredient both for its anti-aging benefits and its ability to protect skin against environmental pollution.
Gamma Oryzanol (Ferulic Acid)
A natural extract from rice bran oil that balances estrogen to relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of discomfort from PMS and perimenopause.
Garland Lily Extract
Garland lily extract is derived from the rhizomes of the butterfly ginger plant found in Madagascar.
Glucosyl Hesperidin
Glucosyl hesperidin is a natural flavonoid found in citrus plants such as lemons and limes.
Gallic Acid
Gallic acid is a synthetic molecule that acts like metabolites found in many plants including grape seeds, rose, sumac, oak, and witch hazel.
Ginger Root Extract
Ginger root extract is a multi-tasking ingredient, protecting the skin against external environmental stressors while fading dark spots and melasma.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a naturally occurring peptide antioxidant that acts as both an anti-aging and a skin brightening agent.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant, or a moisturizing agent, that is found in the cells of the body and that works to maintain a proper balance of hydration.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is one of the better known alpha hydroxy acids.
Grape Extract
Grape extract contains natural acids and antioxidants used to gently exfoliate skin cells and reveal a healthy glow.
Green Tea
When applied topically, green tea (or “camellia sinesis”) offers some of the same benefits for skin that it does for the body when consumed orally.
Hibiscus Roselle Fruit Extract
The hibiscus roselle fruit extract has been shown to deeply rehydrate skin as well as strengthen the skin barrier to reduce further moisture loss.
Hyaluronic Acid
Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, which is crucial to maintaining skin hydration and fighting moisture loss.
4D Hyaluronic Acid
4D hyaluronic acid combines four molecules of different sizes to enhance the moisture delivery of traditional hyaluronic acid to every layer of the skin, and then strengthens the skin barrier to retain that moisture.
Hyssop Flower / Leaf / Stem Extract
The extract of the hyssop plant is used to soothe redness and inflammation in stressed-out skin.
Inulin
Inulin is a naturally-derived prebiotic extract from chicory root that’s been used for hundreds of years in functional medicine applications through oral administration to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Kojic Acid
Research has shown that kojic acid, a by-product of the sake manufacturing process, has significant brightening properties.
L-Theanine
An amino acid found in green tea that helps lowers cortisol and boosts your happy hormones to reduce stress, while improving optimism and pleasure.
Lactic Acid
Another form of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), lactic acid is used for its exfoliating and brightening properties.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
A beneficial probiotic strain of bacteria that supports estrogen metabolism.
Lactobacillus paracasei
A protective probiotic strain of bacteria that keeps cortisol balanced while boosting the gut’s defense mechanisms to support the body’s immune response.
Lactobacillus plantarum
A probiotic strain that keeps reproductive hormones and melatonin in balance to support metabolic disorders and improve sleep quality.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
A balancing probiotic strain that signals 1700 genes throughout the gut to enhance microflora balance for long term gut health, which helps reduce bloating.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a natural antioxidant that soothes the skin.
Lemon Extract
Lemon extract contains citric acid, which is often used as a mild exfoliant.
Licorice Root / Extract
The Licorice root extract is not only a well-known anti-inflammatory, but also a sensitive skin soother that combats the signs of aging.
Licorice Root Extract (Supplements)
An adaptogen that keeps estrogen and cortisol hormones in balance, to protect from endocrine disrupting chemicals and improve the body’s stress response to help renew energy levels.
Licorice Root Extract + White Peony Root Extract
A clinically proven duo that works together to maintain proper balance between progesterone and estrogen levels, which naturally boosts the body’s antioxidants for plump and hydrated skin.
Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is an unsaturated, plant-based omega-6 fatty acid that acts as an emollient in skincare products.
Linolenic Acid
Linolenic Acid is an unsaturated, plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that acts as an emollient in skincare products.
Mahua Butter
The butter extracted from the seeds of this tropical Indian plant contains nourishing fatty acids that moisturize the skin.
Mangosteen Seed Oil
Mangosteen seed oil contains antioxidants that slow down the appearance of signs of aging and return a youthful glow to skin.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces and is responsible for regulating your sleep cycle and counterbalancing the stress hormone cortisol.
Micronized DHEA
The healthy aging hormone. Naturally derived from wild yam, this precursor hormone helps boost collagen in the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.
Micronutrients
A clinically proven combination of vitamins C, A, and E, and B vitamins that are crucial for combatting the effects of stress and supporting adrenal restoration.
Neurophroline
Neurophroline, a plant extract derived from the seeds of wild indigo, is an active botanical that can block the production of cortisol at the surface of your skin by up to 70%.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide helps to tighten pores, decrease signs of aging, and repair damage.
Orange Extract
The extract of the orange contains mild acids that help to gently exfoliate the skin.
Pentylene Glycol
Pentylene glycol is a safe synthetic chemical that both increases moisture in the skin, and helps to keep skincare products stable.
Peptides
Peptides are small parts of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins like keratin.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent bacterial growth in your skincare products.
Phosphatidylserine
A healthy fat naturally sourced from sunflower seeds that alleviates stress by reducing spikes in cortisol.
Plum Seed Oil
Plum seed oil is a lightweight ingredient that carries a hefty store of antioxidants that brighten the skin and deliver a youthful glow.
Poria Mushroom + Tall Reed Extracts
The poria mushroom is a humble coconut-shaped fungus that grows underground while tall reeds are a type of perennial grasses found in wetlands and tropical regions worldwide.
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is a common preservative found in skincare products.
Pomegranate Pericarp Extract
An extract from the pericarp (outer membrane) section of the pomegranate is known to be beneficial in aiding wound healing in acne-prone skin by protecting the skin’s outer layers.
Powerhouse Antioxidant Blend
A potent blend of antioxidants that combats aging and hyperpigmentation.
Prickly Pear
A staple in Mexican and Southwestern cuisines, prickly pear has gained popularity in the skincare world for its hydrating abilities and its rich stores of antioxidants and fatty acids that replenish and rejuvenate the skin.
Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms - mainly bacteria, yeast, and fungi - that help fortify the skin’s barrier, maintain a healthy level of pH, and enhance skin hydration.
Propanediol
Propanediol is a chemical emollient that’s mainly used to help your skin absorb the other ingredients in a product, though it is also a humectant that lends a big boost of moisture.
Pumpkin + Pomegranate Enzyme Complex
When pumpkin and pomegranate undergo fermentation, a process that breaks down the sugar content in the fruit, the results are substances called pumpkin and pomegranate extracts.
Purple Rice Bran Extract
The outside layer of purple rice contains rich stores of antioxidants and fatty acids that moisturize the skin and defend it from environmental assaults.
Purple Superfood Complex
Purple Superfood Complex is a proprietary Veracity compound that is a combination of potent antioxidants and probiotics.
Purple Sweet Potato Root Extract
The extract of the purple sweet potato root moisturizes the skin while its antioxidants help cells adapt to external stressors.
Pygeum Bark Extract
A potent plant extract that blocks excess androgen hormones, which provides fertility support and helps reduce inflammation and UTI (urinary tract infections) symptoms and discomforts.
Rambutan Peel Extract
Rambutan peel extract is derived from the outer layers of the fruit of the rambutan, a plant native to Southeast Asia.
Red Algae Extract
Red algae extract boosts skin moisture and provides an immediate moisturizing effect for 24 hours.
Resveratrol
The same powerful antioxidant that’s found in red wine and dark chocolate, resveratrol acts as a protective barrier for the skin and helps to stave off damage caused by pollution, the sun, and other environmental factors.
Retinol
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, fights acne, diminishes signs of aging, firms skin, and provides all the benefits of an antioxidant.
Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract
An adaptogen which keeps cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in balance to reduce fatigue and chronic stress.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil, pressed from the fruits and seeds of the rose plant, offers exceptional repair and healing properties for acne-prone skin.
Sage Oil
Sage oil is used to help control sebum, or the oily substance produced by skin glands.
Saw Palmetto Extract
A botanical that helps keep androgen levels in balance to reduce inflammation and restore healthy antioxidant levels for clear skin and thicker-looking hair.
Schisandra Berry Extract
An adaptogen that helps support depleted cortisol levels from chronic stress and fatigue for greater cognitive clarity and emotional well being, as well as physical stress which improves physical endurance for better workouts.
Sea Fennel Extract
Sea Fennel Extract or ‘rock samphire’ is a marine plant active that is naturally rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals all essential for the hydration of hormone depleted skin.
Sea Fern Extract
Sea fern extract uses polysaccharides and minerals to hydrate the skin and fade dark spots and melasma.
Shiitake Mushroom Extract
Shiitake Mushroom Extract is an adaptogenic mushroom that is rich in anti-inflammatory lentinan and immune boosting pro-vitamin D2, along with amino acids and other trace elements.
Snow Mushroom
The snow mushroom, a staple ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to hydrate the skin by holding up to 500 times its own weight in water.
Sodium Citrate
Derived from citric acid, sodium citrate is mainly used to preserve skincare formulas and maintain pH balance.
Sodium Gluconate
A form of gluconic acid, sodium gluconate works as a natural preservative in skincare products.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Sometimes referred to as “mini HA,” sodium hyaluronate is found naturally in skin tissue and is a smaller molecular form of the hyaluronic acid you know and love.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer is a vegan synthetic form of hyaluronic acid that has even greater hydration properties due to a modification that enables it to hang around the most outer layers of skin longer.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, or lye, is a highly alkaline ingredient (non-acidic) used to maintain a balanced pH levels in skincare products.
Sodium Lactate
Derived from lactic acid, sodium lactate is another agent used to regulate pH levels in skincare products.
Sodium PCA
Sodium PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a humectant that pulls moisture from the air to hydrate the skin.
Squalane
Squalane oil is a moisturizing agent that acts similarly to the oil produced by the skin; unlike your body’s natural oil, this ingredient is lighter and less greasy.
Stinging Nettles Root Extract
An antioxidant rich botanical that supports androgen and thyroid hormone balance to reduce PMS cramps, clear acne, and diminish unwanted facial hair growth.
Sugar Cane Extract
Sugar cane extract helps skin attract and retain moisture while providing gentle exfoliation and smoothing qualities.
Sugar Maple Extract
The extract of the sugar maple tree contains natural acids that exfoliate dead skin cells.
Sulfur
Sulfur is an essential component in all living cells that can also commonly be found in rocks and minerals.
Super Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid “HA” may be a buzz word in hydration, but what’s less well known is that its variant, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, does all the same things but even more effectively.
Tamanu Seed Oil
Extracted from the seeds of the tropical tamanu tree, this dark green oil deeply moisturizes dry skin and promotes wound healing.
Tea Tree Oil
Derived from a small Australian tree, tea tree oil is a natural oil that has been used as a homeopathic remedy for coughs and skin healing for centuries.
Tiger Grass Extract
Tiger grass extract is known to soothe sensitive and inflamed skin and stimulate wound healing.
Tocopherol
Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that is naturally produced by the skin.
Trace Mineral Complex
Clinically validated blend of zinc, copper, and selenium that restore essential nutrients to the body, which become depleted when androgen hormone levels are high.
Trans-Resveratrol
A potent antioxidant sourced from Japanese knotweed that provides antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals, supporting hormonal balance and reducing inflammation.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most versatile spices.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a powerful skincare ingredient.
Vitamin A (Supplements)
Essential to maintaining balanced thyroid hormone levels for a healthy metabolism, eye sight, and overall skin health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, deemed “The Holy Grail of Skin-Care Ingredients” by Allure, is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and help brighten and repair damaged skin.
Vitamins C + E
Provide broad spectrum antioxidant support for the body and skin – combatting the effects of hormone imbalance from environmental toxins which constantly expose the body to harmful free radicals.
Vitamins D3 + K2
A duo that supports the body’s immune system, bone, heart, and skin health.
Vitamin D
As an antioxidant that the body produces naturally when exposed to sunlight, Vitamin D fights inflammation and rejuvenates skin, but it also helps ensure calcium absorption in the body.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is an antioxidant that is naturally produced by the skin.
White Lily Bulb Extract
The extract from the bulb of the white lily flower is essentially “sleep for the skin.”
Willow Bark
Derived from the willow tree, willow bark is a rich, natural form of salicylic acid that is also safe to use during pregnancy.
Zinc
Zinc is an element that some believe might have properties to fight acne and its lingering effects on skin.
Zinc PCA
Zinc PCA is a complex of Zinc and L-PCA boasting dual benefits for oily, blemish-prone skin.
30+ Vitamins and Minerals
BioEvolve Multivitamin’s blend of 30 vitamins and minerals that build the foundation for full body hormone health.
6 Live Probiotic Strains
BioEvolve Probiotic’s proprietary blend of 6 bacterial strains that tackle the #1 cause of gut issues – hormone imbalance.