Clean beauty has its own language and if you're new to it, the terminology can feel overwhelming. Vegan, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, humectant, pH-balanced… what does it all actually mean?
This glossary breaks down the most common clean beauty terms in plain language, so you can read ingredient labels, evaluate products, and make confident choices about what goes on your skin.
A
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)
A class of water-soluble acids derived from fruits and milk that exfoliate the skin's surface by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. Common AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid. They're effective for brightening, smoothing, and improving skin tone. Hibiscus Flower, found in the Vegan Blueberry Cranberry Facial Scrub, is a natural source of AHAs.
Antioxidant
An ingredient that neutralizes free radicals unstable molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Common antioxidants in skincare include vitamin C, vitamin E, and plant extracts like Gotu Kola and blueberry. The Vegan Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer is formulated specifically to deliver antioxidant protection alongside hydration.
B
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)
An oil-soluble acid (most commonly salicylic acid) that penetrates into pores to dissolve buildup and excess oil. Particularly effective for acne-prone and congested skin.
Botanical Extract
An ingredient derived from a plant its roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, or bark through processes like cold-pressing or steam distillation. Botanical extracts are the foundation of clean beauty formulations. Examples include Gotu Kola, Bamboo Extract, and Hibiscus Flower.
C
Cruelty-Free
A product or brand that does not test on animals at any stage of development. Note: cruelty-free is not the same as vegan. A product can be cruelty-free but still contain animal-derived ingredients. Look for third-party certification (like Leaping Bunny) to verify the claim.
Cold-Pressed
A method of extracting oil from plants using pressure rather than heat. Cold-pressing preserves more of the oil's natural nutrients, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds. Cold-pressed plant oils are used in the Vegan Gotu Kola Facial Cleanser to lock in hydration during cleansing.
E
Emollient
An ingredient that softens and smooths the skin by filling in gaps between skin cells. Emollients help maintain the skin's moisture barrier and leave skin feeling soft and supple. Plant oils like jojoba and olive are common emollients in clean beauty.
Emulsifier
An ingredient that helps oil and water blend together in a formula. Without emulsifiers, creams and lotions would separate. Clean beauty formulations use plant-derived emulsifiers rather than synthetic ones.
F
Fragrance-Free
A product that contains no added fragrance compounds synthetic or natural. This is different from "unscented," which can mean fragrance was added to mask the smell of other ingredients. Fragrance-free is the safer choice for sensitive and reactive skin. Every 103 Collection product is completely fragrance-free.
Free Radicals
Unstable molecules produced by UV exposure, pollution, stress, and other environmental factors. They damage skin cells, break down collagen, and accelerate visible aging. Antioxidants in skincare neutralize free radicals before they can cause harm.
G
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)
An ancient botanical plant extract rich in antioxidants and known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties. It helps calm redness, combat free radicals, and promote a more youthful complexion. It's the star ingredient in the Vegan Gotu Kola Facial Cleanser and also appears in the Vegan Blueberry Cranberry Facial Scrub.
H
Humectant
An ingredient that draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, then holds it there. Hyaluronic acid is the most well-known humectant. Humectants work best when applied to damp skin and sealed in with a moisturizer.
Hyaluronic Acid
A naturally occurring substance in the body that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. As a skincare ingredient, it's one of the most effective humectants available — delivering deep, lasting hydration without clogging pores. Found in the Vegan Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer.
J
Jojoba Oil
A liquid wax extracted from jojoba plant seeds whose molecular structure closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. This makes it uniquely compatible with all skin types it absorbs easily, hydrates without clogging pores, and helps regulate oil production. Used in the Vegan Bamboo & Teak Beard Oil and as Jojoba Esters in the Vegan Blueberry Cranberry Facial Scrub.
Jojoba Esters
Tiny, spherical beads made from jojoba wax used as a gentle physical exfoliant. Unlike jagged particles that can cause micro-tears, jojoba esters are perfectly round and smooth they polish the skin's surface without damage.
L
Leaping Bunny Certified
The gold standard for cruelty-free certification, administered by Cruelty Free International. It requires brands to commit to no animal testing on finished products and ingredients including by suppliers and to undergo independent supply chain audits annually.
Non-Comedogenic
A product or ingredient that is formulated not to clog pores. Important for acne-prone or oily skin types. Jojoba oil is a well-known non-comedogenic ingredient.
P
Paraben-Free
A product that does not contain parabens a class of synthetic preservatives (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.) that have been linked to hormone disruption. Clean beauty brands use alternative preservation systems. All 103 Collection products are paraben-free.
pH-Balanced
A product formulated to match the skin's natural pH level (around 4.5–5.5). Using products that are too alkaline or too acidic can disrupt the skin's moisture barrier and lead to dryness, irritation, or breakouts. The Vegan Gotu Kola Facial Cleanser is pH-balanced to preserve the skin's natural equilibrium.
S
Sebum
The natural oil produced by your skin's sebaceous glands to moisturize and protect the skin barrier. Too much sebum leads to oily skin and clogged pores; too little leads to dryness and irritation. Ingredients like jojoba oil can help regulate sebum production.
Silicone-Free
A product that does not contain silicones synthetic compounds (like dimethicone) that create a smooth, slippery feel but can trap debris in pores and build up on the skin over time. All 103 Collection products are silicone-free.
V
Vegan
A product that contains no animal-derived ingredients. Common animal-derived ingredients in conventional beauty include beeswax, lanolin (from sheep's wool), collagen (from animal connective tissue), and carmine (from insects). Vegan does not automatically mean cruelty-free — look for both certifications.
Bookmark This Page
Clean beauty has a learning curve, but once you know the language, reading labels becomes second nature. Bookmark this glossary and refer back to it whenever you encounter an unfamiliar term.
Every 103 Collection product is built on these principles vegan, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free. Shop the full line and see the difference clean ingredients make.