Astringent

Tightens and contracts skin tissue, temporarily shrinking pores and reducing oiliness. That "clean, tight" feeling after toner.

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Fragrance

Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.

Skin Conditioning

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Soothing

Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation. Your skin's chill pill — great for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.