Demystifying Beauty Jargon

Skip navigation!

Begin Slideshow

The beauty world can be a bit of a minefield. New products are launched daily and along with them comes a whole new vocabulary. Words like hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, natural and organic are some of the most frequently used terms to describe the ingredients in our products. But do we know what they actually mean?

Dr. Anita Sturnham, the founder of Nuriss Skincare and Wellness Centre put it this way: "You wouldn't eat a plate of food without checking what was on your plate, so you should have that same mentality with your skincare."

Read on for a no-nonsense breakdown of some of the most common beauty jargon out there...

More from Skin Care

We Tried Glossier’s New “Invisible” Sunscreen &...

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. You don’t have to convinc

by Karina Hoshikawa

I Thought Body Care Was Pointless, Until I Found This £13 Lotion

Up until recently, there are many things I’d rather have done than moisturise my body from top to toe. Take out the bins? No problem. Empty and re-stack

by Jacqueline Kilikita

The 8 Best Cleansers For Oily Skin, According To Experts

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Like it or not, sweaty seas

Topicals Skincare Is Beauty Editors’ Best Kept Secret & It’s Fina...

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Adult eczema; dry and bumpy

We Tried Naturium’s Under-£30 Products & These 11 Deserve Your At...

The Smartest Spring Skincare Advice, By The Experts At The Ordinary

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Seven years after Nicola Ki

by Jacqueline Kilikita

The Ordinary’s New Serum Is Pretty Special; Take It From A Seriou...

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. My bathroom cabinet is some

by Jacqueline Kilikita

This Beauty Pie Serum Made My Skin Glow Despite Barely Any Sleep

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. I am one of those people th

I Stopped Waking Up With Dry Skin After Using This Face Cream

It can take a while for your skin to get used to the changing of the seasons and I’ve had a particularly rough go at it this winter-to-spring. Despit

This Beauty Routine Is My Secret To Glowing Skin, No Matter The S...

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. Al

by Mercedes Viera

This £13 Tinted SPF Is All My Beauty Editor Friends Can Talk Abou...

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Sunscreen is a non-negotiab

by Jacqueline Kilikita

Fake Sunscreen Is More Common Than You Think. Here’s How To...

Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead

by Morgan Fargo

R29 Original Series