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.

01

30+ Vitamins and Minerals

BioEvolve Multivitamin’s blend of 30 vitamins and minerals that build the foundation for full body hormone health.
02

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.
03

6 Live Probiotic Strains

BioEvolve Probiotic’s proprietary blend of 6 bacterial strains that tackle the #1 cause of gut issues – hormone imbalance.
04

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.
05

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.

06

AHA

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a skincare workhorse that offers different benefits depending on its concentration.
07

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant commonly used to soothe minor irritations and sunburns, but it also has useful applications in skincare.
08

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are a wellness buzzword for a reason, especially when it comes to skincare.

09

Apple Extract

Apple extract is derived from the fruit of the apple tree.
10

Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid that interacts with skin like an antioxidant.

11

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.

12

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Ascorbyl glucoside is an amped up version of vitamin C.
13

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.
14

B Vitamin Complex

Supports hormone detoxification pathways in the body.
15

Bacopa Monnieri

A nootropic herb that balances serotonin and cortisol hormones, providing nervous system support when the body is under stress.
16

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.
17

Barley Extract

Barley is a plant-derived antioxidant that has an abundance of phenols and flavonoids.
18

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.
19

Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid is a skincare preservative, and its main purpose in beauty products is to keep things fresh and fungus-free.
20

Bifidobacterium bifidum

A probiotic strain that maintains a healthy gut microbiome while working from the inside out to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
21

Bifidobacterium lactis

A probiotic strain that balances androgen hormones to diminish acne and protect from environmental allergens.
22

Bilberry Fruit Extract

Bilberries are edible berries that can provide the skin with a dose of antioxidants while soothing sensitivity and redness.
23

Birch Tree Water

Birch tree water is the sap directly harvested from birch trees.
24

Bis(Tripeptide 1) Copper Acetate

Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate is a combination of copper and the amino acids glycine, histidine, and lysine.
25

Bisabolol

Bisabolol is a natural alcohol derived from chamomile, though it can also be made synthetically.
26

Black Cohosh Root Extract

Clinically proven to improve vaginal health, while reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and cramps commonly associated with perimenopause.
27

Black Cumin Seed Oil

With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the oil from black cumin seeds keeps acne, excess sebum, and sensitivity at bay.
28

Black Tea Ferment

The product of fermenting black tea with Saccharomyces yeast and Xylinum bacteria, black tea ferment provides a “lipofilling” effect.
29

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.
30

Caffeine

Caffeine’s energy-boosting effects are well known, courtesy of our beloved morning beverages.
31

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.
32

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.
33

Chaste Berry Extract

A powerful botanical that supports healthy levels of prolactin and progesterone, which promotes menstrual cycle regularity.
34

Cherimoya Extract

Cherimoya, or custard apple, is a sweet, creamy-textured fruit that is also overflowing with vitamins and minerals beneficial for the skin.
35

Citric Acid

As its name suggests, citric acid is an ingredient that comes from citrus fruit.
36

Coconut Alkanes

Coconut alkanes are emollients used to smooth skin, lock in moisture, and provide a natural “photo-filtered” effect.
37

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.
38

Coenzyme Q10 (CO Q10)

Co-Q10 is an enzyme naturally produced in the body and found in every cell.
39

Collagen

A fundamental building block of skin, collagen is responsible for keeping things looking supple, firm, and glowing.
40

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.
41

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.
42

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.
43

Dong Quai

Balances estrogen, helping to reduce painful menstruation, support a regular menstrual cycle, and reduce menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.
44

Electrolytes

Electrolytes - minerals including potassium, sodium, calcium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium - have a single-minded purpose: hydration.
45

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.
46

Essential Trace Minerals

Building blocks that facilitate nutrient absorption required for hormone production.

47

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.
48

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.
49

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.
50

Garland Lily Extract

Garland lily extract is derived from the rhizomes of the butterfly ginger plant found in Madagascar.
51

Ginger Root Extract

Ginger root extract is a multi-tasking ingredient, protecting the skin against external environmental stressors while fading dark spots and melasma.
52

Glucosyl Hesperidin

Glucosyl hesperidin is a natural flavonoid found in citrus plants such as lemons and limes.
53

Glutathione

Glutathione is a naturally occurring peptide antioxidant that acts as both an anti-aging and a skin brightening agent.
54

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.
55

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is one of the better known alpha hydroxy acids.
56

Grape Extract

Grape extract contains natural acids and antioxidants used to gently exfoliate skin cells and reveal a healthy glow.
57

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.
58

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.
59

Hyaluronic Acid

Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, which is crucial to maintaining skin hydration and fighting moisture loss.
60

Hyssop Flower / Leaf / Stem Extract

The extract of the hyssop plant is used to soothe redness and inflammation in stressed-out skin.
61

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.
62

Kojic Acid

Research has shown that kojic acid, a by-product of the sake manufacturing process, has significant brightening properties.
63

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.
64

Lactic Acid

Another form of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), lactic acid is used for its exfoliating and brightening properties.
65

​​Lactobacillus acidophilus

A beneficial probiotic strain of bacteria that supports estrogen metabolism.
66

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.

67

Lactobacillus plantarum

A probiotic strain that keeps reproductive hormones and melatonin in balance to support metabolic disorders and improve sleep quality.
68

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.
69

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a natural antioxidant that soothes the skin.
70

Lemon Extract

Lemon extract contains citric acid, which is often used as a mild exfoliant.
71

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.
72

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.
73

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.
74

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid is an unsaturated, plant-based omega-6 fatty acid that acts as an emollient in skincare products.
75

Linolenic Acid

Linolenic Acid is an unsaturated, plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that acts as an emollient in skincare products.
76

Mahua Butter

The butter extracted from the seeds of this tropical Indian plant contains nourishing fatty acids that moisturize the skin.
77

Mangosteen Seed Oil

Mangosteen seed oil contains antioxidants that slow down the appearance of signs of aging and return a youthful glow to skin.
78

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces and is responsible for regulating your sleep cycle and counterbalancing the stress hormone cortisol.
79

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.
80

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.
81

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%.
82

Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide helps to tighten pores, decrease signs of aging, and repair damage.
83

Orange Extract

The extract of the orange contains mild acids that help to gently exfoliate the skin.
84

Pentylene Glycol

Pentylene glycol is a safe synthetic chemical that both increases moisture in the skin, and helps to keep skincare products stable.
85

Peptides

Peptides are small parts of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins like keratin.
86

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent bacterial growth in your skincare products.
87

Phosphatidylserine

A healthy fat naturally sourced from sunflower seeds that alleviates stress by reducing spikes in cortisol.

88

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.
89

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.
90

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.
91

Potassium Sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a common preservative found in skincare products.
92

Powerhouse Antioxidant Blend

A potent blend of antioxidants that combats aging and hyperpigmentation.
93

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.
94

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.
95

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.
96

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.
97

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.
98

Purple Superfood Complex

Purple Superfood Complex is a proprietary Veracity compound that is a combination of potent antioxidants and probiotics.
99

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.
100

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.
101

Rambutan Peel Extract

Rambutan peel extract is derived from the outer layers of the fruit of the rambutan, a plant native to Southeast Asia.
102

Red Algae Extract

Red algae extract boosts skin moisture and provides an immediate moisturizing effect for 24 hours.
103

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.
104

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.
105

Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract

An adaptogen which keeps cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in balance to reduce fatigue and chronic stress.
106

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.
107

Sage Oil

Sage oil is used to help control sebum, or the oily substance produced by skin glands.
108

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.
109

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.
110

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.
111

Sea Fern Extract

Sea fern extract uses polysaccharides and minerals to hydrate the skin and fade dark spots and melasma.
112

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.
113

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.
114

Sodium Citrate

Derived from citric acid, sodium citrate is mainly used to preserve skincare formulas and maintain pH balance.
115

Sodium Gluconate

A form of gluconic acid, sodium gluconate works as a natural preservative in skincare products.

116

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.
117

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.

118

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, or lye, is a highly alkaline ingredient (non-acidic) used to maintain a balanced pH levels in skincare products.
119

Sodium Lactate

Derived from lactic acid, sodium lactate is another agent used to regulate pH levels in skincare products.

120

Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) is a humectant that pulls moisture from the air to hydrate the skin.
121

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.
122

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.
123

Sugar Cane Extract

Sugar cane extract helps skin attract and retain moisture while providing gentle exfoliation and smoothing qualities.
124

Sugar Maple Extract

The extract of the sugar maple tree contains natural acids that exfoliate dead skin cells.
125

Sulfur

Sulfur is an essential component in all living cells that can also commonly be found in rocks and minerals.
126

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.

127

Tamanu Seed Oil

Extracted from the seeds of the tropical tamanu tree, this dark green oil deeply moisturizes dry skin and promotes wound healing.
128

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.
129

Tiger Grass Extract

Tiger grass extract is known to soothe sensitive and inflamed skin and stimulate wound healing.
130

Tocopherol

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that is naturally produced by the skin.
131

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.
132

Trans Resveratrol

A potent antioxidant sourced from Japanese knotweed that provides antioxidant protection from harmful free radicals, supporting hormonal balance and reducing inflammation.
133

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most versatile spices.
134

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a powerful skincare ingredient.
135

Vitamin A (Supplements)

Essential to maintaining balanced thyroid hormone levels for a healthy metabolism, eye sight, and overall skin health.
136

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.
137

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.
138

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is an antioxidant that is naturally produced by the skin.
139

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.
140

Vitamins D3 + K2

A duo that supports the body’s immune system, bone, heart, and skin health.
141

White Lily Bulb Extract

The extract from the bulb of the white lily flower is essentially “sleep for the skin.”
142

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.
143

Zinc

Zinc is an element that some believe might have properties to fight acne and its lingering effects on skin.
144

Zinc PCA

Zinc PCA is a complex of Zinc and L-PCA boasting dual benefits for oily, blemish-prone skin.