Magnesium: A mineral that supports skin health by reducing inflammation, improving skin barrier function, and promoting collagen synthesis. It is often found in skincare products targeting sensitive or irritated skin.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It helps brighten the skin, promote collagen production, and protect against environmental damage without the irritation commonly associated with other forms of Vitamin C.
Malic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fruits like apples and pears. It exfoliates the skin by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin. It is often used in gentle exfoliating treatments.
Mandelic Acid: An AHA derived from almonds, known for its exfoliating properties. It is milder than other AHAs like glycolic acid, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Mandelic acid helps to brighten the skin, reduce acne, and improve skin texture.
Mandelic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from almonds, known for its exfoliating properties. It is milder than other AHAs like glycolic acid, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Mandelic acid helps to brighten the skin, reduce acne, and improve skin texture.
Marula Oil: A lightweight oil extracted from the fruit of the marula tree, rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin C. It hydrates and nourishes the skin, providing a boost of moisture while improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Matrixyl: A peptide compound used in skincare for its anti-aging properties. It stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Mature Skin: Skin that shows signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and a decrease in elasticity. Mature skin often requires extra hydration, collagen-stimulating ingredients, and protection from further damage.
Medical Grade Skincare: This is not a regulated term, and products sold in med spas, doctors’ offices, and similar settings are still considered cosmetics. There are no specific regulations or rules governing the percentages, quality of ingredients, or clinical testing for these products. Despite being marketed as more potent or advanced, physician-dispensed skincare is not subject to the same standards as prescription medications or regulated treatments and is available only through licensed professionals.
Melasma: A common skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches to appear on the face, usually due to hormonal changes, sun exposure, or pregnancy. Melasma is often treated with topical lightening agents like hydroquinone and sunscreen.
Mica: A mineral used in cosmetics to provide shimmer and a soft glow. It is commonly found in makeup products like highlighters, eyeshadows, and foundations for its ability to reflect light and add radiance to the skin.
Micellar Water: A gentle, water-based cleanser that contains micelles (tiny oil molecules) that attract and lift dirt, makeup, and impurities from the skin without the need for rinsing. It is popular for its convenience and suitability for sensitive skin.
Microbiome: The community of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) that naturally live on the skin's surface. A healthy skin microbiome is essential for maintaining skin barrier function and preventing conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Microcirculation: The flow of blood through the smallest blood vessels, which is important for healthy skin. Improved microcirculation helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, promoting skin health and a radiant complexion.
Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive exfoliating treatment that uses fine crystals or a diamond-tipped device to gently slough off dead skin cells, improving skin texture, tone, and clarity. It is commonly used for treating acne scars, sun damage, and fine lines.
Microneedling: A skin treatment that involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates collagen production and helps with skin texture, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
Mild Exfoliant: A type of exfoliant that provides gentle resurfacing of the skin, often containing mild acids (like lactic or mandelic acid) or enzymatic ingredients (like papaya or pumpkin extract) to remove dead skin cells without irritation.
Mimosa Extract: Extract from the bark and flowers of the mimosa plant, known for its calming, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used in skincare products designed for sensitive or irritated skin.
Mineral Oil: A petroleum-derived ingredient used in skincare products as an emollient to help lock in moisture. It is controversial for some, as it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) and may not be suitable for acne-prone skin.
Monoi Oil: A Tahitian oil made from soaking the petals of gardenia flowers in coconut oil. It is rich in fatty acids, providing deep hydration and nourishment for dry skin and hair.
Moringa Oil: A highly nourishing oil derived from the seeds of the moringa tree. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, it helps hydrate, brighten, and protect the skin from environmental damage. It is also known for its anti-aging and antioxidant properties.
Mushroom Extract: Derived from various species of mushrooms, this extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It is often used in skincare to reduce redness, improve skin elasticity, and promote overall skin health.