Brands A-Z Community Find a store
United Kingdom
Superdrug Health and Beauty

Welcome

CheckoutFasterIconCheckout faster with an account ViewOrderTrackIconAble to view and track all ordersCollectLoyaltyPointsCollect loyalty points AcessToSpecialOffersAccess to special offers
Create Account
WishlistBuy AgainMy Basket £0.00 Basket 0
  • Offers
    • Shop
        • New In
        • Fashion
        • Makeup
        • Skin
        • Hair
        • Toiletries
        • Perfume
        • Mens
        • Baby & Child
        • Accessories & Lifestyle
        • Wellbeing
        • Health & Pharmacy
        • Health Hub
    • Fashion
        • View all Fashion
        • Women
        • Men
        • Kids
    • Summer Shop
      • Premium
        • Free Delivery
          • Gifts
              • View All Gifts
              • Gifts By Recipient
              • Gifts By Occasion
              • Gifts By Category
              • Gifts By Price
              • Gifts By Brand
              • Greeting Cards
              • Gift Experiences
          • Marketplace
            • Superdrug Brands
                • By Superdrug
                • Makeup
                • Skin
                • Hair
                • Toiletries
                • Fragrance
                • Mens
                • Accessories & Lifestyle
                • Wellbeing
                • Exclusive
            • Services
                • Health
                • Beauty
                • Mobile
                • Store Insider
            • Inspire
              Treat Tuesday - Online Only | £4 worth of points when you spend £40 | Members Only
              Pay with Klarna - Now available on Superdrug.com & App - Online Only!
              Feel As Good As You Look - Online Only!
              Pay with Klarna

              on Superdrug.com and App

              Make Their Gift Extra Special

              with Gift Wrap!

              Earn Double Points

              when you choose Order & Collect from 30 minutes

              10% off Student Discount

              Claim your unique code via Student Beans

              Free delivery when you spend £25

              or spend £20 for Health & Beautycard members!

              Rapid Same Day Delivery

              Available in over 250 stores

              SuperdrugSuperdrug
              Skin
              Skin

              Top Reads

              • How to repair your skin barrier >
              • Top 10: Men’s Aftershave >
              • Introducing the Blemish Control Range from ... >

              Sub Categories

              • Age Defy
              • Blemishes
              • Body
              • Bronzing
              • Fragrance
              • Piercings and Treatment
              • Skincare
              • Suncare

              Trending Now

              Top women's perfumes hanging from Christmas ribbons

              Top 10: Perfumes for Women

              Looking for perfume gifts to impress your BFF or family...

              Read Now
              Hair
              Hair

              Top Reads

              • Get Happy Hair With L’Oréal’s A... >
              • Check out the benefits of using scalp scrub >
              • Try L’Oréal’s First Ammonia-Free Permanent ... >

              Sub Categories

              • Hair Colour
              • Hair Types
              • Haircare
              • Hairstyling

              Trending Now

              Black female model

              Black-Owned Haircare Brands You Need to Know About

              When you talk, we don’t just listen. We act. So, when r...

              Read Now
              Wellness
              Wellness

              Top Reads

              • A Guide to Sexual Wellness for Men >
              • Do I Have a B12 Deficiency? >
              • All You Need to Know About Dry Eyes >

              Sub Categories

              • Baby and Parenting
              • Health
              • Mind
              • Nutrition and Fitness
              • Sex
              • Travel

              Trending Now

              contraception services at Superdrug

              Contraception Services Available Now at Superdrug

              Let’s talk contraception. As most of us are having, hav...

              Read Now
              Makeup
              Makeup

              Top Reads

              • The Ultimate Guide to Nail Shapes >
              • Best Foundations to Try at Superdrug 2023 >
              • The Best Eyeshadow Palettes to Try RN >

              Sub Categories

              • Body Makeup
              • Brows
              • Eyes
              • Face
              • Lips
              • Nails
              • Tools and Accessories

              Trending Now

              new makeup launches

              The Latest Must-Have Makeup Launches

              Makeup collection in need of a refresh? We’ve got you c...

              Read Now
              New&Trending
              New&Trending

              Top Reads

              • Christmas Gifts for Her on a Budget >
              • Christmas Gifts for Him on a Budget >
              • Countdown to Christmas with our Beauty Adve... >

              Sub Categories

              • News
              • Trends

              Trending Now

              SD own brand vitamins

              Superdrug Price Freeze: All You Need to Know

              Here at Superdrug, we pride ourselves on making health ...

              Read Now

              Home » Skincare Dictionary: The A-Z of Buzzwords

              Skincare Dictionary: The A-Z of Buzzwords

              Home » Skincare Dictionary: The A-Z of Buzzwords

              Read time: xxx
              Posted: 24/05/2016

              We take your through the A to Z of important skincare steps, products and ingredients your face can’t afford to miss out on!

              A IS FOR ACTIVES

              Active ingredients work wonders for your skin and are the most effective at delivering results.

              B IS FOR BB CREAM

              Coverage and skincare combined, BB (blemish balm) cream is lighter than foundation but works in the same way, plus it has moisturising, priming and SPF properties in there too. It’s a hard working multi-tasking product.

              BB cream liquid make-up

              C IS FOR COLLAGEN

              Known as the skin’s building blocks, collagen will keep your skin looking plump, youthful and radiant. The amount your body produces naturally reduces as you get older, so opt for collagen-boosting products.

              D IS FOR DERMATOLOGICALLY APPROVED

              This means a product has been tested by skincare experts to make sure it’s great for your skin.

              E IS FOR EXFOLIATE

              Exfoliation is a must to get rid of spot-causing dead skin cells and to prevent the skin from looking dull. Use an exfoliator two to three times a week (more than that can irritate your skin).

               

               

              Exfoliator scrub

              F IS FOR FACE WIPES

              They’re great for removing your make-up before you cleanse, especially for removing stubborn mascara. They’re also handy for taking to festivals or on flights to refresh your face when you don’t have access to running water!

              G IS FOR GLYCERIN

              This wonder ingredient locks in moisture to prevent skin from becoming dry and dehydrated.

              H IS FOR HYALURONIC ACID

              Another wonder ingredient, it helps the skin retain moisture and stay plumped and hydrated. Make sure your eye cream contains this ingredient, as the skin around the eyes is the area most likely to dry out.

               I IS FOR IRRITATED SKIN

              Your skin can be temperamental – you never know what’s going to upset it! Using a harsh exfoliator every day can leave your skin raw and hypersensitive so stick to using it two to three times a week. If you have sensitive skin steer clear from products that contain essential oils – always do a patch test 24 hours before using a new product.

              J IS FOR JUICING

              If your face has been suffering as a result of all the junk food you’ve been eating, “superjuices” are a great way to nourish the skin from within, as part of a healthy balanced diet. Grab yourself a blender and pop in 300ml coconut water, a whole banana, a handful of berries and two handfuls of spinach leaves. This juice will help keep your skin hydrated and nourished with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

              Three colourful juices

              K IS FOR KEY INGREDIENTS

              When buying any skincare products it’s always important to check what the key ingredients are to give you a better idea of how the product works.

              L IS FOR LIVE YEAST EXTRACT

              A key ingredient in some eye creams, which helps combat those dreaded dark circles and help reduce any puffiness.

              M IS FOR MASSAGE

              It’s always a good idea to thoroughly massage any skincare products into the skin to ensure they are properly absorbed. A massage can also relieve any tension in the face and release toxins by boosting circulation.

              N IS FOR NIGHT CREAM

              Although you may want to wear a lighter moisturiser during the day, before bed it’s best to cocoon your skin in a rich night cream.

              girl asleep in bed

              O IS FOR OIL

              Oil isn’t always your skin’s enemy. Oil-based cleansers are good, especially for those with oily skin, as they attract and remove the oil on your skin like a magnet.

              P IS FOR PHASES

              Different skin types need different products to suit their specific needs. Factors include age, diet, lifestyle and how much sun exposure your skin has had.

              Q IS FOR QUICK FIX

              Want a fuss-free cleanse in a hurry? Use a micellar water to cleanse skin and remove makeup without stripping it of moisture. 

              R IS FOR RELAX

              If you’re stressed, it will show on your face. As well as causing breakouts, research has shown that stress can make our skin age faster, meaning more lines and wrinkles at a younger age. If you’re finding it difficult to switch off, try and have some ‘me time’ each day to unwind. Meditation and yoga are great for dealing with stress too.

              girl doing yoga by the lake

              S IS FOR SALICYLIC ACID

              A great ingredient for keeping spots at bay, it deeply cleanses pores and helps exfoliate the skin, making it less bacteria-friendly.

              T IS FOR TETRAPEPTIDE

              This active ingredient found in some products targeted at people in their mid-twenties and above. It’s great for helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

              U IS FOR UV RAYS

              These damaging rays are your skin’s worst enemy and are one of the main causes of wrinkles. Before you go out, wear a moisturiser with an added SPF of at least 15. And always remember: prevention is better than cure!

              SPF factors in shape of the sun

              V IS FOR VITAMIN C

              A key ingredient in most skincare products, vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps your skin protect itself and also works to boost elasticity. If you suffer from dark spots, the vitamin C can help reduce them.

              W IS FOR WATER

              Drinking six glasses of water a day is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Water will keep skin hydrated and help flush out toxins.

              Glass of water with lemon

              X IS FOR X-FACTOR

              A great way to find out if a skincare product has “the x-factor” or not is to use it over four to six weeks and closely monitor the difference it makes in your skin when you first wake up. Does it feel plumper or smoother? Have you broken out in more spots than usual? Does it seem to have reduced wrinkles and fine lines?

              Y IS FOR YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN

              OK, so you may not want to look like a teenager if you’re in your 30s, but you still want to look fantastic for your age. Our advice? Drink lots of water, moisturise regularly, cleanse thoroughly (or the moisturiser won’t absorb!) and wear sun protection every day – even when the weather’s cold. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it.

              Z IS FOR ZZZZ!

              Sleep is so important to your skin, so unless you want dark circles and a puffy, spotty complexion, make sure you get at least eight hours’ worth a night.

              Don’t Miss Our Latest Skin Articles!

              Decoding Dry and Sensitive Skin: Your Ultimate Guide

              Read Now

              Get Event Ready with Cetaphil

              Read Now

              The Secret Language of Your Skin: Understanding Skincare Ingredients

              Read Now

              There are lots of ways to get your Superdrug must -haves: choose from Home delivery, Order & Collect, or Next Day options:

              Pink Footer - Order & Collect 30 Delivery IconPink Footer - Next Day Order & Collect 30 Delivery IconPink Footer - Order & Collect Delivery IconPink Footer - Next Day Delivery IconPink Footer - Standard Delivery IconPink Footer - Marketplace Delivery Icon

              * Terms & Conditions apply, see delivery hub for further information

              Delivery & Returns

              • Delivery Information
              • Returns Information
              • Store Locator

              Customer Service

              • Contact Us
              • Our Customer Promise
              • Product Recall
              • Student Discount
              • Gift Card Checker

              About Us

              • Discover Superdrug Marketplace
              • Corporate Social Responsibility
              • Superdrug Careers
              • Become a Marketplace Seller

              Services

              • Beauty Treatments
              • Health Hub
              • Health Clinics
              • Online Doctor
              • Video GP
              • Pharmacy First
              • Online NHS Prescriptions
              • Aesthetic Clinics
              • Superdrug Mobile
              • Pharmacy Services

              Information

              • Terms & Conditions
              • Superdrug Marketplace - Terms & Conditions
              • Optimo by Superdrug - Terms & Conditions
              • Health & Beautycard - Terms & Conditions
              • Website Terms of Use
              • Frequently Asked Questions
              • Privacy - How we use your information

              Regulatory

              • CNF or Portal Enquiries
              • Modern Slavery
              • Tax Statements
              • Gender Pay Gap
              • Pension Plan
              • Corporate Governance Statements
              Get the Health & Beautycard

              Health &  Beautycard

              Download Superdrug App
              Get superdrug app
              Mastercard IconMaestro IconVisa IconApple Pay IconAmerican Express IconPay With Points IconKlarna Icon
              We support
              Superdrug is proud to support Marie Curie
              Superdrug Winner - Coporate Engagement Awards 2024
              Join Us:
              Privacy - How we use your information Sitemap
               Cookie Preferences

              Superdrug Stores plc is registered in England and Wales under company number 00807043 with its registered office at 51 Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 2EU.

              © Copyright Superdrug Stores plc 2025.

              Welcome

              CheckoutFasterIconCheckout faster with an account ViewOrderTrackIconAble to view and track all ordersCollectLoyaltyPointsCollect loyalty points AcessToSpecialOffersAccess to special offers
              Create Account
              Buy Again
              Menu
              DeliveryMy Basket £0.00 Basket 0