licorice extract is a botanical ingredient derived from the root of *Glycyrrhiza* species (commonly *Glycyrrhiza glabra*). It is used most often in topical skincare products and sometimes in oral supplements. In cosmetic care, it is typically included for skin tone support and soothing properties. It may be used in both everyday cosmetic routines and adjunctive care around dermatologic or aesthetic treatments.

tranexamic acid is a medication that helps reduce bleeding by stabilizing blood clots. It is classified as an antifibrinolytic, meaning it slows the natural breakdown of clots. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, tranexamic acid is commonly used to support hemostasis (bleeding control) around procedures. In dermatology and aesthetic medicine, tranexamic acid is also used in some cases for pigment concerns such as melasma.

arbutin is a skin-brightening ingredient used in topical skincare products. It is a plant-derived compound (a glycoside) that is commonly included in creams and serums for uneven skin tone. In cosmetic practice, it is most often discussed for facial hyperpigmentation and discoloration concerns. It is used in non-surgical cosmetic skincare rather than reconstructive surgery.

kojic acid is a skin-lightening ingredient used to help reduce the look of uneven pigmentation. It is most commonly found in topical skincare products and some clinician-directed regimens for hyperpigmentation. It is derived from certain fungi and can also be produced through fermentation processes. Its use is primarily cosmetic, but it may be discussed in reconstructive contexts when discoloration follows inflammation, injury, or surgery.

hydroquinone is a topical medication used to reduce unwanted skin darkening (hyperpigmentation). It is most commonly used in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic care to help fade dark spots and uneven tone. It may also be used around reconstructive and plastic surgery care when pigmentation changes affect the appearance of scars or treated areas. It works on pigment formation rather than physically removing skin.

sulfur (topical) is a skin-applied (topical) ingredient used in dermatology and skincare. It is commonly formulated into cleansers, lotions, creams, masks, and medicated soaps. It is used mainly for inflammatory or scaly skin conditions that affect appearance and comfort. It may be used in cosmetic skincare routines and, in some cases, alongside reconstructive care when skin health affects healing or scar appearance.

– benzoyl peroxide is a topical (skin-applied) medication used most commonly to help treat acne. – It is an oxidizing agent that reduces acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface and within follicles. – It is widely used in cosmetic dermatology and general dermatology to improve acne-related skin clarity. – It may also be used in selected pre-procedure skin-prep routines when clinicians want to reduce follicle bacteria, depending on the setting.

salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used to exfoliate skin and help clear pores. It is commonly found in over-the-counter and prescription skincare products for acne and oily skin. In aesthetic medicine, it is also used as a chemical peeling agent to improve texture and tone. It is used in cosmetic care more often than reconstructive care, but may support overall skin management in both settings.

lactic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid made by the body during normal metabolism. In skincare, lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used to exfoliate and improve the look and feel of skin. In cosmetic medicine, related materials derived from lactic acid (such as poly-L-lactic acid) are used in certain injectable and absorbable medical products. It is used primarily in cosmetic care, with some roles in reconstructive and surgical materials through its polymers.

glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) most commonly used to exfoliate the skin. It is used in topical skincare and in-office chemical peels to improve skin texture and tone. In cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine, it is primarily used for resurfacing rather than reshaping. It may also be used in some reconstructive settings as part of scar and pigment management plans.

growth factors (topical) are skin-applied products that contain growth factors or growth factor–like signaling ingredients. They are used to support skin renewal and the appearance of healthier-looking skin. In aesthetic medicine, they are most often discussed as adjuncts to skincare or procedure aftercare. They may be used in cosmetic contexts and, in some settings, as part of reconstructive wound-care discussions.

peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins in the body. In aesthetic medicine, peptides most commonly refer to skincare ingredients designed to support specific skin functions. In reconstructive and surgical settings, peptides may also appear in wound-care or healing-support products, depending on the material and manufacturer. They are not a single “procedure,” but a category of biological molecules used across cosmetic and reconstructive care.

ceramides are waxy lipids (fats) that are naturally present in the outer layer of skin (the stratum corneum). They help form the skin barrier that keeps water in and irritants out. In clinical and cosmetic care, ceramides are most commonly used topically in moisturizers, cleansers, and barrier-repair products. They are relevant to both cosmetic care (skin quality, texture, tolerance of procedures) and reconstructive care (supporting compromised or healing skin).

hyaluronic acid (topical) is hyaluronic acid formulated to be applied on the skin rather than injected. It is a water-binding (humectant) ingredient used to improve skin hydration and surface smoothness. It is most commonly used in cosmetic skincare, and it is also used in some clinical skin-care regimens. It does not “fill” tissue like injectable hyaluronic acid; it works at the skin surface and upper layers.

ferulic acid is a plant-derived antioxidant (a phenolic acid) found in the cell walls of grains, seeds, and some fruits and vegetables. In cosmetic dermatology, it is most commonly used as a topical skincare ingredient in serums, creams, and professional chemical peels. It is used mainly for appearance-focused concerns related to sun exposure and uneven tone rather than structural reconstruction. In clinical contexts, it is often discussed alongside other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E.

tocopherol is a form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant found naturally in many plant oils and foods. In clinical and cosmetic settings, tocopherol is most often used as an ingredient in topical skincare and wound-care–adjacent products. It is commonly included in cosmetic formulations to help protect the product and the skin from oxidative stress. It may appear in both aesthetic skincare routines and supportive skin care around reconstructive or post-procedure healing, depending on clinician preference and patient needs.

vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient best known for its antioxidant activity in human tissues. It is a group of related compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, with alpha-tocopherol being the main form used by the body. It is used in both cosmetic skincare (topical products) and clinical care (dietary assessment and supplements in selected cases). In plastic and reconstructive settings, it most often comes up in discussions about skin support, scar appearance, and supplement safety around procedures.

ascorbic acid is the chemical name for vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient used by the body and in skincare. In cosmetic dermatology, it is commonly used topically in serums and creams to support brighter-looking skin and antioxidant defense. In reconstructive and surgical contexts, vitamin C is discussed as a nutrient involved in collagen formation and normal wound healing biology. Its clinical use depends on the formulation (topical cosmetic vs medical-grade sterile preparations) and the treatment plan.

vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid. It supports normal collagen formation and acts as an antioxidant in the body. In cosmetic dermatology, it is commonly used in topical skincare to target uneven tone and visible signs of sun exposure. In reconstructive and surgical care, it is discussed as a nutrition factor that may relate to tissue repair and wound healing.

niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in skin care and dermatology. It is most commonly applied topically in serums, creams, and cleansers. It is used in cosmetic skin-care routines and as an adjunct around some aesthetic treatments. It is not a surgical material, implant, or injectable filler.