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.

azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid used as a topical skin medication and cosmeceutical ingredient. It is commonly formulated in creams, gels, foams, and serums for acne, rosacea, and uneven skin tone. In cosmetic care, it is used to support clearer-looking skin and more even pigmentation. It is not a surgical material or implant, and it is not used in reconstructive operations as a structural substance.

tazarotene is a prescription topical retinoid (a vitamin A–derived medication) applied to the skin. It is commonly used in dermatology for acne and plaque psoriasis. In cosmetic-focused care, it may also be used to support smoother-looking texture and more even tone in selected patients. It is a non-surgical treatment that is typically part of a broader skin-care plan rather than a standalone “procedure.”

adapalene is a topical retinoid medication used on the skin. It is most commonly used to treat acne by helping keep pores from clogging. It is also used in some aesthetic dermatology settings to support smoother skin texture and more even tone. It is a non-surgical, non-injectable treatment used in both medical dermatology and cosmetic care.

tretinoin is a prescription retinoid, a vitamin A–derived medication used mainly on the skin. It is most commonly applied topically to treat acne and signs of photoaging (sun-related skin aging). In aesthetic care, it is used as a non-surgical skin-quality therapy, sometimes alongside procedures. tretinoin also has a separate, specialized systemic use in oncology that is distinct from cosmetic use.

retinaldehyde is a vitamin A–derived ingredient (a retinoid) used in topical skin products. It sits between retinol and prescription retinoic acid in the skin’s conversion pathway. It is most commonly used in cosmetic dermatology and medical-grade skincare for photoaging and acne-prone skin. It may also be used as part of pre- and post-procedure skincare planning in aesthetic practices, depending on clinician preference and skin tolerance.

retinol is a vitamin A–derived ingredient used in topical skincare. It belongs to the broader family of compounds called retinoids, which influence how skin cells grow and mature. In cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine, retinol is commonly used to support smoother texture and more even tone. It is used for appearance-focused skin concerns rather than reconstructive surgery.

A retinoid is a vitamin A–related compound used in dermatology and aesthetic skin care. A retinoid may be prescribed as a topical medication or used as an oral medication in selected conditions. A retinoid is commonly used in cosmetic care to address acne, uneven pigment, and signs of photoaging. A retinoid is also used in medical dermatology, and it may be part of skin preparation or maintenance around some aesthetic procedures.

An **active ingredient** is the component in a product that is intended to create a specific biological or functional effect. In skincare, it often refers to ingredients that target concerns like acne, pigment, texture, or aging changes. In medical settings, it can describe the drug or agent responsible for the therapeutic effect (topical, injectable, or procedural). It is used across **cosmetic** care and **reconstructive** care, depending on the product and clinical goal.

A cosmeceutical is a cosmetic product marketed for benefits that go beyond basic cleansing or beautifying. It typically contains biologically active ingredients intended to improve the look and feel of skin. “cosmeceutical” is a marketing term, not a universal legal drug category, and definitions vary by region. It is commonly used in cosmetic care and as supportive skin care around some reconstructive or medical treatments.