Ingredient Glossary

Our Ingredient Glossary

A growing list of the actives, botanicals, and supporting ingredients we work with — and why we chose each one.

We believe you deserve to know what you're putting on your skin. Every ingredient in every MirenSkin product is listed in full on the product page. Here, we go further — explaining what each one is, where it comes from, and what it's known for in skincare.

ACTIVES & PEPTIDES

Bakuchiol — A gentle botanical compound derived from the seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), traditionally used in Ayurvedic skincare for centuries. Loved by modern formulators for its gentleness and its place in botanical skincare. Found in our N° 01 Oil Serum.

Hexapeptide-11 — A bioactive peptide, meaning a short chain of amino acids. Prized in advanced skincare formulations for its association with the look of firmer, smoother skin. Found in our N° 02 Peptide Serum.

Caffeine — Best known for its energizing effect in coffee, caffeine is also a well-studied cosmetic ingredient used in skincare for its association with the look of refreshed, less puffy skin. We use it at a 1% concentration. Found in our N° 03 Caffeine Gel Booster.

Lactic Acid — A naturally-derived alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skincare for gentle surface exfoliation. We use only a small amount, as a supporting ingredient to physical exfoliation. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Face & Body Scrub.

HYDRATORS & HUMECTANTS

Hyaluronic Acid — A naturally-occurring molecule found in skin, capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. We use it in two molecular weights so it can support hydration at both the surface and at deeper layers. Found in our N° 02 Peptide Serum.

Glycerin — A plant-derived humectant, meaning it draws moisture into skin. One of the most time-tested ingredients in skincare, used for its association with soft, hydrated-feeling skin. Found across many of our formulas.

Betaine — A naturally-derived humectant from sugar beets, known for its association with softer-feeling, more comfortable skin. A gentle supporting ingredient in all of our body washes.

Pentylene Glycol — A multi-functional ingredient that helps maintain product consistency and supports hydration. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Scrub.

BOTANICAL OILS

Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa Canina) — Cold-pressed from the seeds of the rose hip. Naturally rich in essential fatty acids and a touch of natural vitamin C. A favorite of botanical skincare formulators for its nourishing profile. Found in our N° 01 Oil Serum.

Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis) — Technically a liquid wax rather than a true oil. Its molecular structure is the closest plant equivalent to skin's own sebum, which is why it absorbs so beautifully without feeling heavy. Found in our N° 01 Oil Serum.

Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus) — Cold-pressed botanical oil, naturally rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid. A gentle, time-tested skin-conditioning ingredient. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Scrub.

Castor Oil (Hydrogenated) — A plant-derived oil used in our scrub formula to create its signature creamy, slip-rich texture. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Scrub.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — A lightweight ingredient derived from coconut oil and glycerin, used for its silky texture and skin-conditioning properties. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Scrub.

ANTIOXIDANTS & BOTANICAL EXTRACTS

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract — A botanical extract from one of the oldest living tree species on Earth. Known in skincare for its antioxidant properties and its association with supporting skin's defense against environmental stress. Found in our N° 02 Peptide Serum.

Blueberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Myrtillus) — An antioxidant-rich botanical extract from blueberries grown in northern climates. Naturally rich in vitamins and polyphenols. Found in our N° 02 Peptide Serum, Icelandic Scrub, and Grapefruit Body Wash.

Strawberry Fruit Extract (Fragaria Ananassa) — A fruit extract naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidant compounds. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Scrub.

Cloudberry Fruit Extract (Rubus Chamaemorus) — A rare Nordic berry that grows in the Arctic regions of Scandinavia and Canada. Naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidant compounds. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Scrub.

Raspberry Fruit Extract (Rubus Idaeus) — An antioxidant-rich fruit extract. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Scrub.

Quince Fruit Extract (Pyrus Cydonia) — A botanical extract from the quince tree fruit, used in our body wash formulas for its association with softer-feeling skin. Found across all of our Hand & Body Washes.

Tocopherol — Naturally-derived vitamin E. A well-loved antioxidant in skincare formulations. Found across multiple of our products.

MINERAL & EXFOLIATING INGREDIENTS

Volcanic Sand — An ultra-fine mineral exfoliant with naturally rounded grains. The hero ingredient in our scrub — chosen because it polishes the skin without scratching, unlike harsher physical exfoliants. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Face & Body Scrub.

Kaolin Clay — A gentle, time-tested clay used in skincare for centuries. Known for helping lift away surface buildup and oil. Found in our Icelandic Volcano Scrub.

GENTLE CLEANSERS

Cocamidopropyl Betaine — A gentle, coconut-derived cleansing agent. One of the most widely-used mild cleansers in modern skincare formulations. The primary cleanser in all of our body washes.

Coco-Glucoside — A mild, sugar-derived plant-based surfactant. Creates a soft, gentle lather. Found in all of our Hand & Body Washes.

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate — A gentle, coconut-derived secondary cleanser. Helps create a balanced lather profile. Found in all of our Hand & Body Washes.

Sodium Coco-Sulfate — A coconut-derived cleansing agent. While related to sulfates in name, this version is known for being milder than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Found in our Hand & Body Washes.

TEXTURE & FORMULATION

Algin — A natural gel-former derived from seaweed. Gives our caffeine booster its signature featherweight gel texture. Found in our N° 03 Caffeine Gel Booster.

Xanthan Gum — A naturally-derived thickening agent used to give skincare its smooth, even texture. Found in our Icelandic Scrub.

Cetearyl Alcohol — A fatty alcohol (not the drying kind) derived from plant sources. Used as a stabilizing and texture-creating ingredient. Found in our Icelandic Scrub.

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate and Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate — Plant-derived emulsifiers that help oil and water blend into a smooth, stable formula. Found in our Icelandic Scrub.

NATURAL PRESERVATION

Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate — A naturally-derived preservative system used to keep our formulas fresh and safe. Approved for use in natural and organic skincare standards. Found across our line.

Citric Acid — Naturally derived from citrus fruits. Used in small amounts to balance the pH of our formulas. Found across our line.

Benzyl Alcohol — A naturally-occurring preservative found in many plants, used in small amounts to keep formulas fresh. Disclosed as a potential allergen on every label. Found across our line.

Sodium Phytate — A plant-derived chelating agent that helps formulas stay stable over time. Found in our Icelandic Scrub.

FRAGRANCE & AROMA

Our fragrance choices are intentional. Every product carries a fragrance allergen disclosure on its label, so you always know what you're smelling.

Parfum / Fragrance — Naturally-derived fragrance blends, crafted specifically for each MirenSkin product. We use fragrance as part of the experience, not just to mask formula odor.

Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil — Essential oil from bitter orange peel. Found in our Icelandic Scrub.

Naturally-occurring fragrance components (disclosed allergens)

These are components found within our natural essential oils and fragrance blends. Some skin types are sensitive to them, which is why we always disclose them: