Ingredients are the quiet architecture of every formula. This glossary is based on ingredient information supplied by our manufacturing partner and adapted for The P.M. skincare and makeup world.

Each entry includes the ingredient's INCI name, primary cosmetic function, stated origin and a typical formulation range. These ranges are general reference points, not the concentration in a specific P.M. product. Not every ingredient appears in every formula, so the complete ingredient list on each product page remains the definitive source.

The P.M. standard for ingredient transparency

Understanding the role of an ingredient can make choosing a routine feel simpler. We focus on clear, considered formulas and explain ingredients in plain language, without turning skincare into a chemistry exam.

A

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Function: Soothing agent, humectant
Origin: Organic plant extract
Typical use: 5–20%

Aloe vera leaf juice is used in selected P.M. cleansers, creams and complexion formulas. It helps support a comfortable, hydrated feel and is well suited to formulas designed for sensitive-feeling skin.

Allantoin

Function: Skin protectant, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Biotech-derived
Typical use: 0.2–0.5%

A gentle cosmetic ingredient commonly used in formulas for sensitive or compromised-feeling skin. Regulatory status and permitted claims vary by market.

Alpha-Arbutin

Function: Tone-evening, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Synthetic or biotech-derived, depending on supplier
Typical use: Supplier and formula dependent

Used in The P.M.'s Pigment Perfecting Dark Spot Serum to support a more even-looking complexion and the appearance of a brighter, clearer tone.

Bakuchiol

Function: Retinol alternative, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Plant-based, from Psoralea corylifolia
Typical use: 0.5–1%

A plant-derived ingredient used in cosmetic formulas designed to support smoother-looking, firmer-feeling skin. Formula stability and local cosmetic regulations should always be considered.

B

Betaine

Function: Osmoprotectant, moisturiser
Origin: Sugar beet fermentation
Typical use: 1–5%

Betaine helps support hydration balance and a soft, comfortable skin feel. It appears in selected P.M. exfoliating and toner formulas.

C

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Function: Antioxidant, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Water or ethanol extract
Typical use: 0.1–3%

Camellia sinensis extracts are valued for their antioxidant and calming qualities. The P.M. Purifying Clay Mask contains a Camellia sinensis leaf extract.

Centella Asiatica Extract

Function: Soothing, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: CO₂ or water extract
Typical use: 0.5–2%

A botanical ingredient commonly selected for calming, comfort-focused formulas. Always check the product's full INCI list to confirm whether it is present.

Coco-Glucoside

Function: Mild, non-ionic surfactant
Origin: Coconut and glucose
Typical use: 3–10%

A biodegradable, gentle cleansing ingredient used in The P.M. Radiant Glow Facial Wash.

D

D-Panthenol, or Provitamin B5

Function: Moisturiser, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Biotech-derived
Typical use: 1–5%

Panthenol helps support a soft, hydrated feel and is often used in comfort-focused formulas. The P.M. Hydrogel Eye Patches contain panthenol.

E

Ectoin

Function: Environmental-stress protection, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Fermentation-derived
Typical use: 0.5–2%

A biotech ingredient used in formulas designed to help skin feel more resilient against environmental stressors. Check each product's INCI list for confirmation.

G

Glycerin

Function: Humectant, stabiliser
Origin: Often plant-based
Typical use: 2–10%

Glycerin attracts and holds water, helping skin feel soft, supple and hydrated. It appears throughout The P.M. skincare range, including washes, masks, serums and moisturisers.

Glycolic Acid

Function: Alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliant
Origin: Commonly produced through synthesis or fermentation-based processes
Typical use: Formula dependent

Used in The P.M. Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner. It helps loosen the bonds between surface cells, supporting smoother-feeling and brighter-looking skin. Acids require careful pH balancing and should be used as directed.

H

Hyaluronic Acid, including Sodium Hyaluronate

Function: Hydrator, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Fermentation-derived
Typical use: 0.01–1%

Hyaluronic acid ingredients bind water and help support a plumper, hydrated feel. The P.M. uses Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate in selected skincare formulas.

J

Jojoba Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Function: Emollient, skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Cold-pressed botanical oil
Typical use: 3–10%

A lightweight oil with a smooth, skin-friendly feel. Jojoba oil appears in selected P.M. face, body and eye-care formulas to help soften and condition the skin.

L

Lactic Acid

Function: Alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliant, humectant
Origin: Plant fermentation or synthesis
Typical use: 1–10%

Lactic acid supports a smoother-feeling, more even-looking complexion when used in a well-balanced formula. It appears in selected P.M. cleansing and exfoliating formulas.

N

Niacinamide, Vitamin B3

Function: Barrier-supporting, tone-evening ingredient
Origin: Synthetic
Typical use: 2–10%

Niacinamide is widely used to support the appearance of an even tone and a healthy-looking skin barrier. Check the complete INCI list for the exact P.M. product formula.

P

Peptides

Function: Skin-conditioning agent
Origin: Synthetic or biotech-derived, depending on the peptide
Typical use: Formula dependent

Peptides are short chains of amino acids used in selected P.M. formulas, including the Peptide Foundation and Retinol Alternative Eye Serum, to support the look and feel of smooth, cared-for skin.

R

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosehip

Function: Emollient, antioxidant-supporting ingredient
Origin: Cold-pressed botanical oil
Typical use: 3–8%

A nourishing botanical oil often chosen for conditioning and tone-focused formulas. It is sensitive to oxidation, so packaging and formula stability matter.

S

Shea Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii

Function: Emollient, nourishing and occlusive agent
Origin: Raw or refined plant butter
Typical use: 3–15%

A rich plant butter that helps soften and nourish skin. Shea butter appears in selected P.M. makeup and exfoliating formulas.

Sodium PCA

Function: Humectant, moisturising-factor ingredient
Origin: Biotech-derived or synthetic, depending on supplier
Typical use: Formula dependent

Sodium PCA helps attract water to the skin and supports a hydrated, comfortable feel. It appears in selected P.M. cleansers, masks and serums.

Squalane

Function: Emollient, lipid-restoring ingredient
Origin: Sugarcane or olive-derived
Typical use: 1–10%

A silky-feeling emollient often used to support softness and suppleness. Check the full product ingredient list to confirm whether it is present in a specific P.M. formula.

T

Tea Tree Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia

Function: Skin-conditioning ingredient
Origin: Steam-distilled botanical oil
Typical use: Less than 1%

Tea tree oil should be used thoughtfully and within applicable regional fragrance-allergen limits. Always review the full INCI list if you are sensitive to essential oils.

Tocopherol, Vitamin E

Function: Antioxidant, formula stabiliser
Origin: Often sunflower-derived
Typical use: 0.1–1%

Tocopherol helps protect oils from oxidation and contributes conditioning properties. It appears in selected P.M. skincare, makeup and sunscreen formulas.

Z

Zinc Oxide

Function: Mineral UV filter, skin-protecting ingredient
Origin: Mineral-derived
Typical use: Formula dependent

Zinc oxide is used in The P.M. mineral SPF products and selected complexion sticks. It helps protect skin from UVA and UVB radiation when the product is applied as directed.

Zinc PCA

Function: Sebum-balancing, skin-conditioning ingredient
Origin: Zinc salt of PCA
Typical use: 0.1–1%

A targeted ingredient commonly used in formulas for blemish-prone or combination-feeling skin. Check the complete INCI list to confirm whether it is present in a specific P.M. product.

How to read your product ingredients

Ingredients are generally listed from highest to lowest concentration, while ingredients used at low levels and colourants follow specific labelling conventions. Botanical names may appear alongside common names, and fragrance allergens from essential oils may be listed separately.

For allergies, pregnancy-related questions, medical conditions or personalised advice, review the complete INCI list for the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional. Cosmetic ingredient information is educational and does not replace medical advice.