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Ingredient Glossary

The highly regarded skin care products from Mary Kay® are developed with innovative technology that utilizes high-quality ingredients. Learn about the skin benefits you can receive by referring to this easy-to-use glossary of ingredients. 

Activated Charcoal

This ingredient can act like a magnet to withdraw dirt and debris from pores.

It can be found in the Clear Proof® Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask.
Large fragments of activated charcoal against a white background.

Bio-Cellulose Mask Technology

Bio-cellulose is a plant-based material derived from coconut water. Its interlocking fibers create a highly absorbent “fabric,” allowing the mask to be generously infused with a complex of beneficial ingredients for the skin. 

It can be found in the TimeWise Repair® Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask. 
TimeWise Repair® Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask from Mary Kay styled against its packaging.

Botanical Extracts

Botanical extracts are derived from plants, flowers or fruits that are rich in elements such as vitamins and minerals that are good for your skin. 

They can be found in Botanical Effects® Cleansing Gel.

Glycolic Acid

A highly effective exfoliant and the most widely recognized alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid enhances skin’s own renewal process.  

It can be found in TimeWise Repair® Revealing Radiance® Facial Peel.
Visual representation from Mary Kay of glycolic acid as white powder in a clear dish

Hyaluronic Acid

Occurs naturally in the skin, but its amount decreases with age. Hyaluronic acid provides essential cushioning, holding onto moisture that can actually plump skin.

It can be found in TimeWise Repair® Volu-Fill® Deep Wrinkle Filler.
Visual representation from Mary Kay of hyaluronic acid as white liquid on white background
David Gan

“Every ingredient in a product serves a purpose, and we carefully select the ingredients that go into our products to ensure that they are safe.”

~ David Gan, Mary Kay Senior Principal Scientist 

Retinol

An age-fighting superhero known to encourage cell turnover and renewal. It’s also known to support natural collagen and elastin that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It can be found in TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Night Treatment With Retinol. 
Visual representation from Mary Kay of retinol as scientific glassware holding clear and pink liquid against a white background

Salicylic Acid

Helps clear up existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. It acts like an exfoliant to promote the easy removal of dead skin cells, keeping pores unclogged and reducing the buildup of P. acnes bacteria. 

It can be found in Clear Proof® Acne System.
Visual representation from Mary Kay of salicylic acid as white powder in a clear dish

Shea Butter

Extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, shea butter has been used for centuries to protect, enrich, soften and hydrate skin. Shea butter is also known to contain omega-3s, recognized to help maintain skin’s natural moisture barrier.

It can be found in the Satin Hands® Pampering Sets, Satin Lips® Set, and Satin Body® Collection.
Shea Butter

Sunscreen

Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and can lead to premature skin aging. If you’re serious about age-fighting, an effective sunscreen product should be part of your daily beauty regimen. 

It can be found in TimeWise® Age-Minimize 3D™ Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen and TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Day Cream With SPF 30. 
Visual representation from Mary Kay of sunscreen as white cream smeared on a white background.

Vitamin C

Known to help improve skin radiance and even skin tone. Vitamin C also plays a role in supporting natural collagen and elastin that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

It can be found in TimeWise® Vitamin C Activating Squares™ and TimeWise® Replenishing Serum + C®. 
Visual representation from Mary Kay of Vitamin C as an orange against a white background.

Mary Kay® Exclusives 

Visual representation from Mary Kay of the Age-Minimize 3D Complex

Age-Minimize 3D™ Complex

Age-Defying Peptide
Supports skin’s natural collagen and elastin* for a more youthful, resilient look.

Encapsulated Reservatrol
Provides triple antioxidant benefits, plus helps promote more even-looking skin tone* and supports skin’s natural collagen.*

Vitamin B3
Is a well-known brightening superpower.

This complex can be found in TimeWise® Miracle Set® and TimeWise 3D™ Foundation.
Visual representation from Mary Kay of the Volu-Firm Complex

Volu-Firm® Complex

Biomimetic Peptide 
Helps support two of skin’s natural processes* to help improve the appearance of sagging and wrinkles. 
 
Plant Stem Cells
Derived from gotu kola to help support the natural framework of the skin.*

Skin-Volume-Supporting Peptide
Helps maintain natural hyaluronic acid,* a vital component of skin that plays a role in helping maintain youthful-looking volume and lift.
 
This complex can be found in TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Foaming Cleanser, TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Day Cream With SPF 30 and TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm® Night Treatment With Retinol.

*Based on in vitro testing of key ingredients
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