Seomse

GLOSSARY — Simplicity becomes science

Simplicity becomes science when you know why you're applying something—and how to repeat it. This glossary helps you understand the key ingredients in our skincare, without unnecessary promises: just clear, useful, and actionable information. A glossary designed to separate fact from fiction: definition , cosmetic function , best practices , and where the active ingredient is found in our formulas . To choose faster. To avoid overly complicated routines. To build a more stable routine.
Ingrédients naturels sur fond blanc, illustration huile de jojoba et vitamine e pour le visage.
Ingrédients naturels sur fond blanc, illustration huile de jojoba et vitamine e pour le visage.

Seomse™

Signature ingredients

Our star ingredients are the ingredients that give direction to each formula: those that structure the desired cosmetic objective (radiance, hydration, comfort, smoother-looking skin texture, clearer-looking skin).

At Seomse, an active ingredient never works "alone": what matters is the synergy , the tolerance , the texture , and the regularity of use. That's why we clearly highlight them and indicate where to find them in the catalog—to help you build a more coherent and stable routine.

Grains de café, illustration de la caféine (caffeine) utilisée en cosmétique.

Caffeine

  • Popular name : Caffeine (cooling effect, more “awake” look)
  • INCI name : Caffeine
  • What it's used for : This ingredient is known for its visual decongestant effect and its "fresh" look. Useful when you're looking for a cleaner/less "tired" appearance.
  • Caffeine Booster Gel
Feuilles de ginkgo biloba, illustration d’un extrait végétal utilisé en cosmétique.

Ginkgo

  • Popular name : Ginkgo (botanical antioxidant)
  • INCI Name : Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo) Leaf Extract
  • What it's for : A plant extract rich in antioxidant compounds, used to help preserve radiance and support the skin against daily aggressors (pollution, stress, etc.). Also useful as a "support" in a routine seeking greater stability.
  • Seomse Products : Ginkgo Antioxidant Booster Gel ; Niacinamide 5% Moisturizing Gel ;Anti-Aging Peptide Serum
Illustration texture, acide glycolique (AHA), exfoliation du visage, tonique visage, peau terne.

Glycolic acid (AHA)

  • Popular name : Glycolic acid (exfoliating AHA)
  • INCI Name : Glycolic Acid
  • What it's for : A leading AHA for visually smoothing skin texture , helping to even out skin tone , and restoring radiance. Introduce gradually (and use SPF during the day).
  • Seomse Products : 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner
Betteraves, illustration de la bétaïne (betaine) utilisée en cosmétique.

Betaine

  • Common name : Betaine (osmolyte, anti-discomfort)
  • INCI name : Betaine
  • What it is used for : “smart” humectant: helps the skin retain water and better tolerate active formulas (acids, alcohol), reducing the feeling of tightness.
  • Seomse Products : Glycolic Acid 5% Exfoliating Toner ; Oil-Free Moisturizing Gel
Texture sérum avec bulles, illustration lysat fermenté (probiotique) en cosmétique.

Fermented lysate (postbiotic)

  • Popular name : Ferment lysate / “postbiotic”
  • INCI Name : Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
  • What it's used for: It's used to support skin balance and comfort, especially when the skin is "unstable" (overly active routine, dehydration, discomfort). It's not a live probiotic: it's a lysate .
  • Seomse Products : Bioactive Prebiotic Jelly Serum
Bulles dans une texture aqueuse, illustration acide hyaluronique et hydratation de la peau.

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Cristaux blancs dans un bol, illustration du sodium PCACA, humectant qui aide à retenir l’eau dans la peau.

Sodium PCA

Feuilles d’aloe vera sur fond clair, illustration de l’aloe (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice) utilisé pour hydrater et apporter du confort à la peau.

Aloe vera

Texture gel transparente avec micro-bulles, illustration du niacinamide (vitamine B3) connu pour aider à équilibrer la peau et améliorer l’apparence d’un teint plus uniforme.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3)

  • Common name : Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
  • INCI name : Niacinamide
  • What it does : This key active ingredient helps support the skin barrier , improves the visual evenness of the complexion, and helps reduce shine (depending on your routine and skin tolerance). May cause a temporary warming/redness sensation in some individuals.
  • Seomse Products : Niacinamide 5% Moisturizing Gel
Bol de poudre blanche avec cuillère en bois, illustration de l’Ascorbyl Glucoside (dérivé de vitamine C stabilisée) utilisé en cosmétique pour soutenir l’apparence d’un teint plus lumineux et homogène.

Ascorbyl Glucoside (stabilized vitamin C)

  • Popular name : Stabilized Vitamin C (gradual release)
  • INCI name : Ascorbyl Glucoside
  • What it's for : Vitamin C derivative known to help revive radiance , support a more visually even complexion and provide antioxidant support (progressive, regularity > instant promise).
  • Seomse Products : Vitamin C Serum (Ascorbyl Glucoside 2%)
Bulles d’huile dorées en macro, illustration du tocopherol (vitamine E) utilisé en cosmétique comme antioxydant et pour aider à protéger les formules de l’oxydation.

Tocopherol (vitamin E)

Illustration abstraite de bulles rosées en macro, associée au Hexapeptide-11, un peptide utilisé en cosmétique pour soutenir l’aspect lisse et tonique de la peau.

Hexapeptide-11

  • Popular name : Peptide (supports firmness/visual texture)
  • INCI Name : Hexapeptide-11
  • What it's for : A peptide used to help improve appearance (smoother skin, perceived firmness, visual texture). Think of it as a "regularity" active ingredient, not a "miracle in 48 hours".
  • Seomse Products :Anti-Aging Peptide Serum
Illustration macro de bulles et phase aqueuse orangée, associée à l’acide lactique (AHA), un exfoliant doux utilisé en cosmétique pour lisser le grain de peau et améliorer l’éclat.

Lactic acid (AHA)

Fleur de bakuchi (source végétale du bakuchiol), illustrant un actif cosmétique souvent présenté comme une alternative au rétinol pour lisser l’apparence de la peau, sans promesse médicale.

Bakuchiol

  • Popular name : Bakuchiol (often presented as “retinol-like”)
  • INCI name : Bakuchiol
  • What it is used for : an active ingredient of plant origin often used for a gentle anti-aging approach (visual texture, smoother appearance), with generally a tolerance perceived as simpler than some retinoids.
  • Seomse Products : The Natural Alternative to Retinol Serum
Illustration liquide transparente en pipette, représentant l’acide salicylique (BHA), un exfoliant utilisé en cosmétique pour aider à désobstruer l’apparence des pores et affiner le grain de peau, sans promesse médicale.

Salicylic acid (BHA)

  • Common name : Salicylic acid (BHA, pores/blemishes)
  • INCI Name : Salicylic Acid
  • What it's for : Lipophilic exfoliant (BHA): helps improve the appearance of pores , limit the buildup that causes blemishes, and achieve visually clearer skin. Can be drying if overused → use sparingly and sparingly.
  • Seomse Products : Anti-Blemish Treatment
Illustration d’une goutte transparente avec un motif en réseau, symbolisant les humectants : des agents hydratants qui attirent et retiennent l’eau pour une peau plus souple et confortable, au cœur de la formule.

Seomse™

Humectants: intelligent hydration at the heart of the formula

Humectants are ingredients that help attract and retain water to support consistent hydration and a feeling of daily comfort . They reduce the feeling of tightness, improve elasticity , and give skin a smoother, plumper appearance without leaving a greasy residue. In a formula, they also improve texture and application (glide, spread, and layering with other skincare products). They improve the appearance and comfort of the skin, but make no medical claims.

Butylene glycol

Butylene glycol, a humectant and mild solvent, helps maintain hydration while improving the glide and distribution of the formula, resulting in a more even application and a more pleasant texture for everyday use.

Glycerin

Glycerin , a key ingredient in hydration, attracts water and helps improve comfort, contributing to skin that appears less dry and more supple. It plays a fundamental role in formulas that seek reliable and consistent hydration.

Glucose

Glucose, a sugar naturally present in the skin and in many plants, is used to support moisture retention and comfort. It provides gentle hydration and contributes to a calmer, more balanced skin feeling.

glucuronic acid

Glucuronic acid , an acidic sugar used to support hydration and a clearer skin feel, helps the formula work on comfort and suppleness, with a "balancing" approach rather than an immediate dramatic effect.

Pentylene glycol

Pentylene glycol, a versatile humectant that helps limit dehydration and maintain a more stable and pleasant texture, provides convenient daily hydration and often contributes to a softer skin feel.

Propanediol

Propanediol, a humectant/solvent often of plant origin, helps to hydrate while improving spreadability and sensory penetration. It makes the formula more fluid and contributes to consistent comfort without feeling heavy.

Rhamnose

Rhamnose, a sugar used to support comfort and the appearance of smoother skin, is valued in "stable skin" formulas because it complements hydration while remaining gentle and well-tolerated in a routine.

Hyaluronic acid (sodium salt)

Hyaluronic acid (sodium salt), sodium hyaluronate , is a widely used form of hyaluronic acid that attracts water and helps maintain a moisturizing film on the surface. It gives skin more suppleness and a visually plumping effect, especially when the skin is dehydrated or uncomfortable.

Sodium PCA

Sodium PCA , a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor , helps retain water very effectively with a lightweight feel, ideal for clean, comfortable hydration that isn't sticky and easily integrates into a routine

Zinc PCA

Zinc PCA, Zinc PCA , a coherent combination for balance as it helps limit shine and support clearer-looking skin while maintaining good hydration, useful when you want to hydrate without over-nourishing and preserve a fresher, more controlled feeling.

Illustration de gouttes dorées évoquant des émollients et huiles : elles assouplissent la peau, renforcent la sensation de confort et aident à limiter la perte en eau, signature sensorielle de la formule.

Seomse™

Emollients & oils: the formula's signature comfort

Emollients and oils are the ingredients that give a formula its feel , suppleness , and comfort. They help soften the skin, reduce the feeling of dryness, and leave a smoother , more pleasant finish, without necessarily feeling heavy when the formula is well-balanced. In a Seomse formula, they also play an essential "technical" role: they improve glide , spreadability, and texture hold, and support the premium sensory experience, while also helping to protect the formula (thanks in particular to antioxidants like vitamin E). The result: a more comfortable routine, easier to wear every day, without any medical claims.

Argan oil

Argan oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil , a rich and elegant vegetable oil that enhances the feeling of nourishment and softness, helps improve skin feel and provides a more comfortable finish, particularly when skin appears dry or "creased".

Murumuru butter

Murumuru butter, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter , is a melting vegetable butter that provides a light protective film and a smoother feel. It helps limit the feeling of dryness and improves the glide and sensory richness of a formula.

Hemp oil

Hemp oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil , is a fine vegetable oil prized for its comfort and balance. It helps soften the skin without weighing it down and supports a more stable barrier, ideal when you want to nourish without a greasy finish.

Caprylic/capric triglycerides

Caprylic /capric triglyceride, a widely used emollient for creating a silky-smooth and even texture, softens the skin, improves spreadability, and helps the formula "carry" the active ingredients with a clean, premium finish.

Coco-caprylate

Coco-caprylate, a coconut- derived emollient with a dry touch that provides glide and a satin finish, helps achieve a luxurious sensory experience without the heaviness of a traditional oil.

Coco-caprylate/caprate

Coco-caprylate /caprate , a cousin of the previous one, is used for a silky feel and more even application. It improves comfort and leaves skin feeling more supple, often with a lighter finish than traditional oils.

Coconut alkanes

Coconut Alkanes , a light oil phase designed for a drier , more modern feel, facilitates spreading and leaves a smooth finish, very useful when you want the "oil" effect without the stickiness.

Decyl cocoate

Decyl Cocoate, a soft-touch emollient that provides a cocooning sensation and more supple skin, helps smooth application and gives a rounder texture, pleasant to massage

Dicaprylyl carbonate

Dicaprylyl Carbonate , a "velvety touch" emollient known for its non-greasy finish, improves glide and premium sensory experience while leaving skin softer and more comfortable.

Strawberry seed oil

Strawberry seed oil, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Oil , a fine seed oil that provides light comfort and a softer feel, is used to enrich the formula without weighing it down and contribute to a more "skincare" finish.

Dika butter

Dika butter, Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter , is a dense and luxurious vegetable butter that provides enveloping nourishment , enhances softness, and leaves a pleasant protective film, particularly appreciated in rich and comforting textures.

Isoamyl laurate

Isoamyl Laurate , a dry-touch emollient that mimics a silicone-like glide while remaining very lightweight, provides a silky and refined finish, perfect for premium formulas that want to avoid a greasy feel.

Mango butter

Mango butter, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter , a melting butter that nourishes and softens, it enhances the feeling of comfort and helps the skin appear more supple, with a very "chic balm" sensorial richness

Evening primrose oil

Evening Primrose Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil , is a plant oil prized for its soothing properties. It helps soften and reduce the feeling of dry skin, making it ideal when skin lacks suppleness or comfort.

Rosehip oil

Rosehip oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil , a vegetable oil known for its comfort and radiance-enhancing properties, gently nourishes and leaves skin feeling more supple, often appreciated when skin appears dull or tired.

Raspberry seed oil

Raspberry seed oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil , is a gentle seed oil that provides light nourishment and a more comfortable feel. It enriches the formula without weighing it down and supports more supple skin every day.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil , an oil-wax very similar to skin sebum, helps balance comfort by providing suppleness without a greasy finish, excellent for smoothing the touch and improving sensory tolerance.

Blueberry seed oil

Blueberry seed oil, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Seed Oil , is a fine seed oil used for its comforting and antioxidant benefits. It provides elegant nourishment and a smoother feel, ideal when you're looking for a skincare-like yet lightweight finish.

Illustration de textures crème et gel : elles montrent l’équilibre entre sensorialité et stabilité, avec des agents de texture et de conservation qui maintiennent la formule homogène, fiable et agréable à l’application.

Seomse™

Textures & preservation: the invisible precision of the formula

Texturizing and preservation ingredients are the most discreet part of a formula—yet they are what make skincare pleasant , stable , and reliable every day. Texturizing agents (gums, gelling agents, emulsifiers) structure the formula for a more even application, smoother glide, and consistent wear, without separation or variation from one use to the next. Preservation systems, on the other hand, protect the formula against microbial contamination and help maintain the product's quality over time, under normal conditions of use. At Seomse, this "invisible precision" allows us to maintain a premium sensory experience while remaining strictly cosmetic, without any medical claims.

Alcohol

Alcohol , often used to give an ultra-light texture and a drier finish while helping certain extracts to dissolve properly, can also contribute to the feeling of freshness and the formula's longevity. However, very reactive skin types may prefer a gradual introduction, depending on tolerance.

Stéarate de polyglycéryl-3

Stéarate de polyglycéryl-3, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, émulsifiant d’origine végétale qui aide à stabiliser la texture et à créer une crème homogène, il améliore la sensation au toucher et la tenue de la formule sans effet cireux lourd

Stéarate de polyglycéryl-6

Stéarate de polyglycéryl-6, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, émulsifiant/agent de structure qui renforce la stabilité et la finesse d’une émulsion, il aide à obtenir une texture plus élégante, régulière et agréable à appliquer

Algin

Algin, a marine-derived gelling agent that helps build a more stable and pleasant texture, provides hold without heaviness and contributes to a cleaner feel, particularly in gels and aqueous textures.

Water

Water, Aqua (Water) , the essential base of most skincare products, serves as a support for the formula, allowing it to dissolve and distribute water-soluble ingredients for even application and a lighter feel on the skin.

Mild surfactant

A mild surfactant, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside , a sugar-derived agent that helps mix water and oil phases and improve rinsing, it provides a cleaner feeling and contributes to the stability of a non-aggressive formula.

Carrageenans

Carrageenan , a gelling agent derived from red algae, gives body to the formula, improves the texture, and helps create a light film for a more comfortable and even application.

Cellulose gum

Cellulose gum , a texturizing agent that thickens and stabilizes the formula to prevent separation, improves spreadability, and provides a smoother , more controlled feel.

Citric acid

Citric acid , a pH regulator used to keep the formula within a comfortable range, helps maintain stability and consistency in use and can also contribute to a cleaner feel when the formula is well-balanced.

Structural asset

A structural active ingredient, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline , is a texture/holding-oriented ingredient that contributes to a visually smoother finish and a more refined feel; it is often used to support a premium formula rather than simply as a texturizing agent.

Emulsifier

Emulsifier, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate , a key ingredient for creating a stable cream by binding water and oil, provides a fine and homogeneous texture, prevents separation, and improves glide and comfort during application.

Glycolipids

Glycolipids , naturally derived texturizing agents that support emulsion and sensory appeal, help to achieve a more elegant and stable texture, with a softer feel and better "holding"

Radish ferment

Radish Ferment, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate , a fermentation-derived ingredient used as a gentle preservative system, helps support the formula's protection against certain contaminants and fits well within a "comfortable skin" approach.

Aromatic alcohol

Aromatic alcohol, Phenethyl Alcohol , is a multi-functional ingredient used to support preservation and provide a subtle fragrance. It contributes to the microbiological safety of the formula while maintaining a cosmetic approach.

Potassium hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide , a pH adjuster used in very small quantities to obtain a stable and pleasant formula, serves to regulate the chemical consistency of the formula rather than acting on the skin as an active ingredient.

Potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate , a preservative that helps protect the formula against the growth of microorganisms, supports the stability and quality of the product over time, essential for safe use.

Sclerotium gum

Sclerotium gum , a texturizing agent that provides a more "cushioned" feel and a soft hold, helps stabilize the formula and improve spreadability for a silkier finish.

Sodium benzoate

Sodium Benzoate , a classic preservative used to limit microbial growth, contributes to product safety and stability during storage and use.

Tridecane

Tridecane , a light emollient used for quick glide and a drier feel, helps achieve a modern texture that spreads easily and avoids the feeling of a heavy, greasy film.

Undecane

Undecane , often combined with tridecane to optimize the feel, provides a light sensory experience and improves the volatility and "soft-focus" finish of a formula without leaving a heavy feeling.

Xanthan gum

Xanthan gum , a gelling agent widely used for thickening and stabilizing, helps the formula remain homogeneous and improves its consistency and application, especially in water-based textures.

Green tea extract

Green tea extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract , a botanical extract recognized for its antioxidant properties, supports radiance and helps the skin cope with daily aggressors, while being part of a formula focused on balance and comfort.

Grape seed extract

Grape seed extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract , a plant extract rich in polyphenols used for its antioxidant properties, complements a routine that aims for a clearer and more even-looking complexion with a focus on preventative cosmetics.

Oak bark extract

Oak bark extract, Quercus Robur (Oak) Bark Extract , a botanical extract that provides a toning and antioxidant effect, contributes to a clearer skin feeling and is part of a formula designed for daily skin defense.

Watercress extract

Watercress extract, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract , a plant extract often used to support fresher-looking skin, contributes to balance and radiance in a daily routine, following a cosmetic rather than a medical approach.

Portrait lifestyle d’une femme sentant une fleur : visuel pour illustrer le parfum et les allergènes, avec une approche de transparence olfactive et de tolérance maîtrisée au quotidien.

Seomse™

Perfume & allergens: olfactory transparency, controlled tolerance

Fragrance is part of the sensory experience of skincare: it provides an olfactory signature and contributes to the pleasure of application. In a cosmetic formula, some fragrance components may also be listed as potential allergens according to regulations, which is why we clearly indicate them. If your skin is very reactive or if you know you are sensitive to fragrances, the safest approach remains gradual use with a test on a small area , then adjusting the frequency according to your tolerance, without making any medical claims.

Limonene

Limonene , a naturally occurring compound found in many citrus essential oils and used in perfumery to provide a fresh , zesty note, can be a declarable allergen, and some sensitive skin types prefer a gradual approach to assess comfort.

Linalool

Linalool , an aromatic component common in plants and perfumery, prized for its floral and sweet notes, is listed among the potential allergens that must be labeled and may be better tolerated when its use is introduced gradually on reactive skin.

Geraniol

Geraniol , a naturally occurring fragrance molecule found in essential oils such as geranium and rose, is used for its refined floral character. It is considered a potential allergen and may prompt highly sensitive individuals to opt for a preliminary test.

Citronellol

Citronellol , an aromatic molecule with floral and slightly rosy notes, is used to round out a fragrance composition. It is among the potential allergens and may be better tolerated by reactive skin with a gradual increase in intensity.

Citral

Citral , a typical citrus fragrance component that provides a bright , lemony note, is among the substances that can be identified as allergens in cosmetics. Therefore, a cautious approach is advised, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Geranyl acetate

Geranyl acetate , a fragrance ingredient that provides a softer, "cleaner" floral-fruity facet, enriches the olfactory signature and may be subject to allergen labeling depending on the formulation context.

Vanillin

Vanillin, a well-known and widely used vanilla note that creates a feeling of warmth and olfactory comfort, enhances the premium sensory dimension of a formula, while remaining a fragrance component to consider carefully if the skin is very sensitive to perfumes.

Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene , an aromatic molecule found in certain plants and spices, is used for deeper woody-spicy nuances. It contributes to the character of the perfume and may be among the odor compounds to watch out for in individuals highly reactive to fragrances.

Huile de géranium

Huile de géranium, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, huile essentielle utilisée surtout pour la signature olfactive et la sensorialité, elle apporte une dimension plus “parfumée”, à réserver aux routines qui tolèrent bien les huiles essentielles

Huile de patchouli

Huile de patchouli, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, huile essentielle au caractère boisé utilisée pour la note parfumée et l’identité sensorielle, elle participe à l’expérience luxe mais peut ne pas convenir aux peaux très réactives