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Products, brands, ingredients, articles, and guides in one place, with pregnancy-safety ratings and common allergens.

• GlossaryBHAAn oil-soluble acid, mainly salicylic acid, that exfoliates inside pores, so it's often used for acne and blackheads. Jouaxia rates it Use caution for pregnancy.
• GlossaryBroad-spectrumA sunscreen that protects against both UVA rays (which age skin) and UVB rays (which burn). Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
• GlossaryCeramidesFats that make up much of the skin barrier. Ceramide creams help dry and sensitive skin hold on to water.
• GlossaryChemical sunscreenSunscreen filters, such as avobenzone or octinoxate, that absorb UV light. Some have limited pregnancy data, so Jouaxia rates oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and avobenzone Use caution.
• GlossaryCicaShort for Centella asiatica, a soothing plant extract popular in K-beauty for calming red or irritated skin.
• GlossaryComedogenicLikely to clog pores. “Non-comedogenic” products are made not to, though the term has no legal standard and everyone's skin is different.
• GlossaryDouble cleansingWashing with an oil-based cleanser first to dissolve sunscreen and makeup, then a water-based cleanser. A K-beauty habit, mainly useful at night.
• GlossaryEmollientAn ingredient that softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between skin cells, such as squalane, shea butter, and plant oils.
• GlossaryEssenceA light, watery K-beauty product applied after toner to hydrate and prep skin for serums.
• GlossaryEssential oilsConcentrated plant oils, such as lavender or tea tree, used for scent or other effects. A common cause of skin irritation; clary sage and rosemary oils are rated Use caution in pregnancy.
• GlossaryExfoliantAnything that removes dead skin cells: chemical exfoliants (acids, enzymes) or physical ones (scrubs). Overdoing it damages the skin barrier.
• GlossaryFragrance-freeContains no added fragrance. Not the same as “unscented”, which can include masking fragrances to cover other smells. Check the ingredient list for fragrance or parfum.
• GlossaryHumectantAn ingredient that draws water into the skin, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea. Works best under a moisturizer that seals the water in.
• GlossaryHyaluronic acidA humectant that holds lots of water. On labels it's often sodium hyaluronate. Pregnancy-safe by Jouaxia's ratings.
• GlossaryHypoallergenicA marketing claim that a product is less likely to cause reactions. In the US there's no federal standard for it, so check the ingredient list instead.
• GlossaryINCIThe standard names used in ingredient lists around the world, such as Aqua for water and Butyrospermum Parkii Butter for shea butter.
• GlossaryK-beautyKorean skincare and beauty, known for layered hydrating routines, gentle formulas, and ingredients like snail mucin and centella.
• GlossaryMelasmaBrown or gray-brown patches, usually on the face, triggered by hormones and sun. Common in pregnancy, when it's sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy”. Daily sunscreen helps.
• GlossaryMineral sunscreenSunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin. A lower-absorption choice during pregnancy.
• GlossaryNiacinamideA versatile ingredient that helps with oil, redness, pores, and uneven tone. Pregnancy-safe by Jouaxia's ratings, though it can cause flushing in some people.
• GlossaryOcclusiveAn ingredient that forms a seal on the skin to stop water escaping, such as petrolatum, dimethicone, or shea butter.
• GlossaryPA ratingA UVA protection rating used on Asian sunscreens, from PA+ to PA++++. More plus signs mean more UVA protection.
• GlossaryPatch testTrying a small amount of a new product on a small area, such as behind the ear or inside the arm, for a few days before using it all over.
• GlossaryPeptidesShort chains of amino acids used in anti-aging products to support the look of firmness.
• GlossarypHHow acidic or alkaline something is. Healthy skin is slightly acidic, around 4.5–5.5, so gentle cleansers are often “low pH”.
• GlossaryPregnancy-safe (Jouaxia rating)Jouaxia's rating for products with none of the ingredients it flags for pregnancy. It isn't a guarantee or a test result.
• GlossaryPreservativeAn ingredient, such as phenoxyethanol, that stops bacteria and mold growing in a product. Water-based products need one to stay safe.
• GlossaryPurgingA temporary breakout when starting an ingredient that speeds up skin cell turnover, like an acid or retinoid. It usually settles within weeks; breakouts from other products are more likely a reaction.
• GlossaryRetinoidVitamin A ingredients, including retinol, retinal, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, and adapalene. Effective for acne and aging, but Jouaxia rates them Avoid during pregnancy.
• GlossarySerumA lightweight product with concentrated ingredients for a specific goal, applied before moisturizer.
• GlossarySkin barrierThe outer layer of skin that keeps water in and irritants out. A damaged barrier feels dry, tight, stingy, or red.
• GlossarySleeping maskA K-beauty overnight mask, usually a gel or cream, used as the last step at night to lock in moisture.
• GlossarySnail mucinA K-beauty favorite for hydration and soothing. Jouaxia flags it as an allergen for people who avoid or react to snail-derived ingredients.
• GlossarySPFHow well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays that cause sunburn. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours outdoors.
• GlossarySurfactantA cleansing ingredient that lets water lift away oil and dirt. Some, like sodium lauryl sulfate, can be harsh on dry or sensitive skin.
• GlossaryTEWLWater evaporating out through the skin. Moisturizers and a healthy skin barrier reduce it.