Skin Encyclopedia

An evidence-based skincare reference by SYNC Beauty.

Encyclopedia

Humectant vs Occlusive

two categories of moisturizing ingredients that work in different ways, where humectants attract and bind water into the upper layers of skin and occlusives form a protective film on the...

Humectant vs Occlusive

two categories of moisturizing ingredients that work in different ways, where humectants attract and bind water into the upper layers of skin and occlusives form a protective film on the...

Hydration vs Moisturization

two related but distinct ideas in skincare, where hydration refers to increasing the water content of the skin and moisturization refers to sealing in that water and reinforcing the barrier...

Hydration vs Moisturization

two related but distinct ideas in skincare, where hydration refers to increasing the water content of the skin and moisturization refers to sealing in that water and reinforcing the barrier...

Physical Scrub vs Enzyme Exfoliant

two ways to remove dead surface cells, where a physical scrub uses abrasive particles to slough skin manually and an enzyme exfoliant uses proteolytic enzymes, often from fruit, to gently...

Physical Scrub vs Enzyme Exfoliant

two ways to remove dead surface cells, where a physical scrub uses abrasive particles to slough skin manually and an enzyme exfoliant uses proteolytic enzymes, often from fruit, to gently...

Sleeping Mask vs Night Cream

two overnight products that both work while you sleep, where a night cream is a standard leave-on moisturizer and a sleeping mask is usually a more occlusive, hydration-focused layer applied...

Sleeping Mask vs Night Cream

two overnight products that both work while you sleep, where a night cream is a standard leave-on moisturizer and a sleeping mask is usually a more occlusive, hydration-focused layer applied...

Day Cream vs Night Cream

two moisturizers formulated for different times of day, where a day cream typically prioritizes protection with lighter textures and sometimes SPF or antioxidants, while a night cream focuses on repair...

Day Cream vs Night Cream

two moisturizers formulated for different times of day, where a day cream typically prioritizes protection with lighter textures and sometimes SPF or antioxidants, while a night cream focuses on repair...

Toner vs Micellar Water

two liquids with distinct purposes despite similar appearances: micellar water is a cleansing product that lifts away makeup, oil, and dirt, while a toner is used after cleansing to prep,...

Toner vs Micellar Water

two liquids with distinct purposes despite similar appearances: micellar water is a cleansing product that lifts away makeup, oil, and dirt, while a toner is used after cleansing to prep,...