Let's face it, reading the list of ingredients on your favourite skin care products can be a little bamboozling, to say the least. You may never have heard of some of the things included in them, whilst with others, although they may sound familiar, you're not entirely sure of their benefits. Well never fear, we've put together a handy glossary of some of the key ingredients you'll find in Garnier's Daily Protection range. Discover exactly what is in your sunblock, where it comes from and how it will work hard to help protect your skin.

Baicalin
Baicalin is an organic polyphenol compound which is found within several species of the flowering plant Scutellaria. More commonly known as ‘Skullcaps’, Baicalin is usually extracted from the roots. Perhaps not so widely known in the West, this powerful medicinal plant has been used for many centuries in Chinese medicine for its soothing and antioxidant properties. It is one of the active ingredients of Sho-saiko-to, which is a widely used herbal food supplement in Asia.

The reason for Baicalin's popularity is that it is credited with a wide-range of health benefits for the entire body. These include pain relief, improved sleep, stress reduction and anti-inflammatory properties. As an ingredient in skincare products, one of its main benefits is the protection it offers your skin against photoageing (premature skin ageing through exposure to sunlight). Contained inside of the baicalin are concentrations of flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. That means that when applied to the skin, it helps to neutralise something called free radicals, which are found in UV light and pollution, and can destroy your skin cells. Studies have found that Baicalin actually extends the life of skin cells and helps to repair DNA breaks, leading to younger, healthy and firmer-looking skin.

Ginger Root Extract
Growing best in tropical climates around the world, the spicy ginger plant is widely used for its stimulant, antiseptic and detoxifying properties. A lot of ginger's benefits come from antioxidants in its rhizome, the underground stem which stores starch and produces its roots. The ginger root contains a natural oil called gingerol. It is this oil which is credited with most of the healing properties of ginger. The ginger root's health credentials range from boosting your immune system, fighting infections and reducing nausea to reducing inflammation and easing digestion. In skincare, studies have found that ginger may play a role in reducing acne and skin inflammation. As a potent antiseptic, ginger also has the power to aid the healing of wounds.

Glycerin
Glycerin is an odourless and colourless compound that occurs naturally in a variety of plant and animal sources in the form of triglycerides. Although it is also widely used within the food industry as a solvent and sweetener, glycerin is utilised in the beauty industry for its deeply moisturising properties. It can be found in a whole host of skin and sunblock products including creams, ointments, soaps, lotions and body scrubs. Glycerin is an humectant, which means it draws in moisture from the environment. This helps to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss from the skin through evaporation. As an emollient, once it draws moisture into the skin, it then forms a protective oily barrier to lock it in.

Hyaluronic Acid
This is a substance that is already naturally found in our bodies. It is found in its highest concentrations in our joints and in the fluid in our eyes. Yet, over half the body's store of hyaluronic acid is in our skin. Its function is to fill the space within our bodies and act as a cushion by supporting soft tissue function. It is widely used in beauty products because of its deeply hydrating properties. This gel-like substance is capable of holding in moisture and increasing absorption by up to 1,000 times more than average. This makes hyaluronic acid the most powerful biological substance for retaining water. It is able to penetrate the skin's upper layers for deeper hydration. It also manages to adapt to its environment, taking on more or less moisture based on the humidity levels. The results are smoother, softer and firmer skin with less visible fine lines.

Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the primary ingredient in aspirin. Much like aspirin, it has the power to ease redness and inflammation of the skin. As an exfoliant, it removes dead and excess skin cells, as well as softening and loosening dry and scaly skin. Salicylic acid is widely used to treat and prevent skin blemishes and pimples. Not only will it reduce swelling, but when applied to the skin it breaks down fatty compounds, which can clog pores and create spots. Salicylic acid also works to increase cell renewal, which makes new skin come through more quickly. Finally, it also helps to increase collagen production for plumper and firmer-looking skin.

Venuceane
This microorganism belongs to a group called thermophiles. The organism lives in extreme conditions, such as volcanoes and deep-sea hydrothermal vents, surviving in depths of 2000 m and temperatures of 75 degrees Celsius. It's thought that these tough conditions are the reason why venuceane has developed a defence system to combat its harsh environment. Venuceane is a heat- activated antioxidant and works to inhibit free radicals, repairing and protecting against damage caused by UVA exposure. Studies have shown that this anti-aging ingredient is an efficient tool against photo-ageing, offering both UV and IR protection. Venuceane helps to reduce inflammation and improve hydration by protecting against radiation.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body and helps to fight against the ageing process. Found naturally in foods and taken as a supplement, this vitamin is key for a strong immune system and healthy skin and eyes. As an antioxidant, it protects our cells from free radicals, which seek to disrupt other healthy cells. As well as helping to protect against UV exposure, vitamin E is an effective hydrator for the skin, helping it to retain its natural moisture.

Now that you know about the many sun cream factors to look out for, you might want to experience some of the benefits of these ingredients in your sunblock. You can find them in Garnier's Ambre Solaire sun care range, including Sensitive Advanced Hydrating face protection mist and Sensitive Advanced Anti-shine and Anti-imperfection action, made for easy everyday skin protection on the go.