Glossary of Aesthetic Terms

Welcome to the IGO Aesthetics glossary. This page provides clear, simple definitions for common terms used across our range of aesthetic beauty supplies and the wider industry. It is designed to help our professional customers understand product descriptions, compliance requirements, and general terminology.

For specific questions not covered here, please visit our [FAQs] page or contact our support team.

A

Aesthetic Beauty Supplies
A broad term for professional-grade products used by qualified practitioners for cosmetic treatments. This includes everything from injectables and skin boosters to aftercare and clinic consumables.

Aftercare
Products and protocols recommended for use after a cosmetic procedure to support skin recovery, minimise side effects, and enhance treatment results.

Authenticity
A guarantee that products are genuine and have been sourced directly from official manufacturers or their authorised distributors. At IGO Aesthetics, we are a trusted UK wholesale distributor committed to supplying only authentic items.

B

Batch Number
A unique code assigned to a specific group of products made in a single production run. This number is essential for traceability. Please quote it in any correspondence regarding a specific product. See also: Lot Number.

C

Cannula
A thin, flexible tube with a blunt tip used to deliver dermal fillers or skin boosters under the skin. It is often preferred for certain areas as it can minimise bruising by navigating around blood vessels, unlike a sharp needle. Professional-use only.

CE Mark
A certification mark that indicates a product has met the health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). While the UK has introduced the UKCA mark, the CE mark is still widely recognised.

Cold Chain
The process of managing the temperature of sensitive products during storage and shipping to maintain their integrity. Certain professional beauty products must be kept refrigerated. Always check storage instructions upon receipt.

Contraindication
A specific situation or condition in which a particular treatment or product should not be used, as it may be harmful to the person. Professionals must assess client suitability before any procedure.

Cross-linked (Hyaluronic Acid)
A process where Hyaluronic Acid (HA) molecules are chemically bonded together. This creates a thicker, more stable gel (like in [dermal fillers]) that lasts longer in the body, providing structure and volume.

D

Dermal Filler
An injectable gel, commonly made from Hyaluronic Acid, used to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These are classified as medical devices and are strictly for professional use. [See Dermal Fillers].

E

Expiry Date
The final day that a manufacturer guarantees the full safety and potency of a product. You must not use any product beyond its expiry date.

G

Gauge (Needle)
The measurement of a needle's diameter. In aesthetics, a lower gauge number means a thicker needle, while a higher gauge number means a thinner needle. The choice depends on the product's viscosity and the treatment area.

H

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
A naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to hydrate and add volume to the skin. It is the primary ingredient in most modern dermal fillers and skin boosters due to its effectiveness and safety profile.

L

Lidocaine
A local anaesthetic often included in dermal fillers and other injectable products to reduce pain and discomfort during treatment. Always check for patient allergies.

Lot Number
Another term for Batch Number. It is used to track a specific set of products from a single manufacturing cycle for quality control and traceability.

M

Medical Device
Any instrument, apparatus, or product intended for a medical purpose. In aesthetics, items like dermal fillers, PDO threads, and some microneedling devices are classified as medical devices and are subject to strict regulations.

Microneedling
A cosmetic procedure that involves using a device to create tiny, controlled punctures in the skin. This stimulates the body's natural wound-healing process, boosting collagen and elastin production. Requires professional training.

N

Non-cross-linked (Hyaluronic Acid)
Hyaluronic Acid in a more natural, liquid state where the molecules are not bonded together. It is typically used in [skin boosters] to provide deep hydration and improve skin quality rather than adding significant volume.

P

PDO Threads
Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are a medical-grade material used for non-surgical facelifts and skin revitalisation. The threads dissolve over time while stimulating collagen production. Professional-use only and requires specialist training.

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)
A substance derived from salmon DNA that is used in regenerative skin treatments. It helps to repair damaged skin cells, stimulate collagen, and improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Professional-Only Products
Items that we only sell to qualified and insured aesthetic practitioners, clinics, or medical professionals. We verify all accounts to ensure compliance. [See Trade Account].

S

Skin Booster
An injectable treatment, typically using non-cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid, designed to deliver deep hydration, improve skin texture, and boost luminosity, without significantly altering facial shape or volume.

Sterile
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms. Aesthetic products intended for injection, such as needles and fillers, are supplied in sterile packaging that should not be used if compromised.

Storage Conditions
The specific environmental requirements (e.g., temperature, light exposure) needed to keep a product safe and effective. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.

T

Topical
A product that is applied directly to the surface of the skin. This includes creams, serums, and anaesthetics.

Traceability
The ability to track a product's journey from the manufacturer to the end-user. This is a critical safety feature, enabled by recording batch/lot numbers and expiry dates.

Trade Account
An account for verified aesthetic professionals and businesses, providing access to our full range of professional beauty products, exclusive pricing, and wholesale offers. [Create a Trade Account].

V

Viscosity
A measure of a fluid's thickness or resistance to flow. In fillers, higher viscosity means a thicker gel, often used for providing structure, while lower viscosity is softer and used for fine lines.

W

Wholesale Distributor
A company that buys products in bulk from manufacturers and sells them to other businesses (e.g., clinics and practitioners) rather than to the general public. IGO Aesthetics is a leading UK wholesale distributor of aesthetic supplies.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

If you have a question about a term or product not listed here, our knowledgeable UK support team is ready to help