Q+A Skincare

Renude

I have chosen this serum for your routine, due to the peptide and amino acid blend in the formula. These ingredients work to encourage our own skin's natural production of collagen, to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles over time. The serum is really lightweight and fast-absorbing, as well as containing extra hydrators like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, and brighteners lactic acid and vitamin c.

aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice

Aloe vera has been used for millennia as a natural medicine across many regions of the world, with references as early as Cleopatra using it as part of her beauty routine. It contains around 75 active constituents, including Vitamins A,C & E to provide antioxidant protection, 8 enzymes to inhibit inflammatory processes in the body and 9 different minerals to support the body’s natural functioning. It also includes sugars to provide hydrating humectant properties, fatty acids to provide anti-inflammatory & antiseptic properties, and hormones to promote wound healing.

Glycerin is a humectant present in all natural lipids. It works to attract water molecules towards it, plumping & hydrating the applied area, resulting in smooth, soft, hydrated skin. It is one of the most widely used humectants in skincare, due to it’s high performance and broad availability (making it very cost-effective). Recent research has shown that it’s ability to penetrate the layers of the skin is superior to that of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, making it a brilliant choice for overall skin hydration, and suitable for all skin types.

glycerin

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being found in dairy products, but is typically derived synthetically for cosmetics today.

AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.  

lactic acid

proline

Amino acids are the small building blocks that make up peptides, and proteins. Each amino acid has a unique structure, and as such plays a specific role within the body. There are around 20 different types considered to be most important for human health. In the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, they are present in the ‘natural moisturising factors’, our skin’s own moisturising mechanism, and they help to support water transport between skin cells to keep our surface smooth and hydrated.

sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Vitamin C has many skin benefits, including its action as an antioxidant, to neutralise free radicals (reactive molecules with an unpaired electron), preventing them from causing damage to cells within the body. Vitamin C is also involved in the collagen-production process, so provides anti-wrinkle activity through this mechanism. Lastly, Vitamin C inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin-synthesis, and can therefore visibly reduce areas of hyperpigmentation in the skin.

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body), created to improve the ingredient stability. It works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

sodium hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

tripeptide

Copper peptide (GHK-Cu) is involved in a number of processes in the body: wound healing, collagen synthesis, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. There is evidence to show that the level of this protein in the blood reduces as we age, so including this in our skincare may help to support the body’s natural anti-ageing processes.

Q+A Peptide Facial Serum has been formulated with a Peptide and Amino acid blend to help boost our skin's own collagen production levels. Formulated with Magnesium PCA and Hyaluronic acid too, this fast-absorbing serum gives your skin a helping hand in the natural regeneration process. Lactic acid and a Vitamin C derivative also work to boost overall skin radiance.

Peptides can stimulate specific mechanisms in the skin (e.g. collagen production), so are great ingredients for keeping skin looking youthful for longer.

Peptide serum picks

This multi-functional serum is loaded with active ingredients to support the skin barrier and activate youth-boosting mechanisms in the skin. It contains wrinkle-smoothing peptides, barrier-boosting ceramides, hydrating beta glucan and panthenol and calming glucosides.

This serum is packed with 30% peptides, making it a serious powerhouse for reducing the visible signs of ageing. It uses 'drone technology' to deliver copper peptide directly to the fibroblasts (where collagen & elastin are produced), along with additional youth-promoting peptides to stimulate the skin's natural production of these essential proteins. To top that off, the formula also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and a blend of prebiotics to regulate a healthy skin microbiome.

This is a fantastic affordably priced peptide serum for targeting fine lines and supporting our skin barrier. The formula contains a blend of peptides, argireline, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and a powerhouse duo of antioxidants - resveratrol and superoxide dismutase - to protect.

This affordable formula contains peptides to support healthy ageing of the skin, alongside magnesium pca to energise the skin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate.

Cruelty free

UK made

Unfragranced

Nut free

Gluten free

Vegan

blackheads

blemishes

pigmentation

redness

I have chosen this azelaic acid based serum as a fantastic multi-tasking ingredient for your skin. Azelaic acid is both an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory so it works to target breakouts and reduce redness and inflammation within the skin. This serum contains 8% azelaic acid, alongside zinc pca which also helps to balance oil production within the skin.

Azelaic acid is found naturally in grains such as barley, wheat and rye, but can also be produced commercially in the lab. It has several benefits in skincare including as an anti-inflammatory, with evidence showing great results in treating rosacea symptoms (swelling & redness) via this mechanism.

Azelaic also has an anti-blemish activity - firstly, it is an antibacterial which works to kill acne-causing bacteria, P.Acnes. Secondly, it prevents pores becoming blocked by the skin’s natural shedding process, which makes it harder for this bacteria to populate inside the pore to cause a blemish (it needs an oxygen-free environment to thrive).

Studies have also shown azelaic acid to inhibit melanogenesis (production of melanin), so also has benefits in treating hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory acne scarring. It has good skin tolerability, so can be used to treat more sensitive skin types in concentrations of around 10%.

azelaic acid

Zinc PCA is a synthetic active, derived from zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms. PCA is a component of the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF), which acts as a humectant to draw water to it, and when synthesized with zinc, it can actually improve the efficacy of zinc, by making it more bioavailable and easily-absorbed.

Studies have also shown that zinc PCA can inhibit the activity of destructive enzymes within the skin, therefore providing a protective, anti-ageing mechanism to the skin. 

zinc pca

Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms.

With soothing aloe vera, the Q+A Azelaic Acid serum helps to calm, soothe and minimise breakouts, restoring an even complexion. Azelaic acid is derived naturally from Rye, Wheat & Barley and is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a great choice for breakout and redness prone skin. It also works to fade pigmentation, so can tackle any post-inflammatory marks to boot!

These formulas contain a high concentration of azelaic acid, which has proven effectiveness in treating redness, blemishes and hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic acid treatment picks

This 10% Azelaic acid booster is combined with salicylic acid to support breakout prone skin. The formula is a creamy texture, which absorbs instantly without dry out the skin.

This milky serum contains15% azelaic acid, in combination with salicylic acid, zinc and niacinamide. These ingredients work in combination to reduce inflammation, regulate oil production and provide antibacterial action to redness blemishes and post-inflammatory marks.

This lightweight moisturising gel contains azelaic acid, alongside tranexamic acid to target hyperpigmentation, niacinamide to regulate sebum and support the natural skin barrier, and vitamins b5 and e to provide antioxidant protection to the skin.

This water-based serum uses 12% of a derivative of azelaic acid known as Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate rather than the active itself (as it's notoriously difficult to formulate with and get a killer texture). This derivative delivers all the amazing benefits of azelaic acid as well as hydrating the skin, so this is a fantastic product for the price.

This creamy serum formula contains azelaic acid which acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory to calm breakouts. Zinc PCA helps to regulate oil production while natural plant extracts provide antioxidant protection.

dull skin

fine lines

ultra dry skin

wrinkles

I have chosen this nourishing moisturiser to plump and hydrate the skin, as well as deliver youth-boosting benefits. It contains a seaweed derived ingredient, alongside peptides to boost the skin's natural production of collagen, plus magnesium pca to energise the skin, and natural oils and butters to nourish.

butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter

Shea butter is the natural butter of the shea nut, which grows in West Africa. It is high in fatty acids and vitamins, so works to support the natural lipid barrier of the skin, reducing water loss via the epidermis to keep skin soft, smooth and moisturised.

Tocopherol, aka Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopherol

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

Q+A Collagen Face Cream has been specially formulated using a collagen based active ingredient sourced from seaweed. This cream helps boost collagen production whilst hydrating and soothing the skin. This wrinkle preventing cream helps improve skin firmness, suppleness and elasticity to leave skin plump and glowing.

Youth-boosting moisturiser picks

This formula has been clinically proven to lift, firm and add volume to the skin. It contains high levels of maltobionic acid to gently resurface, smooth & brighten the skin, alongside anti-ageing peptides to firm and lift, and acetyl glucosamine to brighten and natural resveratrol (from grape extract), to act as a powerful antioxidant. Oil free, non-comedogenic.

Packed with naturally-occurring constituents of the skin barrier, such as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, this formula is great for nourishing drier skin or supporting strong actives like retinoids or acids in your routine. It also contains peptides to firm, acetyl glucosamine to brighten, and dragonfruit extract to tighten.

This rich cream works by delivering hyaluronic acid into the skin, whilst stimulating the skins own production of this powerful humectant to deliver long term hydration to the skin. It also works to plump the skin, boost radiance and provide visible anti-ageing effects, with a user trial showing that after 4 weeks, 82% agreed their wrinkles appeared reduced.

Nourishing, yet quick to absorb, this fuss-free moisturiser contains two different peptides, to firm skin and reduce fine lines. Alongside this, glycerin as a humectant to hydrate, and Vitamin E as an antioxidant.

This afforable nourishing formula contains a blend of ingredients to support overall skin health. A seaweed-derived collagen works to plump and hydrate the skin, lactic acid gently exfoliates, magnesium pca boosts radiance and shea butter nourishes.

barrier support

dehydrated skin

This is a fantastic hyaluronic acid mist to increase hydration levels in the skin. As well as hyaluronic acid, this toner contains aloe vera, panthenol, betaine, and an extract of chicory root to soothe, hydrate and protect the skin.

Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5, which is converted into Pantothenic acid within the epidermis when applied topically. Its main benefit in cosmetics is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to.

Panthenol also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

panthenol

Vitamin B5 is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to. It also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

Refresh your skin morning and evening with this super hydrating face mist. The Hyaluronic Acid we all know and love is joined by silky smooth moisture-boosting Betaine, protective Aloe Vera and glowy Glycerin for instant rejuvenation. Just the pick-me-up you need when your skin is feeling a little dry or defeated.

This group of hydrating toners contains humectants and hydrators to add moisture into the skin, to support overall skin barrier health and leave skin looking plump and dewy.

Hydrating Toner Picks

This essence contains a blend of hyaluronic acid to hydrate alongside niacinamide to balance and calm the skin. This is a great choice for support the skin barrier of combination skin, and ensuring adequate hydration without any heaviness.

This aerosol mist contains hyaluronic acid, which draws water towards it to hydrate the skin. This is included alongside gluco-glycerol which works to ensure moisture is distributed throughout the layers of the skin to maximise hydration levels throughout.

This award-winning Hyaluronic spray mist is perfect for easily adding hydration to the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid alongside betaine and aloe vera to hydrate and soothe, while natural extracts from chicory root offer antioxidant protection to the skin.

Awarded

I have chosen this hyaluronic acid serum to add an extra boost of hydration to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it draws water towards it, to plump and add moisture to the skin. This formula contains additional hydrators - glycerin, lactic acid and betaine to maximise its impact.

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring moisturiser that we produce in our bodies. Enhanced by a range of natural ingredients, the Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum intensely hydrates and helps to plump the skin and give it a glow!

These serums all contain hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful humectant, meaning it can attract surrounding water molecules towards it to hydrate and plump the skin.

Hyaluronic acid serum picks

This best-selling formula is a lightweight gel-serum texture, containing hyaluronic acid, alongside two forms of panthenol (Vitamin B5) to hydrate thirsty skin.

This serum is loaded with hydrators, soothers and antioxidants to support overall skin health. Plant extract of bisabolol (derived from chamomile) to soothe the skin, hyaluronic and panthenol, gluconolactone to gentle exfoliate plus liquorice, prebiotics and black tea for added plant protection.

This is an excellent hyaluronic acid serum, packed with hydrators and skin lipids for extra support of the skin barrier. Ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and panthenol work to keep skin hydrated, plump and dewy.

This hydrating essence is a silky smooth, absorbs quickly and leaves skin hydrated and dewy. It contains a powerful blend of hydrating humectants: hyaluronic acid, panthenol and glycerin.

This hydrating hyaluronic acid serum contains two different size of hyaluronic acid for adding a quick hit of hydration to the skin, at a fantastic price point.

This affordable formula contains hyaluronic acid alongside other natural hydrators lactic acid, betaine and biosaccharide gum. A fantastic affordable option for adding an extra layer of hydration to the skin.

uneven texture

I have chosen this gentle gel-based cleanser for your routine to remove excess oil and impurities without drying the skin. This is a perfect daily cleanse to support the rest of your skincare routine.

The Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser uses gentle and soothing cleansing agents which boost your skin’s moisturisation levels, rather than leaving it feeling dry and tight. This cleanser is a great daily staple for providing a gentle cleanse to support other treatment products in your routine.

These gentle formulas will cleanse without disrupting the natural lipid barrier, so skin is left clean, hydrated and balanced.

Hydrating cleanser picks

This creamy hydrating contains a blend of natural oils, and foams gently to provide an effective cleanse without drying out the skin.

Packed with nourishing shea butter & glycerin, this creamy, non-foaming formula cleanses the skin whilst leaving it perfectly balanced. Orange peel oil gives it a delicate fragrance for a spa-like experience.

A non-foaming, fragrance-free lightweight gel which cleanses skin without stripping to leave it clean, yet hydrated and never tight.

This simple gel cleanser is a great option for dry skin. It contains a mild cleansing agent called coco-betaine for a barely there foam, alongside hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate.

I have chosen this hydrating toner for your routine to add an extra hit of moisture into the skin. It contains two type of hyaluronic acid and marine extracts to deliver deep hydration, whilst squalane nourishes the skin.

hyaluronic acid

Squalane is a natural substance usually derived from olives. It is structurally very similar to our skin’s own sebum, so is a great ingredient to support our own natural skin processes. In drier skin, which is naturally lacking in natural sebum, it helps to support the skin barrier to prevent water loss, which results in more hydrated, smooth and plump skin. Due to its sebum-mimicking structure, it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause breakouts, so is also suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. It can be a great option to reduce any over-stimulation of the sebaceous glands, which can occur with excess cleansing (and make breakouts worse). It also works to support the skin barrier to combat any drying effects caused by ingredients commonly associated with acne treatment, so is a great ingredient for all skin types.

squalane

This unique blend of Hyaluronic Acid and Marine actives help enhance skin suppleness and improve hydration levels. Formulated with giant kelp algae extract and squalane, the Marine Hyaluronate Toning Lotion is super hydrating, and the texture means you can apply it into your palms and directly onto the skin.

These group of toners contain an antioxidant blend alongside hydrating ingredients to simultaneously plump and protect the skin.

Antioxidant toner

This easy toner mist contains a blend of plant extracts and hydrators. The base is green tea water, which works to hydrate and protect against environmental damage. Also included in the formula are hyaluronic acid, betaine and panthenol to hydrate.

This toner is packed with hydrating and antioxidant ingredients to support overall skin health. It contains hyaluronic acid, panthenol and beta glucan to hydrate, while extracts of centella asiatica, liquorice extract and aloe vera soothe the skin.

This milky hydrating toner contains hydrators alongside antioxidants to protect and plump the skin. Two weight of hyaluronic acid plus glycerin work as humectants to draw water to the skin, whilst squalane nourishes. Plant extracts from sea kelp, bladderwrack and wakame offer natural protection against environmental aggressors.

I have chosen this creamy formula for your routine to gently cleanse the skin without drying or stripping. It contains a blend of natural butters and oils - shea, cocoa, apricot, sweet almond and oat - to nourish the skin, while effectively cleansing.

avena sativa (oat) kernel oil

Oat extract is known to have soothing, anti-inflammatory effects in the skin, and is a popular active for treating symptoms of dry skin. It also has antioxidant properties so is able to protect the skin against free radicals caused by pollution and UV.

prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil

Sweet Almond Oil is naturally rich in fat-soluble Vitamins A & E, which provide antioxidant benefits. This oil is naturally high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which cannot be produced naturally in the body, but offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

Nourish and soothe your skin as you cleanse with the Oat Milk Cream Cleanser. This gentle, moisturising cleanser is formulated with a triple blend of oat derived ingredients designed to help gently lift makeup and impurities, leaving a refreshed and calm complexion.

These soothing cleansers have been specifically formulated for those with sensitive, redness-prone skin types to provide the very gentlest of cleanses.

Soothing cleanser picks

This gel to oil to milk cleanser is fantastic for offering a thorough cleanse whilst keeping skin perfectly balanced. The formula has even undergone clinical testing to prove that it causes no irritation within the skin.

Specifically designed to reduce redness in the skin, this gentle foam formula includes Teprenone to reduce redness and support the skin barrier, alongside chlorophyll to provide antioxidant protection, and Vitamin K to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Sweet Orange oil gives it a blissful uplifting fragrance.

This ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula removes make-up and impurities without disrupting the delicate lipid barrier. Using minimal ingredients, and housed in packaging which keeps the formula from needing any preservatives, this is a fantastic option for hyper-sensitive skin or those with an impaired barrier.

This award-winning creamy cleanser is ultra gentle on the skin, and cleanses without stripping. The formula has an oat milk base, for which the oats are grown on the Q+A farm and contains oat seed oil which is rich in fatty acids to support the skin barrier.

Q+A Skincare Peptide Facial Serum

Description

How to use

Ingredients