Acai is a plant ingredient which can also be referred to by its botanical name,  euterpe oleracea. It displays potent antioxidant abilities, meaning it is able to protect skin against free radical damage.

Renude

blackheads

blemishes

enlarged pores

I have chosen this oil-free moisturiser for you to support your skin's natural barrier, without adding any occlusive ingredients which could make congestion in the skin worse.

Adenosine is a well-researched anti-ageing and soothing ingredient. It is produced naturally in the body, but can also be derived from yeast. It works by stimulating the skin's own collagen production process, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It also has anti-inflammatory and barrier repair benefits, so is a fantastic multi-functional skincare ingredient.

adenosine

Arginine is an amino acid which occurs naturally within the human body. It is a popular ingredient in skincare for a number of reasons; it offers antioxidant protection, it hydrates the skin by stimulating the body's own production of humectants like urea and it can also repair visible skin damage.

arginine

ceramide ap

Ceramides are long chains of lipids, which occur naturally within the epidermis. Their function is to hold the skin cells together by creating a barrier against water-loss from the inside-out, and external aggressors from the outside-in. They make up almost 50% of our skins composition, but they can be depleted by UV, free radicals & pollution, and their production also naturally slows with age. This leads to an impaired skin barrier, which results in dry, rough skin with more visible wrinkling and redness. Applying ceramides topically can increase the levels of ceramides in the epidermis, and therefore supports the natural healthy functioning of the skin.

ceramide eop

ceramide np

Cholesterol is a fatty acid which occurs naturally in the skin’s lipid barrier. Applying cholesterol topically supports the skin barrier, reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and maintaining healthy skin functioning. Strengthening this lipid barrier also leads to improved skin hydration, which in turn leads to smoother, plumper, younger-looking skin.

cholesterol

Our outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, has a multilamellar structure (essentially a fine membrane), made up of lipids (fats), to form a non-permeable barrier. This keeps water inside the skin, and acts as the first defense against external aggressors. The lipids which make up the majority of this are known as ceramides, which are produced naturally in the body from a range of other naturally-occurring lipids, which we class here as essential lipids (not the same as essential fatty acids, which are deemed ‘essential’ as the body cannot produce these naturally.) Using these lipids in skincare helps to support the natural skin barrier, preventing water-loss to keep skin hydrated and balanced.

euterpe oleracea (acai) fruit extract

Acai is a small, dark purple berry found in nature. It displays potent antioxidant abilities, meaning it is able to protect skin against free radical damage.

glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract

Liquorice is a legume which grows in the Mediterranean, the Middle East & Russia. It contains the active constituent glabridin, which has been shown to prevent and reverse UV-induced skin damage, to provide visible skin-lightening properties to the skin.

Its second active component, Glycyrrhetinic acid is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances, such as cortisone, within the body, with some research showing results to be comparable to prescription hydrocortisone cream.

Hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake is a protein derived from pumpkin seeds. It is a very good source of Vitamin E and key fatty acids, which protects the skin from excess water loss, as well as to support healthy skin functioning.

hydrolyzed pumpkin seedcake

Lecithin can be classed as a phospholipid, which occurs naturally in eggs, soybean, sunflower oil and corn. It contains a high concentration of fatty acids, which support the skin’s natural barrier by creating a lipid film to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Lecithin also has lipophilic & hydrophilic properties, meaning it can function as an emulsifier and skin penetration-enhancer, helping to deliver actives deeper into the skin.

lecithin

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 and Nicotinamide, has many skincare benefits. Firstly, it regulates sebum production in the skin, which in turn reduces blemishes and visible pore size. It also reduces facial redness by improving microcirculation, which means moving the blood inside the capillaries away from the face to reduce visible redness. It also has the ability to strengthen the natural lipid barrier of the skin by encouraging ceramide production (the building blocks which seal our skin cells together), which in turn increases the hydration within the epidermis. Lastly, niacinamide works to help reduce hyperpigmentation by blocking melanin from being deposited on the skin cells.

niacinamide

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.

Phytosphingosine (PS) is a lipid which naturally occurs in the stratum corneum (the top, visible layer of our epidermis). This acts as a precursor for ceramide synthesis, meaning it encourages the skin to produce ceramides naturally.

Studies have also shown PS to offer anti-acne benefits, it is believed by reinforcing the protective barrier, and therefore reducing specific abnormalities in the skin functioning that lead to acne (invading inflammatory bacteria, increased keratinization, increased sebaceous gland activity).

phytosphingosine

Wild cherry is a natural fruit extract, rich in plant antioxidants and vitamin c which help to protect the skin from free radical damage. It may also offer skin calming benefits.

prunus serotina (wild cherry) fruit extract

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.

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), which is found naturally in the body, and in the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF). PCA acts as a humectant, meaning it draws water to it, plumping and hydrating the area. The skin’s NMF ensures adequate hydration of the stratum corneum, which also works to support the overall barrier function of the skin, regulating trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Including Sodium PCA in skincare supports this natural mechanism of the skin.

sodium pca

Natural moisturising factor (NMF) is a substance produced by the body, made up of minerals, lactate, urea, amino acids & humectants, which coats the surface skin cells to keep them moisturised. NMF increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which results in more hydrated, plump, smoother skin.

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.

vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) fruit extract

Blueberry extract is used in skincare for its powerful antioxidant and skin conditioning properties. It is also a rich source of Vitamin C, and studies have shown them to protect against UV damage in the skin on exposure to the sun (alongside a broad spectrum SPF of course).

The frustration of finding the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin is over. This non-greasy moisturizer provides water-light hydration, eliminates dry, flaky patches, and visibly corrects issues unique to acne-prone skin—without adding oil, clogging pores or making breakouts worse. Naturally soothing antioxidants, sourced from pumpkin and blueberry calm redness, while ceramides strengthen skin’s surface. Niacinamide, a pore minimizer, improves tone and eliminates dryness.

Counter Culture

fine lines

lack of radiance

pigmentation

rough skin

This gentle exfoliating toner is designed to improve overall skin texture and tone. The formula includes gluconolactone, a gentle polyhydroxy acid, to exfoliate and smooth texture, while aloe vera and glycerin hydrate the skin.

acai extract

aloe vera

Gluconolactone is a poly hydroxy acid (PHA). PHAs work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

gluconolactone

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

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

Unfragranced

Vegan

Nut free

dull skin

ultra dry skin

uneven texture

This gentle exfoliating toner contains gluconolactone (a PHA), alongside acai berry and aloe vera to soothe skin and reduce inflammation, and prickly pear extract, which helps encourage exfoliating enzymes in the skin to smooth overall skin texture.

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.

Prickly pear is a cactus native to Mexico, and is used in skincare for its soothing and hydrating properties.

hydrolyzed opuntia ficus indica flower extract

Experience the power of next generation exfoliating poly hydroxy acids (PHAs) with Press & Glow; the hydrating acid toner that helps to exfoliate the surface of the complexion for noticeable everyday glow. Skin is visibly resurfaced, hydrated and smoothed.

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are very gentle, due to their large molecular size, so are a great option for exfoliating more sensitive skin types.

Gentle PHA exfoliator picks

This daily toner contains a gentle 5.5% concentration of gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid which works to exfoliate the outer layer of skin. The formula also includes aloe vera to soothe, acai extract to provide antioxidant protection and prickly pear extract which helps to boost cell renewal and provide an overall brightening effect.

This gentle water-based serum contain a 10% blend of PHAs (8% gluconolactone and 2% maltobionic acid). These are multi-tasking ingredients which work to gently resurface and brighten the skin, as well as hydrate, even out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Cruelty free

UK made

dehydrated skin

I have chosen this daily cleanser for your routine to deep clean the skin without stripping. The product contains a blend of natural extracts to soothe, brighten and and decongest the skin.

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

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.

This sulfate-free creamy cleanser removes any trace of grime, pollution, and makeup while infusing your skin with essential moisture and nutrients from Manuka Honey UMF 16+ and Acai Berry without ever leaving your skin dry or stripped. This nutrient-rich formula also contains Grapeseed Oil, Acai Oil, and Yoghurt to brighten, replenish moisture and nourish your skin.

These formulas offer a gentle cleanse, while lightly exfoliating the skin, refining texture, evening out tone and adding radiance.

Gentle resurfacing cleanser picks

This non-foaming gel formula contains 4% gluconolactone, a gentle resurfacing acid which works to gently exfoliate, brighten and even out skin tone. Gentle enough for daily use, it clears and refines the complexion without over-stripping.

This creamy cleanser contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin to improve overall radiance and hydration.

This non-comedogenic, fragrance-free foaming gel cleanser contains salicylic acid alongside gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA). It also contains niacinamide to soothe and regulate oil production, and three types of ceramides to support the natural lipid barrier. Developed with dermatologists.

Acai Extract

What is Acai Extract?

What does Acai Extract do?

Who is Acai Extract good for?

Who should avoid Acai Extract?

Acai Extract

What is Acai Extract?

What does Acai Extract do?

Who is Acai Extract good for?

Who should avoid Acai Extract?

Cleansers (1)

Treatments (2)

Hydrators (1)