Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is in a class of prebiotic ingredients also found on ingredients lists as Fructooligosaccharides, lactobacillus extract filtrate, rhamnose and saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) extract. 

Prebiotics are a class of ingredients which can be found on ingredients lists as fructooligosaccharides, lactobacillus extract filtrate, rhamnose and saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) extract.

Renude

barrier support

blemishes

enlarged pores

redness

ultra dry skin

I have chosen this 97% oil-free moisturiser to balance and soothe blemish-prone skin. This mattifying formula includes natural pre and probiotics to support the skin's bacterial ecosystem, alongside soothing actives to calm inflammation and support a healthy skin barrier.

alpha-glucan oligosaccharide

Prebiotics in simple terms, can be classed as a food source that encourages the growth of good bacteria on the skin. The microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria on the skin) is a relatively new discovery and we are learning that this is linked to many different aspects of our health, mood and appearance. A diverse breadth in the strains of bacteria living on the skin results in a healthy microbiome, and some early research has linked certain imbalances in this microbiome to skin conditions such as acne, ezcema and psoriasis.

Beta Glucans are polysaccharides found naturally in oats, fungi, seaweed and yeast. They are best known for its skin-soothing properties, showing excellent effects at reducing redness and other symptoms of sensitive skin. They do this via barrier-supporting properties, as they form a film on the skin’s surface to offer protection against daily environmental stressors, which can aggravate sensitive skin. They also stimulate macrophage function in the body (immune cells which fight invading bacteria), so offer added benefit to those with already compromised skin barriers more susceptible to bacterial infection, for example ezcema-prone or or drier skin types. Their polysaccharide nature makes them an effective humectant, meaning they can draw water molecules towards them to plump and hydrate the area.

beta glucan

Cinnamon bark acts as a natural antibacterial to help prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It is also thought to regulate sebum production to prevent pores from becoming blocked. As it is a plant extract, it is naturally high in antioxidants which offer the skin protection against free radical damage.

cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract

Lactobacillus Extract Filtrate is a cell-free extract (CFE) of the lactobacillus microorganism. This means it is no longer a living bacteria (probiotic), but an extract of a once-living bacteria, which functions as a prebiotic. This active has been shown via clinical studies from the manufacturer, Evonik, to encourage the growth of beneficial skin bacteria, as well as support the natural skin barrier function, helping to protect against skin roughness and dryness.

lactobacillus extract filtrate

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

Saccharide Isomerate (trade name: Pentavitin), is a plant-derived carbohydrate used as a hydrating ingredient in skincare. It carbohydrate structure allows it to function as a humectant, drawing water towards it to plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. Studies from the manufacturer have shown that this hydrating effect can still be measured 72 hours after application, due to the ingredients superior ability to bind to the skin.

saccharide isomerate

Humectants are hydrophilic (water-loving) ingredient type that are able to attract water towards them via charges between the molecules. They are therefore brilliant hydrators, and are able to plump out fine lines and wrinkles via surface hydration to provide an anti-ageing effect.

This daily moisturiser works with the skin’s natural mechanisms to balance the complexion and boost hydration, leaving a mattifying effect that looks flawless underneath make-up. Lightweight and silky soft, it blends easily across the skin, sinking in effortlessly to provide a matte and visibly nourished complexion. Its delicate citrusy scent is derived from natural essential oils that have been carefully selected to refresh and uplift. The Glycolic Acid Activator instantly dissolves into the skin as a perfect base for Balance Moisturiser to get to work.

These moisturisers contain high concentrations of niacinamide, which helps to regulate sebum production in the skin to reduce blemishes and blackheads.

Niacinamide moisturiser picks

This 97% oil-free formula focuses on balancing the skin's microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria on the skin, which when out of whack can lead to skin imbalances like acne). It includes a host of prebiotics to encourage a healthy microbiome, alongside niacinamide to regulate sebum and fade post-blemish pigmentation, and beta glucan to soothe inflammation. It comes with a glycolic acid activator which can be used as a treatment a few times per week to deep clean the skin to reduce breakouts further.

This moisturiser is rich in ceramides to support the skin's natural lipid barrier, alongside niacinamide to balance oil production and encourage natural ceramide production in the skin, plus glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate.

This hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic moisturiser combines 5% niacinamide to regulate sebum production and minimise post-blemish pigmentation, alongside omega fatty acids to support the natural lipid barrier, so is a great option to support the skin whilst using stronger anti-blemish actives in your routine such as retinoids and acids, which can disrupt this barrier.

fine lines

firmness

wrinkles

I have chosen this active-loaded peptide, containing 30% peptides, as your daily anti-ageing formula to target fine lines, wrinkles and skin firmness.

Many peptides function as anti-ageing ingredients in skincare, due to their ability to fit specific receptors in the body to trigger anti-ageing responses. This includes mechanisms like collagen production, cell regeneration or even blocking muscle contractions to smooth expression lines. Peptides are made up of amino acids, and are unique in shape, with a huge variety available to target specific responses in the body.

acetyl hexapeptide

arginine/lysine polypeptide

copper heptapeptide-14 pantothenate

dunaliella salina (green algae) extract

Algae is an incredibly interesting natural ingredient source. It is essentially an underwater plant, designed to get its food from sunlight, much like any other plants, although from much more challenging conditions. There are many types of algae (kelp, laminaria, microalgae), but in general in all its forms it acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting from free radical damage, as well as being able to hydrate the skin and deliver naturally-occurring vitamins into the skin.

heptapeptide-15 palmitate

palmitoyl tetrapeptide

pentapeptide

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.

tetrapeptide

Bring your skin back to life with Liquid Peptides. This jam-packed, 30% peptide blend uses a pioneering drone delivery system to target visible signs of skin ageing. The needle-free formula helps to fight expression wrinkles by minimising muscle contractions while stimulating collagen synthesis to visibly plump the complexion. Highly efficacious, its sheer power is maximised by an innovative drone-based delivery system that ensures every peptide is activated within the layer of skin that it is needed most. Fine lines and wrinkles fade effortlessly away, elasticity is rejuvenated and skin texture is perfectly refined. At the same time, nourishing prebiotics help to balance the skin’s natural microbiome to ensure optimum skin health. It’s everything your skin has ever wanted, bottled.

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

Vegan

dehydrated skin

dull skin

I have chosen this overnight replenishing treatment for you, to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, and give an overall radiance to the skin. It includes patented marine extracts alongside peptides and a host of natural extracts and has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, smooth and plump the skin.

algin

camellia sinensis leaf extract

White tea is a potent antioxidant, so is able to help protect against free radical damage. It is also thought to have anti-ageing properties by inhibiting the action of collagen and elastin-degrading enzymes in the skin.

chlorella protothecoides

hydrolyzed f-fucoidan

palmitoyl hexapeptide

parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides

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.

tripleurospermum maritimum extract

This vegan hybrid pressed serum is supercharged with patented Alguronic Acid, and fortified by AlgaProtein and nutrient-rich coconut water. It melts into the skin to recharge fatigued skin, visibly minimizing the appearance of fine lines and refining dull, uneven texture overnight. Wake up to beautiful, glowing, healthy skin.

This toner is a great option for combination skin types. It includes niacinamide to regulate sebum production whilst encouraging ceramide production in the skin to strengthen the skin barrier. It also includes soothing & hydrating ingredients, so it is a perfect for balancing combo skin and giving skin a glow.

Allantoin occurs naturally in the body, but can also be derived from the root of the Comfrey plant or Chamomile, or produced synthetically. It is used in skincare for its ability to promote wound healing and healthy tissue growth, by stimulating the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin fibres, essential tissues for skin regeneration and healing. Allantoin has also been shown to have soothing and anti-irritant properties, which is thought to be down to its ability to form complexes with irritating agents, thus preventing them from activating inflammatory mechanisms within the skin.

allantoin

aloe barbadensis 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. 

Matricaria Chamomilla, also known as German Chamomile, is a plant highly concentrated in two active components: bisabolol and chamazulene. Bisabolol has a number of well-researched skin benefits, including as an anti-inflammatory agent, and also in promoting wound healing. Chamazulene has been shown to provide an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, in addition to providing antioxidant benefits to protect skin from damage from free radicals.

chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract

Chamomile contains high levels of naturally-occurring compounds called terpenoids, the most famous being bisabolol. Bisabolol is known for its soothing properties, so including Chamomile extract in skincare can also provide this benefit.

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

Clarify and refresh your complexion with Medik8 Daily Refresh Balancing Toner; an ultra-hydrating, alcohol-free formula that effectively eliminates excess oil and impurities after cleansing. Infused with a host of beneficial ingredients, including Prebiotics and a soothing blend of Aloe Vera, Allantoin and Witch Hazel, the pH-balancing toner sweeps effortlessly over the face and décolletage to promote a smoother, more refined texture. Expect a soft, comfortable complexion with a healthy glow.

Rebalancing toner picks

This is a great multi-tasking toner. It includes niacinamide with allantoin and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate, witch hazel to tone, and prebiotics to encourage a balanced microbiome (ecosystem of skin bacteria). Vegan.

scarring

uneven texture

I have chosen this weekly resurfacing and brightening treatment to boost skin radiance, even out skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of pores.

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

vitis vinifera (grape) fruit extract

Resveratrol in a polyphenol most famously found in the skin of red grapes, but also occurs naturally in peanuts and certain fruits such as blueberries and cranberries. It is included in skincare for its powerful antioxidant abilities - with research showing it can protect against free radicals, as well as oxidative damage caused by UV. 

A NUTRI-ACTIVE RADIANCE, BRIGHTENING & RESURFACING MASK
With MSM, Passion Fruit, Grape, Lemon & Grapefruit AHA's, Papaya Enzymes, Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes, Prebiotics, Ribose & Butterbur.

Plumping and brightening enzyme mask for all skin types. Winner of 11 Best Mask Awards.

A peel in a balm

For immediate spa facial results and long term anti-ageing & brightening. Designed to increase cell turnover, boost radiance and packed with OSKIA’s trademark blend of beauty-boosting nutrients, this luxuriously-textured exfoliating mask leaves the complexion smoother, more refined and illuminated. Our testing panel thought its natural perfume so delicious they wanted to eat it! Suitable for all skin types and with a fresh aromatic scent combining rose, passion fruit and chamomile, all organically certified, OSKIA’s Renaissance Mask works hard to remove tired skin cells and boost cell regeneration and ATP energy without aggressively stripping the top layers of the epidermis. Pink initially, the luxurious and uniquely textured cream turns white once properly massaged into the skin, helping clients know when it’s been applied effectively.

 Suitable for Vegans

I have chosen this clinically-proven, ultra-nourishing formula to support your skin barrier and to target ultra dry, irritated skin.

cocos nucifera (coconut) oil

Coconut oil is naturally rich in fat-soluble Vitamins A & E, which provide antioxidant benefits, as well as supporting the skin barrier by reducing TEWL and therefore retaining moisture levels within the epidermis. 

Tocopheryl acetate is a specific form of the fat-soluble Vitamin E, with improved stability vs. Tocopherol. 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.

tocopheryl acetate

Soothe dryness and itching with SVR Laboratoires TOPIALYSE Baume Intensif Balm, a lightweight and gentle moisturiser for very sensitive skin.

Formulated with a potent blend of just 20 ingredients, the cream is suitable for use for all the family and can be used to soothe irritation, strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and reduce scratching for up to 48 hours. As a result, the complexion will be left calm, comfortable and healthy.

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

What is Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide?

What does Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide do?

Who is Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide good for?

Who should avoid Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide?

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

What is Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide?

What does Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide do?

Who is Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide good for?

Who should avoid Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide?

Treatments (2)

Hydrators (1)