Ingredients in Skincare

Bifida Ferment Lysate

Bifida Ferment Lysate

Bifida Ferment Lysate is probiotic ingredient produced derived from the yeast produced during the fermentation of the bacterial strain, Bifida. It has been shown to have positive effects on the skin microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria on the surface), supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria, and suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria. Bifida ferment lysate sits in a class of probiotic ingredients which can be found on ingredients lists as lactobacillus ferment, and lactococcus ferment lysate.

Superoxide Dismutase

Superoxide Dismutase

Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme produced naturally in the body, specifically to break down the free radical superoxide (an oxygen with an excess electron and thus a negative charge). It is considered to be the body’s most important antioxidant and works by catalysing the conversion of superoxide, into elemental oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a process known as dismutation. This action is part of the body’s natural anti-ageing mechanism, so including this ingredient in skincare supports this natural protection process.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a tree native to Asia, one of the oldest plant species on the planet, and rich in flavonoids and terpenoids. These provide powerful antioxidant protection, reducing potential damage caused by reactive free radicals. Studies have also shown Ginkgo Biloba to provide skin-smoothing and hydrating properties.

Sacred Lotus Flower Extract

Sacred Lotus Flower Extract

This natural plant extract has been shown to have multi-functional benefits, targeting both pigmentation and wrinkles. Studies have shown the extract to be effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in producing the pigment melanin in the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots. It has also been shown to help firm the skin, by slowing the rate at which elastin, an important protein for skin firmness, is degraded.

Cabbage Leaf Extract

Cabbage Leaf Extract is a natural extract rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins. Flavonoids are plant polyphenols which offer antioxidant protection against reactive free radicals. Anthocyanins are substances produced by the plant in nature to protect against environmental stressors: UV radiation, oxidation & temperature. Studies have also shown that Cabbage Leaf extract provides anti-inflammatory benefits when applied topically to the skin.

Milk Thistle Extract

Milk thistle extract is derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). In skincare, it is used for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protecting properties.

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Part of the Vitamin C family of ingredients, Ascorbyl palmitate is an oil-soluble Vitamin C ester, produced by the reaction of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. This oil-soluble form works to improve stability against oxidation (something L-ascorbic acid is notorious for), as well as improve skin affinity to allow the ingredient to penetrate further. Vitamin C can also be found on ingredients lists as ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, ethyl ascorbic acid, l-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract

Brassica Oleracea Capitata

Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract is derived from the root of the Boerhavia Diffusa plant, also known as Punarnava. It is used in skincare for its potential soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties.

Red Algae

Red Algae

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.

White Tea

Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract

White tea, also known as camellia sinensis (white tea) leaf extract, 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.

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine, which is used in skincare to treat hyperpigmentation & post-inflammatory acne scarring. Studies have shown this to be as effective as the gold standard prescription ingredient hydroquinone, without any of the associated irritation, based on a panel with medium-toned skin (50 women of Iranian descent). It is believed to work by suppressing some of the mechanisms in the skin, which lead to the production of excess melanin.

Arginine HCL

Arginine HCL

Arginine is an amino acid that can be found in food sources such as almonds and chocolate. Arginine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own. It is often referred to as the ‘master amino acid’ and has a number of benefits to skin health. Amino acids are a class of ingredients. They can also be found on ingredients lists as acetyl glucosamine, acetyl tyrosinamide, alanine, arginine hcl, arginine pca, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, taurine, threonine and valine and yeast amino acids.

Caffeic Acid

Caffeic acid is a powerful naturally-occurring antioxidant found in most plants. It is able to protect the skin by neutralising damage-causing free radicals. Studies have also shown this ingredient to also have an anti-inflammatory effect within the skin, which can have a beneficial effect on acne, redness and preventing premature ageing.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is produced naturally in a number of plant species, such as mushrooms, and is also a by-product of the fermentation process of soy and rice wine. It is used in cosmetics for its ability to target hyperpigmentation, and works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in producing the pigment in our skin, known as melanin. A reduction in the activity of this enzyme helps to minimise the overproduction of melanin, and help reduce areas of hyperpigmentation.

Blue Mallow Extract

Mallow Extract

Blue mallow extract, also known as Malva sylvestris extract or common mallow extract, is derived from the flowers and leaves of the blue mallow plant. It is used in skincare for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.