Ingredients in Skincare

Vitamin K1

Vitamin K1 is a naturally occurring vitamin found in certain plants and algae.

Zinc PCA

Zinc PCA

Zinc 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 is a family of ingredients that can also be found on ingredients lists as zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate and zinc sulphate.

Citric Acid

Citric Acid

Citric acid (in dilution) is often used in tiny quantities to adjust the pH of a formula to be more acidic. In higher doses, it acts as an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), encouraging the skin’s natural exfoliation process to brighten, smooth and refine overall skin texture.

Alteromonas Ferment Extract

Alteromonas Ferment Extract

Alteromonas Ferment Extract is a polysaccharide excreted by the gram-negative bacteria, Alteromonas macleodii which grows in deep sea waters. Due to its polysaccharide (carbohydrate) structure, it acts as a humectant, drawing water molecules towards it to plump and hydrate the applied area. Studies have also shown this ingredient to have soothing properties against chemical & mechanical irritants, so is a great active for calming symptoms of sensitive skin. It is in the class of Algae Extract which also include ahnfeltia concinna extract, alaria esculenta extract, algae exopolysaccharides, algin, alteromonas ferment extract, ascophyllum nodosum extract, asparagopsis armata extract, chlorella protothecoides, chlorella vulgaris extract, dunaliella salina (green algae) extract, hydrolyzed f-fucoidan, laminaria ochroleuca (kelp) extract, macrocystis pyrifera (kelp) extract, and marine extract.

Snow Mushroom Extract

Tremella Fuciformis

Snow Mushroom Extract, also known as Tremella fuciformis extract, is derived from the snow mushroom, a gelatinous mushroom with hydrating properties. In skincare, it is used for its potential moisturizing, plumping, and skin-soothing benefits.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic Acid

Part of the Vitamin C family of ingredients, L-ascorbic acid is Vitamin C in its purest form, and the active form required by the body to result in the many skin skin benefits of Vitamin C. The issue with L-ascorbic acid is in the delivery, as it is very unstable in water, and needs a pH 4 or below for it to penetrate the skin. That being said, when it can be stabilised in a formula and is able to penetrate the skin, it provides the highest potency of any form of Vitamin C currently available. Vitamin C can also be found on ingredients lists as ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl palmitate, ethyl ascorbic acid, l-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

Licochalcone A

Licochalcone A is a naturally occurring compound found in the root extract of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is used in skincare for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties.

Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract

Cinnamon bark, also known as cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract, 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.

Zinc Gluconate

Zinc Gluconate

Zinc gluconate is known to have antibacterial effects, and is used in skincare as a preservative to protect the user from harmful bacteria exposure, as well as potential imparting some anti-blemish effects via its antibacterial activity. Zinc is a family of ingredients that can also be found on ingredients lists as zinc pca, zinc sulfate and zinc sulphate.

L-Carnitine

Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in the body. In skincare, L-Carnitine is used for its potential skin-soothing, antioxidant, and revitalizing properties.

Naringenin Chalcone

Naringenin chalcone is a flavonoid compound derived from citrus fruits, particularly grapefruits. In skincare, it is used for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties.

Hibiscus Fruit Extract

Hibiscus fruit extract is derived from the flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-nourishing properties.

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.

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Ascorbyl Glucoside

Part of the Vitamin C family of ingredients, Ascorbyl Glucoside is a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. This derivative was created to provide improved stability and skin penetration vs. ascorbic acid alone. It is still unclear how well ascorbyl glucoside is converted into ascorbic acid (the active form of Vitamin C) within the body, but some of it will be lost during this conversion, making this less potent, and therefore requiring higher levels in the formulation in order to achieve great results. Vitamin C can also be found on ingredients lists as ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, ethyl ascorbic acid, l-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

Blue Lotus Extract

Nymphaea Caerulea

Blue lotus is typically used in skincare for its moisturising properties. As with most plant extracts, it also demonstrates antioxidant abilities, so is able to help protect skin against free radical damage.