Ingredients in Skincare

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.

Sugar Cane Extract

Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract

Sugar Cane extract is a natural ingredient that works as a humectant when applied to the skin, meaning it draws water molecules towards it, plumping & hydrating the area. It is also the natural plant from which glycolic acid is derived, so it is thought to have some degree of exfoliating & brightening action, although there is currently insufficient research proving this.

Avene Thermal Water

Avene Thermal Water

Avene thermal spring water is sourced from a natural spring in France. It spends 50 years travelling to this spring through mountainous rock, and contains the minerals calcium, magnesium and silica, which are particularly good for sensitive skin due to their soothing properties.

Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate

Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate is an anti-ageing peptide, seen as an ingredient that makes skincare 'botox in a bottle'. It is in a class of ingredients also found on ingredients lists as acetyl hexapeptide, acetyl tetrapeptide, acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine, arginine/lysine polypeptide, azelaoyl bis-dipeptide, copper heptapeptide-14 pantothenate, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, ferric hexapeptide, heptapeptide-15, palmitate, myristol hexapeptide, myristol pentapeptide, myristoyl nonapeptide, myristoyl pentapeptide, oligopeptide, palmitoyl tripeptide, palmitoyl decapeptide, palmitoyl heptapeptide, palmitoyl hexapeptide, palmitoyl nonapeptide, palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl pentapeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide, palmitoyl tripeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide, pentapeptide, sh-oligopeptide, tetrapeptide and copper palmitoyl heptapeptide.

Jojoba Beads

Jojoba beads are spherical exfoliating particles made from jojoba oil, a natural liquid wax obtained from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). These beads are used in skincare for their gentle exfoliating and skin-smoothing properties.

Apple Polyphenols

Apple Polyphenols

Apple (like most plants), contains polyphenols, which are compounds with strong antioxidant properties, meaning they are able to protect skin from free radical damage.

Mushroom Extract

Mushroom extracts are derived from various types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, reishi, and chaga. In skincare, they are used for their potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties. Studies have shown that compounds from specific mushroom types can inhibit tyrosinase activity (an enzyme involved in melanin synthesis), which in turn visibly minimises areas of hyperpigmentation. Mushroom extract is a class of ingredients also known by fomes officinalis (mushroom) extract, fomes officinalis (mushroom) extract and polyporus umbellatus (mushroom) extract.

Phytic Acid

Phytic Acid

Phytic acid is technically an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), although its exfoliating effects are very mild compared to other acids in the AHA family. It does work to remove dead skin cell build up from the pores, and in turn reducing occurrences of breakouts, but this is not its main skin benefit. It is predominantly used for its high antioxidant potential, meaning it can neutralise damaging free radicals before they can cause any damage to the skin.

Sweet Almond Oil

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.

Copper PCA

Copper PCA

A skin-conditioning agent which is also thought to help firm the skin and stimulate collagen synthesis.

Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame Oil is a vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum). In skincare, it is used for its moisturizing, antioxidant, and skin-nourishing properties.

Sunflower Oil

Helianthus Annuus

Sunflower oil is a rich natural source of Vitamin E, a skin-moisturising antioxidant. This oil is also rich in linoleic acid (Omega 6), an essential fatty acid which works to nourish the skin, support the natural barrier, and provide some anti-inflammatory benefits.

Jojoba Oil

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil

Jojoba oil, also known as hydrogenated jojoba oil or simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, is a natural oil from the jojoba plant. It is structurally similar to our skin's natural sebum (oil), so absorbs very well into the skin and doesn't clog the pores. It is fantastic for nourishing the skin and is naturally high in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins to optimise skin barrier health.

Soybean Extract

Bacillus/Folic Acid/Soybean Ferment Extract

Soybean extract is used in skincare for its powerful antioxidant potential. It is able to protect the skin from free radical damage. Research has also shown this extract to be able to visibly even out skin tone, and reduce the visible signs of ageing.

Tea Tree Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia. Tea tree leaf oil is known to have antibacterial qualities, the mechanism for this is not completely understood, but research shows that it could be due to an ability to damage the bacterial cell wall. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, due to its content of terpen-4-ol, which studies have shown reduces inflammation in the skin when applied topically. These functions make it a great ingredient for the use in acne treatments, both to kill C. acnes bacteria, but also reduce the associated inflammation.