Ingredients in Skincare

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugar cane. 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. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight of all the AHAs, meaning it can penetrate the skin quickest, producing the fastest results, but also most likely to cause skin sensitivity, so it is best for those with fairly tolerant skin types.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide

Acetyl Tetrapeptide

Acetyl tetrapeptide is a string of peptides used in skincare products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles brought on by repeated facial expressions. It is in a class of ingredients also found on ingredients lists as acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine, acetyl tetrapeptide, arginine/lysine polypeptide, azelaoyl bis-dipeptide, copper heptapeptide-14 pantothenate, dipeptide, 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.

Polyhydroxy Acids

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 and with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on 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. Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are a class of ingredients also known by gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, lactobionic acid (pha) and maltobionic acid.

Apple Stem Cells

Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract

Apple stem cells, also known as malus domestica fruit cell culture extract, occur naturally within plants to help regenerate cells after stress or injury, and studies show this can encourage similar regenerating mechanisms in human skin. Apple stem cells have been shown to increase synthesis of collagen & elastin to achieve visible anti-ageing results in the skin.

Lactic Acid

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. it is a family of ingredients also seen on ingredients lists as potassium lactate.

Ceramides

Ceramides

Ceramides are a class of ingredients, which includes ceramide ap, ceramide 3, ceramide eop, ceramide eos, ceramide ng, ceramide np, ceramide ns and ceramide 6-ll. 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. Applying ceramides topically can increase the levels of ceramides in the epidermis, and therefore supports the natural healthy functioning of the skin.

Willow Herb Extract

Willow Herb Extract

A botanical extract used for its antioxidant and skin-soothing abilities.

Dioic Acid

Octadecenedioic Acid

Dioic acid is a naturally-occurring acid found in plant and animal fats/oils. It is used in skincare for its ability to regulate sebum production in the skin, as well as its antibacterial action against acne-causing C. Acnes bacteria. It has also been shown to visibly reduce hyperpigmentation, with results being comparable to that of hydroquinone (the gold standard prescription for treating hyperpigmentation).

Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract

Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract

This natural berry is high in antioxidants, to help protect against free radical damage, and also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and calm.

Squalane

Squalane

Squalane is a natural substance usually derived from olives. It is structurally very similar to our skin’s own sebum, so is a great ingredient to support our own natural skin processes. In drier skin, which is naturally lacking in natural sebum, it helps to support the skin barrier to prevent water loss, which results in more hydrated, smooth and plump skin. Due to its sebum-mimicking structure, it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't cause breakouts, so is also suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. It can be a great option to reduce any over-stimulation of the sebaceous glands, which can occur with excess cleansing (and make breakouts worse). It also works to support the skin barrier to combat any drying effects caused by ingredients commonly associated with acne treatment, so is a great ingredient for all skin types.

Cucumber Extract

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract

Cucumber extract, also known as cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, cucumis sativus or cucumber fruit extract, provides natural antioxidant protection against free radicals. It is comprised of 95% water, plus small concentrations of ascorbic acid (vitamin c), caffeic acid (an antioxidant), fatty acids and silica (mineral required for healthy skin, hair & nails).

Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract

Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract

Ahnfeltia concinna extract, or red marine algae extract, is an algae which provides skin soothing and antioxidant properties for the skin. Being a polysaccharide, it is also an excellent thickener when used in formulations a has great humectant properties, able to draw and bind water to the areas it is applied. It is in the class of Algae Extract which also include, alaria esculenta extract, algae exopolysaccharides, algae extract, 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.

Spent Grain Wax

Spent Grain Wax

Spent Grain Wax is a natural wax derived from the spent grains of malted barley, typically leftover from the brewing process in beer production. In skincare, it is used for its potential emollient, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties.

Centella Asiatica

Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica promotes wound healing and skin repair, helping to accelerate the recovery process. It exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, reducing redness, irritation, and inflammation and provides soothing and calming benefits, making it beneficial for sensitive or compromised skin.

Vitamin E

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 its 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. Vitamin E is a family of ingredients also known as alpha tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, tocopheryl (vitamin e) acetate, tocopheryl glucoside or tocopheryl linoleate/oleate.