Ingredients in Skincare

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.

Ectoin

Ectoin

Ectoin is an emollient used in skincare to help maintain moisture balance in the skin. New research shows it may also be able to protect against certain environmental aggressors, such as pollutants and UV. This is believed to be down to its antioxidant properties, as well as the ability to protect skin from dehydration from the surrounding environment.

Rosemary Leaf Extract

Rosemary Leaf Extract

Rosemary Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis). In skincare, it is used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.

Copper PCA

Copper PCA

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

Zinc Sulfate

Zinc Sulfate

The jury is still out on the efficacy of this zinc derivative, but it is used in skincare for its antibacterial and astringent properties. This means it is able to fight blemish-causing C. Acnes bacteria, as well as minimise sebum production via its astringent effect. Zinc sulfate is part of a family of ingredients that can also be found on ingredients lists as zinc gluconate, zinc pca and zinc sulphate.

Arginine

Arginine

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.

Yerba Mate Extract

Yerba Mate Extract

Yerba Mate Extract is derived from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, native to South America. In skincare, it is used for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It contains various natural compounds, including polyphenols, xanthines (such as caffeine), and vitamins, which contribute to its skincare benefits.

Arginine PCA

Arginine PCA

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.

Urea

Urea is humectant ingredient found in the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF), making up around 7-8% of the total composition. Its humectant properties mean it can bind to water molecules in the atmosphere, drawing them to it, and in turn plumping and hydrating the skin. Research also shows that Urea has a mild exfoliating action on the skin, encouraging the removal of dead cells which results in smoother, healthier, more hydrated skin.

Coconut Oil

Cocos Nucifera Oil

Coconut oil, also known as cocos nucifera (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.

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.

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.

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.

Quercetin

Quercetin

Quercetin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid found in fruits and vegetables such as kale, onion, tomatoes and berries. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant abilities, meaning it can neutralise free radicals before they cause any damage to the skin. Studies also show Quercetin to have anti-inflammatory effects, and an ability to protect the skin against aggressors such as UV, histamine and toxic chemicals. It is also believed to support the skin barrier functioning, reducing water-loss via the skin to improve hydration levels in the epidermis.

Tartaric Acid

Tartaric Acid

Tartaric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which works to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. This helps to remove dead skin cells which might be blocking the pores, which in turn reduces the instances of blemishes and breakouts.