Ingredients in Skincare

Humectants

Humectants are a hydrophilic (water-loving) family of ingredients. They can also be known as disodium acetyl glucosamine phosphate or saccharide isomerate and are able to attract water towards them via charges between the molecules. They are therefore brilliant hydrators, and are able to plump out fine lines and wrinkles via surface hydration to provide an anti-ageing effect.

Sulfur

Sulfur

Sulfur used in skincare works to reduce blemishes. It does this by acting as an antibacterial to kill off the bacteria which causes acne, and also works to dry out the area, absorbing any excess sebum. It works best for blackheads and whiteheads, and is typically better for sensitive skin types than some other blemish-fighting ingredients.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root is extracted from the Althea plant, native to Northern Africa, Europe and Western Asia, and is rich in polysaccharides and flavonoids. The polysaccharides provide natural humectant benefits, meaning this attracts water-molecules to plump and hydrate the area. The flavonoids provide antioxidant protection from free radicals, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits, by modulating inflammatory responses within the body.

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.

Sea Buckthorn Water

Sea Buckthorn Water

Sea buckthorn is a natural plant extract which contains a high concentration of vitamin c, and polyphenols, which provide antioxidant protection against free radicals.

Sodium Lactate

Sodium lactate is in a class of ingredients that can be found on ingredients lists as natural moisturising factors, sodium PCA or trehalose.

Threonine

Threonine

When taken orally, it helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function more smoothly and also helps the absorption of nutrients. As for skincare, it helps to hydrate the skin. 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, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, proline, serine, taurine and valine and yeast amino acids.

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.

Taurine

Taurine

In skin care, taurine is a powerful form of anti-fatigue. When applied topically, taurine re-energises skin to minimise the signs of fatigue whilst helping with rehydration. 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, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, proline, serine, threonine and valine and yeast amino acids.

Plankton Extract

Plankton Extract

Plankton Extract has nourishing and hydrating properties which can benefit those with dry skin, and its gentle nature makes it a fitting choice for individuals with 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, marine extract, parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides, parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides, porphyridium cruentum extract, pseudoalteromonas exopolysaccharides, tripleurospermum maritimum extract, vibrio alginolyticus ferment filtrate, chlorella protothecoides oil

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a gentle and water-soluble form of Vitamin C. It is more stable for use in skincare than pure ascorbic acid. Vitamin C can also be found on ingredients lists as ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl palmitate, ethyl ascorbic acid, l-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

Prickly Pear Extract

Prickly Pear Extract

Prickly pear is a cactus native to Mexico, and is used in skincare for its soothing and hydrating properties. It is also known as hydrolyzed opuntia ficus indica flower extract and opuntia ficus-indica fruit 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.

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.

Rhamnose

Rhamnose

Rhamnose is a naturally occurring sugar found in plant sources such as buckthorn and birch. Studies have shown that its molecular size and structure allows it to penetrate to the area between the base of the epidermis and the top of the dermis, known as the ‘dermo-epidermal junction’. This is important as this is where the fibroblasts are situated, which produce the key skin proteins collagen and elastin, which contribute to overall skin structure & firmness. In vivo studies (on humans) from the manufacturers have shown that applying a product including rhamnose once daily for 8 weeks resulting in an increase in collagen production, and a decrease in overall wrinkle depth. Prebiotics are in a class of ingredients that can be found on ingredients lists as alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, fructooligosaccharides, lactobacillus extract filtrate and saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) extract.