Ingredients in Skincare

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.

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.

Asparagopsis Armata Extract

Asparagopsis Armata Extract

asparagopsis armata extract is an extract of the red algae plant. It has antioxidant properties that protect, soothe, and hydrate the skin. It is in the class of Algae Extract which also include ahnfeltia concinna extract, alaria esculenta extract, algae exopolysaccharides, algin, alteromonas ferment extract, alteromonas ferment extract, ascophyllum nodosum 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.

Vitamin K1

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

Kola Seed Extract

Kola seed extract is derived from the seeds of the kola nut tree, and is used in skincare for its potential skin-toning, and antioxidant properties.

Gluconolactone

Gluconolactone is a poly hydroxy acid (PHA). 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, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of 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. Gluconolactone is in a class of polyhydroxy acid ingredients also known by lactobionic acid, and maltobionic acid.

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.

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.

Azelaoyl Bis-Dipeptide

Azelaoyl Bis-Dipeptide

A synthetic peptide built around naturally-derived azelaic acid. This peptide offers brightening, antioxidant, and protective benefits. It is in a class of ingredients also found on ingredients lists as acetyl hexapeptide, acetyl tetrapeptide, acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine, arginine/lysine polypeptide, 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.

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.

Feverfew Extract

Feverfew has been used in ancient medicine for centuries to treat everything from headaches, constipation, vertigo, worms, spasms & arthritis. One of the oil-soluble flavonoids, Tanetin, has been shown to modulate inflammatory responses in the body, whilst other flavonoids provide antioxidant protection.

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.

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in plants, such as bran. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties, meaning it can neutralise free radicals before they can cause any cellular damage. It has also been shown to stabilise Vitamins C and E when used in combination, resulting in a boost in their efficacy vs being used without the addition of Ferulic acid.

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.

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.