Active ingredients

We exclusively work with a carefully selected range of well established, scientifically proven active ingredients at the recommended dosage. Below is a selection of key active ingredients that we work with.

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid)

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) helps reveal younger looking skin while evening out skin tone and fading dark spots. Studies have shown that Ascorbic acid may help to prevent and treat UV-induced skin damage.
Ascorbic acid is the most studied and proven form of Vitamin C, yet it loses its antioxidant powers over time. This poses a difficulty for Ascorbic acid containing products that need to wait on shelves for months before they are sold. As we freshly produce our skin solutions and Vitamin C is mixed in just before shipping, we help maximise its potency. Vitamin E (see below) is combined with Ascorbic acid to help boost its antioxidant activity.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Tocopherol (vitamin E) - one of the most powerful antioxidants - helps protect against sunburn (to be used alongside of sunscreen), photo-aging (ageing due to sun exposure) and can actually increase the overall antioxidant activity when combined with other antioxidants. Tocopherol can either be naturally or synthetically derived. Research has shown natural Tocopherol is more effective than its synthetic counterparts, which is why we prefer to use the naturally derived form of Vitamin E. 

Salicylic acid (BHA)

Salicylic acid (BHA) works in a similar way to AHAs, yet it’s oil soluble. It helps to keep pores clean and it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended for people who suffer from breakouts, blackheads, skin redness and skin flaking. Recently Salicylic acid has been shown to have limited effects on increasing skin's sensitivity to sun exposure vs. AHAs. For that reason we find Salicylic acid the safer choice to help treat skin with UV-induced hyperpigmentation and dark spots. 

Hyaluronic Acid

One of the key properties of hyaluronic acid is its ability to bind to water and regulate skin hydration, making it an ideal ingredient for all skin types to keep skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid exists in a wide range of molecular weights (particle sizes) which have different impacts on skin. We use a blend of different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acid is optional and we advise to use it when the climate / environment is not too dry. What could happen is that moisture could be drawn from the skin rather than the air, when the climate is too low in humidity. We use a number of hydrating ingredients as an alternative, which we can work with when Hyaluronic Acid cannot be included.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids that make up the building blocks of your skin. When applied topically Ceramides can help contribute to skin barrier repair and help skin to retain moisture. It is especially suitable for ageing skin, dry skin and sensitive skin types. We use a complex of some of the most beneficial Ceramides for skin (NP, AP and EOP), as well as two Ceramide precursors (to help boost skin's own capacity to produce Ceramides).

Squalane

Squalane oil is an emollient that closely resembles skin's natural oils and is suitable for all skin types. It helps prevent moisture loss.

Retinol (Vitamin A derivative)

Retinol is a multipurpose ingredient that is effective at treating breakouts, minimising pores, brightening skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Although it is a highly effective ingredient and one of the most researched ingredients in skin care, the pure form of Retinol (this makes skin care look yellow) can sensitise skin when the dose is built up too quickly. 
Our skin care system allows you to slowly build up the Retinol concentration over time as skin becomes accustomed. We want to point out that although there is a tendency to use high concentrations of Retinol, we want to discourage this as pushing things too far can cause more problems than benefits. A significant amount of studies have shown impressive results using up to 0.1% Retinol. 

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a multifunctional active ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that helps increase the production of important structural skin components such as ceramides and collagen, and helps to increase skin's moisture content. Because it is such an incredible multifunctional ingredient we include it for everyone as part of their skin solutions. It has been shown to be effective at lightening and brightening skin and it has been studied to help reduce inflammatory acne. 

Resveratrol

Resveratrol - a polyphenol found in Japanese Knotweed and the skin of red grapes - is a very effective antioxidant. It helps to reduce the breakdown of collagen and can reduce skin ageing symptoms. Additionally, it helps to counter photo-ageing by inhibiting melanin synthesis (skin darkening), resulting in brighter skin and less pigmented spots.

Alpha Arbutin

Alpha Arbutin is a safe skin lightening ingredient that has been shown to promote skin lightening and an even skin tone and it helps minimise the appearance of dark spots.

Peptides

Although Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, peptides are significantly smaller and can signal the skin to perform certain tasks including the production of collagen and elastin. There are a multitude of peptides that have been created to perform specific roles for skin. We use a combination of some of the most proven and famous peptides including Matrixyl 3000 (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl-tetrapeptide-7.), Matrixyl Synthe 6 (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38) and Syn-Coll (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5). 

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol - although very different to Retinoids - has been studied to show similar benefits to Retinoids without the sensitisation. It has soothing properties which help to comfort skin and minimise issues associated with sensitivity and reactivity. It is also a potent antioxidant and helps fight signs of ageing, such as fine lines and loss of firmness by targeting free radicals. The anti-inflammatory properties of Bakuchiol have also been shown to help those with acne-prone skin.

Bisabolol

Bisabolol - the active ingredient present in high concentration in Chamomile and the Brazilian Candeia tree - is a soothing ingredient with skin repairing properties. We use an effective, nature identical form (produced in a lab) as natural Bisabolol extraction is associated with deforestation.