Resources

Ingredient Glossary

This glossary outlines key active and functional ingredients used across our formulations. Each entry includes the ingredient's primary cosmetic function, origin, typical usage concentration, and notes.

A

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Soothing agent, humectant

  • Origin: Organic plant extract
  • Usage: 5–20%
  • Notes: Certified organic available. Supports hydration and comfort after treatments. Excellent for sensitive skin and helps maintain a healthy-looking skin barrier.

Allantoin

Skin protectant, softening agent

  • Origin: Biotech-derived
  • Usage: 0.2–0.5%
  • Notes: Listed as suitable for sensitive or compromised skin.

Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa)

Emollient, hair conditioner

  • Origin: Cold-pressed kernel oil
  • Usage: 1–10%
  • Notes: Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. Softens hair, smooths dry ends, and adds shine without weight.

B

Bakuchiol

Plant-derived retinol alternative

  • Origin: Extracted from Psoralea corylifolia seeds
  • Notes: Clinically studied. Known for supporting the look of smoother, firmer, more even-toned skin — without the irritation associated with retinol. Suitable for sensitive skin and gentle enough for nightly use.

Betaine

Osmoprotectant, moisturizer

  • Origin: Sugar beet fermentation
  • Usage: 1–5%
  • Notes: Excellent for hydration balance and supporting a comfortable skin barrier.

C

Caffeine

Energizing, de-puffing agent

  • Origin: Plant-derived
  • Usage: 0.5–3%
  • Notes: A classic for the eye area — helps reduce the look of puffiness and under-eye fatigue.

Centella Asiatica Extract

Soothing, calming agent

  • Origin: CO2 or water extract
  • Usage: 0.5–2%
  • Notes: High in asiaticoside. Helps calm the look of irritated, stressed skin — a K-beauty staple.

Ceramides

Barrier-supporting lipids

  • Origin: Plant-derived or biotech
  • Usage: 0.1–2%
  • Notes: Skin-identical lipids that help support the skin's protective barrier and lock in moisture.

Coco-Glucoside

Non-ionic surfactant

  • Origin: Coconut + glucose
  • Usage: 3–10%
  • Notes: Ultra-mild and biodegradable. Gentle enough for the most sensitive skin.

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

Antioxidant

  • Origin: Water or ethanol extracted
  • Usage: 0.1–3%
  • Notes: Rich in EGCG. A protective antioxidant that helps defend against free radical damage while supporting a calm, firm-looking complexion.

D

D-Panthenol (Provitamin B5)

Moisturizer, skin comfort

  • Origin: Biotech
  • Usage: 1–5%
  • Notes: Supports hydration and comfort after exfoliating acids. Helps reduce the look of redness — well suited to sensitive skin.

E

Ectoin

Anti-pollution, stress protection

  • Origin: Fermented from extremophile bacteria
  • Usage: 0.5–2%
  • Notes: Helps shield skin from oxidative and environmental stress, supporting overall skin comfort.

F

Ferulic Acid

Antioxidant, vitamin C stabilizer

  • Origin: Plant-derived (rice bran, oats)
  • Usage: 0.5–1%
  • Notes: The classic partner to vitamin C — stabilizes the formula and amplifies its antioxidant defense against daily environmental stress.

G

Glycerin (Vegetable origin)

Humectant, stabilizer

  • Origin: Plant-based
  • Usage: 2–10%
  • Notes: EU-compliant. Supports hydration and formula stability.

H

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)

Hydrator, plumper

  • Origin: Fermentation-derived
  • Usage: 0.01–1%
  • Notes: Multi-molecular-weight complexes preferred — different sizes reach different depths of the skin's surface. Improves the look of skin texture through hydration and visible plumping.

J

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)

Emollient, lipid balancer

  • Origin: Cold-pressed
  • Usage: 3–10%
  • Notes: Closely mimics skin's own sebum. Excellent for oily or blemish-prone skin — nourishes without heaviness.

K

Hydrolyzed Keratin

Hair strengthener, shine agent

  • Origin: Hydrolyzed protein
  • Usage: 0.1–2%
  • Notes: The protein hair is made of. Helps smooth the hair surface, soften strands, and add light-reflecting shine.

L

Lactic Acid

AHA exfoliant, brightener

  • Origin: Plant fermentation
  • Usage: 1–10%
  • Notes: The gentler AHA. Loosens dull surface cells to reveal brighter, smoother-looking skin — supports visible renewal with regular use.

N

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Barrier booster, tone corrector

  • Origin: Synthetic
  • Usage: 2–10%
  • Notes: Well-tolerated multitasker. Helps minimize the look of pores, supports the skin barrier, and calms visible redness.

P

Peptides (Hexapeptide-11)

Firming, smoothing support

  • Origin: Biotech-derived amino acid chains
  • Usage: 1–2%
  • Notes: Short chains of amino acids that support the look of firmer, smoother skin — the heart of modern anti-aging formulation.

R

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rosehip)

Emollient, antioxidant

  • Origin: Cold-pressed
  • Usage: 3–8%
  • Notes: Naturally rich in vitamin A relatives. Helps improve the look of uneven tone and dark spots. Sensitive to oxidation — stored dark.

S

Salicylic Acid

BHA exfoliant

  • Origin: Willow bark-derived or synthetic
  • Usage: 0.5–2%
  • Notes: Oil-soluble, so it works where blemishes start. Helps keep pores clear-looking and reduce the look of breakouts on blemish-prone skin.

Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae Rhamnoides)

Nourishing antioxidant oil

  • Origin: Cold-pressed berry oil
  • Usage: 0.5–3%
  • Notes: Exceptionally rich in omega-7 and carotenoids. Softens, nourishes, and supports a healthy-looking glow.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)

Occlusive, nourishing

  • Origin: Raw/refined butter
  • Usage: 3–15%
  • Notes: Deep nourishment for dry skin. Strengthens emulsions.

Sodium PCA

Natural moisturizing factor

  • Origin: Fermentation-derived
  • Usage: 0.5–3%
  • Notes: A component of skin's own natural moisturizing factor — binds water to the skin's surface for lasting, comfortable hydration.

Squalane (Plant-based)

Emollient, lipid restorer

  • Origin: Sugarcane or olive
  • Usage: 1–10%
  • Notes: Non-comedogenic with a silky skin feel. Mimics the skin's natural oils to support hydration and a supple look.

T

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Antioxidant, preservative booster

  • Origin: Sunflower
  • Usage: 0.1–1%
  • Notes: Stabilizes oils and supports the look of supple, elastic skin — including the appearance of fine lines.

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)

Purifying essential oil

  • Origin: Steam-distilled
  • Usage: <1%
  • Notes: A traditional choice for blemish-prone skin. Used sparingly, within regional allergen limits.

U

Urea

Humectant, softening agent

  • Origin: Synthesized (non-animal)
  • Usage: 2–10%
  • Notes: A dermatologist favorite for rough, dry skin — at 5% it hydrates intensively and softens rough texture on elbows, knees, and heels.

V

Vitamin C (Natural)

Brightening antioxidant

  • Origin: Plant-derived
  • Usage: 0.5–3%
  • Notes: The brightening workhorse. Helps visibly brighten, even the look of skin tone, and defend against daily environmental stress. Best in the morning, always followed by SPF.

Z

Zinc PCA

Sebum balancer

  • Origin: Zinc salt of PCA
  • Usage: 0.1–1%
  • Notes: Ideal for blemish-prone skin. Helps balance visible oiliness without drying.

Ingredient Safety & Labeling

All formulations from our manufacturing partner comply with:

  • EU Regulation 1223/2009
  • US FDA cosmetic labeling requirements
  • IFRA fragrance allergen limits