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