Alpha Arbutin

What it does in skin
A targeted brightening active that helps reduce the appearance of discolouration by influencing tyrosinase activity in the melanin pathway. It supports a more even-looking tone without the “peel-like” irritation profile of stronger resurfacing systems.

What you’ll notice
Gradual fading of post-breakout marks and uneven tone with consistent daily use. Results are typically progressive rather than immediate.

Why we use it
We choose alpha arbutin for its efficacy-to-tolerability balance—especially important in routines designed for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin.

Reference: Sugimoto K et al. J Dermatol. 2004.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

What it does in skin
A potent antioxidant that helps neutralise oxidative stress from UV and pollution, supports collagen synthesis, and contributes to visible radiance. Ascorbic acid is the biologically active form of vitamin C, which is why it can be highly effective when properly stabilised.

What you’ll notice
Improved glow, smoother look to skin texture, and brighter appearance over time—especially when used consistently with daily sunscreen.

Why we use it
We use it because it’s one of the most evidence-supported actives for photodamage support—formulated with barrier respect and stability in mind.

Reference: Humbert PG et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003.

Ceramides NP/AP/EOP

What it does in skin
Ceramides are essential barrier lipids that help form the “mortar” between skin cells. They support reduced transepidermal water loss and improve barrier resilience. When skin is dry, reactive, or over-exfoliated, replenishing ceramides can meaningfully improve comfort and recovery.

What you’ll notice
Less tightness, less flaking, and improved tolerance to active routines. Skin often feels more stable and less reactive.

Why we use it
Barrier repair isn’t just “moisture”—it’s lipid architecture. Ceramides are foundational for long-term barrier function, not a short-term cosmetic fix.

Reference: Elias PM. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008.

Cholesterol

What it does in skin
Cholesterol is a natural component of the skin barrier and works synergistically with ceramides and fatty acids to support a more complete lipid matrix. This helps the barrier function as a flexible, cohesive structure rather than a fragile surface film.

What you’ll notice
Improved comfort, reduced dryness “rebound,” and better tolerance when using retinoids, exfoliants, or brightening actives.

Why we use it
We include cholesterol because ceramides perform best in a balanced lipid system—supporting skin physiology rather than only surface feel.

Reference: Elias PM. J Invest Dermatol. 2012.

Ectoin

What it does in skin
Ectoin is an extremolyte that helps skin manage environmental stress by supporting hydration, reducing reactivity, and helping maintain cellular comfort. It’s often used for sensitised skin, post-procedure routines, and climates that drive dehydration or irritation.

What you’ll notice
Skin feels calmer and less “hot” or reactive. Hydration feels more stable, especially when weather or active use would normally trigger dryness.

Why we use it
Because hydration isn’t just water content—it’s stress resilience. Ectoin supports a more tolerant skin environment for active routines.

Reference: Graf R et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019.

Fatty Acids

What it does in skin
Fatty acids contribute to barrier flexibility and help support a healthy lipid structure. They can also improve the feel of dryness by restoring softness and reducing roughness.

What you’ll notice
Skin feels smoother and more comfortable, with less “paper-dry” texture over time.

Why we use it
Barrier repair works best as a trio: ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acids. We aim for support that is biomimetic, not just occlusive.

Reference: Proksch E et al. Exp Dermatol. 2008.

Ferulic Acid

What it does in skin
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and can improve the stability and performance of antioxidant systems—especially vitamin C and vitamin E.

What you’ll notice
Improved clarity and resilience against environmental stress, particularly in daytime routines when paired with sunscreen.

Why we use it
We use ferulic acid as a performance enhancer—supporting antioxidant synergy rather than relying on a single ingredient to do everything.

Reference: Lin FH et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2005.

Glycolic Acid

What it does in skin
Glycolic acid is an AHA that supports exfoliation by loosening surface cell cohesion. It can improve the look of texture, dullness, and uneven tone by encouraging epidermal renewal.

What you’ll notice
Smoother feel, brighter appearance, and refined surface over time—especially with consistent, well-tolerated use.

Why we use it
It’s highly effective, but we only use it thoughtfully—because exfoliation must be balanced with barrier protection to avoid irritation and rebound sensitivity.

Reference: Ditre CM et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996.

Hyaluronates

What it does in skin
Hyaluronates are water-binding molecules that support hydration, comfort, and a smoother skin surface. Different forms vary by molecular size and structure, which influences how they sit on the skin, how they retain water, and how long the hydration feels sustained.

What you’ll notice
Immediate softness and reduced tightness, with a more “cushioned” feel over time. Skin looks more supple and makeup tends to sit more evenly on well-hydrated skin.

Why we use multiple forms
Skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid in a range of sizes. A multi-form system mirrors this by combining surface-hydrating, longer-lasting, and skin-affinitive hyaluronates. The goal isn’t “more for the sake of more”—it’s layered hydration with better comfort and less dehydration rebound, particularly for active users or compromised barriers.

Reference: Pavicic T et al. Dermatology. 2011.

Jojoba Oil

What it does in skin
Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester, making it highly skin-compatible and elegant in texture. It helps soften the skin while contributing to a balanced, non-heavy cleansing oil feel.

What you’ll notice
A smooth, silky cleanse that leaves skin feeling conditioned rather than greasy or stripped.

Why we use it
We use jojoba oil because it gives excellent slip and skin compatibility, making it ideal for a gentle first cleanse designed to remove sunscreen, makeup, and oil-based impurities.

Lactic Acid

What it does in skin
Lactic acid is an AHA with humectant properties. It helps refine texture while also supporting hydration, which can make it feel gentler than some stronger exfoliants.

What you’ll notice
Softer roughness and improved radiance with more comfortable wear—often a good option for dry or dull skin types.

Why we use it
It offers the dual benefit of mild resurfacing and hydration support, making it a barrier-friendlier exfoliation option when used correctly.

Reference: Tang SC et al. Clin Dermatol. 2014.

Lactobionic Acid

What it does in skin
Lactobionic acid is a PHA that supports gentle exfoliation with added humectant benefits. Its larger molecular structure generally contributes to slower penetration and better tolerance.

What you’ll notice
Improved smoothness and brightness with less irritation potential—often well suited to sensitive skin or those new to acids.

Why we use it
We use PHAs when the goal is refinement without barrier disruption—helping maintain comfort while improving surface texture.

Reference: Green BA et al. Cutis. 2009.

Macadamia Oil

What it does in skin
Macadamia oil is a nourishing emollient oil rich in fatty acids that help soften and condition the skin. It contributes to a plush, comforting cleanse while supporting a smoother post-cleanse feel.

What you’ll notice
Skin feels supple and cushioned, with less dryness or drag after cleansing.

Why we use it
We include macadamia oil to bring richness and barrier-friendly comfort to the cleansing step, especially for skin that can feel dry, tight, or sensitised after washing.

Mandelic Acid

What it does in skin
Mandelic acid is a slower-penetrating AHA, often favoured for acne-prone or discolouration-prone skin due to its gentler profile. It can support smoother texture while reducing the likelihood of stinging compared with smaller AHAs.

What you’ll notice
Gradual improvement in texture, clarity, and the look of congestion—typically with a more comfortable feel than stronger exfoliation options.

Why we use it
A smart AHA choice when you want resurfacing but need a measured approach that respects the barrier.

Reference: Wishart JM et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine

What it does in skin
N-acetyl glucosamine supports hydration and barrier function and is also used to help improve the appearance of uneven tone—particularly when paired with niacinamide.

What you’ll notice
Improved comfort and a more even-looking tone over time, with a gentle, non-stripping feel.

Why we use it
It’s a true multi-tasker: barrier-supportive and brightening-supportive, making it ideal in routines built for sensitive or reactive skin.

Reference: Bissett DL et al. Br J Dermatol. 2004.

Niacinamide

What it does in skin
Niacinamide supports barrier function, helps reduce visible inflammation, and can improve the appearance of pores, oil imbalance, and uneven tone. It’s widely used because it performs across multiple concerns with strong tolerability when correctly formulated.

What you’ll notice
Calmer-looking skin, improved clarity, and a smoother appearance to pores over time. Many people also notice improved resilience during active routines.

Why we use it
It’s one of the best all-round barrier-first actives, making it suitable for pigmentation-prone, acne-prone, and sensitive skin profiles.

Reference: Draelos ZD. Dermatol Surg. 2006.

Olive Oil

What it does in skin
Olive oil is a rich emollient oil that helps soften and condition the skin. In a cleansing oil, it contributes nourishment, glide, and a more comfortable post-cleanse feel.

What you’ll notice
Skin feels more comfortable and less depleted after cleansing, especially when removing sunscreen or makeup.

Why we use it
We include olive oil to add richness and skin-conditioning benefits to the cleansing oil, helping create a gentle cleanse that respects the skin barrier.

Retinal

What it does in skin
Retinal (retinaldehyde) supports skin renewal and collagen pathways and is generally considered more efficient than retinol because it converts to retinoic acid in fewer steps. Effective retinoid results depend on controlled formulation and consistent use.

What you’ll notice
Smoother texture, clearer-looking pores, and visible improvement in fine lines over time. Some users may experience early dryness or flaking during adjustment.

Why we use it
We choose retinal for high efficacy, then build the surrounding formula to prioritise tolerance—because results only matter if skin can comfortably stay consistent.

Reference: Saurat JH et al. Dermatology. 1994.

Rice Bran Oil

What it does in skin
Rice bran oil is a lightweight botanical oil rich in skin-conditioning fatty acids and naturally occurring antioxidant components. It helps soften the skin, support a comfortable barrier feel, and improve the slip and cushion of cleansing oil formulas.

What you’ll notice
Skin feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable after cleansing, without the tight or stripped feeling that can follow harsher cleansers.

Why we use it
We use rice bran oil as the base of our cleansing oil because it offers excellent skin feel, gentle emolliency, and a lightweight finish that suits daily cleansing.

Salicylic Acid

What it does in skin
Salicylic acid is a BHA that helps clear congestion by working within oily pores. It supports reduced blackheads and breakouts by improving the shedding of pore-lining cells.

What you’ll notice
Clearer pores, fewer blackheads, and smoother texture—often with improved oil control over time.

Why we use it
It’s a gold-standard ingredient for congestion, but we pair it with barrier support because overuse can drive dryness or irritation.

Reference: Kligman AM. J Dermatol Treat. 1992.

Tranexamic Acid

What it does in skin
Tranexamic acid supports the appearance of more even tone by influencing pigment signalling pathways and helping reduce inflammation-driven pigmentation triggers. It’s commonly used in routines targeting melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

What you’ll notice
Gradual fading of stubborn marks and a more even-looking complexion with consistent use over weeks.

Why we use it
It’s effective and pairs exceptionally well with niacinamide, N-acetyl glucosamine, and arbutin—supporting results without relying on aggressive exfoliation.

Reference: Lee JH et al. J Dermatolog Treat. 2016.

Urea

What it does in skin
Urea is a powerful humectant and mild keratolytic. It helps draw water into the skin while also softening rough keratin build-up, improving texture and comfort.

What you’ll notice
Softer, smoother skin—especially noticeable on very dry, rough, or textured areas.

Why we use it
It delivers meaningful hydration and smoothing without harsh exfoliation, making it ideal for barrier-first formulas.

Reference: Lodén M. Acta Derm Venereol. 1996.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

What it does in skin
Tocopherol is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that supports barrier lipids and helps reduce oxidative stress. It also complements vitamin C systems and supports product stability.

What you’ll notice
Improved skin feel and resilience, particularly in routines focused on antioxidant protection and barrier support.

Why we use it
We use vitamin E both for skin benefit and as part of a well-designed antioxidant network—especially alongside ferulic acid.

Reference: Thiele JJ et al. J Mol Med. 2001.

Zinc PCA

What it does in skin
Zinc PCA helps support oil regulation and contributes to a healthier skin environment by supporting microbial balance. It’s often used in acne-prone routines alongside anti-inflammatory barrier support.

What you’ll notice
Less shine, improved clarity, and calmer-looking breakouts over time.

Why we use it
It complements niacinamide and BHA routines by supporting oil control without aggressive stripping.

Reference: Dreno B et al. Eur J Dermatol. 2011.