inGREDIENT LIST

A fatty alcohol that soothes skin and reduces redness.

This non-sensitizing preservative helps to reduce bacterial growth within a product.

This ingredient improves product texture and leaves a soft, smooth film on the skin’s surface to protect it from dehydration.

Acacia Senegal Gum is used to improve product viscosity and enhance skin-feel.

This peptide helps to stimulate cell regeneration and enhance skin pigmentation. It also aids in the protection against UV-induced chemicals and works to reduce skin redness, leaving skin healthy and glowing.

This tetrapeptide counteracts sagging and aging effects by increasing collagen production and functional elastin, which allows skin to return to its initial state after stretching or contracting. The layer beneath the skin’s surface (called the dermis) is significantly more structured and firm, making it more resistant to the effects of aging.

This product creates a thin film to condition the skin.

Also known as baobab seed oil, this ingredient is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that protects the dermis and soothes inflamed or irritated skin.

Adipic Acid provides dry binding properties to improve the stability of creams and to reduce tackiness (anti-caking).

A nutrient-rich mineral that stimulates cell turnover and circulation, boosting hyaluronic acid’s ability to penetrate the skin’s surface at a deeper level – a method inspired by Switzerland’s leading skin care clinics.

Also known as alginic acid, this natural ingredient is extracted from brown algae and is used to thicken formulas and improve skin-feel.

A unique combination of Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E to help prevent skin damage caused by UV radiation, protect the skin surface lipids from oxidation, and visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Allantoin soothes and heals skin, allowing it to hold more moisture. It also helps to heal scarring and remove dead skin, making skin smoother and softer.

Amodimethicone improves product texture and application.

Amphoteric Surfactants foam less than anionic surfactants, but are milder on skin. This type of surfactant is used in shampoos for babies or those with sensitive skin.

Anionic Surfactants are used in shampoos because of their foaming capability.

Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging cells, which stops or decreases oxidation. These compounds donate electrons to free radicals, making them unable to damage other cells. Some of the most common antioxidants used in skincare are: Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin E (tocopherol), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and Coenzyme Q10.

Arachidyl Alcohol thickens a product to control the product viscosity and improve skin-feel.

This ingredient can be used as a mild cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin. It can also be used as an emulsifying agent to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

Arnica’s antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may be of some benefit to those with inflammatory skin disorders. It also stimulates the formation of granular tissues, helping to accelerate the healing process. This allows for arnica to be used on bruises, sunburns, and minor burns.

Ascorbic Acid works as an antioxidant to protect against photo-aging while decreasing melanin production to reduce hyper-pigmentation and to brighten skin.

A natural, plant-based alternative to retinol that is clinically proven to significantly reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation without causing any of the irritation associated with traditional retinol use. This retinol alternative is safe to use during the day and during pregnancy. Bakuchiol is clinically proven to reduce multiple signs of aging, roughness, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.

Behenyl Alcohol thickens products to control the viscosity and to improve skin-feel. It also acts as an opacifying agent to reduce the transparency of the product.

This preservative can be irritating to the skin at concentrations higher than 5%.

This preservative has been found to be a potential immune system toxin and carcinogen.

BHT acts as an antioxidant to prevent product oxidation and to elongate shelf-life.

Bifida Ferment Lysate helps to hydrate and soothe irritated skin, giving skin a healthy glow. It can also protect skin against damage caused by free radicals.

This ingredient helps to soothe irritated skin, while moisturizing the skin by binding water to the skin’s surface.

A natural, powerful remedy for very sensitive and easily inflamed or irritated skin. It helps to address common concerns like premature aging, lack of moisture, sebum oxidation, sensitivity and skin discolouration.

This preservative may cause long-term toxicity, disrupt endocrine and immune systems, or lead to contact allergies. It has experienced a decline in its use in cosmetics within recent years and has restricted use in Canada.

Butylene Glycol increases the ability for ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin (better penetration = better skin).

Shea Butter is rich in antioxidants and skin-replenishing fatty acids. It is the perfect remedy for dry skin and can also be added to products to increase their viscosity.

Shea Butter Extract is rich in antioxidants and skin-replenishing fatty acids. This ingredient is the perfect remedy for dry skin. It is also added to products to increase their viscosity.

A very stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C ester that has antioxidant activity to help mitigate the damaging effects of UV exposure. Studies have shown that it is able to stimulate collagen production as well as clarify and brighten skin by inhibiting melanogenesis (the production of pigment), thereby promoting a more even skin tone.

This emollient conditions the skin while improving product application by giving the product a soft, smooth skin-feel.

This skin-conditioning ingredient has a silky finish that leaves skin soft, smooth, and supple.

This ingredient is used to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water) to prevent them from separating.

This ingredient is used to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water) to prevent them from separating.

This ingredient works with Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract to create a thin film on the skin’s surface to protect the skin from harmful exogenous agents.

Caffeine penetrates deep into the skin and is often used to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes or cellulite. It stimulates circulation and works as an antioxidant to protect skin from free radical damage.

Green tea is a natural antioxidant that is used in cosmetic products to reduce sun damage, even skin tone and reduce visible signs of aging.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, also known as green tea extract, helps to protect the eye area from environmental damage while diminishing the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and sun damage.

This coconut and glycerin-derived fatty acid combination acts as an emollient, moisturizes the skin and helps to prevent further water loss.

This naturally-derived surfactant cleanses skin by gently removing excess oil and dirt.

This ingredient acts as a humectant to help the skin to retain water and to remain moisturized, leaving a supple and healthy skin-feel.

Caprylyl Methicone gives the product a silky, smooth feel while plumping skin and temporarily reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps reduce greasiness from other oil-based ingredients without leaving residue on the skin's surface.

This ingredient helps to thicken products in order to control product viscosity. It also improves particle dispersion within a formula.

This natural oil is used to condition and moisturize dry skin. This oil is also highly concentrated in linoleic acid, reducing its comedogenicity (pore clogging).

This conditioning ingredient gives skin a smooth and supple feel.

This ingredient is known for its conditioning properties and is often used in hair conditioners.

This is one of 9 ceramides found naturally in skin. Ceramide NG improves the ability of skin to retain water and helps skin to remain supple, smooth and hydrated. Ceramides work best when used with other fatty acids and cholesterol.

A fatty alcohol that can be extracted from natural ingredients (like coconut fatty alcohol) or can be made synthetically. It helps to improve the product's texture and can be used on sensitive skin.

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate thickens a product while improving texture and skin-feel.

Cetearyl Glucoside acts as an emulsifier to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

This emulsifying ingredient helps to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

A conditioning ingredient that enhances texture and spreadability.

Cetyl Palmitate works as an emollient to smooth skin and to prevent moisture loss while also improving product thickness.

Chemical sunscreens are often preferred over mineral sunscreens because of their skin-feel and finish. However, they can be more sensitizing or allergenic than mineral-based sunscreens.

This preservative extends shelf-life due to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that prevent microbial growth.

A form of natural red seaweed that conditions skin while acting as a natural antioxidant to protect against free radical damage. It is also used to thicken product formulas due to its ability to absorb water.

Chromabright helps to block tyrosinase, the main conversion element in melanin production. This inhibits melanin production at both an enzymatic and environmental level (preventing further UV damage).

This mild exfoliator is used to improve skin's elasticity and firmness as well as the appearance of photo-aged skin. It is also used as a pH adjuster to ensure that the product is at an optimum pH level (usually between 4.5 and 7).    

This natural antioxidant is used in cosmetic products to reduce sun damage, even skin tone and reduce visible signs of aging.

Collagen is a protein that allows skin to maintain a rigid structure and is found throughout the skin’s dermis. Around 29 types of collagen exist in the human body but the most important types of collagen for skin are collagens 1-5. As we age, collagen production decreases and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles becomes more noticeable.

Copper Gluconate works as an antioxidant to protect skin from damage caused by free radicals.

This ingredient helps to re-energize cells by triggering essential elements to produce collagen and elastin, both of which help to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles while improving skin's firmness.

This ingredient acts as an emollient to condition and smooth skin. It is also used to improve product texture and application.

Cyclopentasiloxane gives a silky feeling to a product while conditioning skin for a smooth and soft skin-feel.

This active works to repair the skin’s natural barrier function by stimulating cell communication, smoothing wrinkles and reducing age-related damage.

This thickening agent helps to control product viscosity, improve skin-feel, and also acts as an opacifying agent to reduce the transparency of a product.

Dimethicone forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface to retain moisture and condition skin. It also works as an anti-foaming agent to give the product a smooth texture.

This ingredient is used to thicken formulas, enhance particle suspension, and prevent product separation.

This solvent can be extracted from natural ingredients (like starch) or can be made synthetically and is used to decrease product thickness for easy dispensing.

This brightening ingredient blocks tyrosinase which is the main conversion element in melanin production. This inhibits melanin production at both an enzymatic and environmental level in order to protect skin against UV damage.

As a chelating agent, this ingredient prevents other chemicals (like metals found in water) from binding to the skin’s surface while also extending product shelf-life.

This buffering agent is used to ensure that products stay at an optimum pH level for healthy skin.

This preservative is a formaldehyde releaser and may be carcinogenic and/or cause skin irritations and respiratory problems.

While drying alcohols are often used in cosmetic products to improve dry time, they can weaken the skin barrier and can be especially irritating to those with sensitive skin. Drying alcohols include: ethanol, SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, propanol alcohol, benzyl alcohol, methanol, etc.

This natural micro-algae is used in cosmetics to supply β-carotene and vitamin B12 to the skin. It also acts as a natural antioxidant to protect skin from free radical damage.

Also known as ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid, EDTA works as a chelating agent which prevents the product from binding with minerals.

Elastin is a protein that is found throughout connective tissues. It works with collagen to allow skin to stretch and return to its original shape.

Emollients are oils that hydrate and smooth skin by temporarily filling the spaces between desquamating (peeling) skin cells. Some common cosmetic emollients are: isopropyl isostearate, jojoba oil, dimethicone, and octyl stearate.

Emulsifiers help to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water) to prevent separation. Common emulsifiers include: cetearyl glucoside, PEG-10 dimethicone, octyldodecanol, and polysorbate 20.

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up the chemical reaction rate between compounds.  Enzymes are used in skincare as exfoliants to remove dead skin cells.

Essential oils are commonly used in “preservative-free” products because of their ability to prevent bacterial growth. The downside of using essential oils as preservatives is that these ingredients can be slightly more irritating or sensitizing than some traditional preservatives.

This ingredient acts as an emollient to condition dry skin. It can also help to decrease trans-epidermal water loss.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate moisturizes the skin by preventing water loss which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It can also be used to improve formula texture.

This preservative helps to condition skin while also preventing microbial growth.

This natural wax helps to reduce evaporative water loss by forming a thin layer on the skin's surface.

This natural antioxidant is used in cosmetic products to reduce sun damage, even skin tone and reduce visible signs of aging.

As an antioxidant, ferulic acid helps to reduce damage from free radicals.

Formaldehydes and formaldehyde-releasing agents are used as preservatives. However, these ingredients can be carcinogenic and should be avoided in cosmetics.

Fragrances are used to give odour to cosmetics. Many fragrances can be irritating to the skin which is why we formulate our products without using fragrances.

An atom with an odd number of electrons that damages cells through oxidation.

This natural sugar holds water at the skin’s surface to help moisturize and plump skin.

FUCOGEL helps to bind water and ensure moisture by creating a protective film on the skin's surface which helps to defend against trans-epidermal water loss.

This sugar holds water at the skin’s surface to help moisturize and plump skin.

A thickening ingredient that controls product viscosity and improves skin-feel.

One of the most popular ingredients used in cosmetics, glycerin works as a humectant and retains water at the skin’s surface to moisturize and plump the skin.

This emulsifier helps to smooth skin while increasing product stability.

A film-forming agent used to help other ingredients remain at the skin’s surface.

Glyceryl Stearate creates a barrier at the skin’s surface that slows water loss and gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance.

This natural emollient helps to condition skin and also works as an antioxidant to protect skin from harmful free radicals.

Similar to lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), this ingredient helps to exfoliate dead skin cells.

Glycomannan acts as a humectant to retain water in order to hydrate and plump skin.

This alcohol is used in cosmetics as an intermediate to synthesize emollients and surfactants.

Heptyl Glucoside increases the solubility of a substance.

This active speeds cell renewal by helping the skin’s natural exfoliation process. By revealing new skin cells, it works to refine skin texture, reduce wrinkle depth and provide deeper hydration, resulting in fresher and more vibrant skin.

This natural hydro-regulating complex acts as a smoothing, moisturizing, and soothing agent while also acting as an emollient to condition the skin.

Humectants are often added to skincare products to help moisturize and condition the skin. These ingredients are hygroscopic, meaning that they hold water. Different humectants have different water-binding abilities. For example, hyaluronic acid is a humectant that is able to absorb 1000x its weight in water. When used in cosmetics, humectants retain water at the skin’s surface and hydrate dehydrated skin.

This incredibly hydrating substance holds up to 1000x its weight in water. It enhances the moisture content of skin making it appear soft and smooth while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This ingredient is used as an emollient to soften and smooth skin.

This antioxidant rich oil protects skin against damage from free radicals and the sun.

This emollient replenishes and moisturizes skin.

This natural plant protein contains isoflavones which help to improve uneven skin tone and reduce visible signs of aging.

This extremely hydrating ingredient helps to improve skin's natural moisture.

Found naturally in cloudberries, this compound acts as an antioxidant by protecting skin from oxidative damage while simultaneously soothing skin.

This ingredient thickens, emulsifies, and stabilizes the product, leaving skin feeling soft and velvety.

A less irritating form of retinoic acid, this ingredient increases the rate of cell turnover to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and acne. It also improves rough and/or dry patches to give skin an even texture and complexion.

This ingredient works as a chelating agent that binds metals and prevents them from interacting with or absorbing into the skin.

This ingredient is used to increase viscosity and improve product texture by giving it a silky skin-feel. It also helps to improve stability by preventing ingredient separation.

This emollient replenishes and moisturizes skin.

This preservative is potentially toxic to humans (especially for the liver and immune system). It may be allergenic and is restricted in Japan.

A conditioning ingredient that helps skin retain its moisture, revealing a smooth and soft finish.

Isodecyl Salicylate, also known as β-hydroxy acid, works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin from pores and the skin’s surface. It is often used to condition the skin and helps to reduce hyper-pigmentation while improving skin's elasticity.

This ingredient is used to dissolve other ingredients within a formula while improving skin-feel and product application.

Isohexadecane smooths skin’s texture and leaves a soft, powder-like finish. It also decreases penetration of other ingredients into the skin (such as antioxidants which need to remain at surface level to work properly).

This conditioning ingredient leaves skin feeling smooth and supple.

This form of linoleic acid is non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) and is highly beneficial for those with acne-prone skin. Repeat use of products containing this ingredient will improve skin dryness, roughness and uneven skin tone.

This extract works with Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract to create a thin film on the skin’s surface to protect the skin from harmful exogenous agents.

Lactic Acid, also known as α-hydroxy acid (AHA), exfoliates dead skin causing a brightening effect while helping to repair uneven skin tone. This ingredient can be irritating to sensitive skin.

This natural probiotic helps to condition the skin, leaving it smooth and glowing.

This natural probiotic helps condition the skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.

Lactose acts as a humectant to retain water at the skin’s surface in order to moisturize and plump skin.

Lecithin forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface to retain moisture. It also has skin-restoring properties to improve the appearance of damaged skin.

Derived from gogi berries, this natural extract acts as an antioxidant to protect skin from sun damage, while simultaneously conditioning and softening skin.

This ingredient has strong absorbency properties. It also helps to deliver other minerals to the skin.

Maltose acts as a humectant to retain water and to moisturize the skin.

This plant-derived emollient replenishes and moisturizes skin.

A powerful peptide that boosts six skin-building essentials: collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin 5.

Also known as Buriti oil, this oil comes from the tree known as the "Tree of Life". High in oleic acid, it is great for improving skin elasticity and skin repair. It also helps to repair sunburned skin while acting as a moisturizer and antioxidant to protect skin from free radical damage.

Melitane helps to stimulate cell regeneration and skin pigmentation. It also aids in the protection against UV-induced chemicals and works to reduce redness, leaving skin looking healthier.

This preservative has been found to be toxic to the immune system and nervous system.

This ingredient softens skin, leaving skin looking supple and smooth.

This preservative has been found to be toxic to both the immune system and nervous system.

This silicate mineral has a shimmery finish that gives a desired natural glow.

Small, plastic beads that were introduced into the cosmetic market in exfoliating face/body washes and scrubs. Microbeads are now banned from use due to their high bioaccumulation.

This protein acts as an emollient to condition and smooth skin.

This clear and odorless liquid is used in cosmetics as an emollient to condition the skin. Mineral oil is considered comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores.

Derived from the noni fruit, this natural extract acts as an antioxidant to protect skin from sun damage, while simultaneously conditioning and softening skin.

A biomimetic peptide that mimics Cone Snail venom from the Indo-West Pacific region. This neuropeptide blocks signals sent from the brain to the facial muscles to contract and just like Botox®, it relaxes the muscles instantly. XEP-018™ is often hailed as Smartox (Smart-Botox) as it softens the muscles, resulting in natural-looking wrinkle smoothing without invasive procedures. This active provides both an instant and long-lasting effect as the peptide accumulates and continuously works to help skin repair itself by allowing new collagen to grow and mature, thus increasing skin elasticity.

This alcohol works as an emollient to smooth skin and prevent moisture loss while also improving product thickness.

This ingredient can be used to stabilize an emulsion formula or it can also act as a cleansing agent to remove dirt and excess oil from the skin’s surface.

This ingredient enables the skin to recreate its own natural moisturizing factor (NMF) by regulating the water and lipid balance in the skin. It stimulates skin cells to increase the re-uptake of water in order to rebuild and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.

An emulsion of spherical elastomer powder that is ideally suited for "instant", soft-focus effect formulations. The concentrated elastomer content (60% Polysilicone-11) provides an intensified wrinkle blurring property to fine lines and wrinkles. It can be combined with other active ingredients to offer both immediate and long-term benefits.

Particles that can be made of any substance but they must be between 1-100nm in at least one dimension. Nanoparticles are concerning because of their ability to accumulate within the environment.

Nanopeptide-1 helps to block tyrosinase which is the main conversion element in melanin production. This inhibits melanin production which brightens skin and helps to treat pigmentation problems (such as uneven skin tone, dark spots, and hyper-pigmentation).

A pure source of bio-energy which can naturally diffuse into the skin helping to re-energize cells and trigger the production of collagen and elastin. This "needle-free" collagen and elastin filler results in visible reduction of deep wrinkles and an improvement in skin firmness.

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, offers multiple benefits for aging skin. It helps to improve skin’s elasticity, increase barrier function, diminish discoloration, and helps to revive skin tone and texture. It also helps to stimulate cell circulation and prevent water loss.

These are used to increase viscosity and to stabilize foam. They are often used in combination with other anionic surfactants.

Occlusives are ingredients that form a thin film on the skin’s surface to decrease evaporative water loss. These ingredients are great for treating dehydrated skin. Some common occlusives that are used in cosmetics include: cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, beeswax, and squalane.

This acid brightens skin by decreasing tyrosinase and melanin (skin pigment) production. It can be used to treat skin pigmentation problems such as dark spots, hyper-pigmentation, and melasma.

This UV absorber protects skin from harmful UV rays.

This emollient conditions skin and mixes non-miscible substances (like oil and water). It also helps improve product texture by modifying viscosity.

This natural ingredient contains essential fatty acids that moisturize dry and flaky skin. It also acts as a natural antioxidant to protect against environmental damage.

This natural ingredient contains essential fatty acids that moisturize dry and flaky skin. It also acts as a natural antioxidant to protect against environmental damage.

The process where a free radical steals an electron from a healthy cell. When skin cells are oxidized, they become damaged and show visible signs of aging (such as wrinkles, sagging, and discolouration).

This ingredient acts as both an emulsifier to mix non-miscible ingredients (like oil and water), and an emollient to condition skin.

This peptide helps to improve skin elasticity, firmness and overall volume by stimulating the production of Collagens IV, VI, XVII, Laminin V and Integrin β4.

This peptide helps to improve skin elasticity, firmness and overall volume by stimulating the production of Collagens IV, VI, XVII, Laminin V and Integrin β4.

This high-performance wrinkle corrector increases micro-circulation throughout the skin to decrease inflammation while improving collagen distribution to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This active ingredient improves skin firmness and tone by smoothing wrinkles and correcting age-related damage. It also works as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free-radical damage.

This peptide helps restore skin structure by stimulating the production of elastin and collagen which helps to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

This peptide fights inflammation by preventing the production of interleukins which are chemical messengers that stimulate the body’s inflammatory response (which can lead to uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and skin sagging). This peptide also helps to hydrate skin by increasing the concentration of hyaluronic acid within the skin.

This peptide penetrates deep into the dermis and boosts both collagen production and tissue growth, making skin appear firm and healthy.

This peptide significantly increases the synthesis of six major constituents of the skin matrix and dermal-epidermal junction including collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and laminin 5. It evens complexion and smooths wrinkles from the inside by rebuilding the skin where it is needed (e.g. forehead and eye area).

Also known as pro-vitamin B5, this ingredient retains water at the skin’s surface to help keep skin plump and hydrated.

Pantolactone acts as a humectant to help the skin retain moisture, leaving skin looking glowy, healthy and plump.

Parabens are a class of preservatives that are used to prevent bacteria from growing. While we need to use preservatives to keep our products fresh, we believe that parabens aren’t the best preservative on the market. They are potential hormone disruptors which is why we prefer to use less harmful alternatives in our own products.

A powerful "anti-thirst" moisturizing ingredient that restores the quality of the skin barrier.

This ingredient acts as an emulsifier to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water). It can also act as a surfactant (an oil or fat that helps to clean the skin's surface).

This ingredient acts as an emulsifier to keep non-miscible substances (like oil and water) from separating.

This ingredient can be used as a mild cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin. It can also be used as an emulsifying agent to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

An emulsifier used to keep non-miscible substances (like oil and water) from separating. It also acts as an emollient to help moisturize the skin and prevent water loss.

This ingredient helps to prevent water loss in order to keep skin moisturized while soothing irritated skin. It can also be used as a cleanser for skin and hair.

Pentylene Glycol acts as a humectant to help the skin retain moisture and to condition dehydrated skin.

This peptide speeds up cell renewal by helping the skin’s natural exfoliation process. By revealing new skin cells, it works to refine skin texture, reduce wrinkle depth and provide deeper hydration, resulting in fresher and more vibrant skin.

This occlusive ingredient moisturizes the skin by creating a barrier that decreases water loss caused by evaporation.

Petroleum is used as both an occlusive and an emollient to help condition the skin. The concern with using petroleum in cosmetics is because they have been found to be contaminated with PAHs (poly-aromatic hydrocarbons) which can be carcinogenic.

pH stands for potential hydrogen. It is the quantitative measure of acidity or basicity in any water-soluble or liquid substance.

Products that are pH balanced have a pH level of around 5.5 (usually between 4.5-7, depending on the product). When your skin is forced above or below a pH of 5.5 by factors such as diet, environment, pollution, sun exposure and skincare/makeup products, it may become sensitive, dry or more likely to breakout until it is able to re-balance.

The pH scale (or potential hydrogen scale) is used to measure how acidic or basic a substance is and is rated from 0-14. Neutral substances will have a pH of 7 (think water). Anything with a pH below 7 is acidic (vinegar) and anything with a pH above 7 is basic (ammonia). Healthy skin has a pH of around 5.5, meaning that it is slightly acidic. If your skin is dry and sensitive, it’s likely that your skin is more basic (has a pH above 7). If your skin is breaking out and more irritated, it’s likely that your skin is more acidic.

Phenoxyethanol is one of the least sensitizing preservatives used in cosmetics. It helps to prevent microbial growth within a product.

This ingredient acts as a skin conditioning agent by creating a thin film on the skin’s surface to retain moisture, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and silky.

This ingredient is scientifically proven to brighten skin and improve the appearance of dull complexions while being significantly less toxic than alternatives such as kojic acid.

Phospholipids form a protective layer that condition the skin's surface.

When used in cosmetics, phthalates are used to moisturize and soften the skin. While their use in cosmetics has not been shown to produce adverse health effects, higher concentrations have been shown to be carcinogenic, toxic and endocrine disruptors.

A vegetable-derived, bio-lipid complex that provides extreme conditioning to the skin and helps to calm irritated skin.

Also known as Pycnogenol®, this ingredient is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants and has been shown to be 50x more powerful than Vitamin E.

Bee pollen contains a high number of vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids and enzymes along with other elements. When used in cosmetics, this ingredient leaves skin looking healthy and glowing.

This film-forming agent absorbs water to thicken a formula and also allows water to remain at the skin’s surface to help moisturize and plump the skin.

This ingredient forms a thin, protective film on the skin’s surface. It also helps to stabilize and thicken an emulsion to prevent ingredient separation.

These compounds have been shown to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have also been found to be carcinogenic.

This ingredient is used to control the viscosity of a product.

This ingredient acts as an emollient to condition and moisturize skin.

Polyisobutene thickens a product to control viscosity and improve skin-feel. It also acts as a film-forming agent.

A film-forming agent with a matte and powdery skin-feel. It helps to absorb sebum on the skin’s surface while preventing the penetration of other ingredients to ensure that they work effectively.

Polysorbate 20 acts as an emulsifier to prevent non-miscible substances (like oil and water) from separating.

This ingredient is used to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water) and to alter product thickness. It can also be used as a cleansing agent to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin’s surface.

Polysorbate 80 helps to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

This plant extract stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis in order to hydrate and plump skin.

This buffering agent is used to ensure that products will stay at an optimum pH level for healthy skin.

This mild preservative prevents microbial growth and helps to lengthen product shelf-life.

Preservatives are used to extend a product’s shelf-life by preventing bacterial growth.

Probiobalance™ helps to rebalance tired and stressed skin.

A glycol that can be extracted from natural ingredients (like corn) or can be made synthetically. It acts as a humectant and retains water to moisturize and plump the skin. It is added to products to help other ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin.

Propolis Extract is known as an "Ancient Healer". Thousands of years ago, ancient civilizations used propolis for its medicinal properties. Greeks used it to treat abscesses, Assyrians put it on wounds to fight infections, and Egyptians used it to embalm mummies.

Propylene glycol works as a humectant by retaining water at the skin’s surface to help plump and moisturize dehydrated skin.

This ingredient is used to improve product viscosity.

This film-forming ingredient binds to the skin, giving it an instantly tighter appearance. It also helps to improve both skin texture and appearance.

Also known as pomegranate extract, this extract is high in both Vitamin C and antioxidants. It is used in skincare to brighten skin and protect it from free radical damage and has also been found to extend the life of fibroblasts (which produce collagen and elastin), helping skin appear more firm.

High in Vitamin C and other antioxidants, pomegranate is used in cosmetic products to reduce sun damage, even skin tone and to reduce visible signs of aging.

This ingredient works to slow the skin’s aging process while protecting it from environmental elements.

Also known as Vitamin A, this ingredient increases cell turnover to resurface the skin and stimulate collagen production. This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, skin discolouration, large pores, sun damage and acne. Reminder: Always use SPF when using products that contain retinol!

A multi-faceted, anti-aging, retinol-like peptide that provides the same benefits as traditional retinol without the skin irritation or discomfort.

A soft, pure retinol encapsulated in plant microspheres that slowly release into the skin. This optimizes the active’s effectiveness, allowing it to work throughout the day with low irritant potential and maintained effectiveness.

Retinol RA converts faster to retinoic acid which is the best form of retinol and can be found in medical or prescription forms of retinol. Fast conversion is important to ensure that the acid is less likely to destabilize or irritate the skin, allowing for maximum benefits.

Revidrate™ enables the skin to recreate its own natural moisture by regulating the water and lipid balance in the skin. It stimulates skin cells to increase the re-uptake of moisture and to keep the skin’s moisture barrier hydrated. It also aids in providing nutrients in order to stimulate the skin to recreate the epidermis hydrosphere using natural processes.

An invigorating complex rich in probiotics, green tea extract, pomegranate extract and caffeine. This active helps protect the eye area from environmental damage while diminishing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

This extract is one of the richest sources of protein and vitamins. Containing 17 amino acid, abundant levels of B vitamins and minerals, it is one of the most powerful nutrients in the fight against aging skin and inflammatory skin conditions. It stimulates cellular renewal and the promotion and synthesis of collagen and elastin for firmer, more toned skin.

Salicylic Acid, also known as β-hydroxy acid, works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin from pores and the skin’s surface. It is often used to treat acne.

A multi-mineral energizer containing zinc, copper and magnesium. It is an active ingredient booster that is able to scavenge radicals to inhibit cellular free radical formation. It also acts as a bio-energizer for clear and fresh skin.

Sepiwhite is the antagonist to α-MSH (the hormone responsible for melanin production). This ingredient is a unique lightening molecule that helps to minimize dark spots.

Serine is an amino acid that is naturally found in the skin. When added to cosmetic products, it retains moisture at the skin’s surface and keeps skin hydrated, plump and glowing.

This ingredient is used as an absorber to help eliminate excess sebum and leave skin looking fresh and matte. It is also used to thicken formulas in order to improve texture.

This ingredient is used to increase product slip on skin and to enhance particle suspension within a formula.

Silica Silylate is used to alter the viscosity of a formula. It also has a mattifying effect on the skin.

This ingredient moisturizes the skin by creating a thin film on the skin’s surface to decrease water loss. It is also used as a thickener to improve texture.

An ingredient that enhances texture by altering the thickness of a formula while creating a thin film on the skin’s surface.

This preservative helps to reduce microbial growth within products.

Sodium Chloride is used to thicken formulas in order to improve texture.

This coconut-derived surfactant helps to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin.

A low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid that is naturally found in the body and absorbs water like a sponge leaving skin looking full and plump. This hydrating substance holds 1000x its weight in water allowing the skin to retain collagen, increase moisture, and enhance elasticity.

Sodium Hydroxide is an odourless alkaline ingredient that is used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics and personal care to ensure that the product is at an optimum pH level (usually between 4-5 and 7).

This ingredient is found naturally in the skin and is used in cosmetics to help retain water and stabilize the pH of a formula.

Sodium PCA hydrates and replenishes dehydrated skin leaving it glowy, healthy, and plump.

This ingredient acts as an emulsifier to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

This ingredient is used to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water). It can also be used as a cleansing agent to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin’s surface

This ingredient is used as an emulsifying agent to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

This ingredient is used as an emulsifying agent to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

Sorbitan Olivate acts as an emulsifier to prevent non-miscible substances (like oil and water) from separating.

This ingredient acts as an emulsifier to keep non-miscible substances (like oil and water) from separating.

This fruit sugar acts as a humectant by retaining moisture at the skin’s surface, giving it a plump and hydrated appearance.

A high purity, olive-sourced emollient that replenishes fatty acids, moisturizes, softens and smooths the skin.

Stearic Acid acts as an emulsifier to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water).

This incredible active helps to brighten and even skin tone. It also eliminates under-eye dark circles and puffiness.

This ingredient acts as both an emulsifier to mix non-miscible ingredients (like oil and water), and an emollient to condition skin.

Sulfates are used as cleansing agents in cosmetics but can be sensitizing to skin.

Surfactants are used in cosmetics to reduce the surface tension between two substances (e.g. gas and liquid or liquid and solid, etc.). Less surface tension allows the product to 'wet' solids and clean surfaces. There are four different families of surfactants that exist: cationic, anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric.

SymWhite 377 is scientifically proven to brighten skin and is more effective than other toxic alternatives, such as kojic acid. It also improves the appearance of dull complexions and helps to even out skin tone.

A new combination of two peptides that help with skin elasticity, firmness and overall volume loss.

This alcohol is used as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients within a formula.

A stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C ester that has antioxidant activity to help mitigate the damaging effects of UV exposure. Studies have shown that it stimulates collagen production and brightens the skin by inhibiting melanogenesis (the production of pigment), therefore promoting a more even skin tone.

Also known as vitamin E, this ingredient is used as an antioxidant to hydrate and moisturize the skin while protecting it from environmental stressors. It also acts as a preservative to improve product shelf-life.

This more stable form of vitamin E is used in cosmetics to condition skin. It also prevents skin damage caused by UV radiation, prevents oxidation of surface lipids, and reduces the visible appearance of wrinkles.

This plant sugar is used as a natural skin moisturizer and antioxidant in many cosmetics.

This skin conditioning agent forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent water loss and to keep skin soft and hydrated.

This preservative has been found to have a negative impact on the environment. It may lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and it has also been found to be a potential endocrine disruptor.

This preservative is potentially hazardous to the environment due to its ability to bio-accumulate and produce antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Triethanolamine is used in cosmetics to balance the overall pH level of a product to ensure that it is at an optimum level (usually between 4.5 and 7). It is also used as an emulsifier to help mix various ingredients together to allow the product to spread more evenly over the skin.

An emulsifying and binding agent that is used to improve consistency and skin-feel.

This emollient replenishes and moisturizes skin while simultaneously increasing the viscosity of the product.

Ubiquinone, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is found naturally in the skin. However, the concentration decreases as we age. It is added to cosmetics as an antioxidant to prevent skin damage caused by UV radiation, protect skin surface lipids from oxidation, and to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

The antagonist to α-MSH which is the hormone responsible for melanin production. This ingredient is a unique lightening molecule that helps to minimize dark spots.

This tetra-peptide counteracts sagging and the appearance of aging skin by increasing collagen and elastin production. It allows skin to return to its normal shape after stretching or contracting and allows the layer beneath the skin (dermis) to become significantly more structured and firm.

This mild exfoliator helps to remove dead skin cells while simultaneously hydrating skin. While it is beneficial in small quantities, it can be somewhat sensitizing at high concentrations.

A plant-based active that reduces the appearance of multiple signs of aging in order to restore skin’s beauty and reveal a more radiant appearance.

This ingredient dries to form a thin coat on the skin in order to give skin a matte complexion.

Xanthan Gum is used as an emulsifier to mix non-miscible substances (like oil and water) and to thicken a formula.

A biomimetic peptide that mimics Cone Snail venom from the Indo-West Pacific region. This neuropeptide blocks signals sent from the brain to the facial muscles to contract and just like Botox®, it relaxes the muscles instantly. XEP-018™ is often hailed as Smartox (Smart-Botox) as it softens the muscles, resulting in wrinkle smoothing without any invasive procedures. This active provides both an instant and lasting effect as the peptide accumulates and continuously works to help skin repair itself by allowing new collagen to grow and mature, thus increasing skin elasticity.

Zinc Gluconate is used to accelerate the wound healing process and to reduce the appearance of scars. It is also an antiviral agent that is often used to treat acne.

This UV absorber protects skin from harmful UV rays. It works to slow the skin’s aging process while protecting it from environmental elements.