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Many ingredients have scientific names which sound horrifyingly ‘chemical’ or synthetic.
For example ‘Behenyl sodium stearoyl lactylate’ maybe sounds as if it’s come from a vast, fuming, slightly sinister chemicals complex, but it is in fact an excellent moisturiser and emollient, derived from an entirely natural combination of rapeseed oil and vegetable oil.
Here we’ve listed the key ingredients most often used in our products, with an explanation of what they are and why they’re used. Also included are some common terms used in skin care, so if you’re not entirely sure why collagen’s important, or where the dermis is, here’s your chance to find out.
Acai (ah-cee-ah) - A native palm from the Brazilian Amazonian region rich in phytosterols, anthocyanins, essential fatty acids, vitamins and fibres. Anthocyanins contained in Acai reduce cell destruction by combating the ageing process. Acai is also a source of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, omega-6 and omega-9 that when applied in cosmetic applications promotes nutrition and a healthful aspect to the skin. The phytosterols present are said to regulate the balance and activity of the lipids in the superficial layer of the skin. They are also used in the treatment of dermatitis to stimulate the regeneration process. Açai Oil is certified organic .
Acetyl Hexapeptide 3/Argireline - A combination of six naturally occurring amino acids, this mimics the action of Botox by relaxing the muscle contractions that create wrinkles.Safe, non-toxic and without side effects - unlike Botox.
Allantoin - A botanical extract (ours is of liquorice), allantoin has the ability to help heal wounds, burns, sunburn and skin ulcers, and to stimulate the growth of healthy tissue. It is healing, soothing, and moisturising.
Almond extract/Almond oil/Sweet Almond oil - Almond oil is known for its mildness and is used as a moisturiser and emollient. Ideal in the treatment of dry skin.
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) - An extract from the leaf of the aloe plant. Used mainly for its healing effects and skin softening benefits, it also helps reduce extra oils in the skin.
Alpha-lipoic acid - A highly potent biological antioxidant (400 times more powerful than natural Vitamin E) which acts against reactive free radicals in the mitochondria, where cellular energy is produced. Such free radicals play a major part in the ageing process and scientists believe that additional antioxidants can slow ageing. Alpha-lipoic acid also recycles other antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, making them more effective.
Amino Acids - Fundamental constituents of all proteins found in the body. In skincare, they work primarily as water-binding agents. Some also act as antioxidants and have wound- healing properties.
Aminophylline - Known as ‘the fat blaster’, used to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Antioxidant - Antioxidants neutralise free radicals before they attach themselves to the cell membrane and destroy the cell. They are critical in keeping the skin from ageing, acting both internally and externally. One Step contains no less than 17 antioxidants.
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) - Softens and moisturises. Especially goood for prematurely aged skin.
Arnica - A botanical extract which promotes the removal of wastes from the skin and assists in new tissue growth. Effective in the treatment of reddened or damaged skin.
Ascorbyl glucosamine (Vitamin C) - A combination of L-ascorbic acid and polyglucosamine, derived from sea algae, this works to brighten the skin, reduce skin discolouration and even out skin tone.
Ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C) - A stabilised Vitamin C ester, used to penetrate the skin and stimulate both collagen and cellular renewal, and to protect the skin from the effects of the sun at the cellular level. It is a natural antioxidant and moisturiser, sourced from vitamins in plant oils.
Ascophilum/ascophyllum - More commonly known as sea kelp. See ‘sea algae’, below.
Astaxanthin - A natural pigment found in the marine environment (it’s what turns the flesh of the salmon pink) astaxanthin is also an extremely powerful antioxidant, shown to be over 500 times stronger than vitamin E. Sourced from sea algae (ours is from Hawaii, considered to be the most powerful) which also acts as an exfoliant.
Bearberry extract - Used as a skin lightener, and has anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.
Behenyl sodium stearoyl lactylate - Behenyl alcohol is 100% derived from rapeseed oil and works as an excellent moisturiser and emollient. Sodium stearoyl lactylate is also 100% vegetable derived and is recognised as one of the most skin friendly emulsifiers known. The combination of the two ensures rapid absorption without irritation (most emulsifiers disturb the skin’s natural protective function).
Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone) - A UVA absorbing sunscreen ingredient, derived from isopropanol. This is one of the few ingredients in our range of products which is not natural or naturally derived. It is used for its effectiveness in providing sun protection.
Bilberry extract - A powerful antioxidant, high in polyphenols, that stimulates cellular renewal and helps prevent skin cell damage caused by sun exposure and pollution.
Birch sap - Derived from the core of the birch tree, birch sap is used for its antiseptic, astringent and soothing properties.
Bromelain - An enzyme from pineapple and turmeric, used to help reduce the ‘orange peel’ appearance of cellulite.
Burdock/Burdock root - Traditionally used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
Calcium ascorbate (Vitamin C) - A form of vitamin C.
Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) - A form of vitamin B5, used in the treatment of acne.
Calendula oil - An extract of marigold and one of the most versatile herbs in skincare, this is used as an emollient and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. It helps strengthen capillaries and is used to treat acne and delicate or problem skin.
Capsaicin - A purified extract of capiscums (red chilli peppers) used to reduce itching.
Cardiospermum - An extract of the cardiospermum plant, commonly known as the balloon vine, traditionally used in the treatment of dry, itchy skin. It has a potent but entirely natural anti-inflammatory effect.
Castor oil - Extracted from the castor bean, it acts as a humectant by drawing and holding moisture from the air. This moisturising effect helps condition all skin types and restore dry skin.
Ceteryl alcohol - A vegetable derived emulsifier.
Chamomile/camomile - An aromatic flower used to soothe and moisturise. It has the ability to neutralise skin irritants and is effective in calming eczema and allergic reactions.
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D) - See vitamin D.
Chrysin - A potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, our ingredient is derived from plants of the passion flower family.
Cinamomum zeylancium bark - An extract of cinnamon, a natural anti-bacterial.
Citric acid - From citrus fruits, with astringent properties. Used to adjust pH in some products and acts as a natural preservative.
Cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao) - Used for its soothing, softening and moisturising properties.
Cocamide/cocoamide betaine/cocamidopropyl betaine - Derived from coconut, a mild but excellent skin cleanser and conditioner.
Cocamidopropyl betaine - Derived from coconut oil, a natural foaming agent.
Co Cocomide DEA - Derived from coconut and palm oils, gentle, effective cleansers that clean without stripping away natural oils.
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) - Coenzymes are a vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body. They repair and regenerate skin cells, energising and oxygenating to expel toxins. Levels start to decline around the age of 30 and continue to decrease with advancing years. Coenzyme Q10 protects against fine lines and wrinkles by preventing damage to the production of collagen and elastin.
Collagen (Marine) - Collagen is a protein found in connective tissue. It is a key element of the skin’s support system and is used for its ability to hydrate and hold moisture on the skin. We use marine collagen, containing betaglucan and Vitamin B5.
Colloidal minerals - The ‘energising’ minerals – magnesium, zinc, copper – which stimulate collagen production, together with 16 other ‘essential’ minerals for good health.
Colloidal sulphur - Derived from natural sulphur, this is a mild, soothing antiseptic.
Coltsfoot - A soothing, healing, conditioning herb, containing important amino acids to promote healthy skin and hair.
Copper peptide - Copper is a trace element found in every cell of the body. When combined with small protein fragments known as peptides it stimulates the production of collagen, improving the skin’s elasticity and hydration and thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Cornflower extract - From the flower Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus) it contains allantoin, potassium, calcium and vitamins C and K.
Cucumber extract - A natural anti-inflammatory, cooling and refreshing for stressed, tired skin.
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) - See vitamin B12.
Cyclomethicone - A herbal extract used as a conditioning agent and emollient, it helps give a soft, silky feel to the skin, and leaves a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.
Cypress - Beneficial in conditions of excess fluid, such as fluid retention.
Deionised water - Water in its purest form. All components that could interfere with the product’s stability and performance are removed. Water itself is an excellent skin conditioning agent, but it has to be provided in such a way that the skin retains it.
DMAE (DiMethylAminoEthanol) - A naturally occurring nutrient, used to tighten the skin and prevent and reverse sagging. Continued use gives a cumulative effect. It also acts as an antioxidant by stabilising cell membranes, protecting them from free radical damage. Additionally, DMAE acts as a natural delivery system, combining with other ingredients to bring them into the inner skin, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
Dermis - The dermis is below the epidermis, which is the skin’s outer layer. The dermis supports the epidermis, providing the skin’s structure, and contains tissue fibres, collagen and elastin. It also contains blood vessels, delivering oxygen and other nutrients.
Dipeptide 2 - Helps improve lymphatic circulation and detoxifies the skin.
D-limonene - Major component of the oil extracted from citrus rind, a natural skin cleanser.
Elastin (Marine) - Together with collagen fibrils, elastins are the protein fibres that give the skin elasticity. Ours is sourced from sea kelp and algae.
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) - Helps reduce inflammation and irritation.
Emollient - A substance that prevents water loss and has a softening and soothing effect on the skin.
Emulsifier - A substance that allows a fine dispersion of minute droplets of one liquid in another.
Epidermis - The outer layer of the skin, which interacts directly with the environment. It protects by providing a barrier (see hyaluronic acid), by filtering sunlight, and by reducing dehydration. See also Dermis.
Erocalciferol - A form of vitamin D, sourced from vegetables.
Essential oils - Oil obtained from plants by pressing or distillation, usually retaining the taste and smell of the original. They’re called essential as they were thought to be essential to life and were the ‘essence’ of the plant.
Ester - An organic compound formed from an alcohol and an acid by elimination of water, making the ingredients more effective in penetrating the skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin - Natural deodoriser and skin conditioner derived from vegetable glycerine.
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) - Used for its enrichening and rejuvenating properties.
Exfoliant - An agent that helps remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, so improving skin tone. One Step uses sea kelp, which is close to the skin’s natural pH, so that no harsh damage is done.
Flavonoids - Antioxidant chemical compounds, widely found in certain fruits, vegetables, nuts and roots.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) - For rejuvenating and revitalising ageing and mature skin.
G-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) - GABA is an amino acid produced in the body as a natural muscle relaxant, just as melatonin is produced as the body’s natural sleep inducing agent. It is used in anti-ageing treatments to relax and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A safe alternative to Botox.
Ginseng extract - Derived from Siberian ginseng, this extract is used as a skin-tightening ingredient.
Glycerine - Used as an emollient and as a humectant. Our ingredient is plant derived.
Glyceryl stearate (vegetable) - Emulsified palm oil derived from natural sources, used as a skin conditioner and emulsifier, one of the gentlest and safest available. It does not block the pores, as most oils would.
Glycine - An Amino acid – see amino acids.
Glycolic acid - A plant-derived AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and one of the most effective. Used as a water-binding agent and exfoliant.
Grapefruit – Helps to remove excess water from the body, great for treating cellulite.
Grape seed extract - A powerful antioxidant, high in polyphenols, which helps prevents skin cell damage caused by sun exposure and pollution.
Green tea extract - Used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties, but also rich in potent antioxidants. It increases the effect of sunscreens and has anti-cellulite properties.
Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract - An extract of the vine Jiaogulan, which grows wild in the mountainous regions of southern China. In China it is known as ‘the herb of immortality’ as it is believed to delay ageing. Used in skincare as a natural circulation enhancer, bringing oxygen and nutrients to deprived areas of the skin.
Hesperidin methyl chalcone - An antioxidant, derived from sweet orange, used to fight fragility of the capillaries and decrease their permeability. Very effective in eye treatments to reduce dark circles.
Hops - Hops are the female flower of the hop vine (Humulus lupulus), used to treat itching skin, rashes and hives.
Horsetail - A herb rich in the minerals the body uses to maintain healthy tissue, particularly silica, an essential element to good skin. It aids the absorption of calcium, which helps nourish nails, skin, hair and the body’s connective tissue. It also helps eliminate excess oil from both skin and hair.
Humectant - An ingredient used to preserve moisture content, and to attract water to the skin.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) - Hyaluronic acid is essential for the structure of the skin, ensuring its ability to hold on to essential fluids and providing continuous hydration. In fact, it has unmatched hydrating properties, being able to hold more water than any other natural substance. It has also been proven to stimulate new cell growth. HA additionally acts as a defence system for the external skin, creating the ‘acid mantle’ barrier that kills bacteria and viruses which may prove harmful. The skin’s surface is naturally slightly acidic, thanks to HA, and needs to remain so for health and protection. The Hyaluronic acid ingredient we use is plant derived.
Hydrastis canadensis - More commonly known as goldenseal, it is used for its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
Hydroxyethylcellulose - Derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plants and wood. Used as a cleanser (it forms colloids round particles of dirt).
Inositol - Plays an important part in the health of cell membranes and is necessary for the formation of lecithin. Our ingredient is plant derived.
I-Tyrosine/Tyrosine - An amino acid that initiates the production of melanin, the component of skin that gives it colour.
Kojic acid - An extract of mushrooms with antioxidant properties. Inhibits melanin production and is used in skin-lightening products.
Jojoba beads - Safely and gently removes dead, dry surface skin cells, promoting a renewed and glowing skin. Gentle exfoliating beads which are the perfect alternative to polyethylene beads or ground shell exfoliants which can scratch or irritate the skin.
Jojoba Oil - Well known to early Native Americans and Mexican peoples. Their uses for the seeds inlucluded using the oil for soothing skin irritations and treating sores, cuts, bruises, and burns. Because of its unique properties, jojoba came into popular use in cosmetics following the 1971 U.S. ban on the import of sperm whale oil. A skin therapy, it’s nature's way of providing a virtually identical replacement for sebum which our skin loses due to age, sun, wind, cold, and our environment. Jojoba oil protects moisturises, soothes our skin, and gives it a healthy glow by restoring its natural pH balance.
Juniper berry - Most useful to detoxify and clear congested skin, making it excellent to help clear cellulite.
L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) - Derived from citrus fruits and vegetables, this is a form of Vitamin C stabilised and combined with liposomes for deep delivery into the skin. It stimulates collagen production and helps protect from sun damage.
Lactobacillus/Algae extract ferment 5 - From the fermentation of five forms of algae-created lactic acid, then further blended with marine algae as a buffer to soothe the skin. Used in One Step as an exfoliant. Sea algae are also used as moisturisers, with an antibacterial effect, and contain amino acids critical to the good health of the skin.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)- Lavender oil is antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and much more besides. It is excellent in promoting healing and for toning and balancing the skin. It helps reduce scarring, stimulates the growth of new skin cells and is ideal for use on all skin types but particularly so for problem skin with blackheads, pimples and acne.
Lecithin - A natural antioxidant and emollient, also a natural emulsifier, obtained principally from soy beans. It has a very similar chemistry to that of the skin and is used in the making of liposomes to deliver nutrients into the inner skin.
Lemon (Citrus limonum) - Astringent and antiseptic, very good for oily skin.
Linoleic acid (Vitamin F) - See vitamin F.
Lipadure - Derived from sugar cane, used as a moisturiser. Effective in reducing water loss as it provides a barrier film.
Liposomes - Naturally sourced, liposomes are microscopic sacs, or spheres, up to 300 times smaller than skin cells. They are used as a delivery system to carry active ingredients deeper into the skin than they would otherwise be able to go, and gradually release them over time.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (Vitamin C) - A highly effective water soluble derivative of vitamin C, non-irritating and stable, it has firming, brightening and antioxidant qualities and helps stimulate collagen production. In our product it is wrapped with an exclusive form of liposome containing natural vitamin E.
Marigold - Used to heal wounds and bruises, also useful as an astringent.
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) - Used as an emollient, to soften and soothe and help replace some of the skin's natural oils.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone - A preservative with antibacterial and antifungus effects.
Mint/Orange extract - The mint is used to tone and tighten and help reduce inflammation. The orange is extracted from the rind, which is high in bioflavoids (a type of antioxidant) and also antiseptic.
MSM (MethylSulphonylMethane) - Also known as ‘organic sulphur’. Sulphur is required for the proper synthesis and maintenance of connective tissues such as skin. MSM is derived from lignin, the natural material that bonds together the cells of trees.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) - Antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, balsamic, fungicidal, the effectiveness of this ingredient is widely recognised. It has wonderful skin regenerating properties and curbs tissue degeneration. Helps dry, stressed skin and acts as a toner for all skin types.
Neem oil - From the Indian plant known there as ‘the village pharmacy’, neem oil is antibacterial and helps the skin retain moisture.
Niacin/Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - One of the water soluble B complex vitamins, also known as vitamin B3. An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it is also affective as a skin lightening agent. Derived from rice bran.
Oat amino acids (Oat betaglucan) - Derived from oats, used as an anti-irritant and calming agent. Also soothing for red, dry or mature skin. Amino acids form the basic constituents of proteins and our ingredient provides up to 120 of them to help rebuild the skin.
Octyl methoxycinnamate/Octyl salicylate (Parsol MCX) - Sunscreen agents, protecting primarily against UVB rays. See Parsol MCX.
Olive leaf - A superb anti-inflammatory, with antimicrobial properties.
Olive Oil - Moisturises and softens; derived from olives.
Orange (Citrus aurantifolia) - Used to help brighten dull complexions.
Organic Royal Jelly - Produced by nurse bees as a food for the young, it is the only food ingested by the queen bee for the whole of her life, which can be 50 times longer than that of the worker bee. It is rich in protein, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and E, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, inositol and folic acid.
Origanum vulgare - The herb oregano, also known as wild marjoram. The leaf is traditionally used as a treatment for itching skin.
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) - A UVA absorbing sunscreen ingredient, derived from isopropanol. This is the only ingredient in One Step which is not natural or naturally derived. It is used for its effectiveness in providing sun protection.
Padimate O - A naturally derived sunscreen agent.
Palmitoyl oligopeptide - A naturally derived plant ingredient, this peptide helps to protect the skin’s collagen from the effects of UVA and contributes to thickening of the epidermis by promoting collagen renewal.
Palmitoyl pentapeptide 3/Palmitoyl tetrapeptide 3 (Matrixyl) - Also known under the brand name Matrixyl. A combination of amino acid peptides linked together which works by stimulating the matrix layers of the skin. When stimulated the skin produces more collagen, and loss of collagen is what leads to thinning skin and wrinkles. This ingredient helps counteract this part of the aging process. As effective against wrinkles as retinol but does not cause irritation, a common side-effect of retinoids.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5) - Derived from rice husks; deeply moisturises and heals.
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) - See vitamin B5.
Parsol MCX (Octyl methoxycinnamate) - Derived from methanol (otherwise known as wood alcohol, obtained by the distillation of wood), cinnamic acid (from cinnamon leaves and coca leaves) and sulphuric acid (derived from sulphur, which occurs in volcanic and sedimentary deposits). Used to help provide protection from UVB rays.
PEG-20 stearate - PEG stands for polyethylene glycol, used to help deliver other ingredients deeper into the skin, also to keep products stable.
Peppermint (Mentha piperata) - Effective in the treatment of skin irritations.
pH - The measure used for the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, graded using a scale of 1 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below is acidic, above is alkaline. The skin’s surface is naturally slightly acidic at around 4.5 and needs to remain so for health and protection.
Phyonadione (Vitamin K) - See vitamin K.
Polyphenols - Very powerful antioxidant compounds, found in certain botanicals e.g. grape seed, bilberry, cocoa.
Potassium cocoate - The potassium salt of coconut acid, used as an emulsifier.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer - An emulsifier and advanced delivery system created from plant derived polymers. It is used to create a ‘reservoir’ of active ingredients which are then time-released into the skin.
Pycogenal - A plant-derived substance found in everything from pine bark to strawberries. A potent antioxidant with strong free-radical scavenging properties.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) - See vitamin B6
Red clover - Used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A) - A form of Vitamin A that combines retinol with palmitic acid. It acts as a skin normaliser, reducing excess oil in oily skin and moisturising dry skin.
Rosa damascena - The most precious of all the essential oils. Ideal for dry, sensitive and mature skin and for those with thread veins and eczema.
Rosehip oil - Rejuvenates and repairs, rich in essential fatty acids; derived from the seeds.
Rosmarinus officinalis/Rosemary extract - An essential oil which is antibacterial, antifungal, moisturising, softening, cleansing and rejuvenating.
Sage - A natural antioxidant which refreshes, balances and tones. Effective but mild, ideal for sensitive skin.
Salicylic acid - A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) which acts as a highly effective oil reducer, pore cleanser and exfoliant. Oil-soluble and lipophilic (see liposomes) it penetrates sebum filled follicles and cleans out clogged pores. Approved by the FDA as an ingredient for the treatment of acne.
Sea algae/sea kelp/seaweed - Seaweed and sea kelp contain nutrients, trace elements and amino acids. They can penetrate the skin more readily than many other ingredients. We source ours from Hawaii, considered to be the most powerful.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) - Known for centuries as a skin care remedy and cosmetic aid with nourishing revitalizing, and restorative action. It has been traditionally utilized by Eastern and more recently by Western medicine. This extract contains a highly concentrated source of all three vitamins A, C & E which help combat wrinkles and dryness, increase cellular turnover and even out skin tone and texture.
Sesame oil - One of the very best natural conditioners for the skin, its molecules are readily and quickly absorbed. An excellent moisturiser, it is also a natural delivery system as it bonds readily with other key ingredients.
Shea butter - Derived from the nuts of the fruits of Karite trees, found particularly in African regions. The oil has very good moisturising properties, making the skin smooth. It also has natural UV protection qualitites.
Silicone - Derived from silica (sand is a silica).Used in various forms to impart a feeling of silkiness to the skin, and as a water-binding agent.
Sodium benzoate - A salt of benzoic acid (derived from balsamic resin) used as a preservative.
Sodium cocosulphate - Derived from pure coconut oil, used as a surfactant.
Sodium PCA -A naturally occurring component of human skin which is partly responsible for its moisture binding capability. It is highly water absorbing and builds moisture in the skin without adding oil. It softens, hydrates and reduces the scaling and flaking common in dehydrated, oily complexions. Our ingredient is derived from sugar cane.
Sorbic acid - Made from the berries of the mountain ash tree, used as a preservative and a humectant.
Stearic acid - Soothes, softens and is an emulsifier; derived from vegetable fatty acids.
Sunflower oil - Softens, protects and contains large amounts of Vitamin E; derived from the seed.
Surfactant - An abbreviation for ‘surface active agent’. Surfactants are wetting ingredients which lower water’s surface tension, permitting it to spread out and penetrate more easily.
Sweet almond (Prunus dulcis) - Softens and moisturises, useful in relieving dryness and itching.
Tea Tree Oil - A plant native to Australia, tea tree oil contains constituents called terpenoids and is natural antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-infection oil. Tea tree oil is not just soothing and disinfecting; it is capable of penetrating into the lower skin layers with its anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, analgesic (pain killing) and cicatrizant (wound-healing) qualities. It helps the skin to heal by encouraging the formation of scar tissue.
Tetrahexydecyl ascorbate (Vitamin C) - The most effective form of vitamin C ester, combined with Ascorbyl glucosamine to provide a highly stable delivery system. See vitamin C complex.
Thiamine HCI, Thiamine Nitrate (Vitamin B1) - See vitamin B1.
Thymus vulgaris (thyme) - A member of the mint family, with anti-microbial and astringent properties that help firm collagen.
Titanium dioxide - A non toxic crystal mineral, used as Class One, full-spectrum sunscreen. It protects from both UVA and UVB radiation, with no risk of skin irritation, and makes ‘photo stable’ products, effective for a much longer time.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) - See vitamin E.
Triethanolomine - used as a pH adjuster and emulsifier.
Vitamin A (Retinyl palmitate) - A more stable and less irritating alternative to retinol or retin-a for normalising the skin’s texture and smoothing fine lines. Vitamin A works on both the skin’s surface and the dermis below.
Vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B12 (Cyanocobalamin) - The B vitamins energise the skin and make it more responsive to cellular renewal.
Vitamin C complex (Tetrahexydecyl ascorbate, Ascorbyl glucosamine) - The lipid (insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents) form of Vitamin C combined with a highly stable delivery system. Vitamin C is found particularly in citrus fruits and green vegetables. It is essential in maintaining healthy connective tissue, helping to maintain elasticity, and is a powerful antioxidant, protecting skin cells from the free-radical damage that causes ageing. Used also as an exfoliant, Vitamin C in this form has a skin lightening effect.
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) - Necessary for the reproduction of new skin cells.
Vitamin E (Natural mixed tocopherols) - An antioxidant and emollient, obtained by the distillation of edible vegetable oils. Helps form muscle and other tissues, and helps slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Tocopherol is the scientific name for Vitamin E.
Vitamin F (Linoleic acid) - Essential to the maintenance of normal cell wall permeability and contributes to a bright, fresh complexion. Our ingredient is from organic flax seed.
Vitamin K (Phyonadione) - Helps fade and clear bruises and calm red, irritated areas. Also helps improve the appearance of broken capillaries and rosacea and reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Our ingredient is sourced from vegetables.
Wheat Germ extract - Nourishes the skin and acts as a natural preservative, thanks to its high vitamin E content. It also contains vitamins A and D and squalane and is particularly effective in treating dry, ageing skin.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginia) - Used as an astringent, it also has antiseptic properties, so doubly good for oily skin.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - A mild but effective astringent, with antibiotic and antiseptic properties.
Ylang ylang (Cananga aurantium) - Mildly antispetic, it has a balancing effect on the skin, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin types.
Zinc oxide - A natural, mineral derived sunscreen providing broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Creates ‘photo stable’ products, effective for a much longer period of time.
Zinc pyrion - Used to reduce itching.
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