Active Ingredients Glossary

Acetyl tetrapeptide-2
Trade name: Uplevity™

Benefit/feature: Acetyl tetrapeptide-2 has the effect of firming and toning skin in anti-aging skincare by enhancing the organization of elastic fibers and dermal cohesion.

Acetyl tetrapeptide-5
Trade name: Eyeseryl®

Benefit/feature: Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 has anti-edema properties which result in the reduction of puffiness around the eye area, but particularly under the eyes.

Acetyl tetrapeptide-40
Trade name: Telangyn®

Benefit/feature: Acetyl tetrapeptide-40 is an anti-inflammatory that reduces redness. Additionally, it has a photoprotective effect that reduces cell damage and the harmful effects of skin inflammation.

Alpha arbutin

Benefit/feature: Alpha arbutin is specially developed to ensure light skin tone. It is achieves this by inhibiting tyrosinase, a copper-containing enzyme that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments from tyrosine by oxidation. In additioning to its improving the brightness of skin, alpha arbutin aids in the improvement of dark spots and hyperpigmentation resulting in a more even skin tone overall.

Alpha bisabolol

Benefit/feature: Alpha bisabolol is a naturally occurring active ingredient that accelerates the healing process of skin and protects it from the effects of daily stress. It is known to have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory qualities. It has been shown to enhance the dermal penetration of other ingredients, including other active ingredients. 

Alpha lipoic acid

Benefit/feature: Alpha lipoic acid is an ultra-potent antioxidant that works best when used in conjunction with other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C. It neutralizes free radicals and functions as an excellent anti-inflammatory to help manage the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Aspen Bark Extract

Benefit/feature: Like many active ingredients, aspen bark extract serves multiple functions. First it is an effective, natural antimicrobial making it an ideal preservative. Additionally, aspen bark extract is capable of increasing cellular renewal making it an excellent skin conditioner and exfoliator.

Azulene

Benefit/feature: A derivative of chamomile, azulene has a variety of applications. In regard to skincare it is commonly found in products for those with sensitive skin. It is a gentle anti-inflammatory that helps improve the appearance of one's overall complexion, and is particularly calming for stressed or damaged skin.

Blueberry seed oil

Benefit/feature: Blueberry seed oil offers a range of benefits. Perhaps it is best known as an antioxidant and moisturizer. It also improves the firmness and plumpness of skin.

Caffeine

Benefit/feature: Caffeine is a strong antioxidant. It encourages brighter looking skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and redness. 

Chicory root extract

Benefit/feature: Chicory root extract is an effective antioxidant that reduces the appearance of swelling, inflammation, fine lines, and wrinkles. It is also soothing and calming to skin.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Benefit/feature: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vital component to the production of energy within cells. It is also a powerful free radical scavenger. It reduces the depth of wrinkles due to photo aging as well as epithelial cell turnover. It has also been shown to protect keratinocyte cells from the oxidative damage caused by UV light. 

Cucumber Extract

Benefit/feature: Cucumber is, of course, highly popularized in spa and skincare treatments. Who hasn't seen images of a spa-goer with slices of cucumbers on her eyes? Naturally, it has beneficial properties for topical use as well. Cucumber extract is a natural emollient and softener with cooling properties. It is especially nourishing for after exposure to the sun.

Cupuacu butter

Benefit/feature: Cupuacu butter is rich with antioxidants, plant polyphenols and essential fatty acids. These qualities make it ideal for boosting hydration levels and restoring the appearance of dry, dull, thinning skin. Cupuacu butter is vegan.

Diaminopropionoyl tri-peptide-33
Trade name: Preventhalia®

Benefit/feature: Diaminopropionoyl tri-peptide-33 is a preventative UV fighter and reduces the appearance of sun damage to the skin. 

Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline
Trade name: SEPILIFT™ DPHP

Benefit/feature: Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline has the effect or smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is also moisturizing and rejuvenating to the skin.

Dual Peptide Complex
Trade name: Syn®-TC

Benefit/feature: This dual peptide complex is comprised of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 and Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5. It improves the feeling of skin firmness and elasticity as well as the appearance of smoothness, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C (3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid)

Ethyl ascorbic acid is a highly stable form of Vitamin C. Because of this stability, EAA is less susceptible to turning brown or becoming ineffective over time. Vitamin C is, of course, a primary component in many skincare formulas. It is notable for its function as a powerful antioxidant as well as its ability to brighten the appearance of skin.

Emoxypine succinate

Emoxypine succinate is a water soluble antioxidant that helps protect from oxidative stress.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a derivative of green tea. It improves hydration and moisture retention, proactively works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and scavenges free radicals.

Ethylhexyl olivate

Ethylhexyl olivate is an oil based emollient. It is conditioning to the skin and helps retention of moisture, making it particularly useful for dry environments or weather.

Expeller Pressed Meadowfoam Seed Oil

Extracted from the Meadowfoam plant, this oil contains high levels of naturally occurring tocopherols (Vitamin E). Meadowfoam Seed Oil is also notable for its overall stability, making it an ideal ingredient for healthy and beauty related products.

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid has strong antioxidant properties. It is highly effective at neutralizing free radicals. It also synergizes with other antioxidants to increase their overall efficacy. Ferulic acid's antioxidant activity is boosted by exposure to UV light. 

Glucono delta lactone

Glucono Delta Lactone (GDL) is a derivative of gluconic acid and acts as a moisturizer. Generally suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skins, GDL is non-irritating and antioxidant. Its chemical composition attracts water, resulting in a moisturizing effect when part of skincare formulations.