Derived from grains such as wheat, barley and rye. Very effective against acne and used as a bleaching agent for skin, therefore great for treating hyperpigmentation and dark marks on the skin. Helps to shed old skin cells and is antibacterial.
This is an enhanced biosynthetic form of Arbutin, which is naturally derived from bearberry plants. Its main function in skincare is to brighten and even skin tone.
Ceramides make up about 40% of our skin’s lipid bilayer - the glue that holds our skin cells together to form the protective skin barrier. They help to boost hydration in the skin, prevent dehydration and regulate what goes in and out of the skin.

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage from pollution and the sun. It also helps to protect against skin discolouration. It pairs well with Vitamin C and E to make them more stable.
A Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA), found naturally in the skin and provides gentle anti-ageing benefits without irritation. Its main role is to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce sensitivity. Even for sensitive skin conditions like It’s great for Rosacea-prone and sensitive skin types.
An exfoliant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its job is to loosen the bond that hold the uppermost underperforming dead skin cells, causing them to shed and reveal underlying skin.
Epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) is an active compound in green tea that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on the skin, whilst protecting against the effects of UV radiation from the sun.

The most famous humectant that helps the skin to retain water to keep it hydrated and balanced. Great for all skin types.
A skin-lightening ingredient that is used medically to brighten and even the skin tone. Its main function is to suppress melanin in order to prepare the skin for further treatments and to lighten darkened patches of skin. It’s a controversial ingredient within skincare, but when used short term and under prescription from a doctor or dermatologist with careful monitoring, it can be very effective.
Very effective for brightening uneven skin tones and also has some antioxidant benefits.

A very popular Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that comes from milk.
It’s an exfoliating ingredient and encourages the skin to shed old, dull and dead skin cells.
Lactobionic acid is technically a Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA) that comes from milk sugar. It’s a potent antioxidant with the ability to strengthen and moisturise skin. Its non-irritating and helps to combat uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores and rough skin.
Containing an active called Glabridin, liquorice extract is able to tackle hyperpigmentation resulting from sun damage and daily trauma to the skin. It’s often seen as a natural skin-brightening alternative to hydroquinone.

A very gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is effective on all skin types, even sensitive skin. It’s an exfoliant used to smooth the skin and can also help fade post breakout dark marks.
Also belonging to the Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA) family, Maltobionic Acid is plant based and comes from malt sugar to provide protection from environmental, pollution and sun damage to the skin. It’s effective even for sensitive skin and also helps to improve texture and hydrate.
Proven to be an effective ingredient to fight dark marks and skin discolouration by helping to prevent the production of melanin.
Niacinamide is plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It helps the skin to retain water and boost ceramides. It can also help to visibly reduce pore size, improve skin texture and fade dark marks.

Resveratrol is naturally found in grapes, red wine, berries and peanuts. It’s an effective antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
Also known as retinaldehye, it is a type of retinoid that helps to improve the look of spot and blemish prone skin, helps to stimulate collagen to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Compared to retinol, it has one less conversion step to be useful in the skin, making to a better tolerated ingredient.
Essentially a skin communicating ingredient, in the same family as retinal, that tells the skin to renew and behave younger. It smooths the appearance of wrinkles, refines the pores, controls oils and helps to fade discolouration.

A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) exfoliant that has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin by calming breakouts and angry skin. It works very well on oily/acne prone skin types because it can penetrate deep in the pore lining and help break down the sticky bonds that hold dead skin cells together.
Squalane is a naturally occurring substance and is a common fatty acid produced by the skin. Lightweight and non-greasy with antioxidant and moisturising benefits to help maintain the skin barrier.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic amino acid that comes from lysine. It’s known for fading skin discolouration, reducing dark marks and redness.
Tretinoin is a prescription-only medicated cream used to treat acne, visibly reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, create a more even skin tone and smooth the texture of the skin.
Also known as Ascorbic Acid, it’s a powerhouse antioxidant that plays an important role in the production of collagen and helps to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. Vitamin C can help to repair damaged skin including brighten and fade any existing discolouration.

Skincare is easier when you know what different ingredients can do for your skin.

Learn which ingredients to trust - and which to ditch - to create a routine right for you.