Retinyl propionate (developed by our acne-mentor, Dr. Fulton) is closest in molecular size to pure retinol. It’s small enough to reach its target but large enough to minimize irritation.
Retinol reduces fine lines, treats acne, reduces pigmentation, clears pores and reveals brighter skin — essentially it‘s the closest thing to skincare magic we have. Retinoids work by increasing cell turnover. In other words, it exfoliates the skin, boosts collagen production and encourages the skin to renew itself – which helps with all of the above.
Acne scars develop as a result of injury to the skin and the body’s natural wound-healing response, which can sometimes lead to uneven texture and pink or dark spots on the skin. Retinol and retinoids speed up cell renewal and kickstart collagen production to improve the look of indentations and discolouration.
Retinol is fantastic for pigmentation.
Those dark, clover-shaped patches on your skin are the result of excess melanin (pigment) building up on your skin as a result of sun damage or inflammation. We know that retinol slows down the production of melanin so it's great for pigmentation.
Retinol for wrinkles.
Our skin changes its behaviour with age. The rate at which fresh skin cells bubble up to the surface slows down; skin struggles to hold onto moisture, and elastin and collagen – the springs and stuffing of your skin – start to break down. Retinol is the best thing as it gives back to the skin, making it thicker, plumper and firmer looking.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid brightens dullness, smooths, and evens skin, while also making it look fresh and healthy. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Niacinamide
This superstar ingredient has a plethora of benefits as a skin care ingredient including its ability to:
Minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and improve “orange peel” textured skin.
Restore skin’s defenses against moisture loss and dehydration.
Visibly even out skin tone and discolorations from sun damage.
Among a handful of other amazing skin care ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C, niacinamide is a standout because of its versatility for almost any skin care concern and skin type.
Pentapeptide-18
This is a peptide that has been studied for its ability to reduce signs of aging, including minimizing the appearance of expression lines and visibly reducing wrinkle depthl. It’s also noted in research for its ability to hydrate skin and improve firmness.
Hexapeptide 8
Due to its similar structure to botulinum toxin, acetyl hexapeptide 8 in considered an excellent, non-invasive alternative to Botox. Restores the skin's natural water barrier, and helps bind water to the skin, improving dry skin. It also helps to improve skin elasticity.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid blocks the UV activation of tyrosinase, thereby limiting melanin production. This means it can help lighten existing sunspots and photodamage, fade the dark marks left from acne scarring or after a pimple, and even improve melasma.
