Ingredients
THE INGREDIENTS, PLANT BASED BIOACTIVES, PRESERVATIVE AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS WE USE IN OUR PRODUCTS

Glossary of our Ingredients

GLYCERIN VEGETABLE Is a substance that attracts moisture to the skin which leaves the skin hydrated. 
CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE Derived from coconut oil and glycerine, it is considered an excellent emollient and skin replenishing ingredient. It's included in cosmetics due to its mix of fatty acids that can use be used to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. 
GLYCERYL STEARATE Derived from palm kernel, vegetable or soy oil and is also found naturally in the human body. It acts as a lubricant on the skins surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It easily penetrates the skin and slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skins surface. It has been shown to protect the skin from free radical damage.
POLYGLYCERYL-3 DICITRATE/STEARATE
Emulsifying (holds the oil based and water-based ingredients together, helping stabilize the interaction between both phases and thereby avoiding their separation in the cosmetic formulation). Surfactant (surface active agent, ingredients that lower the surface tension of cosmetics and aid in the spread ability of products when applied to the skin). 
Cleansing.
COCO CAPRYLATE
A plant derived ester of coconut alcohol, caprylic acid and capric acid (all naturally derived ingredients) it is used as a natural emollient (moisturiser).
POLYGLYCERYL-3 BEESWAX
An emulsifier, derivative that suppliers use in emulsions, oil gels and colour cosmetics (e.g lipsticks). It is an ester of beeswax with polyglycerin-3. Ester- products resulting from the combination of organic acids and alcohol. They can be natural or synthetic, liquid or solid depending on properties of the reacting substance insoluble in water, they replace oils and fats to provide a more uniform composition and preservation. They have good skin tolerance and a lubricating and emollient action. Esters are also found in essential oils.
SUCROSE LAURATE
A sugar ester (sucrose and lauric acid) that works as an emulsifier and oil thickener. It is a great ingredient to make oily gel cleansers that turn to milk on contact with water, 100% natural and combined with glycerine and oils (sugragel) it gives the basis for a gentle, yet effective moisturising oily gel cleansers.
CETYL ESTERS
Used in formulations to give body to emulsions, can stabilize and thicken, cetyl esters are produced by combining various fatty esters with cetyl palmitate.
GLYCERYL OLEATE
An emollient and stabilizer derived from olive oil, it is a water-in-oil emulsifier that allows for softer emulsions than glyceryl stearate.
COCO GLUCOSIDE
A very mild cleansing agent naturally derived from coconut oil and fruit sugar.
PENTYLENE GLYCOL
An alcohol with humectant and anti-bacterial properties (can be used as a preservative).  
CETEARYL ALCHOL
An emulsifying and stabilizing wax produced from the reduction of plant oils and natural waxes. Also used as an emollient and to give high viscosity to a finished product. Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols consisting primarily of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, (used to create cosmetic emulsions, and for its anti-foaming and lubrication action. Stearyl alcohol is also a viscosity agent and builder. It is a saturated alcohol of high purity).  
CETYL ALCOHOL
A versatile ingredient that can serve as an emollient, emulsifier thickener, binder, foam booster or emulsion stabilizer, depending on the formulation and need. It is derived from coconut or palm oil as well as being synthetically manufactured. It is considered by some sources to be non-comedogenic material. 
CERATONIA SILIQUA GUM
Is the ground seed of the ripe fruit of St Johns bread (carob) ceratonia siliqua L (Locust Bean) used for binding, emollient, emulsion stabilising, film foaming, masking and viscosity controlling.
SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE
An emulsifier. It can be obtained by natural or synthetic sources. Derived from the sodium salt of lactic acid and stearic acid. Sodium stearoyl lactylate offers skin moisturisation and a smooth feel on application. 
MALTODEXTRIN
A polysaccharide obtained most often from corn, potatoes or rice starch. It is considered to be absorbent and skin conditioning, and can be used as an emulsion stabilizer or a film former.
SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE
An emulsifier. It can be obtained by natural or synthetic sources. Derived from the sodium salt of lactic acid and stearic acid. Sodium stearoyl lactylate offers skin moisturisation and a smooth feel on application. 
SUCROSE
An emollient mild emulsifier and humectant. It can be used in place of glycerine. 
SODIUM BENZOATE
A non-toxic organic salt preservative that is particularly effective against yeast, with some activity against moulds and bacteria.
SORBITOL
Absorbs moisture from the air to prevent skin dryness, leaving skin smooth and velvety. However if the skins moisture content is greater than that of the atmosphere, it will draw moisture out of the skin, thereby increasing the feeling of dryness.
PANTHENOL (pro-vitamin B5)
Acts as a penetrating moisturiser, can stimulate cellular proliferation and aid in tissue repair. Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. 
POTASSIUM SORBATE
A preservative primarily against mould and yeast. It is non-toxic but may cause mild skin irritation.
HYDROXYACETOPHENONE
Acts as a preservative booster, anti-irritant, antioxidant. As a booster it improves the efficacy of various preservatives.
POLYGLYCERYL-6-STEARATE
An emulsifier that can be found in products for sensitive skins. 
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE
Provides good slip and softness and acts as a binder.
LECITHIN
A natural emollient, emulsifier, antioxidant and spreading agent. Obtained from eggs and soya beans, it attracts water and acts as a moisturiser. Found in all living organisms.
GLYCINE
An amino acid used as a texturizer in cosmetics formulations. It makes up approx. 30 percent of the collagen molecule.
GLYCINE SOYA PROTEIN
A multi-functional ingredient that serves as a solvent emulsifier, surfactant and skin conditioner. It can also help improve skin moisturisation.
SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE
An amino acid-based cleansing agent and oil-in-water emulsifier. It can be obtained from natural and synthetic sources. 
GLYCERYL POLYACRYLATE
Is a film former and viscosity agent with strong hydrating power and a very high water absorbing capacity. It contains a natural fragment of elastic and can help to reconstruct the dermis and increase skin firmness.
BENZYL ALCOHOL
A preservative against bacteria. 
PHENOXYETHANOL
A broad range preservative with fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal and germicidal properties. It has a relatively low sensitizing factor in leave-on cosmetics.
DEHYDROACETIC ACID
A preservative with low sensitizing potential. This is a weak acid used as a fungi and bacteria destroying agent in cosmetics. The presence of organic matter decreases its effectiveness. It is not irritating or allergy causing when applied to the skin. 
PROPANEDIOL
A solvent and used to reduce a formulation’s viscosity. It can be synthetically manufactured or naturally derived from certain plants e.g. corn. 
CELLULOSE GUM
A thickener, binder and emulsifier equivalent to cellulose fiber. It is resistant to bacterial decomposition and provides a product with uniform viscosity. It can prevent skin moisture loss by forming a film on the skins surface. Constituents are any of several fibrous substances consisting of the chief part of a plants cell walls (often extracted from wood pulp or cotton).
CITRONELLOL
A constituent of plant essential oils found abundantly in eucalyptus oil, it is used for masking odour or providing a fragrance component to a cosmetic product.
GERANIOL
Perfuming and tonic properties. It is a primary constituent in many essential oils including citronella lavender, lemongrass, orange flower and ylang ylang. 
BENZYL BENZOATE
An anti-microbial, it can also act as a solvent, helping dissolve other substances in the product and as a perfuming ingredient. It is the ester of benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid (benzoic acid is a preservative against moulds and yeasts).
FARNESOL
Described as a substance of high biological potential, capable of acting in the skin as a true bio activator. A biological precursor and fatty alcohol, Farnesol is one component of Vitamin K. It is said to help smooth wrinkles, normalize sebum secretion and increase the skins elasticity, tissue tension and moisture binding capability and it can penetrate the epidermis. In humans farnesol is found in the skin and is involved in sterol biosynthesis. It is also used for its odour masking, and skin soothing properties. It is widely present in vegetables and found in essential oils.
XANTHAN GUM (CORN STARCH GUM)
Serves as a texturizer, carrier agent and gelling agent in cosmetics preparations. It also stabilizes and thickens formulations.
BENZYL SALICYLATE
A fragrance found naturally occurring in carnations and in certain members of the primrose family although it can be derived for cosmetic use from natural essential oils, such as jasmine oil, neroli, ylang ylang, it can be synthetically manufactured. 
CITRAL
A naturally occurring aroma compound used to provide a lemon type fragrance. Citral is a constituent of lemon oil, lemon grass, lime oil, ginger oil, verbena oil and other plant derived essential oils.
EUGENOL
A botanical fraction, it is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving, it can mask odour or provide fragrance generally associated with clove cinnamon and bay leaf.
LIMONENE
Used as a perfuming ingredient, it can also act as a solvent, it is naturally occurring citrus rind and in a variety of essential oils including grapefruit, lime, peppermint and sage.
LINALOOL
A fragrant component of both lavender and coriander. It can be incorporated into cosmetics for perfuming or odour masking activity.  
PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULIS (SWEET ALMOND OIL)
An emollient locks in moisture, works to keep the skin intact and supple and contains essential fatty acids. 
BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER) Is an emollient. It is highly moisturising with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It stimulates cell renewal and promotes healing. 
ALOE BARDADENSIS (ALOE VERA)
Soothes skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. It also offers antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and promotes healing effects on scars and wounds. It provides natural protection against UV damage.
COCO NUCIFERA (VIRGIN COCONUT OIL)
High in protective antioxidants and antibacterial fatty acids. It provides moisturising effects and prevents water loss. 
COENOCHLORIS SIGNIENSIS (SNOW ALGAE)
Strengthens the skins barrier function, increases skin hydration, enhances DNA repair and cellular activity and produces a restorative effect on the skin. 
ORANGE FLOWER WATER
Stimulates new cell growth (collagen and elastin synthesis), has exfoliating properties, smooths fine lines, replenishes moisture in the skin and increases the thickness of the epidermis and brightens skin.
GALACTOARABINAN
A highly efficient polysaccharide with skin tightening properties for instant radiance. It helps encourage skin cell renewal, promoting the reduction of scarring and stretch marks.
HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL)
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent and moisturising. 
HIBISCUS BERRY
Rich in antioxidants, firming and lifting effects, moisturising, contains natural AHAs for smoothing, brightening and improving rough texture and good for breakouts.
BILBERRY
Antioxidant contains vitamin C, natural anti-inflammatory, nourishes and protects skin at a cellular level.
CARRAGEENAN EXTRACT
A very common thickener that, in its sodium salt form, has jellifying properties. It can help maintain the skin feeling soft and in good condition. Carrageenan is a polysaccharide of red algae origin with a seaweed like odour and is considered non-toxic.
VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPESEED OIL)
Has moisturising and nourishing properties because of its high linoleic acid content. Grapeseed oil is the fixed oil obtained by pressing grapeseeds.

Some Terms Explained

ANTIMICROBIAL
Is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth.
ANTIBACTERIAL
Is anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Are topical free radical scavengers that help neutralize free radicals before they attach themselves to cell membranes, eventually destroying the cell.
ALLERGEN
Is a substance that provokes an allergic reaction.
AMINO ACIDS
Are proteins that help break down simple sugars, fats and parts of proteins. Incorporating proteins into skin care preparations can provide such benefits as moisturising, regenerating, stimulating cell proliferation and reducing the irritation of certain surfactants.
BOTANICAL
A plant element containing active plant constituents that can elicit certain biological responses when applied to the skin.
COLLAGEN
Is a large, long-chain molecular protein that lies on top of the skin and binds water, it also helps prevent water loss.
COSMECEUTICAL
A combination of the words cosmetics and pharmaceutical which are products that are not drugs intended to treat disease but they still benefit the skin in a positive way.
ELASTIN Derived from coconut oil and glycerine, it is considered an excellent emollient and skin replenishing ingredient, it's included in cosmetics due to its mix of fatty acids that can be used to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. 
ELASTIN FIBRILS
Intertwine throughout the reticular layer and gives the skin its firmness and elasticity.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
The basic building blocks of body fats and cellular membranes, if the skins EFA declines, so will its elasticity. Meanwhile trans epidermal water loss will increase, together with skin roughness and scaliness. Examples of EFAs are omegas 3, 6 and 9.
FREE RADICALS (REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES)
Electrically charged and highly unstable, they are very reactive oxygen atoms or molecules. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defence system of antioxidants.
OLEIC ACID
Also known as omega 9, oleic acid can help improve the skin penetration abilities of a preparations other components.
OXIDATION
Is the process by which oxygen is exposed to certain ingredients, resulting in a breakdown of the ingredient.
PARABENS
A family of synthetic preservatives.
PEPTIDES
Are chains of amino acids used in skin care products to produce changes in the skins appearance.
PHYTOTHERAPY
Refers to the use of plants or plant extracts for their therapeutic value in a cosmetic product. It includes the use of plant extracts, distilled waters, and essential oils.
POLYPHENOLS
A family of very powerful botanical antioxidants.
VITAMIN C
Is a water soluble vitamin essential in the skin for helping to neutralize free radicals. It is also needed in the production of collagen.
VITAMIN E
Is a fat- soluble vitamin that is a strong antioxidant.
VITAMIN A
Its cancer-fighting (antioxidant) properties, and its role in collagen production help keep your skin healthy. It helps to heal damaged skin and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
VITAMIN K
Is essential in aiding the body's process of blood clotting, which helps the body heal wounds, bruises, and areas affected by surgery. The basic functions of vitamin K are also thought to help certain skin conditions, such as stretch marks and spider veins.
VITAMIN B
Has been shown to improve the ability of the epidermis, the upper-most layer of the skin, to retain moisture – leading to softer, smoother skin with less dryness and flakiness, and a reduction of fine lines.

NATURAL ACTIVES

ROSEHIP OIL
Protects and repairs with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, plus essential fatty acids to help improve skin tone and texture.
MEADOWFOAM SEED OIL
Helps slow moisture loss from the skin via long chain fatty acids.
CALENDULA OIL
Calms skin, relieve acne and soothe skin irritation.
SEABUCKTHORN SEED OIL
Naturally cleanses and exfoliates.
ARGAN OIL
Is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids to hydrate and soften skin.
SWEET ALMOND OIL
Deeply cleanses; suitable for sensitive skin.
WALNUT SHELL POWDER
Gently polishes away dead skin cells.
ROSEHIP SEED POWDER
Is naturally rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids to help improve skin tone and texture.
CRANBERRY SEED POWDER
A vitamin rich antioxidant powerhouse with A,C,E and K to help improve firmness and elasticity while protecting skin from environmental agressors.
BENTONITE CLAY
Helps draw toxins from the pores, allowing skin to heal.
COPPER PEPTIDE
Acts protects skin and improves skin firmness.
KAHAI OIL
Is deeply calming and a natural source of vitamen E, Linoleic acid retinol.
PRICKLY PEAR
Contains antioxidants vitamin E and skin softening vitamin K, plus essential fatty acids to hydrate and nourish.
MONGONGO OIL
Moisturises and brightens skin with antioxidants and fatty acids: omegas 3, 6 and 9.
AFRICAN STAR GRASS
Contains antioxidant compound Rooperol plus has healing and calming effects on the skin.
MORINGA OIL
Is a calming, soothing and naturally high in Vitamin A, B, C, E, antioxidants and Oleic Acid
PARACRESS FLOWER BUDS
Help improve skin firmness and smoothness.
ELDERBERRY FLOWER EXTRACT
Helps reduce puffiness and dark circles.
GREEN COFFEE SEED EXTRACT
Helps stimulate to reduce puffiness.
HIBISCUS FLOWER EXTRACT
Is very anti-oxidant.
ORANGE FLOWER WATER
Helps to exfoliate and brighten skin.
BILBERRY
An antioxidant rich in vitamin C. Helps nourish and protect skin
CAMELLIA SEED OIL
Is rich in omega 3,6,9 and is soothing and nourishing.
KARANJA SEED OIL
Helps remove toxins from the skin.
KAHAI NUT OIL
Rich in omega 6, soothes skin and protects against environmental aggressors.
LADYS THISTLE OIL
Helps relieve skin redness and irritation.
LAVENDER OIL
Is soothing and healing.
FRANKINCENSE GUM OIL
Is anti oxidant.
ROMAN CHAMOMILE OIL
Is calming and soothing.
ROSE GERANIUM OIL
Is soothing and hydrating.
JASMINE ABSOLUTE OIL
Moisturising and soothing.
ANGELICA ROOT
Helps purify and detoxify skin.
ROSEMARY LEAF OIL
Is an antioxidant and helps improve skin texture.
YLANG YLANG
Is an antiseptic, rejuvenating, calming and soothing, good for irritated skin and controls acne and eczema skin.
BENZOIN RESIN EXTRACT
Helps reduces skin redness and irritation.
HELICHRYSUM OIL
Is an astringent and calming.

OUR PRESERVATIVE SYSTEMS

ACTIVE REPAIR NOURISHING CLEANSING BALM
Oil based, no preservatives ( Pentylene Glycol, natural derived from sugar cane)
ACTIVE REPAIR RADIANCE POLISHER
All natural biodegradable powders, no preservatives
ACTIVE SUPER EYE SERUM
Hydroxyacetophenone (0.5% nature identical), Sodium Benzoate (0.24% synthetic), Potassium Sorbate (0.12% synthetic), Benzyl Alcohol (0.51% plant derived), Dehydroacetic acid (0.0017% synthetic), Propanediol (0.1425% preservative in an ingredient)
ACTIVE REPAIR COPPER PEPTIDE SERUM
Hydroxyacetophenone (0.5%, nature identical), Potassium Sorbate (0.0759% synthetic), Sodium Benzoate (0.1518% synthetic), Phenoxyethanol (0.0088% an incidental ingredient, preservative used in one of the ingredients)
ACTIVE REPAIR COPPER PEPTIDE CREAM
Hydroxyacetophenone (0.5% nature identical), Sodium Benzoate (0.24% synthetic), Potassium Sorbate (0.12% synthetic), Benzyl Alcohol ( 0.5%, plant derived, Phenoxyethanol (0.0088% preservative in an ingredient)
ACTIVE SUPER OIL
Oil based, no preservatives( Pentylene Glycol 0.078%, natural derived from sugar cane)

DELIVERY SYSTEMS

COPPER PEPTIDE

Copper Peptide active repair Copper Peptide Serum Tripeptide-1, Copper Acetate (Omega-CH-Activator F ®). Copper is one of the body’s natural trace elements. Copper Peptides, a copper element with 3 amino acids, occur naturally within the skin and can be found at trace levels in the body, such as in blood plasma. Free Radicals are one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing. Radicals damage cells and elastin, degrade collagen and hyaluronic acid, leading to decreased elasticity of the skin and an increased number of wrinkles. This mixture of amino acids, free radical scavengers and peptides helps to activate mitochondrial metabolism, providing biochemical energy ‘ATP’-Adenosine Triphosphate) for vital cell processes, such as cell division and protein synthesis. This helps to stimulate collagen production, anti-inflammatory actions and tissue repair. In-vitro results proved a 55% reduction in the degradation of Hyaluronic Acid whilst being exposed to free radicals.

COLLODIAL PLATINUM & PEPTIDE

Platinum Matrix is a delivery system based on platinum particles bound to a powerful anti-ageing peptide. This delivery system increases stabilisation, solubility, and bioavailability of the peptide over time. With this release system, the bioavailability can be increased up to 90 times compared to the half-life of a free peptide in the skin, so the effectiveness of the active is maintained with lower doses. Platinum Matrix helps increase the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the dermis, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and improving elasticity. In-vivo results proved a 65% wrinkle reduction after 4 weeks.