Ingredient Glossary

Ingredient Glossary

Here is your guide to all the ingredients that show up in our formulas.

Argireline

INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A synthetic neurotransmitter inhibiting peptide that is designed to act as a topical version of the injectable Botox. Research indicates it may inhibit the release of the neurotransmitter involved in facial muscle contractions, helping to smooth dynamic wrinkles.

DMAE Bitartrate

The salt of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), an analog of B Vitamin choline and precursor of acetylcholine. While acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, it also appears to play an active role in the skin and functions similarly to growth factors. Early studies indicate it can improve skin hydration and firmness as well as reduce wrinkle depth around the eyes.

Germall Plus

INCI: Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
A highly effective and safe broad spectrum preservative used to inhibit microbial growth in cosmetics. We’ve chosen it because it works well for water based, leave-on products in the pH range you’ll find in our serums.

Glycerin

Also known as glycerol, this is a well studied humectant (a molecule that attracts and binds water to hydrate skin) used in skincare. It can be found naturally in the skin as part of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (the humectants inside the cells of the skin barrier) and is also conducted by aquaporins across skin cells.

Human Stem Cell Conditioned Media

The end product after stem cells have been cultured in a growth medium, leaving behind the secreted factors we call secretome. Think of it as the perfect cocktail of growth factors for skin and hair rejuvenation.

The type of stem cell used does influence the final mixture and the type of stem cell conditioned media we use depends on whether we are formulating for face or scalp.

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Derived from cellulose, a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants, this water soluble polymer is used as a gelling agent and thickener in cosmetics. It also has applications in the medical field for wound healing and getting active ingredients into the skin. We’ve added it because it gives our serums a nice gel texture and imparts hydration as well.

Hydroxyethyl Urea

A synthetic version of urea. Like glycerin, urea is a component of our skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor and is transported by aquaporins. In addition to being a humectant, it improves the function of the skin barrier and can increase skin permeability and penetration of active ingredients.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

A derivative of Vitamin C with antioxidant and brightening properties. Unlike ascorbic acid, MAP doesn’t require a low pH and plays well with other ingredients. This makes it a good addition to the wide array of skin beneficial ingredients we incorporate in our facial serums.

Matrixyl 3000

INCI: Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
This duo of peptides are classified as matrikines, peptide fragments that work similarly to growth factors as far as regulating cell activity and acting as messengers. They work synergistically to repair aging skin while also aiding in hydration.

Optiphen Plus

Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid
Like Germall Plus, this is a safe and effective broad spectrum preservative. Used in our hair serums, this both preserves and adds emolliency.

Panthenol

Panthenol, a form of Vitamin B3, is a skincare multitasker. It is anti-inflammatory and moisturizing while helping restore skin health by improving barrier function, aiding skin repair, and reducing itching, redness, and roughness. Because Vitamin B3 is also a precursor required for acetylcholine synthesis, panthenol may also aid in the efficacy of DMAE.

Propanediol

Used as an alternative to propylene glycol, this ingredient serves as a solvent and preservative booster in skincare formulations. It’s also a humectant, working synergistically with glycerin to improve its texture and increase hydration.

Sodium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid requires no introduction thanks to the popularity it’s enjoyed in skincare circles. Like the other humectants we include in our serums, this salt form binds and attracts moisture to increase skin hydration. It’s found in the skin not only in the NMF but also the living epidermis and dermis.

Water

While it may seem like water needs no explanation, we’ve included it here to drive home its importance in skincare formulations. Water is a solvent, not just “filler.” Without water, anhydrous products like serums would be sticky and gritty. So we proudly include it alongside effective concentrations of proven ingredients in our serums.