1 |
hippophae rhamnoides water (70%)
| A plant-infused water. The concentration of compounds with potential skin benefits is unlikely to be effective |
2 |
ascorbic acid (21.5%)
| One of the few well researched potent anti-aging ingredients. When it is able to penetrate the skin in an active state, it is effective against fine lines and wrinkles, helps improve skin elasticity and reduce hyperpigmentation. It acts as a powerful anti-oxidant and stimulates collagen production. The main issue with ascorbic acid is that it is highly unstable, in other words, it is losing its effectivenss quickly when exposed to air and light (if a serum or cream containing ascorbic acid has an orange color, it is a likely that the ingredient has oxidized and is no longer active). In addition, it is water-soluble, meaning that it has difficulty pentrating the skin. It is also quite irritating, and can cause stinging. When used in low concentrations, helps stabilize the product formulation |
3 |
sodium lactate
| Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product |
4 |
1,2-hexanediol
| A preservative |
5 |
sodium hyaluronate
| One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin |
6 |
panthenol
| Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function |
7 |
cassia obtusifolia seed extract
| |
8 |
allantoin
| Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated |
9 |
xanthan gum
| Used to create a thicker product consistency |
10 |
ethyl hexanediol
| Used to dissolve other ingredients. Might be irritating |