A fat-soluble vitamin and alongside its natural derivatives (Retinaldehyde, Retinoic Acid, Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate). Vitamin A plays a key role in cell growth and development, making it an excellent topical ingredient for skin conditions like acne and psoriasis, but also hyperpigmentation.

Ferulic acid is an organic compound commonly found in grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. It’s usually combined with vitamin C and vitamin E to boost product stability as well as deliver antioxidants to the skin. It works by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the enzymes involved in their generation whilst offering anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits to the skin.

Also known as Ascorbic Acid, it’s a powerhouse ingredient for dark skin. It’s an 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. Using Vitamin C in your skincare can help to repair damaged skin including brighten and fade any existing spots of hyperpigmentation.

The sunshine vitamin is essential for strong and healthy bones, but also necessary for the skin. In its Vitamin D3 form, the outcomes of skin conditions like acne and rosacea are improved due to its antimicrobial activity. Insufficient amounts of Vitamin D will cause skin to appear thinner and more fragile. Darker skin tones require even more Vitamin D than Caucasians as melanin prevents the skin from absorbing enough of the necessary sun rays.

Containing an active called Glabridin, liquorice extract has the ability to treat hyperpigmentation resulting from sun damage and trauma to the skin.  It’s often seen as a natural skin-brightening alternative to hydroquinone.

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 with careful monitoring, it can be very effective. In the UK, Hydroquinone is a prescription drug and using it without medical guidance can lead to Ochronosis, a noticeable condition in which the skin becomes dark and thickened.

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 by inhibiting the body from processing Tyrosine – the protein behind excessive melanin production that contributes to hyperpigmentation and melasma.

Tranexamic acid is a man-made form of the protein lysine that is widely used in medicine to prevent excess blood loss. Studies have proved that it has beneficial skin whitening effects through inhibiting the release of factors that stimulate the production of melanin. It’s mode of action in the skin makes it particularly effective in treating UV-induced hyperpigmentation such as melasma.

Kojic acid is produced by several different species of fungi that have the ability to limit the synthesis of melanin in the skin. It’s often found in skin whitening and brightening products to combat hyperpigmentation, dark marks and scarring. Studies have shown some irritation with prolonged use of Kojic Acid, especially if it’s above 1% of the total ingredient formulation.

Resveratrol is naturally found in grapes, red wine, berries and peanuts. It works within the skin to improve its natural defence capabilities and boosts self-repair. Like many effective antioxidants, it has great anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits alongside combating UV-induced free radical activity.

Epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) is an abundant compound in green tea that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on the skin, whilst protecting against the effects of UV radiation. It acts upon the MMP’s (enzymes which degrade vital proteins in the skin) to prevent UV damage and degradation of the extracellular matrix. This is a good ingredient for treating sun damage in the skin.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland to regulate the circadium rhythm. It’s activities within the skin include the enhancement of the production and regulation of antioxidant enzymes to prevent DNA damage and cell death. It’s a great ingredient for managing all forms of oxidative stress within the skin.

Ferulic acid is an organic compound commonly found in grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. It’s usually combined with vitamin C and vitamin E to boost product stability as well as deliver antioxidants to the skin. It works by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the enzymes involved in their generation whilst offering anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits to the skin.

Allantoin is naturally present in plants, animals and bacteria. This potent ingredient is usually extracted from the comfry plant to be used in cosmetics. It promotes a healthy skin barrier by replenishing moisture content in the skin, enhancing its natural exfoliation process, reducing irritation and improving smoothness.

Squalane is a naturally occurring substance and it’s one of the most common lipids produced by the skin. The quantity of squalane in the skin decreases drastically by age 30 which contributes to the development of dry skin. It’s a great staple oil as its saturated structure makes it a lot more stable than its family member squalene, Additionally, it doesn’t have a greasy feel and it has added antioxidant and anti-bacterial effects - perfect for acne prone skin.

Ceramides contribute to 40% of the lipid bilayer - the glue that holds our skin cells together to form the protective barrier. They come in many different forms which are widely used in cosmetics to boost hydration in the skin, prevent dehydration and regulate what goes in and out of the skin.

Niacinamide (or nicotinamide) is part of the vitamin B complex and it plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It does this through reducing transepidermal water loss, increasing ceramide content and facilitating skin cell differentiation - all of which improve the moisture content of the epidermis.