Ingredient Glossary

Acmella Oleracea Extract, also known as Gatuline® Expression AF, is a natural, plant-derived alternative to injectable wrinkle treatments. It contains Spilanthol, a natural compound that relaxes facial muscles, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also supports natural collagen and elastin production by stimulating fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing these proteins), leading to firmer and more elastic skin for long-term anti-ageing benefits.

Algae Extract is a nutrient-dense marine active, rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and essential minerals that help protect skin from environmental damage. Its high antioxidant capacity neutralises free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution, reducing oxidative stress that accelerates skin ageing. Naturally hydrating polysaccharides draw and retain moisture, reinforcing the skin barrier and improving elasticity. The combination of protective and replenishing actions helps maintain a smoother, more resilient, and plumper complexion.

Allantoin is a natural plant derivative, widely used in skincare for its soothing, hydrating, softening and healing properties.

Aloe Leaf Juice has a long history of use for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating effects on the skin. Its versatility makes it suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for dehydrated, weakened, and sensitive skin.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids are a chemical exfoliant which exfoliate the top layers of the skin, offering a variety of benefits. They are mostly derived from plant-based sources. Some of the most common AHAs are Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Mandelic Acid and Malic Acid. Depending on the type of AHA, they can reduce dullness, even skin tone, reduce pigmentation, tighten pores, stimulate collagen production, hydrate the skin and offer antioxidant protection. AHAs are generally less irritating and drying to the skin as they are water-soluble.

Amino Acids form the essential foundation of peptides and proteins, crucial for restoring and maintaining optimal healthy skin and body functions. These versatile ingredients bring a range of benefits from strengthening and renewing to deeply hydrating, brightening, and protecting the skin.

Arnica Extract is rich in flavonoids and Phenolic Acid. It has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, expert at protecting sensitive skin and soothing tightness. Arnica also contains strong antioxidant and protective benefits.

Avocado Oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omegas 3 & 6) and has healthy repairing, anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties. Furthermore, it is also extremely adept at preserving the barrier function and preventing Trans epidermal Water Loss (TEWL).

Phyto-retinols function as plant-derived retinol alternatives, supporting skin renewal, collagen production and overall skin regeneration while maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. They work by mimicking the activity of traditional retinoids, stimulating cell turnover and enhancing collagen synthesis to improve firmness, smooth wrinkles and refine skin texture. By activating these pathways, phyto-retinols help to improve skin density, even tone and enhance overall clarity. Due to their gentle, bio-compatible mechanism, they deliver effective anti-ageing benefits without the irritation, sensitivity or barrier disruption commonly associated with traditional retinoids.

A powerful antioxidant and natural precursor to vitamin A, Beta-Carotene is found in richly pigmented fruits and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. It helps to neutralise free radicals, support skin cell renewal, and promote a healthy, radiant glow. Known for its protective and reparative benefits, Beta-Carotene strengthens the skin’s defences against environmental stress, helps improve tone and texture, and supports barrier resilience, making it ideal for dull, tired, or UV-exposed skin.

Centella Asiatica is a powerful antioxidant which has immense anti-inflammatory, soothing and wound-healing benefits. Rich in chlorophyll, it is also extremely proficient at reducing redness. Also known as "Tiger Grass" as tigers were known to roll in it after having been wounded.

Ceramides are lipids naturally found in our skin barrier. They play an essential role in preventing Trans epidermal Water Loss (TEWL)  which is the loss of moisture through the skin, by restoring and maintaining healthy the skin's barrier function. Ceramides also enhance the skin's natural protection against environmental aggressors and irritants, helping to keep skin balanced and calm.

Chamomile Extract, derived from chamomile flowers, is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory actives. This gentle extract not only soothes and calms but also deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin. With its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it effectively heals and protects, promoting skin health and resilience.

Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining firmness, plumpness and elasticity. It functions as a powerful hydrating and film-forming agent, attracting and retaining water at the skin’s surface while forming a flexible, protective layer that reduces trans-epidermal water loss. By increasing water content within the upper layers of the skin, it creates immediate plumping to smooth fine lines and improve overall suppleness. This hydration-driven mechanism allows the skin to appear fuller, softer and more cushioned.

Ectoin, alternatively spelled "ectoine," is a derivative of amino acids—organic compounds that serve as the fundamental building blocks of proteins and peptides. It functions to protect cellular structures in organisms exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as high salinity, extreme pressure, and severe temperature fluctuations. It achieves this by stabilising critical biomolecules, including enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acids. Ectoin forms a protective barrier around the skin, shielding it from environmental stressors such as ultraviolet (UVA) radiation and pollution. Furthermore, ectoin mitigates transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by reducing stress on the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, even in arid and challenging environments. Ectoin provides several scientifically backed benefits for skin health, including: -  Its ability to reduce TEWL contributes to softer, smoother skin by maintaining optimal moisture levels and supporting a balanced skin microbiome. -  It helps protect against UVA-induced damage, reducing hyperpigmentation and photoaging. - Ectoin alleviates skin sensitivity and stress, making it suitable for irritated or compromised skin.

Enzymes function as gentle exfoliating agents, breaking down the protein bonds that hold dead skin cells together at the surface while preserving the integrity of healthy skin. By selectively dissolving this buildup, enzymes support natural cell turnover, helping to refine texture, brighten the complexion and improve product absorption. Due to their targeted, non-abrasive mechanism, they are particularly well-suited to sensitive and reactive skin, offering effective exfoliation without triggering irritation or barrier disruption.

A powerful adaptogenic botanical traditionally used in East Asian medicine, Ginseng (Panax Ginseng Root Extract) is rich in ginsenosides, compounds shown to enhance skin microcirculation, protect against oxidative stress, and improve collagen and elastin production. It helps plump the skin and reduce fatigue-induced dullness by supporting cellular energy production and barrier integrity. Ginseng also exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity, making it ideal for calming or environmentally stressed skin while improving tone, texture, and hydration.

Ginsenoside Compound K, derived from Panax Ginseng, is a powerful plant-based alternative to Vitamin C. This stable alternative offers collagen-boosting and wrinkle-smoothing benefits without the risk of irritation or potency loss. Although it is rarely used in skincare due to its poor solubility and limited skin penetration, Venn's patented Solubilisation Technology enables water-solubilisation of Ginsenoside Compound K. This enhances its delivery into the skin, ensuring optimal results.

Glutathione is a natural antioxidant and plays a crucial role in protecting cells against environmental aggressors. It functions as a potent brightening and anti-pigmentation agent by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin (pigment) synthesis. Additionally, glutathione helps to counteract glycation, a process in which sugars bind to skin proteins like collagen and elastin, leading to stiffness, dullness, and premature aging. By reducing oxidative stress and limiting the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), glutathione supports a more even, supple, and radiant complexion.

Glycerin is a potent humectant commonly used in skincare for its powerful hydrating properties. It works by attracting water molecules from the atmosphere and retaining them in the deeper layers of the skin, effectively boosting hydration reservoir. This helps to plump up the skin, resulting in reduced dehydration lines and a soft, supple complexion.

Hyaluronic Acid functions as a powerful humectant, attracting and binding water to the skin to support optimal hydration while maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. Formulated in different molecular weights, it works at multiple levels — high molecular weight hyaluronic acid sits on the surface to form a protective, water-retaining film that prevents transepidermal water loss, while low molecular weight hyaluronic acid penetrates more deeply to deliver hydration within the upper layers of the skin, improving elasticity and suppleness. By increasing water content throughout these layers, it creates immediate and long-term plumping, smoothing wrinkles and enhancing skin density. As hydration is fundamental to all skin functions — from barrier strength to enzymatic activity and cellular renewal — maintaining optimal hydration levels is essential for healthy skin.

Jasmine oil, derived from the aromatic blossoms of Jasmine plant, is known for its soothing and relaxing properties. This healing oil supports healthy skin barrier and alleviates stress and anxiety, while calming and nourishing sensitive skin.

Jojoba Oil has a similar oil composition to human sebum (oil)  This similarity allows it to replenish the hydro-lipidic film and regulate sebum overproduction, without clogging pores or creating a greasy feel. When applied to the skin, Jojoba Oil can trick the skin into thinking it has produced enough oil, thereby reducing excessive oil production. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for congested, oily, and blemish-prone skin.

Juniper is a powerful antibacterial botanical especially suited to oily and breakout-prone skin. It is rich in natural compounds terpenes and flavonoids which work to regulate sebum, reducing excess oil, refining pores and limiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

Lactobacillus Ferment, a probiotic derived from the fermentation of Lactobacillus bacteria that focuses on microbiome balancing. A balanced microbiome is crucial for healthy skin as it strengthens the skin's barrier, reduces inflammation, and improves hydration, resulting in healthier and more resilient skin. It also helps maintain optimal pH levels and protects against infections.

Lemon Peel is nature’s brightener to dull and uneven complexions. Bursting with vitamin C and flavonoids, it protects against free radicals (unstable molecules that break down collagen and speed up ageing). Its gentle exfoliating action sweeps away dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, clearer and more even complexion.

Derived from the Glycyrrhiza Glabra plant, Licorice Root Extract is a potent botanical known for its brightening, soothing, and reparative properties. Rich in glabridin and liquiritin, it helps to inhibit tyrosinase activity, visibly reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots while promoting a more even skin tone. Its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions help to calm redness, support healing, and protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Licorice Root Extract promotes a clearer, brighter, and a more balanced complexion over time.

Derived from sustainably sourced marine origins, Marine Elastine is a fibrous protein crucial to skin elasticity and resilience. Naturally rich in amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and proline, it helps support the structural integrity of the dermis by reinforcing elastin fibres, which are responsible for the skin’s stretch and recoil. Marine Elastine works in synergy with collagen to maintain firmness, flexibility, and a plump bounce. Its moisture-binding properties also aid in improving hydration and softening the appearance of wrinkles and crepiness. By supporting the skin’s extracellular matrix, it helps restore suppleness and elasticity, making it ideal for skin experiencing a loss of tone due to ageing, dehydration, or environmental stress.

Mimosa Extract has the ability to protect and repair collagen and elastin fibres structures which have been damaged by glycation. The reason this is so important is because collagen and elastin is what keeps skin youthful, smooth, plump and taught. Preserving these fibres is a necessary step in anti-ageing.

Vitamin B3 also known as Niacinamide, is versatile and highly effective ingredient with many benefits. It helps to strengthen skin barrier function and increase water retention by increasing natural ceramide production. It's anti-inflammatory and sebum regulating properties soothe, repair and balance irritated, weakened and acne prone skins. Niacinamide is also a potent antioxidant with protective and brightening properties helping to restore skin's natural glow.

Olive Oil Fractions are potent extracts from Olive Oil, packed with antioxidants, Squalane, and Phytosterols. This extract offers protective, nourishing, and soothing benefits. It also combats glycation, a process where sugars bind to proteins like collagen, preventing their breakdown and maintaining skin elasticity. Its versatility makes it suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for dehydrated, weakened, and sensitive skin.

Omega Rich Oils combine a variety of oils rich in Omega Fatty Acids (3, 6 & 9), essential for skin health, as our skin can only produce minimal amounts. These fatty acids penetrate between skin cells, enhancing the skin's barrier function, boosting water retention, and nourishing the skin. They also contain natural antioxidants that protect against UV-induced damage and slow down cellular ageing.

Panthenol, also known as Pro-vitamin B5, is a potent humectant renowned for its exceptional hydrating, repairing, and soothing qualities. When applied to the skin, Panthenol converts to Coenzyme A, an enzyme crucial for skin regeneration. Its versatile benefits and compatibility with all skin types make Panthenol a preferred choice for replenishing and fortifying dehydrated and compromised skin.

Saccharide Isomerate, also known as PentavitinÆ, is a carbohydrate complex derived from plants that closely resembles those found in human skin. It serves multiple functions in skincare: first, it acts as a prebiotic, supporting a healthy balance of microorganisms on the skin's surface, which is crucial for maintaining skin health.

Secondly, Saccharide Isomerate functions as a powerful humectant. This means it attracts moisture from the environment and binds it to the skin, acting like a "water magnet." This ability helps to deeply hydrate the skin, making it appear plump, smooth, and intensely moisturised.

Studies have shown that Saccharide Isomerate can increase skin hydration levels for up to 72 hours after application, making it an effective ingredient for providing long-lasting hydration and maintaining skin moisture balance.

Peptides function as targeted signalling molecules, communicating with skin cells to support repair, regeneration and overall skin function while maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. Different types of peptides work in complementary ways — signal peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production to improve firmness, carrier peptides deliver essential trace elements to support enzymatic processes, and neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides soften wrinkles. By activating these pathways, peptides improve skin density, smooth wrinkles and enhance elasticity. Due to their precise, bio-active mechanism, they deliver advanced anti-ageing benefits.

Poly-Hydroxy Acids are a chemical exfoliant which exfoliate the top layers of the skin. However unlike AHAs & BHAs, they consist of larger molecules so they tend to sit on the surface of the skin for longer and penetrate slowly. Therefore, they are particularly good for more sensitive skins. As well as sloughing off dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, clearer and brighter complexion; this acid is also a fantastic hydrator.

Formulations designed to support the skin's microbiome — the ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms that play a central role in barrier function, immune response, and overall skin health. Prebiotics feed and sustain beneficial bacteria already present on the skin, while probiotics introduce live cultures or their derivatives to reinforce microbial balance. A well-functioning microbiome helps regulate inflammation, reduce sensitivity, and maintain the conditions needed for a resilient, healthy-looking complexion.

Propylene Glycol is a powerful humectant which attracts and binds water molecules to the skin, helping to restore hydration levels and maintain plumpness. It also enhances the absorption of other actives, making it an important building block in effective hydrating complexes.

Radish Root Ferment acts as a targeted prebiotic — selectively feeding and strengthening beneficial bacteria on the skin's surface while simultaneously inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. This dual action supports a more balanced, diverse and resilient skin microbiome, creating the conditions in which the skin's own natural defence and repair mechanisms can function optimally.

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in red grapes. It contains high levels of polyphenols that help protect the skin from UV damage and environmental stressors by neutralising free radicals. By safeguarding cell DNA, it reduces inflammation and accelerates the skin's natural repair processes. Additionally, resveratrol helps to inhibit glycation, the process in which excess sugars bind to collagen and elastin, leading to stiffness and loss of elasticity. Through its antioxidant and anti-glycation actions, resveratrol effectively reduces wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and improves firmness, resulting in a brighter and more youthful complexion.

Vitamin A also known as retinol is one of the most well proven skincare actives for treating blemishes, pigmentation, and signs of ageing. It works by speeding up cell turnover, stimulating collagen and elastin production, supporting DNA repair and regulating melanin (pigment) and sebum (oil) overproduction. This results in a smoother, firmer, more even complexion.

Rosehip Oil (Rosa Canina) is a nutrient-dense oil, rich in essential fatty acids (omega-3, -6, and -9), vitamins A, C, and E, and antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene. It helps regenerate and protect the skin by supporting collagen production, enhancing elasticity, and improving tone and texture. The oil’s fatty acids strengthen the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture and preventing dehydration, while its antioxidants neutralise free radicals to reduce inflammation and slow visible signs of ageing.

Rosemary Extract provides soothing and protective benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it shields the skin from environmental damage while its anti-inflammatory properties calm and reduce irritation, promoting a healthy and balanced complexion.

Sage is a naturally purifying and mattifying botanical that helps regulate oil and refine pores. Its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties target impurities and calm irritation, making it ideal for acneic skin. Rich in antioxidants, it helps defend the skin against free radical damage (unstable molecules that damage skin cells and speed up aging).

Shea Butter is renowned for its deeply nourishing benefits. It helps to repair and strengthen a weakened skin barrier while enhancing water retention. It quickly replenishes and restores dry, dehydrated and fragile skins.

Silk, composed of Glycoprotein Polymers, forms a film on the skin's surface, delivering an immediate smoothing effect. It also provides hydrating, firming, and softening benefits for the skin.

Squalane is a skin-identical lipid with a high affinity for the skin. Naturally found in human sebum, it enhances the skin's barrier function and promotes efficient water retention. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, squalane is suitable for all skin types.

Pressed from the seeds of Helianthus Annuus, Sunflower Oil is a biologically active plant lipid with a high concentration of Linoleic Acid and Vitamin E. It enhances skin hydration, soothes inflammation, and supports skin regeneration. By stimulating collagen metabolism and reinforcing the lipid barrier, it helps to mitigate the damaging effects of UV exposure and environmental aggressors, contributing to improved skin resilience and suppleness.

Sweet Almond Oil is a popular skincare active rich in Vitamins E and Fatty Acids. It deeply nourishes, hydrates and soothes the skin. Its lightweight texture quickly absorbs leaving a silky soft finish. Sweet Almond Oil helps to improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and protect against environmental damage. It also calms inflammation, leaving skin comforted and soothed.

Thyme helps keep oily, congested, and acne-prone skin clear and balanced. It works to regulate excess oil, fight acne-causing bacteria, and target whiteheads and blackheads, while its anti-inflammatory action calms irritation. These results come from its natural phenolic properties which are plant-based antioxidant compounds with strong antibacterial and purifying power.

Tranexamic Acid is a powerful active ingredient known for its anti-pigmentation and skin brightening effects. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme crucial for melanin (pigmentation)  production, and subsequently blocks the transfer of pigment to the surrounding cells in the upper layers, effectively preventing the formation of dark spots. Additionally, Tranexamic Acid exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which prevents post-inflammatory pigmentation and post-blemish marks.

A powerful humectant naturally found in the skin, Urea draws and retains moisture within the stratum corneum, delivering deep, long-lasting hydration. It also helps to gently soften and smooth rough or flaky areas, improving overall skin texture and suppleness.

Vitamin C functions as a potent antioxidant, protecting the skin against oxidative stress caused by environmental aggressors such as UV exposure and pollution while supporting overall skin health. It works by neutralising free radicals and stimulating collagen synthesis, helping to improve firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and enhance skin resilience. Additionally, Vitamin C inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, making it highly effective at brightening the complexion, reducing pigmentation and promoting a more even skin tone.

Vitamin E is a powerful oil-soluble antioxidant renowned for its excellent skin-protecting and replenishing properties. It helps prevent premature ageing by safeguarding skin cell membranes from damaging free radicals. Its nourishing qualities strengthen the skin barrier, enhancing resilience against environmental aggressors and improving water retention by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, Vitamin E has soothing effect thanks to it anti-inflammatory properties.

Witch Hazel extract is rich in tannins, flavonoids and has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes microcirculation and strengthens the capillary network to reduce skin sensitivity and redness.