Salicylic acid (BHA): Salicylic Acid is a BHA naturally synthesized by certain plants such as the willow. It is a keratolytic agent that helps eliminate dead cells by breaking bonds between horny layer cells in the epidermis and by causing these cells to be superficially exfoliated without leaving cell waste. The skin is smoother and softer. Salicylic acid also has purifying properties to smooth imperfections and blackheads. Its antioxidant property enables it to protect skin from external damage.
Lactic acid and citric acid (AHA): Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a category of acids derived from fruit or milk sugars. They stimulate the desquamation process of the corneocytes, which are found at the surface of the stratum corneum and stimulate cellular renewal. In relatively low concentrations, Alpha Hydroxy Acids are recognized for having moisturizing effects on the skin as they stimulate the production of amino acids during the corneocyte desquamation phase. In higher concentrations, they have keratolytic effects and help exfoliate and smooth the skin.
Jojoba Beads: Jojoba beads gently exfoliate the skin, without irritating it or causing any microlaceration. They also provide the skin with jojoba esters, making it softer, smoother and more comfortable.
Gluconolactone (PHA): PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are less irritating than AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid). They are exfoliants that gently remove dead cells from the skin’s surface. Acidifying the horny layer improves its homeostasis, integrity and cohesion while strengthening its barrier function. This makes the skin more resistant to harsh external factors. Gluconolactone also has antioxidant properties.
Sacha Inchi Oil: This oil is obtained by cold pressing sacha inchi seeds, a plant native to the Peruvian Amazon. Its concentration in polyunsaturated fatty acids (notably omega 3, 6 and 9) allows it to restructure and protect the skin while limiting its dehydration. Commonly used for sensitive, dehydrated and dry skin, it leaves the skin smooth and non-greasy.
Cottonseed Oil: Cotton oil is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant. Naturally rich in omega 6 and 9, it has emollient properties and limits transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Thus, it helps maintaining the integrity of the skin. Its Vitamin E content also helps protecting the skin from premature skin aging.
White Clay: Clays are more or less hydrated aluminum silicates which are stacked in sheets and combined with minerals from the parent rock. There are many types of clay. Because it is primarily composed of kaolinite, white clay is one of the gentlest clays, purifying but not harming dry, fragile or irritated skin. It is also known for its soothing effect.
Lemon Extract: With its high concentration of vitamin C and flavonoids, lemon extract has antioxidant, antiseptic and astringent properties. This enables it to purify skin and remove impurities. It is also an anti-inflammatory that acts on microcirculation to protect the most sensitive skin.
Sorrel Extract: Sorrel is an herbaceous plant native to North America. Its high tannin content means it has astringent properties, regulating sebum secretion and promoting tissue regeneration, coupled with antimicrobial properties, which purify the skin and exert an antiseptic activity. Its antioxidant effects also help protect the skin from the oxidative stress that causes premature skin-aging. Lastly, as it is rich in vitamin C, this extract inhibits tyrosinase, thereby brightening the complexion.
