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key ingredients | expand your product knowledge with our ingredients and benefits glossary

key ingredients a-z

a | b | c | d | e | g | h | j | k | l | m | o | p | r | s | v | w

a


  • astaxanthin - a naturally-occurring red pigment in micro-algae measured to be up to 500x more powerful than vitamin e.

  • azelaic acid - an acid that helps improve the appearance of large pores, skin discoloration and post-acne scarring; used to deliver advanced skin brightening benefits.

b


  • bamboo extract - natural bamboo extract that can absorb 200x its weight in oil, and therefore, helps absorb excess oil and shine on the skin
  • beta glucan - yeast extract that promotes overall skin health by helping to boost skin's defense system.
  • bisabolol - a chamomile derivative that calms and soothes irritated skin.
  • borage oil (borago officinalis) - a natural oil especially rich in omega 6 fatty acids to help maintain skin's natural moisture barrier.

c


d


  • diatomaceous earth - a finely ground natural material that gently removes dead skin cells and polishes skin; acts as a physical exfoliator.
  • dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline - a naturally-derived amino acid that acts as a triple anti-wrinkle agent by supporting natural collagen, defending elastin against enzyme breakdown and protecting against free radical attack; also helps moisturize the skin.

e


  • ethyl macadamiate - a derivative of macadamia oil used to help add sheen, to leave skin with a soft glow.

g


  • green tea extract (camellia sinensis leaf powder) - an antioxidant and anti-irritant that helps protect against environmental attack and soothe the skin.
  • ginkgo biloba - a unique botanical that delivers antioxidant benefits.
  • glutathione - the most abundant antioxidant in the human body that provides a key protective function; replenishing this antioxidant helps the skin appear more youthful and vibrant. it also works in synergy with vitamins c and e for the ultimate protection against environmental attack.
  • glycerin - a humectant that helps bind moisture to the skin, providing relief to dry, dehydrated skin.
  • glycolic acid - an alpha hydroxy acid that provides exfoliating benefits for smooth skin, and helps even skin tone and reduce the look of fine lines.

h


  • hpr (hydroxypinnacolone retinoate) - a next-generation, high-performance retinoid that delivers all the skin benefits of retinol, with less potential for irritation; specifically, it helps support natural collagen, speed cell turnover, function as an antioxidant and minimize the irregular accumulation of visible pigment in the skin.
  • hyaluronic acid - a humectant that hydrates the skin; can hold 1,000 times its weight in water.
  • hydrogen peroxide - an oxygen-releasing compound that helps reduce against acne-causing bacteria.
  • hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid - an advanced form of hyaluronic acid that delivers enhanced, long-lasting moisture; it binds moisture (1,000 times its weight in water).

j


  • jojoba esters - a derivative of jojoba oil with antioxidant benefits that help protect and moisturizer the natural skin barrier.

k


  • kigelia extract - a rare bio-active african fruit extract that helps improve the appearance of skin's firmness and elasticity.

l


  • lactic acid - an alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the glue between dead skin cells to promote smooth, healthy-looking skin; hydrating and more gentle than glycolic acid; a chemical exfoliator.
  • lentil seed extract - natural extract that helps strengthen the pore wall and keep pores clear, making them tighter and less apparent

m


  • mandelic acid - an alpha hydroxy acid that helps to speed up the rate of cellular turnover to promote the removal of dead skin cells with less potential for irritation.
  • meadowfoam seed oil - a natural oil that lightly hydrates the skin to leave it comfortable, not pulled or tight.
  • myristoyl pentapeptide-9 - philosophy's exclusive proprietary peptide that helps support the skin's structure to help improve elasticity.

o


  • oligopeptide-10 - a revolutionary anti-microbial peptide that helps reduce acne-causing bacteria.
  • olive fruit (olea europaea) oil - a natural oil used to soften and moisturize the skin; helps support the skin's natural barrier.

p


  • palmitoyl tripeptide-3 - a combination of amino acids that helps support the skin's structure and improve firmness and elasticity, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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  • papaya enzyme (papain) - a natural enzyme that helps dissolve surface dead skin cells.
  • pineapple enzyme (bromelain) - a natural enzyme that helps dissolve surface dead skin cells; a natural anti-irritant.
  • pentapeptide-3 - a combination of amino acids that helps support the skin's structure.
  • phytic acid - an acid that helps improve the appearance of large pores, skin discoloration and post-acne scarring; used to deliver advanced skin brightening benefits.
  • potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate (combination of vitamin c and e) - an antioxidant that helps tone the skin and help protect against environmental attack.
  • protein recycling complex (prc) - proprietary peptide complex, combined with marine microalgae, that works to breathe new life into existing proteins (in epidermal layers), supporting natural collagen and elastin.

r


  • resveratrol - a multi-purpose anti-aging ingredient found in the japanese knotweed plant that helps protect skin against environmental attack.
  • retinol - vitamin a derivative that encourages cell renewal, helps support natural collagen, acts as an antioxidant and minimizes the irregular accumulation of visible pigment in the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smooth skin texture, improve skin tone, protect against environmental attack and minimize the appearance of congested pores.
  • rye seed extract - helps increase the look of elasticity to visibly lift skin.

s


  • salicylic acid - a beta hydroxy acid that helps remove dead skin cells from the pores; commonly used in acne treatments; a chemical exfoliator.
  • sodium cocoyl apple amino acids - a high-volume foaming cleansing agent that is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
  • sodium lauroamphoacetate - a mild surfactant that gently cleanses the skin without leaving a residue.
  • sodium trideceth sulfate - a mild surfactant that dissolves dirt, debris and makeup on the skin.
  • shea butter - a natural emollient used to moisturize dry skin.
  • sunflower oil - a natural oil that helps skin retain moisture; used to soothe the skin.
  • symrepair® - a highly effective blend of the three key components of the skin's lipid barrier to help protect the skin against water loss and environmental attack.

v


  • vitamin b5 - an antioxidant that helps moisturize and condition skin.
  • vitamin c (l’ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside) - an antioxidant that helps protect the skin against environmental attack; also helps even skin tone in high concentrations, it can help support natural collagen to improve skin firmness.
  • vitamin e (tocopherol/tocotrienol/tocopheryl acetate) - antioxidant that helps protect the skin against environmental attack and soothe irritation.

w


  • white tea extract - an extract that helps fight oxidative stress and protect against environmental factors.