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The Ingredient Library

Every ingredient, named.

A fully transparent reference of every active ingredient we use — what it does, what it's good for, and which formulas it lives in.

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01 · Chapter One

Botanical Actives.

Whole-plant extracts and oils, drawn from the natural world and refined for skin.

In one wordSoothing

A natural extract from the leaves of the Aloe plant — hydrates, soothes irritation, and supports skin healing.

HydrationRednessBarrier
In one wordAntioxidant-Rich

The Indian gooseberry — one of nature's richest sources of vitamin C, prized in Ayurveda for centuries.

BrighteningAnti-Aging
In one wordNourishing

Moroccan liquid gold — nourishes, softens, and supports a supple, glowing complexion.

BarrierHydrationAnti-Aging
In one wordDefending

A rare, selenium-rich nut oil that nourishes and defends against oxidative stress.

BarrierAnti-AgingHydration
In one wordCalming

Golden marigold extract that soothes reactive skin and supports barrier recovery.

RednessBarrier
In one wordSoothing

A gentle botanical soother — calms reactive skin with bisabolol and azulene.

RednessBarrier
In one wordIndulgent

A rich, naturally aromatic butter that deeply softens and locks in moisture.

BarrierHydration
In one wordMelting

A classic tropical oil rich in medium-chain fatty acids — soft-melting and deeply nourishing.

BarrierHydration
In one wordEnergising

Rich in caffeine and antioxidants — visibly firms and energises tired skin.

Anti-AgingBrightening
In one wordCooling

Cooling, hydrating, and gentle — visibly calms puffiness and stressed skin.

HydrationRedness
In one wordBalancing

A traditional aromatic oil that helps balance skin and lift the senses.

Acne & ClarityBarrier
In one wordDefending

A polyphenol-rich antioxidant that helps defend against environmental stress.

Anti-Aging
In one wordLightweight

A lightweight antioxidant oil rich in linoleic acid and resveratrol.

Anti-AgingBarrier
In one wordAntioxidant

Rich in polyphenol antioxidants — defends against environmental stress and calms skin.

Anti-AgingRednessBarrier
In one wordReplenishing

Cold-pressed and rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9 — replenishes barrier lipids and calms skin.

BarrierHydrationRedness
In one wordRefining

Nature's gentle exfoliant — rich in AHAs that refine and brighten.

Anti-AgingExfoliation
In one wordBalancing

A liquid wax whose structure closely mimics skin's own sebum — balances, nourishes, never feels greasy.

BarrierHydrationAcne & Clarity
In one wordBrightening

The non-staining wild turmeric — gentler than culinary turmeric, prized in Ayurvedic beauty rituals.

BrighteningAcne & ClarityRedness
Found in
In one wordCalming

A timeless aromatic oil that calms skin and the senses.

RednessAcne & Clarity
In one wordRefreshing

A gentle citrus water that refreshes and contributes to a bright, clear tone.

Brightening
In one wordBrightening

A gentle brightener that targets dark spots and soothes sensitivity.

BrighteningRedness
In one wordSoftening

A rich, skin-softening butter high in vitamins A and C.

BarrierHydration
In one wordRadiant

A traditional Ayurvedic root extract believed to support clear, radiant skin.

BrighteningRedness
In one wordClarifying

An Ayurvedic cornerstone — calms blemish-prone skin and supports a balanced complexion.

Acne & ClarityRedness
In one wordComforting

A gentle emollient rich in beta-glucans — comforts, soothes, and strengthens skin.

BarrierRedness
In one wordResurfacing

Contains the natural enzyme papain — gently dissolves dull surface cells for refined, glowing skin.

BrighteningExfoliation
Found in
In one wordLuminous

An Eastern-medicine brightener that supports an even, luminous tone.

BrighteningRedness
In one wordRefining

Natural enzymes that help refine texture and support radiance.

ExfoliationBrightening
In one wordRenewing

Cold-pressed oil rich in natural retinoic acid precursors, essential fatty acids, and vitamin C.

Anti-AgingBrighteningBarrier
In one wordRadiant

An orange-gold oil rich in omega-7 and antioxidants — supports radiance and barrier repair.

BrighteningAnti-AgingBarrier
In one wordNourishing

An African heritage butter that deeply nourishes and supports barrier repair.

BarrierHydration
In one wordLightweight

A light, vitamin-E-rich base oil that nourishes and enhances absorption.

BarrierHydration
In one wordSmoothing

A classic emollient oil rich in vitamins A, E, and essential fatty acids.

BarrierHydration
In one wordHydrating

A plant-based humectant often called "vegan hyaluronic acid."

HydrationAnti-Aging
In one wordGlow-Boosting

The golden Ayurvedic brightener — reduces dullness and uneven tone while calming inflammation.

BrighteningRednessAnti-Aging
In one wordAromatic

An antioxidant-rich extract with a warm, naturally luxurious scent.

Barrier
In one wordBalancing

A tropical flower extract prized for its calming aromatic and skin-balancing properties.

BarrierRedness
02 · Chapter Two

Advanced Lab Actives.

Targeted, evidence-based ingredients — peptides, vitamins, and clinically validated molecules.

In one wordSkin-Calming

A gentle skin-conditioning agent that calms irritation and supports smooth, even skin.

RednessBarrier
In one wordBrightening

A targeted brightener that fades dark spots and evens tone — gentler than hydroquinone.

Brightening
In one wordBrightening

A stable, next-generation Vitamin C that brightens, evens tone, and defends against oxidative stress.

BrighteningAnti-Aging
In one wordMulti-Tasking

Vitamin B3 — visibly evens tone, minimises pore appearance, and strengthens the skin barrier.

BrighteningBarrierAcne & Clarity
In one wordSmoothing

A next-generation peptide that supports six key structural proteins for firmer, smoother skin.

Anti-Aging
In one wordCalming

A peptide that helps calm inflammatory signals linked to premature ageing.

Anti-AgingRedness
In one wordFirming

A messenger peptide that signals skin to support its own collagen and elastin.

Anti-Aging
In one wordHydrating

Pro-Vitamin B5 — deeply hydrates, soothes, and supports barrier repair.

HydrationBarrierRedness
In one wordRenewing

The gold-standard Vitamin A derivative — supports cell turnover and visibly softens fine lines.

Anti-AgingAcne & Clarity
In one wordTone-Evening

A targeted brightening peptide that helps regulate melanin-producing signals.

Brightening
In one wordDefending

A lipid-soluble antioxidant that defends against free radicals and supports the barrier.

Anti-AgingBarrier
03 · Chapter Three

Nature-Derived Actives.

Biotech-fermented, mineral-sourced, and naturally refined ingredients with clinical performance.

In one wordDetoxifying

Micro-porous charcoal that draws out impurities and visibly clarifies skin.

Acne & ClarityExfoliation
In one wordProtective

A natural wax that forms a breathable, protective seal on skin to lock in hydration.

BarrierHydration
In one wordConditioning

A thick, emollient oil rich in ricinoleic acid — deeply conditioning for skin and hair.

BarrierHydration
In one wordRepairing

The K-beauty hero "cica" — calms, repairs, and strengthens the skin barrier.

RednessBarrierAnti-Aging
In one wordBarrier-Building

Skin-identical lipids that rebuild and strengthen the moisture barrier.

BarrierHydrationAnti-Aging
In one wordMineral-Rich

Mineral-rich clay that purifies and remineralises skin.

Acne & ClarityBarrier
In one wordPurifying

Multani Mitti — an ancient Indian clay known for absorbing excess oil and impurities.

Acne & ClarityExfoliation
Found in
In one wordPlumping

A biotech-fermented humectant that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Hydration
In one wordSmoothing

Low-molecular-weight collagen fragments that help hydrate and improve skin feel.

HydrationAnti-Aging
In one wordPreserving

A natural, fermentation-derived preservative — keeps formulas fresh without synthetic chemistry.

Barrier
Found in
In one wordPolishing

Volcanic mineral powder — gently polishes away dull surface cells.

Exfoliation
Found in
In one wordRegenerative

An ethically harvested regenerative ingredient rich in peptides, glycoproteins, and hyaluronic acid.

HydrationAnti-AgingBarrier
In one wordHydrating

A plant-based humectant that holds 500 times its weight in water — hyaluronic acid's gentler cousin.

HydrationBarrier
04 · Chapter Four

The Supporting Cast.

Base ingredients — preservatives, emulsifiers, and texture agents — fully disclosed for transparency.

Every formula needs a foundation — the unsung ingredients that emulsify, preserve, and stabilise. Many of these have been unfairly maligned online; here we explain what they actually do, in plain language. Total transparency is the only way.

Acrylates Crosspolymer · Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A texture stabiliser that prevents oil and water separation in lightweight gels and serums.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate · Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
A corn-starch-derived powder that gives creams a silky, mattifying finish.
Aqua · Water
The pharmaceutical-grade base that allows water-soluble actives to deliver their benefits to skin.
Butylene Glycol · Butylene Glycol
A small humectant molecule that helps actives penetrate evenly and improves product feel.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate · C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
A lightweight, mild emollient that improves slip and absorption without heaviness.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride · Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A coconut-derived emollient that gives products a silky, weightless slip.
Caprylyl Glycol · Caprylyl Glycol
A gentle multifunctional ingredient — humectant, mild preservative-booster, skin softener.
Carbomer · Carbomer
A gel-forming polymer that gives serums and creams their luxurious, cushioned texture.
Cetearyl Alcohol · Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm — emulsifies and adds creamy, soft texture (NOT a drying alcohol).
Cetearyl Glucoside · Cetearyl Glucoside
A coconut + sugar-derived emulsifier — biodegradable and skin-friendly.
Cetostearyl Alcohol · Cetostearyl Alcohol
A blend of fatty alcohols that emulsifies and softens product texture (NOT a drying alcohol).
Cetyl Alcohol · Cetyl Alcohol
A plant-derived fatty alcohol that softens and stabilises creams (NOT the drying kind).
Citric Acid · Citric Acid
A naturally occurring acid used in tiny amounts to keep formulas at the ideal pH for skin.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine · Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A coconut-derived gentle cleansing agent used to balance and soften foaming formulas.
Decyl/Coco Glucoside · Decyl Glucoside / Coco Glucoside
Mild, plant-derived sugar surfactants that cleanse without stripping the skin barrier.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate · Dicaprylyl Carbonate
A coconut-derived emollient that gives lotions a powdery, dry-touch finish.
Dimethicone · Dimethicone
A breathable silicone that smooths product application and helps lock in moisture.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate · Ethylhexyl Palmitate
A silky emollient derived from palm fatty acids that gives creams a non-greasy, smooth feel.
Glycerin · Glycerin
A plant-derived humectant — one of the most-studied moisturising ingredients in skincare history.
Glyceryl Monostearate · Glyceryl Monostearate
A coconut-derived stabiliser that gives creams their soft, cushioned consistency.
Glyceryl Stearate · Glyceryl Stearate
A skin-conditioning emulsifier derived from vegetable glycerin and stearic acid.
Isopropyl Myristate · Isopropyl Myristate
A lightweight emollient that helps oils glide and absorb without heaviness.
Jojoba Beads · Jojoba Esters
Spherical beads from jojoba — biodegradable, ocean-safe alternative to plastic microbeads.
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol · Tinosorb M
A photo-stable filter that protects the formula from light-induced oxidation.
Microcrystalline Wax · Microcrystalline Wax
A gentle wax that adds body to balms and creams while sealing in moisture.
PEG-100 Stearate · PEG-100 Stearate
A skin-safe emulsifier that keeps oil and water phases blended in lotions and creams.
Pentylene Glycol · Pentylene Glycol
A multifunctional humectant and gentle preservative-booster derived from sugarcane.
Phenoxyethanol · Phenoxyethanol
A globally approved gentle preservative used at very low percentages to keep formulas safe.
Polyacrylate-13 · Polyacrylate-13
A modern thickener that gives serums and creams their gel-cream texture without stickiness.
Polyisobutene · Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that adds slip, cushion, and water resistance to creams.
Polysorbate 20 · Polysorbate 20
A gentle emulsifier that helps oil-soluble ingredients disperse evenly in water-based formulas.
Potassium Sorbate · Potassium Sorbate
A food-grade preservative that pairs with sodium benzoate to safely extend product life.
Propylene Glycol · Propylene Glycol
A skin-safe humectant that helps deliver active ingredients evenly throughout a formula.
Saccharide Isomerate · Saccharide Isomerate
A natural sugar complex that bonds to skin and delivers up to 72 hours of hydration.
Sodium Benzoate · Sodium Benzoate
A naturally derived preservative also used in food — keeps water-based formulas microbially safe.
Sodium Gluconate · Sodium Gluconate
A natural mineral-stabiliser that protects formulas from oxidation.
Sodium Hydroxide · Sodium Hydroxide
Used in trace amounts to balance formula pH so products are neither too acidic nor too alkaline.
Stearic Acid · Stearic Acid
A naturally occurring fatty acid that emulsifies and adds richness to creams.
Tinogard TT · Tinogard TT
A formula-stabilising antioxidant that protects oils from oxidation, keeping them fresh longer.
Titanium Dioxide · Titanium Dioxide
A mineral pigment that gives products their soft, opaque white appearance.
Triethylene Glycol · Triethylene Glycol
A solubiliser that helps blend water-based and oil-based ingredients into a stable formula.
Xanthan Gum · Xanthan Gum
A natural fermentation-derived thickener that stabilises and gives products silky body.
Xylitylglucoside Complex · Xylitylglucoside (And) Anhydroxylitol (And) Xylitol
A plant-sugar trio (Aquaxyl) that boosts skin's own water retention by up to 24 percent.
Ingredient Transparency

Every formula. Every ingredient. Always disclosed.

For independent ingredient ratings and deeper science, we encourage you to explore Paula's Choice Beautypedia Ingredient Checker.

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