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Aqua (Water)
• Description: Purified, de-ionised water base
• Origin: Distilled/filtered water
• Function: Universal solvent / carrier, provides basic hydration
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Glycerin
• Description: Trivalent sugar alcohol (classic humectant)
• Origin: Vegetable oils (rapeseed/soy) or biodiesel by-product
• Function: Binds water in the stratum corneum → “plumps” dehydration lines
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Phospholipids
• Description: Skin-identical phospholipids (lecithin fraction)
• Origin: Extracted from soy or sunflower lecithin
• Function: Repairs lipid barrier, forms lamellar structures, increases penetration of actives
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Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
• Description: Fruit extract rich in lycopene, minerals and amino acids
• Origin: Watermelon flesh/rind (food by-product)
• Function: Antioxidant protection against UV-ROS, light hydration and soothing
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Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
• Description: Extract containing AHAs and vitamin C
• Origin: Cold-pressed peel and pulp of grapefruit
• Function: Mild chemical exfoliation, antibacterial, fresher complexion
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Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract
• Description: Bitter-melon extract with charantin & momordicin
• Origin: Fruit of Momordica charantia
• Function: Anti-inflammatory, prebiotic; calms redness & strengthens microbiome
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Phenoxyethanol
• Description: Aromatic alcohol preservative
• Origin: Synthetic (petro-/phenol origin)
• Function: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial – ensures product shelf life
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Xanthan Gum
• Description: Natural polysaccharide gel
• Origin: Fermentation of corn or sugar-molasses (Xanthomonas bacteria)
• Function: Thickening; stabilises viscosity and prevents phase separation
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Sodium Lactate
• Description: Sodium salt of lactic acid; part of the skin’s NMF
• Origin: Fermentation of sugar beet/corn
• Function: Humectant, slight pH-buffering effect
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PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid)
• Description: Organic acid – natural moisturising factor
• Origin: Biosynthesis from glutamic acid
• Function: Binds moisture; keeps skin supple and elastic
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Sodium PCA
• Description: Sodium salt of PCA (more water-soluble)
• Origin: As above, neutralised with NaOH
• Function: Extra-high moisture binding; counteracts tightness
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Arginine
• Description: Basic α-amino acid
• Origin: Fermentation of sugarcane/corn
• Function: pH-buffer, moisturiser, supports wound-healing & micro-circulation
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Ethylhexylglycerin
• Description: Multifunctional emollient / preservative booster
• Origin: Vegetable glycerol + ethylhexyl group (semi-synthetic)
• Function: Enhances phenoxyethanol, softens skin surface
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Aspartic Acid
• Description: Acidic amino acid in NMF
• Origin: Microbial fermentation
• Function: Maintains moisture balance; substrate for protein synthesis (collagen)
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Disodium EDTA
• Description: Chelating agent (salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
• Origin: Synthetic
• Function: Binds metal ions → stabilises formula & preservation system
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Sorbitol
• Description: Hexavalent sugar alcohol
• Origin: Hydrolysis / hydrogenation of corn- or potato-starch
• Function: Humectant; reduces drying-out and crystallisation
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Lecithin
• Description: Mixed phospholipids (PC, PE etc.)
• Origin: Soybeans or sunflower seeds
• Function: Natural emulsifier; repairs barrier; improves penetration
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Citric Acid
• Description: Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
• Origin: Citrus fruits or fermentation of sugar-molasses
• Function: Adjusts pH; very mild exfoliation; refines skin surface
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Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Description: Stable ester of tocopherol
• Origin: Esterified vitamin E from plant oils
• Function: Fat-soluble antioxidant – protects membrane lipids & collagen
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Amino-acid blend (Phenylalanine, Valine, Serine, Threonine, Glycine, Histidine, Alanine, Proline, Isoleucine)
• Origin: Fermentation of glucose/corn (biotechnological)
• Function: Building blocks for collagen & elastin; increase moisture and elasticity
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Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate (Syn-Ake)
• Description: Synthetic tripeptide that mimics snake venom
• Origin: Chemical synthesis (peptide laboratory)
• Function: Temporary neuromuscular inhibition ⇒ botox-like smoothing of expression lines
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Glyceryl Linoleate
• Description: Ester of glycerin + linoleic acid (omega-6)
• Origin: Safflower- or sunflower-oil (pre-saponification / esterification)
• Function: Repairs lipid barrier; calms inflammation; increases suppleness
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Glyceryl Linolenate
• Description: Ester of glycerin + α-linolenic acid (omega-3)
• Origin: Flaxseed- or rapeseed-oil
• Function: Anti-inflammatory; soothes irritation; strengthens barrier
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Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
• Description: Water-soluble, stable vitamin C derivative
• Origin: Synthetic (ascorbic acid + phosphate + sodium)
• Function: Antioxidant; stimulates collagen; brightens dark spots
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Retinyl Palmitate
• Description: Ester of retinol + palmitic acid (vitamin A derivative)
• Origin: Synthetic / plant-derived
• Function: Increases cell turnover; smooths skin; regulates sebum; boosts collagen
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Potassium Sorbate
• Description: Salt of sorbic acid (mild preservative)
• Origin: Synthetic (originally sorbic acid from rowan berries)
• Function: Inhibits yeast and mould – keeps product safe