Transparency First

Ingredients Glossary

We believe you should know exactly what goes on your skin — and why. Here's a plain-English guide to every key active we use.

Glutathione

Brightening

The master antioxidant

A naturally occurring tripeptide found in every cell of the body. In skincare, it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase which drives melanin production, leading to a visibly brighter, more even complexion over time. Also neutralises free radicals that cause oxidative skin damage.

Key Benefits

Brightens dull skinEvens skin toneAntioxidant protectionAnti-ageing

Safety note: Safe for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Multi-tasking

The skincare multitasker

One of the most well-researched skincare ingredients available. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pore appearance, controls excess sebum, fades post-acne marks, and evens out pigmentation. Works synergistically with most other actives.

Key Benefits

Minimises poresControls oilinessFades dark spotsStrengthens skin barrierReduces redness

Safety note: Suitable for all skin types. Non-irritating even at 10% concentration.

Kojic Acid

Brightening

Nature's brightener

Derived from fungi during the fermentation of sake, soy sauce, and rice wine. Kojic acid inhibits melanin synthesis by blocking tyrosinase, making it an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun damage — particularly on Indian skin tones.

Key Benefits

Reduces hyperpigmentationTreats melasmaBrightens lips & skinAntifungal properties

Safety note: Use SPF during the day. Patch test recommended for sensitive skin.

Alpha Arbutin

Brightening

Gentle pigmentation corrector

A stable, gentle derivative of hydroquinone found naturally in bearberry plants. Alpha arbutin slowly releases hydroquinone at the skin surface, inhibiting melanin without the irritation of direct hydroquinone. Ideal for correcting dark spots and uneven tone on all skin types.

Key Benefits

Fades dark spots safelyEvens skin toneSuitable for sensitive skinNon-irritating

Safety note: One of the safest brightening ingredients. Suitable for all skin tones and types.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Acne & Exfoliation

The pore-clearing BHA

A beta-hydroxy acid derived from willow bark. Unlike AHAs, salicylic acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep inside pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin cell buildup. Essential for fighting acne, blackheads, and body breakouts.

Key Benefits

Unclogs poresFights acne & blackheadsExfoliates dead skinReduces inflammation

Safety note: Start with 2-3x per week. Avoid during pregnancy. Use SPF.

Tea Tree Oil

Acne & Antibacterial

Natural antimicrobial

Extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil has powerful natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It targets acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) without stripping the skin, making it ideal for body and face breakouts.

Key Benefits

Kills acne bacteriaReduces inflammationControls excess oilNatural & plant-derived

Safety note: Do not use undiluted. Patch test recommended.

Ceramides

Barrier Repair

Skin barrier builders

Lipid molecules that make up over 50% of the skin's natural barrier. Ceramide levels decline with age and environmental damage, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and irritation. Replenishing ceramides restores the barrier, locking in moisture and keeping irritants out.

Key Benefits

Repairs skin barrierLong-lasting hydrationReduces sensitivityPlumps & smooths

Safety note: Extremely gentle. Suitable for sensitive, dry, and compromised skin.

Zinc PCA

Oil Control

Sebum regulator

A salt form of zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA, a natural moisturising factor). Zinc PCA regulates sebaceous gland activity to reduce excess oil production while maintaining skin hydration. Works synergistically with niacinamide for visible pore control.

Key Benefits

Controls oilinessReduces shinePrevents breakoutsHydrating

Safety note: Non-comedogenic. Ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Brightening

The gold-standard brightener

Ascorbic acid is the most potent, research-backed form of Vitamin C in skincare. It inhibits melanin synthesis, neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution, and boosts collagen production — delivering brighter, firmer, and more even skin over time. Works synergistically with glutathione and kojic acid for amplified brightening.

Key Benefits

Brightens dull skinFades dark spotsBoosts collagenAntioxidant protectionEvens skin tone

Safety note: Stable in rinse-off formats. Use SPF during the day to protect results.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Antioxidant

Skin's antioxidant shield

Tocopherol is the most bioavailable form of Vitamin E — a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by UV, pollution, and free radicals. In skincare, it works as a skin-conditioning agent that softens, soothes, and strengthens the barrier while enhancing the stability and efficacy of Vitamin C.

Key Benefits

Antioxidant protectionSoothes and conditions skinStrengthens skin barrierSupports Vitamin C efficacyReduces UV-induced damage

Safety note: Extremely well-tolerated. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and dry skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hydration

The hydration powerhouse

A naturally occurring molecule in the body capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In skincare, hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the environment into the skin, delivering immediate plumpness and long-lasting hydration without adding oiliness. Suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.

Key Benefits

Deep hydrationPlumps fine linesNon-comedogenicSuitable for all skin typesStrengthens moisture barrier

Safety note: One of the safest skincare ingredients. Non-comedogenic and non-irritating for all skin types.

Aloe Vera

Soothing

Nature's skin soother

Derived from the inner leaf gel of Aloe barbadensis, aloe vera contains over 75 active compounds including polysaccharides, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. In skincare, it provides immediate soothing relief for irritated or inflamed skin, helps restore moisture, and delivers gentle antimicrobial properties — making it ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Key Benefits

Soothes irritation and rednessLightweight hydrationCalms acne inflammationGentle antimicrobialSpeeds skin recovery

Safety note: Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone. Patch test recommended for latex allergy.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Hydration

The skin-healing humectant

Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) and a provitamin that converts to Vitamin B5 in the skin. It is both a humectant (draws moisture in) and an emollient (seals moisture in), making it highly effective for hydration. Panthenol also has documented wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties that support skin barrier repair.

Key Benefits

Deep moisturisationAccelerates skin healingReduces inflammationStrengthens skin barrierImproves skin elasticity

Safety note: Highly biocompatible. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, inflamed, and barrier-compromised skin.

SPF50 PA+++ (UV Filters)

Sun Protection

Broad-spectrum sun shield

SPF 50 blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays (which cause burning), while PA+++ indicates high UVA protection (which causes ageing and pigmentation). Crucial for any brightening routine — UV exposure can reverse the effects of brightening actives.

Key Benefits

Prevents sunburnProtects against pigmentationSlows photoageingBroad-spectrum coverage

Safety note: Safe for daily use. Reapply every 2–3 hours in direct sunlight.