INGREDIENTS

(IN PROGRESS)

Common ingredients found in Asian Beauty:

Note: Although many of these ingredients have been scientifically proven, not all of the following have proven or backed scientific studies behind their benefits/uses in topical application. This compiled list of popular skincare ingredients is more of a broad overview of what these ingredients are well known for, are claimed to do by skincare companies and skincare professionals, or have proven their effectiveness by consumers.

  • ACAI – antioxidant berry. Anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, source of Vitamin C, E and fatty acids.
  • ADENOSINE – anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, supports healthy cell function.
  • ALOE VERA – anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, binds moisture to skin.
  • AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) – glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid. Chemical exfoliant. Breaks down the bonds between skin cells. Works at a low pH of 3-4.
  • AMINO ACIDS – these are found in many of our cells, muscles and tissue and are crucial in carrying out the functions of the human body. In skincare they can promote collagen and elastin production and are anti-inflammatory. Keep skin firm, hydrated and healthy.
  • ARGAN OIL – natural moisturiser both for skin and hair care. Rich in vitamin E & fatty acids. Non-greasy, absorbs quickly, anti-irritant. For skin it softens and hydrates. Makes hair soft, silky and shiny. Anti-aging, restores elasticity, reduce appearance of wrinkles. Relief for damaged, dry skin, promotes healing, soothes pain and inflammation.
  • ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE – stable form of Vitamin C. Anti-oxidant. Works well in combination with Vitamin E. Skin brightening, anti-acne, anti-aging. Repairs sun damage/hyperpigmentation, stimulates collagen production. Better for sensitive skin than L-ascorbic acid as it won’t exfoliate or irritate skin, can be use in high doses and doesn’t oxidise.
  • BAMBOO EXTRACT – Anti-oxidant. Richest source of silica for anti-aging, delays appearance of wrinkles. Improves skin radiance. Anti-irritant, soothing, good for sensitive skin. Improves troubled skin i.e. eczema.
  • BEE VENOM – aka “natural botox”. Anti-wrinkle, stimulates production of collagen and elastin, reduces lines and wrinkles. Improves skin texture and elasticity. Relaxes muscles. Increases blood circulation. Reduce & heal skin damage/scars/acne.
  • BETAINE SALICYLATE – is salicylic acid combined with betaine. More gentle on skin than salicylic acid. Used as a BHA chemical exfoliant, to clear pores and treat acne. Also pH dependent.
  • BHA (beta hydroxy acid)
  • BIRDS NEST
  • CAFFEINE
  • CAMELLIA
  • CERAMIDES
  • CHARCOAL – similar to clay, it is highly absorbent of excess oil, toxins and dirt and can be found in deep cleansing products or acne treatments.
  • CHEESE – high in proteins and calcium. Contains vitamin A & B to maintain healthy, supple and radiant skin.
  • CLAY – ability to absorb excess oil and impurities. Often used in sebum, pore and acne treatments.
  • COCOA BUTTER – Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. Very moisturising, soothes irritated skin and prevents water loss. Has healing properties.
  • COLLAGEN – plays a key role in skin elasticity, keeping it firm and supple. Aids in the renewal of skin cells and keeps skin plump and hydrated. Since collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed topically, it usually takes the form of smaller, more penetrable hydrolyzed collagen in skincare products.
  • DONKEY MILK – loaded with vitamins A,B,C,D, fatty acids and minerals. Has 60 times the vitamin C content as cow’s milk. Contains proteins and ceramides. Moisturising, soothing and has healing properties. Anti-inflammatory; good for sensitive skin conditions. Anti-aging, reduces and prevents wrinkles.
  • EGG
  • GINSENG
  • GLYCERIN
  • GOAT MILK
  • GOJI BERRY
  • GREEN TEA
  • HONEY
  • HORSE OIL
  • HYALURONIC ACID – a humectant that attracts water to keep our skin soft, plump and supple. A very important ingredient to keep our skin well-hydrated.
  • L-ASCORBIC ACID
  • LEMON/LIME
  • LICORICE
  • LOTUS
  • MANGO SEED BUTTER
  • MINERAL OIL
  • MORUS ALBA (Mulberry)
  • NIACINAMIDE 
  • OLIVE OIL
  • PEARL – rich in amino acids, collagen and minerals. Hydrates and rejuvenates skin, promotes healing, reduces redness and irritation, treats acne, lightens dark spots and illuminates skin.
  • PIG COLLAGEN – boosts skin firmness and elasticity. Collagen molecules however are too big so it is likely to sit atop the skin rather than be absorbed.
  • PLACENTA – can be derived from humans or animals (usually sheep, cow or pig). Contains antioxidants and amino acids. Skin plumping, nourishing and possibly anti-aging.
  • PROPOLIS – produced by bees. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti fungal and antibacterial. Used in treatment of acne and soothing irritations like burns, bites, sores.
  • RETINOIDS – a form of vitamin A. (Found as retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinylaldehyde). Increases collagen, prevents and reduces signs of aging. Regulates skin turnover and used to correct skin conditions/inflammations like acne, rosacea, sun damage. Improves skin texture, firmness and barrier function.
  • RICE BRAN EXTRACT – skin soothing, antioxidant properties. Anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamin A, B & E and fatty acids.
  • SHEA BUTTER – contains vitamins/antioxidants and fatty acids. Very nourishing and moisturising. Anti-inflammatory. Softens, smooths, reduces wrinkles and prevents water loss.
  • SNAIL SECRETION/SLIME – reduces inflammation, redness, scarring, acne. Promotes collagen production. Helps skin regenerate and heal. Good treatment for burns. Repairs and firms tired aged skin, reduces wrinkles and locks in moisture.
  • STARFISH EXTRACT – potentially repairs and heals damaged skin to keep it firm, plump, smooth and radiant.
  • SUNFLOWER SEED OIL – Contains antioxidant vitamins A,B,C,D and fatty acids. Retains moisture well, good for dry skin, softens and smooths skin. Reduces inflammation. In hair treatment, it prevents frizz.
  • SYN-AKE – synthetic form of snake venom. Anti-ageing. Freezes muscle movement to prevent and reduce appearance of wrinkles.
  • TEA TREE OIL – topical remedy only. Antiseptic. Treatment for acne and fungal infections. For healing wounds, cuts, bites, burns, rashes. Relieves itchiness.
  • TITANIUM DIOXIDE – provides physical UV protection. Gentle for sensitive skin. Also used for skin-lightening products to brighten complexion.
  • WILLOW BARK EXTRACT – anti-inflammatory, soothing, rejuvenating. Contains salicylic acid- a BHA that chemically exfoliates to shed dead skin cells and clear pores.
  • YEAST FERMENT – anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits. Provides hydration as well as accelerates healing of damaged skin, reduce redness and brightens skin complexion.
  • YOGHURT – anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory. Contains lactic acid, zinc, vitamin B and calcium. Moisturing, reduces redness/discolouration and has brightening benefits with appearance of glowing skin. Anti-wrinkle/aging and acne healing properties.
  • ZINC OXIDE – provides physical UV protection. Anti-inflammatory, skin/wound healing. Reduces tenderness of damaged irritated skin, helps acne.
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