What it is: A refined, water-soluble molecule derived from bearberry that releases a controlled trickle of brightening actives into the skin.

What it does: Directly inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that triggers melanin production, to fade the look of dark spots and even tone - gradually and predictably, without shocking the skin.

Why we use it: We dose it to a maximum-strength 3%, the ceiling where it delivers aggressive brightening while staying gentle, and pair it with other pathways so pigment is intercepted at more than one step.

The clean swap: In place of hydroquinone - the harsh skin-bleaching drug prone to rebound darkening - we use Alpha-Arbutin, a gentler, better-tolerated way to the same result.

Found in: M10 BLOOM, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE

What it is: The most stable form of Vitamin C available - an ethylated derivative that resists oxidation yet converts into pure ascorbic acid once in the skin.

What it does: Delivers powerful, consistent brightening and antioxidant defense at a gentle pH, without the stinging or rapid browning of raw L-Ascorbic Acid.

Why we use it: We use a maximum-strength 15% for everyday glow that stays potent bottle to bottle - ideal for anyone who finds pure Vitamin C too harsh or too short-lived.

The clean swap: In place of the harsh pH and fast oxidation of raw Vitamin C - and the weak performance of low-grade derivatives - we use a maximum dose of the most stable Vitamin C there is.

Found in: E15 GLOW

What it is: The pure, bioavailable form of Vitamin C - the exact molecule skin uses directly, with no conversion step required.

What it does: Neutralizes free radicals, drives collagen synthesis, and interrupts excess melanin to visibly brighten, firm, and even tone - the fastest and most-studied results of any Vitamin C.

Why we use it: We formulate it at clinically meaningful strengths (10-20%) - never a fraction of a percent for a label claim - and lock it in with botanical Ferulic Acid and an airtight, low-pH base so it performs and lasts.

Our sourcing: In a Vitamin C serum, purity is not a nicety - it is the whole game. Trace impurities and heavy-metal residues are exactly what catalyze oxidation, turning a serum yellow, then brown, and killing its potency. We use only high-quality, USP-grade L-Ascorbic Acid held to the tightest purity specification, and we specify a fine, uniform particle size so it dissolves cleanly and completely into a low-pH base instead of seeding the crystallization and grit that plague cheaper material. Grade is the single biggest lever on a serum's stability, so it is the one place we refuse to compromise.

The clean swap: In place of the weak, fat-soluble esters cheaper brands hide behind (like Ascorbyl Palmitate, which barely converts in skin) - and in place of low-grade commodity acid - we use pure, USP-grade L-Ascorbic Acid.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW

What it is: A stable, water-soluble Vitamin C salt that the skin converts into active ascorbic acid - without needing a harsh, low pH to work.

What it does: Delivers the brightening and antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C at a comfortable, skin-neutral pH, making the glow accessible to reactive skin that stings under pure L-Ascorbic Acid.

Why we use it: We build it to a generous 10% so sensitive-skin users get a genuinely effective dose, not a courtesy sprinkle, and pair it with soothing hydrators for zero stinging.

The clean swap: In place of forcing every customer through the low-pH sting of pure Vitamin C - or fobbing sensitive skin off with a weak 1-2% derivative - we use a full-strength, pH-friendly MAP.

Found in: M10 BLOOM

What it is: A water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 and one of the most versatile, well-tolerated actives in skincare.

What it does: Reinforces the barrier by supporting natural ceramide production, moderates excess oil, and interrupts pigment transfer to refine the look of pores, shine, and uneven tone - while calming the look of redness.

Why we use it: A genuine multitasker that works at a neutral, skin-friendly pH, so it delivers barrier and tone benefits with none of the sting of a low-pH acid.

Our sourcing: The flushing people blame on niacinamide usually is not the niacinamide at all - it is a manufacturing by-product, nicotinic acid (niacin), that lower-refined grades carry in higher amounts. We specify a high-purity, pharmaceutical-grade material with nicotinic acid held to trace levels, which is what lets it stay genuinely non-flushing even at clinical strength. The name on the label is identical; the refinement is not.

The clean swap: In place of the unstable or irritating brightening complexes many formulas chase a glow with, we use pure, high-purity Vitamin B3 - proven, gentle, effective without a harsh delivery system.

Found in: M10 BLOOM, S05 CLEAR, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, P08 PRIME

What it is: A rare antioxidant flavonoid sourced from apple and root bark, prized for reinforcing a Vitamin C network.

What it does: Scavenges free radicals and helps even the look of tone, working alongside Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid to broaden and strengthen the antioxidant shield.

Why we use it: We include it as a synergist in our most advanced antioxidant serum, where three defenders together outperform any one alone.

The clean swap: In place of padding a formula with a single antioxidant and a big marketing claim, we layer complementary ones so the protection is real.

Found in: C20 GUARD

What it is: A stable, non-acidic Vitamin C salt especially valued in blemish-prone skincare for helping keep surface oil from oxidizing.

What it does: Brightens the look of tone and helps prevent trapped oil from darkening into the look of a blackhead, all at a skin-friendly pH that will not trigger reactive skin.

Why we use it: We engineer it to a maximum-strength 5% for aggressive clarifying performance without the acid burn of traditional Vitamin C - clean enough even for Niacinamide-sensitive skin.

The clean swap: In place of forcing blemish-prone skin to choose between dullness and the irritation of low-pH Vitamin C, we use a full-strength, non-acidic SAP.

Found in: S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR

What it is: A pharmaceutical-grade amino-acid derivative recognized as one of the most effective tools against stubborn discoloration and melasma.

What it does: Shuts down the biological signals that trigger melanin after UV exposure, targeting the look of dark spots and melasma at a pathway most brighteners never reach.

Why we use it: We calibrate it to a maximum-strength 5% to actively interrupt pigment production, and combine it with Vitamin C or Alpha-Arbutin for a true multi-pathway attack.

The clean swap: In place of a single, heavy-handed lightening agent, we use Tranexamic Acid to close down pigment at a different step - more thorough, and gentler on the barrier.

Found in: C20 FADE, V09 ERASE

What it is: The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, sugarcane-derived, and the most deeply penetrating of the resurfacing acids.

What it does: Dissolves the glue between dead surface cells to accelerate turnover, smooth rough texture, and reveal brighter, more even skin underneath.

Why we use it: We use a 7% active yield inside an amino-acid time-release buffer, so it resurfaces overnight without the immediate chemical-burn spike of an unbuffered peel.

The clean swap: In place of unbuffered acid neutralized with harsh sodium hydroxide (lye), we balance ours with pure amino-acid Arginine for a controlled, comfortable release.

Found in: V20 PEEL

What it is: A larger, gentler alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates while it hydrates - unusual among acids for being humectant.

What it does: Sweeps away surface debris and smooths texture while drawing moisture into newly exposed skin, so resurfacing does not leave the barrier parched.

Why we use it: We pair it with Glycolic and Salicylic in a tri-level blend so each acid works at its own depth, and dose it to complement rather than compound irritation.

The clean swap: In place of stacking a single aggressive acid ever higher, we combine gentler acids at different depths for a more complete, less traumatic resurfacing.

Found in: V20 PEEL

What it is: A large, slow-diffusing alpha-hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds - the most forgiving of the AHAs.

What it does: Refines texture, fades the look of uneven tone, and clears pores with far less sting than smaller acids, thanks to its large molecular size.

Why we use it: Its gentleness makes it ideal to pair with high-strength Vitamin C and to use in daily cleansers and clarifying serums where harsher acids would over-strip.

The clean swap: In place of the fast, stinging penetration of small acids on reactive skin, we use large-molecule Mandelic for even resurfacing without the shock.

Found in: C20 RENEW, V17 QUELL, P01 WASH

What it is: The classic oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid - the one exfoliant that dissolves into sebum itself.

What it does: Dives into the pore lining to clear out the oil and debris that lead to congestion and the look of blackheads, working where water-soluble acids cannot go.

Why we use it: We keep it at a targeted 0.5-1% - enough to clear pores and refine texture, restrained enough to protect the barrier during daily use.

The clean swap: In place of harsh astringents and high-dose benzoyl peroxide that strip and inflame, we use a measured dose of pore-clearing BHA.

Found in: V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, P08 PRIME, P01 WASH

What it is: A plant-derived compound from the babchi seed and the only botanical clinically shown to mimic the gene-signaling of a retinoid.

What it does: Accelerates cellular turnover to smooth fine lines, fade discoloration, and refine the look of pores - without the peeling, redness, or sun-sensitivity of Vitamin A.

Why we use it: We use a robust 1.5% inside a weightless squalane micro-emulsion, so it delivers retinoid-like results and stays safe for sensitive, reactive, and pregnant skin.

The clean swap: In place of suspending Bakuchiol in cheap, pore-clogging rosehip or argan oils that oxidize and turn rancid, we carry it in a breathable, skin-identical lipid system.

Found in: V02 BLUR

What it is: An advanced, next-generation retinoid ester that binds directly to the skin's retinoid receptors - no metabolic conversion required.

What it does: Triggers rapid collagen synthesis and cell turnover to smooth lines and refine texture, but skips the two-step conversion that makes traditional retinol so irritating.

Why we use it: We use the maximum clinical 0.3% for prescription-level renewal with dramatically less of the redness and peeling of old-school retinol.

The clean swap: In place of unstable retinol suspended in heavy waxes and mineral oil that clog and irritate, we use a receptor-ready retinoid in a light, breathable base.

Found in: V15 SHIFT

What it is: A neuropeptide, often called Argireline, that gently interrupts the nerve signals telling facial muscles to contract.

What it does: Relaxes the repeated muscle movements behind expression lines - forehead creases, crow's feet - to visibly soften their appearance over time.

Why we use it: We use pure peptide at its full clinical use level rather than a pre-diluted trace, and pair it with an instant tightening film so skin looks lifted now and smoother later.

The clean swap: In place of heavy surface spackle that fills a wrinkle until you wash your face, we deliver a peptide that works on the muscle signal underneath.

Found in: V04 FIRM

What it is: A copper-bound signal peptide - the naturally vivid blue molecule the body uses to orchestrate tissue repair.

What it does: Signals the skin to rebuild failing collagen and synthesize new elastin, restoring firmness and elasticity while accelerating repair.

Why we use it: The clinical baseline is just 0.1%; we double it to a maximum 0.2% of pure peptide powder - an undiluted, unmistakable signal, not a fairy-dusted trace.

The clean swap: In place of the pre-mixed, heavily diluted peptide solutions legacy brands use to pad margins, we dose pure, full-strength GHK-Cu.

Found in: V12 FORGE

What it is: A collagen-signaling peptide, widely known as Matrixyl, attached to a fatty acid that helps it penetrate.

What it does: Prompts the skin to produce more collagen and rebuild the matrix that keeps it firm, smoothing the look of lines from below the surface.

Why we use it: We pair it with a neuropeptide and tightening polymers so firming happens on two fronts - relaxing lines and rebuilding structure at once.

The clean swap: In place of a token peptide dropped into a thick, occlusive cream that blocks it from absorbing, we deliver it in a water-light base built for penetration.

Found in: V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM

What it is: The most potent antioxidant catechin in green tea, isolated and concentrated (EGCG).

What it does: Delivers powerful free-radical defense while helping skin look less shiny and more balanced - a natural fit for clarifying, blemish-prone formulas.

Why we use it: We use it at its clinical threshold in our pore-refining and prep steps, where antioxidant protection and oil balance matter most.

The clean swap: In place of relying on synthetic stabilizers alone, we defend our formulas and your skin with proven botanical antioxidants.

Found in: V17 QUELL, P08 PRIME

What it is: A plant-based antioxidant found in the cell walls of seeds and bran, and the classic stabilizer for a Vitamin C network.

What it does: Neutralizes free radicals and, crucially, reinforces Vitamin C and Vitamin E - roughly doubling their photoprotective power while keeping the formula stable.

Why we use it: We use the clinical-standard 0.5% in our Vitamin C serums, both to protect skin and to hold the actives themselves stable over the life of the bottle.

Our sourcing: Ferulic Acid can be synthesized cheaply in a lab or extracted from plants, and the two are not equal in a clean formula. We use botanical Ferulic Acid - plant-derived rather than synthetic - because it aligns with a naturally-derived, high-purity formula and performs reliably in the low-pH environment our Vitamin C demands.

The clean swap: In place of synthetic butylated antioxidants like BHT, propped up to extend the shelf life of cheap formulas, we stabilize with botanical Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW

What it is: The skin's principal fat-soluble antioxidant, sourced from sunflower rather than synthesized.

What it does: Shields the lipid barrier from free-radical damage and works in synergy with Vitamin C to multiply its protection, while conditioning the skin.

Why we use it: Natural Vitamin E is more than twice as biologically active as the synthetic form, so we use a purified sunflower-derived tocopherol as a precise micro-dose - real protection without a heavy, pore-clogging load.

The clean swap: In place of cheap synthetic Vitamin E used at heavy 1%-plus loads that carry an off scent and clog pores, we use a light, potent dose of the natural form.

Found in: C20 GUARD, E15 GLOW, H06 SEAL, V02 BLUR

What it is: A skin-identical ceramide - the exact lipid that makes up the mortar between the skin's surface cells.

What it does: Fills the microscopic gaps in a damaged barrier, sealing in moisture and restoring resilience the way the skin's own lipids do.

Why we use it: We push it to its maximum clinical threshold and combine it with squalane and phytosterols, so the barrier is rebuilt with the full lipid trio rather than one piece of it.

The clean swap: In place of sealing skin with occlusive petrolatum and silicone that only sit on top, we rebuild the barrier with a lipid the skin recognizes as its own.

Found in: H06 SEAL

What it is: A skin-identical phospholipid, sunflower-derived, that acts as a gentle, breathable emulsifier.

What it does: Binds water and lipids into a stable, weightless system and helps carry actives across the skin surface, forming a breathable shield rather than a greasy film.

Why we use it: We use it to build our liquid-lipid serums, so barrier repair feels water-light instead of waxy and heavy.

The clean swap: In place of harsh synthetic emulsifiers and thick waxes, we bind our lipid formulas with a phospholipid the barrier already contains.

Found in: H06 SEAL, V02 BLUR

What it is: Plant-derived sterols that mirror the cholesterol naturally present in the skin barrier.

What it does: Complete the barrier's lipid trio - ceramides, fatty acids, and sterols - to restore structure, calm the look of sensitivity, and reinforce moisture retention.

Why we use it: We use plant phytosterols in place of animal-derived cholesterol so the full, balanced lipid ratio is there, entirely vegan.

The clean swap: In place of animal-derived cholesterol, we use plant phytosterols to complete the barrier - same role, fully vegan.

Found in: H06 SEAL

What it is: A featherlight, skin-identical lipid - the stable, saturated form of squalene, which your skin already produces on its own.

What it does: Slots seamlessly into the skin's own lipid barrier to lock in moisture, soften, and prevent water loss, mimicking natural sebum with none of the heaviness or greasy finish of an oil.

Why we use it: The breathable lipid - deeply nourishing yet non-comedogenic, so it fortifies the barrier without clogging pores or suffocating the skin.

Our sourcing: Squalane can come from three very different places, and the source is everything. It was historically rendered from shark liver - unsustainable, and something we will never use. The common plant alternative, olive-derived squalane, is seasonal, varies batch to batch, and often carries a faint olive odor and residual impurities that have no place in a fragrance-free, crystal-clear serum. We use Neossance Squalane, biofermented from renewable sugarcane, because it is the purest and most consistent grade available (upwards of 92% squalane), completely odorless, fully renewable, and vegan by definition - so nothing, not a scent, a color, or an allergen, can compromise the formula.

The clean swap: In place of mineral oil, petrolatum, and heavy silicones that sit stagnant and clog pores - and in place of shark- or olive-derived squalane - we use ultra-pure Neossance Squalane.

Found in: H06 SEAL, V02 BLUR

What it is: A light, non-comedogenic plant oil rich in linoleic acid and a natural carrier for oil-soluble antioxidants.

What it does: Nourishes and softens the skin while helping deliver Vitamin E and other lipophilic actives, without the heaviness of a rich facial oil.

Why we use it: We use it in small, deliberate amounts as a lightweight nourishing oil and antioxidant carrier - never as a bulk filler.

The clean swap: In place of comedogenic mineral oil used to cheaply bulk out a formula, we use a light, barrier-friendly plant oil.

Found in: C20 GUARD, E15 GLOW, H06 SEAL, V02 BLUR

What it is: A yeast-derived polysaccharide with a remarkable capacity to hold water and soothe.

What it does: Forms a light, breathable moisture reservoir on the skin, calms the look of redness, and supports the skin's own repair processes.

Why we use it: We use it as a cellular soother and deep hydrator wherever high-strength actives need a cushion, from resurfacing serums to recovery formulas.

The clean swap: In place of heavy, tacky film-formers, we hold moisture and soothe with a light, breathable botanical polysaccharide.

Found in: C20 RENEW, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V15 SHIFT

What it is: A sugar-beet-derived osmolyte - a molecule that manages water balance from inside the cell.

What it does: Actively holds moisture within skin cells to prevent the tight, dehydrated feeling that low-pH actives can cause, keeping skin plump and comfortable.

Why we use it: We use it across nearly the whole line as an intracellular moisture manager, because it protects hydration without adding any weight or stickiness.

The clean swap: In place of relying on tacky surface humectants alone, we manage moisture from inside the cell with a lightweight osmolyte.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P08 PRIME, P01 WASH

What it is: One of the most proven humectants in skincare - a small, plant-derived molecule that pulls water into the skin.

What it does: Draws and holds moisture in the upper layers, reinforcing the barrier and keeping skin supple; a foundational hydrator that also supports lipid formulas.

Why we use it: We use plant-derived Glycerin where it genuinely improves barrier hydration and formula feel, at levels tuned so it never turns tacky.

The clean swap: In place of overloading a formula until it feels sticky, we use Glycerin at a measured level and let our light bases carry it.

Found in: H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM

What it is: An ultra-low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid, micro-sized so it can move past the skin's surface.

What it does: Penetrates rapidly to hold water deep in the skin rather than sitting on top, plumping from within and leaving zero tacky residue.

Why we use it: We use the micro-sized grade specifically because standard HA polymers only sit on the surface - this one delivers hydration where it actually counts.

The clean swap: In place of heavy, high-molecular-weight HA that forms a sticky surface film (and in dry air can pull moisture out of the skin), we use a micro-sized grade that sinks in.

Found in: H03 PLUMP, V06 AWAKE

What it is: Provitamin B5 - a humectant the skin converts into pantothenic acid, central to barrier repair.

What it does: Deeply hydrates, accelerates tissue repair, and soothes the look of irritation on contact, making it one of the most reliable recovery agents available.

Why we use it: We use it generously - up to a rich 2% in recovery formulas - as both a deep hydrator and a barrier-repair agent that keeps active-stressed skin comfortable.

The clean swap: In place of masking irritation with heavy occlusives, we speed genuine recovery with a proven provitamin.

Found in: C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 CLEAR, H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P08 PRIME

What it is: The stable salt form of hyaluronic acid - the skin's own water-magnet molecule, each gram able to bind up to a thousand times its weight in water.

What it does: Holds moisture at and near the surface to plump, smooth, and soften the look of fine lines, giving skin an immediate cushioned bounce.

Why we use it: We pair this surface-level grade with the deeper-penetrating micro-sized form, so hydration is delivered at more than one level of the skin at once.

The clean swap: In place of a single HA weight that works at only one depth, we combine grades so moisture reaches both the surface and deeper layers.

Found in: H03 PLUMP, V06 AWAKE

What it is: A polysaccharide from the snow mushroom, long prized as a botanical rival to hyaluronic acid.

What it does: Holds intense moisture in a remarkably weightless film and helps deliver it into the skin, plumping without any of the tack of heavy HA.

Why we use it: We use it across the line as a weightless hydrator that supercharges the moisture network while keeping every formula feeling like water.

The clean swap: In place of thick, sticky hydrating gels, we plump the skin with a silky, weightless botanical polysaccharide.

Found in: C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 CLEAR, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P08 PRIME

What it is: A gentle, well-studied soothing molecule that accelerates the skin's natural repair.

What it does: Rapidly calms the look of contact redness, comforts reactive skin, and speeds surface recovery - which is why it appears alongside nearly all our actives.

Why we use it: We use an aggressive 0.4% clinical-grade payload wherever high-strength acids or actives could provoke the skin, so potency never comes at the cost of comfort.

The clean swap: In place of leaving strong actives unbuffered, we pair them with a proven soother so results do not mean redness.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR

What it is: A highly purified soothing fraction, the active heart of chamomile, isolated for potency.

What it does: Neutralizes the stinging and burning of low-pH and retinoid formulas on contact and calms the look of irritation almost immediately.

Why we use it: We push it to an aggressive concentration in our recovery and retinoid serums, using the isolated active rather than a whole, unpredictable botanical extract.

The clean swap: In place of raw chamomile extract and its variable, allergen-carrying oils, we use the purified soothing molecule itself.

Found in: H01 CALM, V15 SHIFT

What it is: A fast-acting vasoconstrictor that tightens and de-puffs, especially valuable around the eyes.

What it does: Constricts microscopic blood vessels to drain fluid puffiness and reduce the look of under-eye shadows and facial swelling.

Why we use it: We use it at clinical strength in our eye and firming serums, delivered in a water-light base so it reaches the thin skin around the eye without heavy oils.

The clean swap: In place of repackaging a heavy face cream as an eye product, we use a targeted, weightless de-puffing active built for the eye area.

Found in: V06 AWAKE

What it is: A concentrated fraction of the gotu kola plant (often called Cica or TECA), revered for wound healing.

What it does: Acts as a rapid tissue-repair catalyst, promoting collagen synthesis, calming reactive skin, and supporting a smooth, comfortable-looking surface.

Why we use it: We use a potent, standardized fraction - up to a clinical 2% - rather than a dilute whole-leaf extract, so the repair benefit is real and consistent.

The clean swap: In place of a token botanical for a natural-sounding label, we use a standardized, high-payload active fraction that actually performs.

Found in: S05 CLEAR, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V12 FORGE, V04 FIRM

What it is: A zinc salt of a natural moisturizing-factor amino acid, valued in blemish-prone care.

What it does: Helps minimize the look of excess oil and calms the appearance of redness, refining the look of oily, congested skin.

Why we use it: We use it to support our clarifying serum's oil-balancing story without resorting to the harsh astringents that trigger rebound oil.

The clean swap: In place of stripping oily skin with drying alcohols, we help balance its look with a gentle oil-minimizing mineral.

Found in: V17 QUELL

What it is: A mild, plant-derived sugar surfactant made from coconut and glucose.

What it does: Boosts a gentle micro-lather and helps encapsulate and rinse away oil and impurities without disrupting the skin's acid mantle.

Why we use it: We use it as a secondary surfactant in our cleanser's plant-glucoside blend, chosen for effective cleansing that stays barrier-safe.

The clean swap: In place of harsh sulfate detergents that strip and inflame, we cleanse with gentle sugar-derived surfactants.

Found in: P01 WASH

What it is: A gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil and fruit sugars.

What it does: Lifts away makeup and pollutants through soft micro-lather rather than aggressive stripping, leaving the barrier intact.

Why we use it: We use it within a tri-glucoside matrix so cleansing power comes from a balanced blend of mild surfactants, not one harsh one.

The clean swap: In place of the satisfying but barrier-destroying lather of sulfates, we use a soft, lipid-safe coconut-derived cleanser.

Found in: P01 WASH

What it is: A mild, biodegradable sugar surfactant - the clinical standard for effective cleansing without barrier disruption.

What it does: Provides the primary gentle cleansing action, creating an effective micro-lather that washes away dirt and oil while respecting the acid mantle.

Why we use it: We build our cleanser on it as the lead surfactant precisely because it cleans thoroughly without the squeaky, stripped feeling that signals a torn barrier.

The clean swap: In place of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and high-pH detergents, we lead with a mild, plant-derived primary surfactant.

Found in: P01 WASH

What it is: A green-chemistry micellar solubilizer derived from glycerin and coconut acid.

What it does: Acts like a microscopic magnet, gently encapsulating and dissolving sunscreen, oil, and residual impurities without foam and without a rinse.

Why we use it: We use it in our prep tonic to lift away the day's residue while leaving zero film - so the next serum absorbs fully.

The clean swap: In place of PEG-based surfactants that leave a sticky, absorption-blocking film, we use a clean, plant-derived micellar solubilizer.

Found in: P08 PRIME

Multi-stage purified, deionized water - the base that carries every active. We purify it specifically so no trace minerals enter the formula to destabilize actives or cloud a crystal-clear serum.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P08 PRIME, P01 WASH

A pure amino acid used to gently balance pH. In our overnight peel it doubles as a time-release buffer, holding the acids and releasing them slowly - in place of the harsh sodium hydroxide (lye) legacy peels use to force their pH into range.

Found in: V20 PEEL

A plant-derived gum from the tara seed, used with xanthan at minimal levels purely to give a clean, breathable texture - never as a cheap thickener to fake richness.

Found in: H06 SEAL, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P01 WASH

A gentle, plant-derived glycol that doubles as a humectant and a preservative booster, letting us keep the overall preservative system minimal while still fully protected.

Found in: E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P01 WASH

What it is: An advanced, plant-derived penetration enhancer and solvent - one of the most effective clean carriers available.

What it does: Dissolves actives that are hard to deliver and opens the skin's absorption pathways so ingredients reach their target quickly and evenly.

Why we use it: We pair it with Propanediol as our core green-chemistry transit system, the reason our serums drive actives deep and absorb in under two minutes.

The clean swap: In place of ethoxydiglycol and other harsh synthetic carriers used to force Vitamin C into the skin, we use a clean, plant-derived penetration enhancer.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, S05 CLEAR, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, P08 PRIME

A plant-derived preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent. It lets our globally-approved preservative system stay minimal and gentle while keeping every batch protected.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P08 PRIME, P01 WASH

A plant-derived humectant and preservative booster that hydrates while reinforcing formula protection - another tool for keeping the preservative system lean and well-tolerated.

Found in: M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE

A globally-approved, broad-spectrum preservative used at a low, well-tolerated level to keep every batch safe and stable. It anchors the minimal, clean preservation system we use in place of parabens, formaldehyde-releasers, and isothiazolinones.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P08 PRIME, P01 WASH

What it is: A 100% plant-derived glycol that acts as a hydrating solvent and humectant - the workhorse base of nearly every clean formula.

What it does: Dissolves actives evenly, draws moisture into the skin, and gently boosts penetration so ingredients reach their target - while keeping the texture light and fast-absorbing.

Why we use it: It is why our serums glide on like water and vanish in under two minutes, carrying actives in without a trace of residue.

Our sourcing: Propanediol can be made two very different ways - petrochemically, or by fermenting plant sugar - and the two do not behave the same on skin. We use only the naturally fermented, plant-derived grade, because it runs purer, carries a markedly lower irritation profile, and skips the petroleum feedstock entirely. It is a deliberate choice: the fermented material is what gives our bases that weightless, non-tacky finish.

The clean swap: In place of Propylene Glycol and PEGs - cheap, petroleum-based solvents linked to sensitization and, for PEGs, potential 1,4-dioxane contamination - we use plant-fermented Propanediol.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V12 FORGE, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P08 PRIME, P01 WASH

What it is: A naturally-derived polysaccharide that forms a fine, breathable film as it dries.

What it does: Creates an instant, microscopic tightening mesh on the surface that visibly lifts and smooths - a real, immediate firming effect while longer-term actives work underneath.

Why we use it: We use it in our eye and firming serums for undeniable instant lift without heavy, pore-clogging polymers.

The clean swap: In place of heavy silicone and starch spackle that washes off by evening, we use a breathable film that tightens without suffocating skin.

Found in: V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM

What it is: A plant-derived chelating agent - a molecule that locks up stray metal ions in a formula. It is the sodium salt of phytic acid, which occurs naturally in seeds and grains.

What it does: Traps trace metals from water or packaging that would otherwise catalyze oxidation, keeping actives like Vitamin C fresher and protecting each formula's color and clarity.

Why we use it: The clean, plant-based guardian of purity and shelf-life - essential for keeping our crystal-clear, fragrance-free serums stable without synthetic additives.

Our sourcing: Phytic acid is how plants naturally store and bind minerals, which makes a plant-derived phytate inherently biocompatible and readily biodegradable - the opposite of a lab-built synthetic chelator. We specifically use the sodium-salt (phytate) form rather than raw phytic acid because it is water-soluble and pH-friendly, so it does its job quietly inside our acidic, water-light serums without disturbing them.

The clean swap: In place of Disodium EDTA - a synthetic chelator that is slow to biodegrade and can stress the skin barrier - we use gentle, plant-derived Sodium Phytate.

Found in: C10 EASE, C20 BARE, C20 FADE, C20 GUARD, C20 RENEW, E15 GLOW, M10 BLOOM, S05 PARE, S05 CLEAR, H06 SEAL, H03 PLUMP, H01 CALM, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V09 ERASE, V06 AWAKE, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P08 PRIME, P01 WASH

A fermentation-derived gum that gives a formula smooth, even body. Used alongside tara gum at minimal levels purely for a clean, breathable texture - never as a cheap thickener to fake richness.

Found in: H06 SEAL, V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL, V15 SHIFT, V04 FIRM, V02 BLUR, P01 WASH