For dry, or distressed skin, that needs extra hydration. Designed to be combined with OptoDerm creams but may be adequate on its own, or with other moisturisers. It is totally non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores and cause breakout.

Our squalane comes from 100% plant-based, renewable sugarcane, then bio-fermented to create a beautiful end product — highly stable, totally sustainable squalane. Every drop of squalane in our products is derived in this eco-friendly way. Squalane is a non-polar, fully saturated, and very stable compound, resistant to oxidation and UV radiation. It is an exceptional moisturiser, preventing moisture loss and imparting suppleness and flexibility to your skin. Although the body produces its own version of squalane (known as squalene), the amount made and retained in the skin decreases over time. It peaks in our teens and then starts to decline in our 20’s, leaving skin rough, dry and vulnerable.

Our Arjuna Extract is a plant extract of pentacyclic triterpenes from the Arjun tree. It contains approx. 7% triterpenes of which at least 65% are arjunolic acid and 25% are asiatic acid. In the context of aging skin, triterpenes are valuable ingredients to counteract all visible signs of skin aging.

With age, the skin’s natural functions slow down. This starts in your 20’s and gets more pronounced over time. Women in their late 40’s or early 50’s experience a radical change, as they enter menopause – a major reduction in female hormone production by the ovaries that tends to occur over several years. This category of aging is also referred to as ‘hormonal aging’ and occurs as levels of estrogen decline. While many tissues are affected by this process, women having overcome the menopause transition (postmenopausal phase) experience major changes, especially concerning their skin. There is a marked change in skin structure and composition. Low estrogen levels result in weakening of collagen and elastin fibers. With decreased skin elasticity, the skin loses its property to extend and bounce back to its initial state. The skin is thinner and becomes more fragile. Due to reduced sebum production and a weakened skin barrier, mature skin often feels and appears very dry. Decreasing estrogen levels also result in a weakening of blood vessels and a decreased blood distribution in the skin (microcirculation). This further results in a shortage of nutrients and oxygen, and a diminished removal of metabolic waste products in the different skin layers. This contributes to slower cell turnover.

Our Arjuna extract has a very broad activity. It strengthens the extracellular matrix leading to improved skin density and resiliency. By strengthening the skin barrier and inducing skin sebum production, Arjuna extract reduces the signs of dry skin and protects the skin from external challenges. It also contributes to improved microvascular network, leading to better skin nutrient supply and promotion of cellular turnover. Relating these activities to mature and postmenopausal skin, Arjuna extract is a perfect ingredient to combat the signs and effects of hormonal aging.

The Vitamin F we use in Hydrating Serum comprises linoleic acid (C18:2), the main fatty acid, ~60% of the total, linolenic acid (C18:3) representing ~10% and the balance, arachidonic acid (C20:4). It is esterified to resist oxidation and remain stable. A deficiency in linoleic acid is linked to many skin problems – see our blog here for more details.

Castor Oil

Ricinoleic acid, the primary component of castor oil, offers a variety of benefits due to its unique chemical structure and properties. Here are some of the key benefits:

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties

Reduction of Inflammation – Ricinoleic acid has been shown to exert significant anti-inflammatory effects. It can reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation, making it useful for conditions like arthritis and muscle pain.
Analgesic Effects – ricinoleic acid can provide pain relief by interacting with sensory neuropeptides involved in neurogenic inflammation in sensitive skin

Moisturizing and Hydrating

Emollient Properties – Ricinoleic acid is an effective emollient, helping to moisturize and hydrate the skin. It can reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping the skin hydrated and soft
Humectant – It acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the air into the skin, which further enhances its hydrating effects.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties

Antibacterial and Antifungal: Ricinoleic acid has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, which can help in treating skin infections and conditions like acne. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, making it useful for maintaining skin health.

Skin Healing and Anti-aging

Wound Healing: Ricinoleic acid can promote wound healing by creating a moist environment that prevents drying out and infection. It is often used in ointments for treating skin wounds and pressure sores.
Anti-aging: The antioxidant properties of ricinoleic acid help to neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and slowing down the aging process. This can help in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

Cinnamic acid, a naturally occurring aromatic carboxylic acid in castor oil, offers a wide range of benefits due to its diverse biological activities. Here are some of the key benefits:

Antibacterial Activity: Cinnamic acid and its derivatives have shown significant antibacterial effects against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Antifungal Activity: It also exhibits antifungal properties, being effective against species like Candida albicans and Aspergillus spp..
Antiviral Activity: Some derivatives of cinnamic acid have been reported to possess antiviral properties.

Antioxidant Properties

Free Radical Scavenging: Cinnamic acid and its derivatives are known for their strong antioxidant activities, which help in scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
Protection Against Oxidative Damage: These antioxidant properties contribute to the protection of cells and tissues from oxidative damage

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Reduction of Inflammation: Cinnamic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX).
Potential for Treating Inflammatory Conditions: Its anti-inflammatory effects make it a potential candidate for treating various inflammatory conditions like rosacea

Skin Lightening: Cinnamic acid inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, which helps in reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Anti-aging: The antioxidant properties of cinnamic acid help in reducing the signs of aging by protecting the skin from oxidative stress and promoting collagen synthesis.
Wound Healing: Cinnamic acid has been shown to promote wound healing by enhancing reepithelialization, increasing fibroblast activity, and promoting collagen deposition.
UV Protection Sunscreen Agent: Cinnamic acid is used as a UV filter in sunscreens, providing protection against harmful UV radiation.