Glossary Skin Ingredients
To help you navigate the world of skincare and understand the science behind it, we have compiled a glossary of key terms:
Antioxidants:
These are substances that help protect the skin from free radicals, which can cause premature aging and damage. Examples include vitamins A, C, E and F.
Hyaluronic Acid:
A natural substance found in the skin that helps retain moisture, providing hydration and plumpness.
Rosehip Oil:
Extracted from the seeds of rose bushes, this oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, known for its nourishing and regenerating properties.
Green Tea:
Packed with polyphenols, green tea has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for various skin concerns.
Active Ingredients:
These are the key ingredients in skincare products that directly address specific skin concerns, such as acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation.
Non-Active Ingredients:
These are the additional components of a skincare product, such as emulsifiers, preservatives, and fragrances, which do not directly affect the skin concern but help with product stability and texture.
Understanding the Science Behind Skincare:
Skin Absorption:
The skin is a permeable barrier that can absorb substances applied to its surface. This is why it is essential to use skincare products with safe and natural ingredients, as harmful chemicals can be absorbed into the body.
Skin Types:
Understanding your skin type (e.g., oily, dry, combination, sensitive) helps to choose appropriate products and treatments that cater to its specific needs.
Formulations:
Skincare products are formulated using scientific principles to ensure the ingredients work effectively together and penetrate the skin barrier to deliver their intended benefits.
pH Balance:
The skin's pH level refers to its acidity or alkalinity. Maintaining a balanced pH is crucial for healthy skin, as it helps protect against bacteria, inflammation, and dehydration.
Cellular Turnover:
This process involves the shedding of dead skin cells and the production of new ones. Skincare products can help stimulate cellular turnover, resulting in smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms and concepts, you will be better equipped to make informed choices about your skincare routine and understand how the natural ingredients in Alchemy Botanical Skincare products work to promote healthy, radiant skin.
If you have any further questions or need personalized skincare advice, our team of experts is here to assist you.
It has been scientifically proven that some of the body and cosmetic products we commonly use and expose ourselves to contain ingredients that are linked to cancer, reproductive challenges, birth defects, asthmatic symptoms and skin allergies- just to name a few. Natural skin care products contain none of these health damaging ingredients.
As the skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs everything you put on to it, Its imperative that thought is given to what skin products you use.
Instead of damaging health, natural skin care products often contain health promoting ingredients that are packed full of vitamins and antioxidants such as rosehip oil, green tea and hyaluronic acid. A full list of the key active and non -active ingredients found in our products and their benefits can be found in the following pages.
Not only do such ingredients promote long term positive health outcomes they are also beneficial for general skin health, complexion and vitality. Because the ingredients found in natural skincare products are derived from the earth from natural sources, they work with your body to heal, flourish and thrive.
All skincare observers knowing how to best nurture your skin is easier, when we understand more about what it is in the product and how it functions your skin type.
Treatments and products only good science behind them, so knowing the reasons why we treat skin the way we do is the first step to understanding your skin's biology. It's one of the first things to explain who is exploring the world of skin health for the first time.
Skin Layers
There are three main layers to our skin, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. Each of theses layer contains essential pieces of the skin puzzle. Connective tissue, collagen and elastin fibres, sweat glands , hair follicles and blood vessels. Different treatments and products will target specific areas of the skin.
Pores & Follicles
Pores are visible opening of hair follicles, which grow out of the dermis. There are two types of pores oil and sweat pores, both can be clogged and cause congestion, including acne. Keeping the skin clean is the easiest way to prevent clogged pores, although people with certain skin conditions may struggle more with keeping their pores clear. Since pores provide an exact for dead skin cells and excess oil, keeping clear is essential for healthy skin.
However, there are ways to balance the appearance of larger pores while maintaining healthy plump skin- these include ample moisturising, proper cleansing and regular exfoliation.
The Skin's hero proteins
There are three major proteins that make up our skin, Collagen, elastin and keratin. Each player a crucial role in the turnover of the cells and overall appearance of the skin texture.
* Collagen
Collagen is why youthful skin is plumper and more radiant, is the most abundant making up around 80 per cent of protein to the skin. Its what gives our skin structure and what breaks down as we age.
* Elastin
Does exactly what its name suggest, provides elasticity to your skin and wards off sagging or wrinkled skin. Both collagen and elastin are essential for skin health.
* Keratin
Widly associated with hair , also plays an important role in our skin as the follicles that hold hair particles are made of keratin.
Let's dive deeper into understanding the most popular ingredients in skincare!
AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs:
These ingredients promote cell turnover and exfoliate dead skin cells, helping to erase fine lines and congestion. Lactic acid is a gentle and hydrating AHA that works well for most skin types.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs):
BHAs penetrate deeper into the pores and are effective in controlling blemishes and acne. Salicylic acid is a popular BHA for treating congested skin.
Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs):
Similar to AHAs, PHAs work on the surface of the skin but are less irritating, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA):
ALA is an essential fatty acid and potent antioxidant that minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and evens out skin tone.
Azelaic acid:
This multitasking ingredient gently cleans out pores, delivers potent antioxidant protection, and reduces reactivity, redness, and textural irregularities. It is often used to treat acne and rosacea.
Bakuchiol:
Extracted from the psoralen corylifolia plant, bakuchiol is often referred to as a natural retinol. It promotes cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and helps slow the appearance of fine lines.
Ferulic acid:
Derived from plants, ferulic acid is an antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is often paired with vitamins C and E to stabilize their concentrates and promote collagen production.
Glycerin:
Glycerin is a skin-repairing substance that helps maintain the skin microbiome and combat dry and scaly skin. It is commonly used in treating chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis.
Hyaluronic acid:
This ingredient is known for its ability to retain moisture, providing immediate and long-lasting hydration. It helps plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3):
Niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity. It is often used to treat hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and acne.
Peptides:
Peptides stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce inflammation, resulting in firmer skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Resveratrol:
Found in plants like red grapes and blueberries, resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that improves the skin's appearance. It minimizes fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture while boosting firmness and protecting against UVB rays.
Retinol:
Considered the holy grail in skincare, retinol enhances skin radiance, refines texture, and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, oiliness, and rosacea. It should be used in the evening and paired with sunscreen.
Squalane:
Squalane is a moisturizing and emollient ingredient that helps plump and firm the skin's texture. It has antioxidant properties and can clear up skin damage.
Vitamin C serum:
Vitamin C is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin against free radicals. It brightens hyperpigmentation, strengthens collagen, and treats sun damage-induced pigmentation.
These ingredients are popular due to their effectiveness in addressing various skin concerns and improving the overall health and appearance of the skin.
* Alchemy Vitamin C is a powerhouse for most skin types. Our serum contains a 10% blend of vitamin C kakadu plum & rosehip extract contains 60 times more vitamin C than oranges.
* Alchemy Exfoliating Vitamin Crystals - Our exfoliating crystals contains 15% vitamin C Powder.
* Alchemy Vitamin A Serum - Our vitamin A serum contains 1% of oil retinol palmate.
* Alchemy Vitamin B3
Vitamin B serum - Our Vitamtin B serum contains 5% Niacinamide
Enzyme Balancing serum - our Enzyme balancing serum contains 3% Niacinamide.
* Hyaluronic Acid
Alchemy Hyaluronic acid serum - Our Hyaluronic acid serum contains 97% Hyaluronic acid
This 97% is a 1% solution. This is extremely concentrated and one of the strongest on the market molecular weight - Between 1 million and 1.8 million Da
Alchemy Collagen serum - Our collagen serum contains 87% Hyaluronic acid . This 87% is a 1% solution.
* Alchemy Renewal Cream - Our renewal cream contains 5% Vitamin C
* Alchemy Peptide Cream - Our peptide cream contains 5% Hyaluronic Acid
* Alchemy Botanical Skincare products contain natural preservatives such as tocopherol (Vitamin E) and rosemary extract to ensure product stability and prevent microbial growth.
* These natural preservatives are carefully chosen to minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
* It is important to store skincare products in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing them to excessive heat or sunlight, as this can impact their shelf life and efficacy.
* The expiration date of each product is indicated on the packaging, and it is recommended to discard any skincare product that has expired.
* To ensure the longevity of your skincare products, it is essential to follow proper hygiene practices, such as using clean hands or tools when applying the products and avoiding introducing water into the product containers.
* If you experience any adverse reactions or changes in the product's consistency, smell, or color, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Self Life
Our shelf life ranges from 12 months- 2 years from the date of purchase.
Preservatives
Lemon Myrtle Extract – Our Lemon Myrtle Extract is a tincture, which means the Lemon Myrtle Is extracted and submerged in an organic Alcohol, component that works as the preservative .
Aloe Vera Extract – Our Aloe Vera Extract is a tincture, which means the Aloe Vera is extracted
and submerged in an Organic Alcohol, it’s the Organic Alcohol component that works as the preservative.
Aspen Bark - A natural preservative derived from North American Aspen Bark.
Hydroxymethylglycinate – Hydroxymethylglycinate derived from the naturally occurring amino
Acid, glycine. -This preservative is used in extremely low concentrations of only 0.5% allowing
more room in the product for active ingredients.
Olive Leaf, Thyme & Rosemary Extract – A natural blend of anti-microbial herbal extracts. These
herbs are extracted and submerged in an Organic Alcohol, it’s the Organic Alcohol component that works as the preservative.
Potassium Sorbate - Potassium Sorbate is mainly used as a food preservative, But it can be used in natural skincare products .
Potassium Sorbate is salt derived and is mild, non-toxic and non sensitising.
Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate – Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate is derived from Radish Root.
This natural preservative also helps with skin hydration.
Phenoxyethanol - a synthetic version of an ingredient that is naturally derived from green tea . Our formulas will only contain less than 0.5%, which provides broad-spectrum protection against yeasts, molds, and bacteria. This is particularly important in our warming climate, and also has the added benefit of extending the product shelf life to two years.
Skin Types..
Having a good understanding of your skin type is vital when it comes to choosing the right products to care for and heal your skin.
Normal skin - Is a term widely used to refer to skin that is well balanced. People with normal skin rarely experience oiliness or dryness.
When skin concerns do arise, they generally easy and quick to treat. Those with normal skin tend to have small pores, exhibit few lines and wrinkles little to no blemishes an even skin tone and lack excess shine. People with normal skin require products that help to maintain their health and protect it against external environmental factors.
Combination skin
Combination skin features more than one different skin type for example, both oily and dry skin may be present on different areas of the facial. Very often, those combination skin experience different skin challenges in their t-zone than do on their cheeks and around their eyes for example, have an oily t-zone and dry cheek/ eye area.
People with combination skin equate products that balance the production of oil and bring it into harmony.
Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin often experience irritation, inflammation and redness.
Their skin may be more sensitive to products and the environmental conditions than those with other types of skin. People with sensitive skin generally respond well to natural skincare products, as opposed to cosmeceuticals which can contain harsh ingredients. They require products that are gentle, calming and protective.
Dry Skin
People with dry skin produce less oil or sebum than normal skin making it appear tight, rough and flaky and feel achy and irritated People with dry skin may be more likely to experience wrinkles.
Those with dry skin find it difficult to retain moisture and very often, the deeper layers of the skin are moister depleted. Their skin is often vulnerable to external environmental elements because it cannot build an effective shield to protect it.
People with dry skin require deeply nourishing products that both moisturise, prevent waterless and preserve the skin.
Oily Skin
People with oily skin over-produce oil or sebum, because of the they have a tendency to experience grease and shine on the face, large pores, often looks red, shiny, blemished and inflamed. People with oily skin require products that balance oil production and prevent breakouts.
The key Active Ingredients In Our Skincare Treatments and Eye Care
Range are:
✔️Aloe Vera which is cooling, soothing, hydrating and helps heal sun damaged skin.
✔️Calendula which has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
✔️Cucumber which is soothing and cooling, hydrating, reduces inflammation,
soothes irritated skin and helps to improves the firmness of skin.
✔️Green Coffee Seed decreases the appearance of wrinkles and other photo
damage resulting from UV radiation even if the application occurs after the insult occurs.
✔️Green Tea which contains antioxidants, helps fight free radical damage, is
antiinflammatory and improves complexion.
✔️Hyaluronic Acid which is hydrating and moisturising, assists in the production
of collagen, helps the skin look plump, smooth, hydrated, firm and ‘elastic’, has
antibacterial properties, helps to protect the skin from environmental exposure,
ads in water retention and encourages skin cell renewal.
✔️Jojoba Oil which has anti-inflammatory properties, hydrates the skin and
eases the negative effects of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
✔️Kaolin which cleanses and exfoliates, controls oil production and evens
skin tone.
✔️Licorice which lightens skin pigmentation, soothes sensitive skin,
diminishes the appearance of dark under-eye circles, discolouration and
age spots.
✔️Malic Acid which smooths, brightens, exfoliates, restores elasticity,
tightens pores, minimises skin pigmentation, moisturises the skin and
diminishes wrinkles.
✔️Peptides which encourage collagen production, reduce fine lines and
smooth the skin.
✔️Pineapple which removes dead skin cells, soothes sensitive and inflamed
skin and is anti-inflammatory.
✔️Pink Clay which is gentle, restorative, helps to restore and retain moisture
and is full of minerals.
✔️Resveratrol which is an antioxidant, neutralises free radical damage and
promotes the production of collagen.
✔️Sea Buckthorn which contains natural vitamin A, is anti-ageing, has high
levels of vitamin C and helps soothe skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis
and rosacea.
✔️Vitamin C which boosts the skin's production of collagen, helps to reduce
the impacts of ageing, plumps the skin and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.
✔️White Willow Bark (Salicylic Acid) which exfoliates the skin, remove dead skin cells and clears the pores.
