Bio-fermented Rice (Sake) Extract - Japanese Sake brewer’s secret: Sake (酒) is more than just a popular beverage. Sake master brewers (杜氏) are renowned for their soft and beautiful hands. A miraculous mold called Kōji-kin (麹菌) has been a foundation for the fermenting food culture of Japan, and it is also at the heart of sake making process. Kōji is packed with enzymes, amino acids and vitamins that are known to be the source for nourishing and hydrating the skin. Legend has it that their youthful hands come from frequently dipping them into fermented rice during the sake fermentation process. As a result, fermented rice has been incorporated into Japanese skincare over generations.
Bio-fermented Shiitake & Reishi Mushroom Extracts - Mushrooms have long been held in high regard by Asian culture. In Japan, it is now one of the most popular sources of dietary protein. It is also rich in fiber, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals including germanium. Shiitake has been found to have anti-fungal, anti-tumor, immune-regulating, anti-viral, and anti-cholesterol effects. This is known to help increase the cellular turnover rate of the stratum corneum, increase hydration and skin firmness. Reishi mushroom extract contains a high content of polysaccharides, responsible for the skin’s natural ability to hydrate and retain water, and which are also imperative for skin repair and renewal. They're full of beta-glucans, which means they can help fend off environmental stressors and offer up some serious anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the reishi mushroom extract can offer more skin benefits such as reducing skin inflammation, puffiness and free radical damage, while also promoting cell regeneration. Mushrooms are magic.
Niacinamide 5% (Vitamin B3) - An ingredient worthy of your attention and your skin will love you for using it, because of its versatility for almost any skin care concern and skin type. It is especially well-known for its brightening properties that promote a balanced and even skin tone, and reduce the look of redness, dark spots and dark circles under the eyes. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties and helps to strengthen our skin barrier. Great for both dry skin and oily skin, as they can help to control sebum production as well as prevent water loss. It is a vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface. Niacinamide also reduces the impact of environmental damage because of its ability to improve skin’s first defence barrier. Studies show that the optimal % of Niacinamide for maximum effectiveness is 4-5%.
Panthenol (Provitamin B5) - Deeply hydrates the skin, helping to prevent the skin's moisture loss whilst improving skin's elasticity and softness. This ingredient is valued in skin and hair care for its moisturising properties. However, the influence of panthenol on the tissue repair process together with its anti-inflammatory properties also make it ideal for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.
Prebiotics - To feed and balance out the skin’s natural microbiome, sebum and pH. Microbiome is another term for the naturally found good bacteria either on a surface of the skin or in the gut. We are obsessed with microbiomes.
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) - As a gold standard in skin moisturization, hyaluronic acid is known to provide varying degrees of benefits depending upon its molecular weight. This product is uniquely formulated with 7 different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for superior moisturization. Each molecular weight is expertly chosen to optimize hydration to the different layers of the skin. This wonder ingredient is a driving force for moisturized skin, being a key component to the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) and the dermis’ extracellular matrix.
Allantoin - Used in skin care products for its soothing and tissue growth stimulant properties. Acts as an emollient that keeps your skin moisturized and prevents dryness and irritation.
Wasabi Ferment Extract - well known as the pungent green accompaniment to Sushi. Wasabi is widely thought to have powerful antimicrobial properties. This ingredient is produced by grinding the fresh roots of the indigenous Japanese plant, wasabia japonica. It is also a natural antioxidant.