If you’re reading this, chances are you already know that there are a ton of options for skincare products on the market. But do you know which ingredients really drive results in your skincare routine? We’re here to give you the scoop on our classic (and soon-to-be classic) ingredient heroes so that you can blend together an unbeatable mix of timeless Josh Rosebrook treatments, along with other result-driven product options. It's very hard to pick a shortlist! From bioactive extracts to biomimetic synthetics, let's break down why these ingredient heroes can help to support your healthiest complexion.

A FORMULATOR'S NOTE

Before we dive into our ingredient heroes, we feel it's important to include a formulator's note: one ingredient alone will not unlock major skin changes. The transformative results of an individual ingredient hero are dependent upon: 

• 1) the ingredient concentration in the formula,
• 2) the formulation design (aka ingredient synergy) so that your skin can access the benefits of the hero ingredient - this includes scientifically calibrating other ingredients in the formula, such as stabilizers, penetration enhancers, or nutrient co-factors, 
• 3) the consistency of use - generally, you need to use a product for at least 45-90 days to see significant results even though benefits can come sooner, typically within 10-14 days of consistent use per product instructions.

Finally, there's finding the right product match for your skin. Even though you might come across a formula with a popular ingredient, first understand the product function and identify whether it's the right product for you. Don't worry, we are here to help - that's why these blogs exist, and we are just an email away! Now let’s dive in. 

Niacinamide

You might be familiar with this one - Niacinamide has seen a massive surge in popularity over the past few years for a good reason. A water-soluble form of vitamin B3, Niacinamide is such an incredibly versatile ingredient that it’s challenging to group all its skincare benefits! It adds tremendous value to any formula and is well tolerated by all skin conditions. Niacinamide can help to improve the appearance of elasticity in the skin, along with balancing the visibility of oil production and redness - perfect if you suffer from blemish-prone, sensitive or reactive conditions. It also evens out skin tone and texture and helps to fade the appearance of dark spots, making it a great choice to keep your complexion healthy and balanced

Check out our dedicated Niacinamide blog post here: https://joshrosebrook.com/blogs/articles/niacinimide

You can find Niacinamide in Ultra Peptide Cream and C Body Cream.

Glycerin

Throughout the skincare world, one ingredient reigns supreme: glycerin. You might be thinking, "Glycerin? Really?" but hold on a beat. This hero needs to get more credit. This clear, odorless liquid is universally beloved by chemists for its gentle and proven benefits, making it a foundational staple in many skincare formulations. That's because glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This restorative property makes it ideal for soothing and hydrating the skin, especially for dry or sensitive skin types. But glycerin's benefits don't stop there - it also aids in boosting the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss, and keeping skin soft and supple. Given its myriad of supportive benefits and its soothing yet effective nature, it's no surprise that glycerin is such a widely used and highly regarded skincare ingredient.

You can find Glycerin in Complete Moisture Cleanse, Essential Balm Cleanse, Vital Balm Cream, Daily Acid Toner, C Complex Serum, Ultra Peptide Cream, Hydration Boost Concentrate, Active Enzyme Exfoliator, Cacao Antioxidant Mask, Full Body Collection, Hair Care Collection

RETINOIDS

Retinoids (forms of Vitamin A) have been a go-to ingredient in skincare for decades with their clinically-backed ability to slow the appearance of skin aging by targeting various concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. We love hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), a new generation of retinoid that offers the same multi-correctional benefits while being well-tolerated by those with sensitive skin or just starting out with retinol. HPR is incredible because it can attach to the skin's retinoid receptors directly without having to convert forms in order to bind, commonly referred to as the irritating "retinizing" of the skin. Compared to traditional retinoids, HPR was developed to have improved chemical stability along with superior tolerability and efficacy, making it gentle whilst yielding the desired results with the potency of retinoic acid. 

Check out our dedicated Retinoid blog post here: https://joshrosebrook.com/blogs/articles/amping-up-the-active-in-our-active-infusion-oil

You can find Retinoids in Active Infusion Oil

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid, or HA, is a glycosaminoglycan (a polysaccharide molecule) that has a unique ability to attract and retain water in the skin. This capability makes HA a humectant, an ingredient class that plays a critical role in maintaining healthy skin via hydration levels. A well-known (but worth repeating) fact about this heavy-lifter, HA has the ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Yes, you read that correctly! Despite being naturally present in our bodies, the amount of HA we produce declines as we age (rude!), leading to decreased ability to hold hydration and “plumpness” in the skin. Incorporating biomimetic sources of HA is crucial to supplement our skin's innate levels - in our formulas, we use both synthetic, cruelty-free HA and botanically derived from Indian Senna Seed extract. Not only does this improve surface texture and overall appearance, but it also helps prevent moisture loss and reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. It's safe to say that Hyaluronic Acid is indeed a skincare hero!

Hyaluronic Acid in: Daily Acid Toner, Hydration Boost Concentrate, Vital Balm Cream, Advanced Hydration Mask, Body Acid Serum

Sea Buckthorn

Used for centuries by numerous cultures as a food source or for medicinal purposes, Sea Buckthorn is an incredibly powerful ingredient that provides universal benefits for all skin. The oil carries a signature bright orange hue due to its dense concentration of potent phytonutrients, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, that offer protective antioxidant properties. With its brilliant orange color, many people appreciate that the oil can promote the appearance of even skin tone and help correct the appearance of dark spots to enhance a glowing complexion. Sea Buckthorn is well-known for its lipid-replenishing and reparative capabilities with a unique omega fatty acid composition which helps to nourish the skin barrier, enhance skin resilience and soften the skin. In addition, Sea Buckthorn Oil is coveted for its ability to rejuvenate the visibility of skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, scarring, blemishes, and redness. Overall, Sea Buckthorn is an exceptional and highly regarded ingredient due to its outstanding ability to revitalize the skin. How many ingredients can boast an entire international institution (The International Sea Buckthorn Association) dedicated to its promotion?

You can find Sea Buckthorn in Complete Moisture Cleanse, Active Infusion Oil, Vital Balm Cream, Hydrating Accelerator, Nutrient Day Cream, Enrich Hair Mask, Serum Spray

Algae

Highlighting algae as a hero skincare “ingredient” is a bit like saying: "We like fruit." Okay, but what kinds of fruit? There are a lot of different types! Same with algae; we love it as a category and use a select super-powered few. It's estimated that there are over 800,000 species of algae, with only 5000 actually characterized and each containing a diversity of benefits - some much more powerful than others. We can bulk them into two categories - macro (visible to the human eye) and micro (microscope needed to see). Macro algae consist of green (like chlorophyll), red and brown (like kelp). Microalgae consist of blue-green varieties (like spirulina) and other hearty cyanobacteria. 

As a general skincare category, algae extract is brimming with beneficial abundance. Depending on the type, algae extract comprises complex carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients - packing a nutrient punch doesn't begin to do this "ingredient" justice! In addition, algae extract helps to boost skin barrier resilience and offset environmental damage by strengthening the skin surface against pollutants and stress. Also a humectant, Algae helps to hydrate, soothe and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In our formulations, you'll find nutrient-dense queen Astaxanthin, resilience warrior Blue-green algae, and mighty hydrator Kelp!

You can find Algae extract in Essential Balm Cleanse, Daily Acid Toner, C Body Cream, Body Acid Serum, The Essentials Discovery Kit

Green Tea Extract

According to legend, tea has been used as a beverage since roughly 2737 B.C. when a dried tea leaf fell accidentally into boiling water. Green tea extract is a potent and natural free radical fighter thanks to its abundant polyphenol antioxidants. Research has shown that the EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), the primary polyphenol found in green tea, possesses remarkable redness-reducing properties and helps to offset oxidative stress caused by environmental pollution. Polyphenols, like all antioxidants, work synergistically in a network to neutralize harmful free radicals (reactive oxygen species) that can damage skin cells and accelerate the appearance of aging. Typically through an infusion preparation, Green tea extract is always paired with other antioxidant compounds within all Josh Rosebrook formulas to maximize their skin-protective and preventative effects.

Check out our dedicated Green Tea blog post here: https://joshrosebrook.com/blogs/articles/the-benefits-of-green-tea-in-skin-care?_pos=10&_sid=286e95441&_ss=r

Check out our dedicated blog on Infusions here: https://joshrosebrook.com/blogs/articles/infusion-confusion?_pos=3&_sid=30483f51e&_ss=r 

You can find Green Tea extract in Essential Balm Cleanse, Daily Acid Toner, Hydration Boost Concentrate, Active Infusion Oil, Herbal Infusion Oil, Nutrient Day Cream, Biome Body Cleanse

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions presented here represent those of the brand and author and should not be considered to represent medical advice or guidance. Please consult with a medical professional before starting any skincare regime.

Resources

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• “Nicotinamide and the skin.” Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 2014. 
• "Nicotinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance.” Dermatologic Surgery. 2005.
• “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.” Dermato-endocrinology. 2012. 
• “Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.” Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. 2019.
• “Glycerol and the skin: a holistic approach to its origin and functions.” Br J Dermatol. 2008.
• “The science behind skincare: Moisturizers.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018. 
• “Moisture retention of glycerin solutions with various concentrations: a comparative study.” Sci Rep. (2022).
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• “Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation.” Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2011.
• “Protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in skin.” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2012. 
• “Important Therapeutic Uses of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae): A Review”. Journal of Biological Sciences. 2004. 
• “Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity of Berries and Leaves from Four Romanian Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides L.) Varieties.” Molecules. 2020. 
• “Review on nutritional composition, bioactive compounds and therapeutic properties of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn)”. International Journal of Health Sciences. 2022. 
• “Sea Buckthorn in Plant Based Diets. An Analytical Approach of Sea Buckthorn Fruits Composition: Nutritional Value, Applications, and Health Benefits.” International Journal of environmental research and public health. 2021. 
• “Algae as New Kids in the Beneficial Plant Microbiome.” Frontiers in plant science. 2021. 
• “Chemical composition and moisture-absorption/retention ability of polysaccharides extracted from five algae.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2013. 
• “Applications of algae in cosmetics: an overview”. International Journal of Innovative in Science, Engineering and Technology. 2018.