THE SCIENCE

Formulated with intention.

Every ingredient earns its place. Backed by peer-reviewed research. No filler. No fragrance. No compromise.

NIACINAMIDE 5%

Barrier repair + brightening

Niacinamide increases endogenous ceramide synthesis in the stratum corneum by 30-40%, strengthening the skin's lipid barrier. Simultaneously, it inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, visibly improving skin tone without irritation.

Wohlrab J, Kreft D (2014). Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 27(6):311-5. PMID: 24993939

Used in: Afterglow
CERAMIDE NP + AP

Lipid barrier restoration

Ceramides are the primary structural lipids of the stratum corneum. They form lamellar bilayers with cholesterol and free fatty acids, creating the skin's waterproof barrier. Exogenous ceramides restore this matrix when damaged by friction and moisture.

Schild J et al. (2024). Int J Cosmet Sci. 46(4):526-543. PMID: 39113291

Used in: Afterglow
PANTHENOL 3%

Hydration + regeneration

D-Panthenol is enzymatically converted to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), a coenzyme A precursor essential for lipid synthesis and tissue repair. It acts as a humectant in the stratum corneum and accelerates fibroblast proliferation for faster re-epithelialization.

Ebner F et al. (2002). Am J Clin Dermatol. 3(6):427-33. PMID: 12113650

Used in: Afterglow
TRANEXAMIC ACID 2%

Brightening via complementary pathway

Tranexamic acid inhibits plasminogen activator, reducing friction-induced melanogenesis through a pathway complementary to niacinamide. Studies show efficacy comparable to 4% hydroquinone without cytotoxic side effects or rebound hyperpigmentation.

Zhu JW et al. (2024). Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 17:2169-2187. PMID: 39328793

Used in: Afterglow
ALPHA ARBUTIN 2%

Tyrosinase inhibition

Alpha arbutin competitively inhibits tyrosinase, blocking the conversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA in melanin synthesis. Unlike hydroquinone (banned in EU cosmetics above 0.02%), alpha arbutin causes no cytotoxic damage to melanocytes and no rebound effect.

Ghofrani NS et al. (2021). Protein J. 40(5):689-698. PMID: 34047882

Used in: Stardust
PAPAIN ENZYME 1%

Enzymatic exfoliation

Papain, a cysteine protease from Carica papaya, selectively cleaves peptide bonds in desmosomal proteins between dead corneocytes. Living cells are protected by endogenous alpha-1-antitrypsin inhibitors. The result: biochemically precise exfoliation without friction or micro-tears.

Ajlia SASH et al. (2010). Pak J Biol Sci. 13(12):596-603. PMID: 21061910

Used in: Stardust
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