Skincare, decoded

The Library

Plain-English explanations of every active we formulate with, and honest guides to putting a routine together. No jargon, no fear-selling.

Guides

How to layer actives without wrecking your skin

The single most common mistake in an actives routine is using too much, too soon, in the wrong order. Here is the honest version.

Read the guide

Building your first routine, in four products

You do not need ten steps. A complete, effective routine is four products, morning and night.

Read the guide

A retinoid, without the wreck

Retinoids are the most proven anti-aging active you can buy without a prescription. Most people just use them wrong.

Read the guide

The ingredient glossary

Know your actives

What each ingredient is, what it does, who it suits and how it layers.

Niacinamide Vitamin B3

A form of vitamin B3, water-soluble and one of the best-studied actives in skincare.

What it does: Regulates oil, supports the barrier, evens tone and reduces the look of pores. A true all-rounder that plays well with almost everything.
Who it is for: Every skin type. Especially oily, congestion-prone and uneven skin.
How it pairs: Layers happily with acids, retinoids, vitamin C and hydrators.

Hyaluronic Acid Sodium Hyaluronate

A humectant that holds many times its weight in water. Multiple molecular weights hydrate at different depths.

What it does: Draws water into the skin for immediate plumping and comfort. Not a moisturiser on its own; seal it with a cream.
Who it is for: All skin types, especially dehydrated skin.
How it pairs: Universally compatible. Apply to slightly damp skin.

Salicylic Acid BHA

An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that gets inside the pore.

What it does: Clears congestion, blackheads and breakouts, and reduces shine.
Who it is for: Oily and congestion-prone skin. Avoid high strengths in pregnancy.
How it pairs: Do not stack in the same routine as strong AHAs or retinoids; alternate.

Glycolic Acid AHA

The smallest alpha hydroxy acid, so it penetrates readily.

What it does: Resurfaces the top layer to smooth texture, even tone and boost radiance.
Who it is for: Normal to oily skin comfortable with exfoliation. Evening use only.
How it pairs: Never with retinoids or vitamin C in the same routine. Always wear SPF.

Retinoids Retinol / Granactive Retinoid

Vitamin A derivatives, the most evidenced anti-aging actives available without prescription.

What it does: Speed cell turnover to soften fine lines, refine texture and firm over time.
Who it is for: Anyone targeting aging or texture, introduced slowly. Not for use in pregnancy.
How it pairs: PM only. Buffer with hydration; do not layer with acids or strong vitamin C.

Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid / derivatives

An antioxidant that brightens and defends. L-ascorbic acid is the potent form; derivatives are gentler.

What it does: Evens tone, adds radiance and protects against daytime oxidative stress.
Who it is for: Dull or uneven skin. Sensitive skin should choose a derivative.
How it pairs: Morning, under SPF. Fine with niacinamide; separate from retinoids and acids.

Azelaic Acid Azelaic Acid

A gentle acid derived from grains, unusually well tolerated.

What it does: Calms redness, evens tone and helps clear congestion, all at once.
Who it is for: Sensitive, reactive, rosacea-prone and uneven skin. Safe in pregnancy.
How it pairs: Compatible with most actives, morning or night.

Peptides Copper & signal peptides

Short chains of amino acids that signal skin to behave younger.

What it does: Support firmness, density and the look of bounce over weeks of use.
Who it is for: Anyone targeting firmness and advanced signs of aging.
How it pairs: Fine with most. Copper peptides dislike direct acids and strong vitamin C.

Ceramides Barrier lipids

The lipids that make up the mortar of the skin barrier.

What it does: Repair and reinforce a compromised barrier, reducing tightness and redness.
Who it is for: Dry, sensitive and barrier-damaged skin.
How it pairs: Universally compatible. Best as a sealing final step.

Squalane Plant-derived squalane

A lightweight, stable emollient that mirrors the skin’s own oils.

What it does: Softens, nourishes and seals a routine without a heavy or greasy finish.
Who it is for: All skin types, including oily. Non-comedogenic.
How it pairs: Compatible with everything, as an oil step or mixed into cream.

Alpha Arbutin Alpha-Arbutin

A stable brightening active that targets excess pigment.

What it does: Fades the look of dark spots and post-blemish marks over time.
Who it is for: Uneven tone and stubborn marks.
How it pairs: Great with vitamin C in the morning. SPF is essential.

Centella Asiatica Cica

A soothing botanical extract, long used to calm irritated skin.

What it does: Reduces the feeling and look of redness and supports barrier recovery.
Who it is for: Reactive, sensitised and post-treatment skin.
How it pairs: Compatible with everything. Pairs naturally with ceramides.