Ingredients Guide
Algae Peptides
Peptides are small molecules that can penetrate the barrier of the epidermis and have an impact on the dermis, or deeper layer of skin. These have the advantage of producing rapid, visible changes in the appearance of the skin. Specifically, they can cause tightening and the appearance of firming in the skin. Algae peptides are a unique extract from the Hawaiian Sea that have a component called hydroxyproline, an unusual amino acid that is rarely found in the skin except within its own collagen. Algae peptides are particularly impressive in their moisturizing and firming properties when applied to the skin.
Peptides are the chemical name for a chain of amino acids – and cosmetic chemists differentiate between the peptides that are not proven beneficial to the skin and peptides that are. When a peptide has proven in laboratory testing to have beneficial effects on the skin, it is classified as an active peptide. The family of active peptides is wide ranging – and when applied topically to the skin they can produce dramatic results. In one study of peptides, more than 30% of the people who used them saw an immediate improvement in their skin, while an additional 5% saw improvement after several hours. Almost 70% of users reported tightening and firming within two weeks.
Aloe Vera
Many scientific studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Aloe Vera in soothing irritated skin. With so many anti-aging products comprised of various acids-- which are truly irritants used in a controlled fashion to exfoliate and plump the skin-- Aloe Vera has become a hard-working ingredient and natural calming agent. Aloe Vera increases the availability of oxygen to the skin and strengthens skin tissues. The anti-burning properties of Aloe combined with SPF factors make this an excellent skin care product.
Alpha Hydroxy
The chemical description for the group of acids that includes glycolic, lactic, and malic acid is Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHA’s. By far the most commonly used of the AHA’s is glycolic acid. Lactic acid is also an effective exfoliant, but since it is not as popular, partially because glycolic is considered the more effective. Glycolic is actually the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid and therefore seems to penetrate the best of all the AHA’s.
When you incorporate glycolic acid containing products into your skincare routine, you will generally see improvement in the appearance of fine lines, the tone of the skin, and a lessening in the appearance of pore size.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
This antioxidant ingredient protects against the unsightly skin changes that we see with cellular oxidation, the breakdown that occurs when molecules known as free radicals form in the skin as the result of a variety of environmental insults, including sun exposure, pollution, smoking and alcohol use. Free radicals contribute to cell aging and increase cancer risk, due to changes in the cellular nucleus.
An ingredient as that has “antioxidant activity,” helps prevent the appearance changes we see with aging of the skin, including lines, uneven tone, and sagging.
Antioxidants
Argireline
Beta Carotene
This antioxidant helps to reduce the appearance of aging changes that result from a variety of environmental insults, including sun exposure, pollution, smoking and alcohol use. Since this botanical antioxidant ingredient (derived from carrots) tends to be slightly organish-pink, products that have a high concentration of this ingredient will have a pinkish hue.
Botanicals
This antioxidant helps to reduce the appearance of aging changes that result from a variety of environmental insults, including sun exposure, pollution, smoking and alcohol use. Since this botanical antioxidant ingredient (derived from carrots) tends to be slightly organish-pink, products that have a high concentration of this ingredient will have a pinkish hue.
Ceramides
Chamomile
This daisy-like flowery botanical is ultra soothing, aroma-therapeutic, calming and soothing to the skin, and helps reduce redness and irritation.
Co-Q-10
CoQ10 is a very powerful antioxidant, capable of preventing, neutralizing, and even repairing damage done by free radicals. A by product of the natural process of cellular oxidation, free radicals are unstable molecules that scavange and damage the cells with which they interact. Free radical damage is known to be the basis of many health problems, particularly those most associated with aging. Topical application of this anti-oxidant promotes a healthier, more vital and younger appearance to the skin.
Cohlibin
Copper Enzymes (Peptides)
Copper peptides are extremely anti-inflammatory. Copper can reduce or eliminate irritation and help maximize anti-aging treatment benefits. This beneficial ingredient stimulates skin tightening, and leads to improved skin tone & texture.
Cucumber Extract
Has a soothing, calming effect on the skin, helping ease appearance of puffiness and swelling.
Cylomethicone
Imparts a silky feel to the skin and gives product its “slip”, making it glide easily across skin.
Dyes, Colorants, Fragrances and Preservatives
Does Island Cosmeceuticals use dyes, artificial coloring, or artificial fragrances in your products and are all preservatives either essential oil, plant derived, or safe FDA approved ingredients?
Although our products are filled with many beneficial botanical ingredients we often enhance the safety and aesthetic value of our products by using FDA approved ingredients in concentrations within approved limits for safety and efficacy.
For instance, Phenoxyethanol is often used as a preservative in many of our products to increase their shelf life so that our customers can be assured of a 2 year shelf life which most botanical preservatives cannot guarantee. Fragrances are often used to mask the odor of some of the extraordinarily beneficial botanicals which do not always have a pleasant smell. For instance, algae marine peptides has a fishy kind of unpleasant odor. Coloring is sometimes added for aesthetic beauty such as the blue in our Soothing Skin Relief Gel. All of the ingredients in our products are listed on the labels and on our website. Any time that a color is added you will see it near the bottom of the ingredient list which indicates a very, very low concentration of that ingredient. If a fragrance is added you will also see it listed as “fragrance” near the bottom of the ingredient list.
Elhibin
Eucalyptus Extact
This is a marvelously versatile extract with intense skin soothing properties.
Evening Primrose Extract
Softens and helps protect skin by boosting its ability to retain moisture.
Eyeliss (includes dipeptide-2, palmitoyl tetrapeptide)
This trademarked ingredient is a recipe of active peptides which lessens the appearance of dark circles and shadowing under eyes. Additionally, other active substances in Eyeliss can minimize saggy appearance and restore smoothness and firmness to the skin.
Glycerin
Most common in cleansers, and other “wash-off” products. Glycerin has an amazing water-trapping quality that normalizes water balance and restores structure to the top layer of skin (the stratum corneum).
Glycolic Acid
Grapefruit Extract
This botanical has a purifying and energizing effect with a moisturizing and cleansing action on the skin.
Green Tea Extract
This renowned botanical extract helps prevent signs of skin aging to promote a younger, fresher appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid
Jojoba
Lathering Ingredients
The most commonly used lathering ingredient in cleansers is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Studies have shown that this ingredient actually dries and reddens skin when it is used on a regular basis. All of our cleansers are FREE of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. They are formulated with non-irritating and non-comedogenic foaming ingredients that will not cause redness or acne breakouts. For this reason, our cleansing products are ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Micro-Dermabrasion Particles (Aluminum Crystals)
Micronized Zinc Oxide
Panthenol
This ingredient is derived from Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which is exactly what the skin converts it to when panthenol is applied to the skin. In skin care, it is a humectant – or an ingredient that traps water into the skin and therefore smooths the surface.
Papaya Enzymes
In skincare formulations, papaya works to dissolve dead skin from the surface and in the pores. This tropical fruit contains the enzyme papain which is also used as a meat tenderizer. Papaya preparations work best if you massage them into skin and leave them on for several minutes and then rinse off.
Peptides
Peptides are chains of amino acids. Cosmetic chemist differentiate between peptides that are beneficial to the skin and those that are not. When a peptide is proven in laboratory testing to improve the skin in some way, it is classified as an active peptide. Among these are algae peptides, colhibin, elhibin, eyeliss and neuropeptides.
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
This has been shown to improve the appearance of skin elasticity, and brighten skin tone. It represents the best-tolerated form of topical Vitamin A and it is known to reverse some of the more obvious signs of skin aging.
Salicylic Acid 2%
Silica
This light diffusing mineral disperses light across the skin, immediately improving the appearance of the skin and fine lines. It is also helpful in facilitating the even spread of ingredients in ultraviolet blocking formulations like sunscreens.
Spearmint Oil
This purifying, refreshing botanical extract that instantly imparts a fresh and clean feeling.
Sphingolipids (Glycolipids)
Tamanu Oil
Derived from a tree native to Polynesia. This extract has various skin benefits from stimulating skin firmness to reducing skin redness.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential (water soluble) vitamin, meaning that your body can’t store it. You need Vitamin C for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It helps the body make collagen, an important protein used to make skin. This is why Vitamin C is a great anti-wrinkle ingredient! Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, along with Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and many other plant-based nutrients. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals. The build-up of free radicals over time may be largely responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of health conditions such as cancer. Smoking cigarettes lowers the amount of Vitamin C in the body, so smokers are at a higher risk of deficiency.
Vitamin C benefits to your skin include:
- Protecting skin cells and skin’s support structure from UV-related damage
- Improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin
- Strengthening skin’s barrier response
- Reducing inflammation
- Promoting collagen production
- Enhancing effectiveness of peels and microdermabrasion
- Lessening hyperpigmentation
- Boosting the efficacy of sunscreen actives
Vitamin E
This antioxidant and free radical fighter helps diminish the appearance of environmental skin damage.