Plum 10% Vitamin C Barrier Boosting + Glow Serum with Calendula for Glowing Skin - Pack of 2

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

1-2-hexanediol has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,1-2-hexanediol technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Loosens corneocyte adhesion in the stratum corneum, accelerating cell turnover, refining skin texture, and improving radiance.

Why It's Used: Organic acids at cosmetic ph values provide controlled keratolytic exfoliation that improves skin texture, pore appearance, and radiance without mechanical irritation.

How It Works: At appropriate ph, the acid's undissociated form penetrates the stratum corneum and dissolves the ionic bonds between corneocyte desmosomes (calcium chelation mechanism), facilitating controlled desquamation and cell renewal.

Typically Found In: Toners,exfoliants,serums,peels,cleansers

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Exfoliants

Secondary Functions: Brightening,keratolytic

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or plant-derived acid; no animal components.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2

Comedogenicity Rating: 0

Sensitivity Concerns: May cause irritation or stinging in sensitive or barrier-compromised skin at high concentrations; patch test recommended.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Safe within recommended ph and concentration ranges. sensitization risk increases above 10% aha. patch test recommended for sensitive skin. mildly irritating to some individuals at typical cosmetic use concentrations.

Works Well With: Niacinamide,hyaluronic acid,ceramides,vitamin c

Avoid Combining With: High concentrations on sensitive/broken skin; avoid with physical exfoliants

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Cosmetic acids function at the pka boundary: only the undissociated acid (rcooh) penetrates the stratum corneum lipid barrier, while the ionized carboxylate (rcoo⁻) does not. the henderson-hasselbalch equation governs the fraction of active species at formulation ph; typically 0.5–3.0% undissociated acid provides efficacy while minimizing irritation.

Last Verified: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; ingredient-specific safety and efficacy literature

Primary Sources: 2025-01-15

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides osmoprotective humectant conditioning with anti-irritant and mild foam-boosting activity.

Why It's Used: Natural-origin multifunctional osmolyte from sugar beet providing hydration, anti-irritancy, and conditioning in virtually every cosmetic category.

How It Works: Quaternary ammonium betaine provides zwitterionic character for water binding via ionic hydration. osmoprotective function at 100–500mm as compatible solute protecting cells from osmotic stress. reduces surfactant irritation by competing with sls for protein binding sites. mild foam enhancement.

Typically Found In: Virtually all categories — moisturisers, shampoos, cleansers

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from beta vulgaris (sugar beet) molasses

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Betaine's anti-irritant mechanism for surfactant systems involves competitive protein protection: betaine at high concentrations preferentially interacts with skin proteins, occupying binding sites that would otherwise be occupied by surfactant molecules causing protein denaturation. this competition reduces available protein binding for irritating surfactants, explaining betaine's well-documented ability to reduce sls irritation when co-formulated.

Last Verified: Cosing database,craig betaine osmoprotective review,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory activity, and skin conditioning from polyphenols, terpenoids, and phytochemicals in the extract.

Why It's Used: Natural plant extracts provide multi-functional phytochemical profiles supporting concurrent skin care claims from one ingredient with authentic botanical heritage.

How It Works: Polyphenols scavenge ros via h• donation; terpenoids inhibit nf-kb or cox inflammatory pathways; vitamins and minerals provide cofactor skin nutrition.

Typically Found In: Botanical skin care,natural products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–30%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Conditional

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Plant secondary metabolites evolved for uv photoprotection and pathogen defence — mechanisms directly applicable to cosmetic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in human skin.

Last Verified: Cosing database,calendula officinalis flower extrac botanical review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides alpha-hydroxy ceramide for complementary barrier repair alongside ceramide np and eop.

Why It's Used: Essential barrier ceramide trio component — ceramide ap's alpha-hydroxy fatty acid provides the specific lamellar body formation chemistry needed for complete barrier restoration with ceramide np and ceramide eop.

How It Works: N-(2-hydroxyfatty acid) phytosphingosine: 2-hydroxylation of fatty acid is critical for optimal packing of ceramide ap in lamellar lipid bilayers. the alpha-hydroxy group creates stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding between ceramide ap molecules than non-hydroxylated ceramides. used in combination with ceramide np and ceramide eop for comprehensive barrier repair.

Typically Found In: Complete barrier repair formulas,triple ceramide systems,eczema treatment

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – alpha-hydroxy ceramide

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional – plant-derived phytosphingosine available

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

The ceramide np + ceramide ap + ceramide eop triple combination mimics the natural ratio of ceramide classes in healthy stratum corneum (approximately 1:0.5:0.3 ratio). clinical studies comparing single ceramide vs triple ceramide barrier repair show significantly greater tewl reduction with triple ceramide combinations — the complementary molecular packing geometries of different ceramide classes creating a more complete lamellar bilayer than any single ceramide can provide.

Last Verified: Cosing database,elias & feingold barrier ceramide review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Restores sc lamellar lipid bilayers, reduces trans-epidermal water loss, repairs barrier dysfunction in dry and eczematous skin, and strengthens the physical barrier against environmental irritants.

Why It's Used: Provides direct structural barrier lipid replacement — unlike humectants that attract water, ceramides physically rebuild the lipid bilayer architecture required to retain moisture within the skin.

How It Works: Ceramides integrate into the sc intercellular lamellar bilayer, restoring the ordered orthorhombic packing disrupted in barrier-compromised skin. the sphingosine backbone's amide bond and hydroxyl groups form the h-bonding network that stabilises the lamellar structure.

Typically Found In: Barrier repair,dry skin,eczema-prone

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient

Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sc ceramides comprise ~50% of the sc lipid mass (by weight) and are essential for barrier function; ceramide depletion in atopic dermatitis and aged skin is a primary driver of barrier dysfunction and tewl elevation.

Last Verified: Cosing database,ceramide as ceramide barrier review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the essential acylceramide scaffold for stratum corneum lamellar lipid organisation and barrier architecture.

Why It's Used: The architectural ceramide — ceramide eop's covalent corneocyte envelope binding is unique among ceramides and essential for organising the lamellar lipid matrix of the stratum corneum barrier.

How It Works: Omega-hydroxy ceramide esterified with linoleic acid at the omega-end. omega-hydroxyl group covalently bonds to involucrin/envoplakin proteins of corneocyte envelope via ester bond. this covalent anchor organises the lamellar lipid bilayers around each corneocyte. linoleate deficiency impairs this covalent anchoring — the biochemical basis of linoleic acid deficiency skin disease.

Typically Found In: Complete barrier repair systems,eczema treatment,omega-ceramide products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – linoleate acylceramide

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–0.5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional – plant-derived linoleate available

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ceramide eop's covalent corneocyte envelope binding is the only covalent interaction in the stratum corneum lipid structure — all other lamellar lipids interact via non-covalent van der waals and hydrogen bonds. this unique covalent anchoring of eop to the protein envelope provides the mechanical scaffold from which the entire lamellar lipid architecture is organised, making ceramide eop architecturally irreplaceable in barrier function.

Last Verified: Cosing database,holleran et al. ceramide eop review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the most abundant natural skin ceramide for precise stratum corneum barrier lipid replacement.

Why It's Used: The primary skin ceramide — ceramide np's identity as the dominant stratum corneum ceramide fraction makes it the most physiologically relevant barrier lipid replacement for dry skin and eczema.

How It Works: N-stearoyl-phytosphingosine provides the exact molecular structure of the most abundant natural skin ceramide. integrates into stratum corneum lamellar lipid bilayers restoring barrier architecture. reduces tewl, improves corneometer moisture, restores barrier integrity. synergistic with cholesterol and fatty acids in barrier restoration.

Typically Found In: Barrier repair moisturisers,eczema care,dry skin treatment

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – phytosphingosine ceramide

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional – from wheat or phytosphingosine fermentation; plant-derived available

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ceramide np's structural identity to natural skin ceramide 3 (the dominant sc ceramide at approximately 18% of total sc ceramide fraction) means it integrates into the stratum corneum's lamellar bilayer structure with perfect molecular recognition. no other moisturising ingredient can achieve this level of structural identity to the natural barrier component it replaces — providing barrier repair rather than simply occlusive surface coating.

Last Verified: Cosing database,elias skin barrier ceramide review,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Stimulates collagen synthesis and inhibits mmp-mediated matrix degradation — providing measurable anti-aging benefit at ppm concentrations through defined sequence-receptor pharmacology.

Why It's Used: Precision peptide pharmacology enables mechanism-based anti-aging claims — defined amino acid sequence targets specific receptors with quantifiable binding kinetics.

How It Works: Peptide receptor binding → map kinase/smad cascade → col1a1/col3a1 upregulation + mmp-1/mmp-3 downregulation. spps provides >98% sequence purity for reproducible receptor binding.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,collagen products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – peptide

Secondary Functions: Collagen synthesis,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1–5000 ppm

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetically produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis (spps).

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating at recommended concentrations.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Retinoids,niacinamide,vitamin c,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: Strong acids below ph 3.5; oxidising agents

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Peptide-lipid surfactant dual function: the fatty acid chain provides mild cleansing and sc penetration while the peptide sequence provides active anti-aging receptor engagement.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cetyl-pg hydroxyethyl palmitamide signal peptide review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-22