While there are many skincare terminologies and ingredients out there (we could probably create a book!), there are some that are pretty useful to know to make sure you’re applying the right products for your skin type. It can be overwhelming when they are so many different ingredients to know what's best for you and your skin. Below, we run through a brief summary of the key ingredients we use and general skin terminologies to help you make informed decisions on your journey to your very best skin! 

AMINO ACIDS 

Found in collagen and elastin, amino acids are what support the skin and give it structure. External factors such as UV, pollution and ageing can affect the level of amino acids in the body and that’s where our formulas step in and save skin from environmental damage. Found in: Invigorating Body Oil, Invigorating Body Lotion, Seaweed Body & Hand Wash.

ANTIOXIDANT 

Used to describe an ingredient that reduces free-radical damage to the skin. You will find plenty of natural polyphenol antioxidants in Hebridean seaweed, our main ingredient. 

ARGAN OIL  

Moisturising, fast-absorbing and rich in vitamin E-extract, it has become popular for use in beauty products due its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and absorbs into the skin without clogging the pores. What's not to love? Found in: Hydrating Hand Cream, Rejuvenating Eye Balm.

BARRIER (SKIN) 

The outermost layer of your skin has the very important job of shielding you from environmental stressors, pollution and irritants. While keeping the nasty stuff out it also keeps a hold of the good stuff; moisture. 

CERAMIDES 

These are produced in sebum (the skins naturally produced oil). They bind cells together and help to reinforce the protective barrier of the skin. 

CITRIC ACID 

A common ingredient found in a lot of fruits; it contains the antioxidant alpha hydroxy. It's great for brightening the skin, removing dead skin cells and helping to promote firmness. Found in: Anti-oxidant Marine Cream, Hebridean Marine Toner.

DETOXIFYING  

This means getting deep into your skin to remove dead skin cells, impurities and toxins. Your skin will be soothed, hydrated and glowing afterwards. 

ELASTIN 

Unsurprisingly, elastin proteins are very stretchy! They are what allows the skin to bounce back into place. These proteins can be very susceptible to sun damage, so make sure you wear a SPF (even if the sun isn’t shining, which is often in Scotland!). 

FUCUS SERRATUS  

One of the seaweeds we use for extract in our products. Also known as toothed wrack or serrated wrack, it grows along the Atlantic coast of Europe and north-east America, on the slow draining shores and rockier parts. Contains high levels of antioxidants and is our star ingredient. 

GLYCERIN 

A clear, colorless and odorless liquid ingredient found in many beauty products. It is particularly useful for dry skin. It’s also a humectant which means that it pulls moisture from the air to hydrate the skin. Found in: Shampoo & Body Bar, Active Cleansing Lotion, Regenerating Face Serum.

HYALURONIC ACID 

Produced naturally in the skin, this sugar molecule is great for increasing the skins moisture content. 

HYPERPIGMENTATION 

This can be triggered by UV light exposure, hormonal changes and even illness. The skin can appear darker in patches, or sometimes in smaller areas like an acne scar. 

IODINE 

Found in the soil and the oceans, Iodine has been shown to help support thyroid health and metabolism, cognitive health and skin health.  Found in: Seaweed Capsules.

JOJOBA OIL 

Great for hydrating the skin, the proteins in jojoba oil are very similar in structure to those found in the skin’s natural oil. Found in: Men's Beard & Shave Oil, Nourishing Face Oil, Invigorating Body Oil.

K (VITAMIN) 

This fat-soluble vitamin is needed by the body to assist with blood clotting. Vitamin K can also accelerate skin healing and help to calm redness and irritation. 

LAVENDER  

One of our four signature scents, essential oil Lavender appears in many of our products. Aside from its lovely smell, it can also benefit the skin. It can help ease inflammation, blemishes, acne and eczema. 

Keep an eye out for part two of our skincare terminologies coming soon!