Discover powerful cosmetic actives starting with C — from collagen-boosting vitamins to calming botanical extracts.
The Energizing De-Puffer
Xanthine Alkaloid
Water Soluble
Puffiness, Dark Circles, Cellulite
Eye Creams, Body Serums
Clinically Proven
Coffee, Tea, Cocoa
Caffeine is a potent vasoconstrictor and antioxidant that works by constricting blood vessels, reducing fluid accumulation, and stimulating circulation. When applied topically, it helps diminish puffiness (especially under the eyes), reduces the appearance of cellulite by dehydrating fat cells temporarily, and provides antioxidant protection against UV and environmental damage. It also boosts microcirculation, delivering a refreshed, awakened appearance to tired skin.
Reduces under-eye puffiness and dark circles
Improves microcirculation for brighter skin
Temporarily reduces appearance of cellulite
Provides antioxidant protection
Tightens and firms skin texture
Energizes tired, dull-looking skin
Multiple clinical studies demonstrate caffeine's ability to reduce periorbital puffiness by up to 35% and improve microcirculation. Research in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology shows topical caffeine at 3-5% significantly reduces cellulite appearance through lipolysis stimulation. Its antioxidant properties are well-documented, protecting skin from photoaging and free radical damage.
Caffeine is typically formulated at 2-5% in eye creams, gels, and body serums. It penetrates skin readily and works synergistically with peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. For anti-cellulite products, higher concentrations (3-5%) combined with massage application enhance efficacy. Caffeine is stable across pH ranges and compatible with most actives.
Did You Know?
Caffeine is one of the few ingredients that can penetrate deeply enough to affect subcutaneous fat—making it uniquely effective for body contouring products.
Caffeine is naturally extracted from coffee beans, tea leaves, or cocoa, or produced synthetically. Both forms are chemically identical. Natural extraction repurposes coffee industry byproducts, making it sustainable. Synthetic caffeine offers consistent purity. It's vegan, biodegradable, and environmentally safe.
The Ancient Wound Healer
Botanical Extract
Water Soluble
Sensitive, Damaged Skin
Calming Serums, Repair Creams
Clinically Proven
Gotu Kola Plant
Centella asiatica (also known as Cica or Gotu Kola) is a medicinal herb used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for wound healing. Its active compounds—asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid—stimulate collagen synthesis, strengthen the skin barrier, and provide powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It's particularly effective for calming irritated skin, accelerating healing, and reducing scarring.
Accelerates wound healing and skin repair
Reduces inflammation and redness instantly
Boosts collagen production
Strengthens skin barrier function
Minimizes scarring and hyperpigmentation
Provides antioxidant protection
Over 200 peer-reviewed studies demonstrate centella asiatica's efficacy in wound healing and scar reduction. Research in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology shows it increases type I collagen synthesis by 30% and reduces inflammation markers significantly. Its triterpenoid compounds are WHO-recognized for therapeutic wound healing applications.
Centella asiatica is typically formulated at 0.1-1% (pure extract) or up to 100% (as TECA - titrated extract of centella asiatica standardized for active compounds). It's water-soluble and stable across pH 4-7. Pairs exceptionally with niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid in barrier-repair and post-procedure formulations.
Did You Know?
Korean "Cica" products popularized this ingredient globally—K-beauty brands use it extensively in soothing and repairing formulations for sensitive skin.
Centella asiatica is harvested from the leaves of the gotu kola plant, which grows wild in wetlands across Asia. Sustainable cultivation practices are increasing as demand grows. It's vegan, biodegradable, and considered environmentally safe. Wildcrafting and organic farming methods are preferred for quality extracts.
The Skin Barrier's Building Blocks
Lipid Molecule
Oil Soluble
Dry, Damaged Barrier
Moisturizers, Repair Creams
Highly Researched
Synthetic or Plant-Derived
Ceramides are lipid molecules that make up over 50% of the skin's outermost barrier. They form the "mortar" between skin cells (the "bricks"), creating a protective seal that locks moisture in and keeps irritants out. When ceramide levels decline due to aging, environmental damage, or harsh treatments, the barrier weakens—leading to dryness, sensitivity, and transepidermal water loss. Topical ceramides replenish this critical lipid layer, restoring barrier integrity and hydration.
Restores and strengthens skin barrier
Locks in moisture and prevents water loss
Reduces dryness, flaking, and tightness
Calms sensitivity and irritation
Protects against environmental damage
Essential for healthy, resilient skin
Decades of dermatological research confirm ceramides' critical role in barrier function. Studies in Journal of Investigative Dermatology show topical ceramides reduce transepidermal water loss by 25-40% and improve barrier recovery after damage. The National Eczema Association recognizes ceramide-based formulations as essential for managing compromised skin barriers.
Ceramides are formulated at 0.2-5% in emulsions and repair creams. There are 9 types (Ceramides 1-9), with Ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II being most studied. They work synergistically with cholesterol and fatty acids in a 3:1:1 ratio to mimic skin's natural lipid composition. Pair with niacinamide (which boosts ceramide production) and hyaluronic acid for maximum barrier repair.
Did You Know?
Ceramide levels naturally decline by 40% between ages 20 and 70—making topical replenishment increasingly important with age.
Cosmetic ceramides are typically synthesized (pseudo-ceramides) or derived from plant sources like rice, wheat, or soy. Synthetic ceramides are bioidentical to human ceramides and offer consistent quality. Plant-derived options appeal to natural beauty consumers. Both are vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable.
The Brightening Powerhouse
Vitamin / Antioxidant
Water Soluble
Hyperpigmentation, Dullness
Brightening Serums, Treatments
Highly Researched
Synthetic
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a potent water-soluble antioxidant essential for collagen synthesis, skin brightening, and photoprotection. It inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for melanin production), fades hyperpigmentation, and neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution. As a cofactor for collagen production, it strengthens skin structure and reduces fine lines. Vitamin C also enhances sunscreen efficacy when used together.
Brightens and evens skin tone
Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Boosts collagen production
Protects against UV and pollution damage
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Enhances skin radiance and glow
Vitamin C is one of the most researched skincare ingredients. Studies show 10-20% L-ascorbic acid at pH 2.5-3.5 significantly reduces hyperpigmentation and increases collagen synthesis. Research in Dermatologic Surgery demonstrates it reduces photodamage by 52% when used with sunscreen. Nobel Prize-winning research established its role in collagen formation.
L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) requires pH 2.5-3.5 and anhydrous or stabilized formulations to remain effective. Derivatives like sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate offer better stability at higher pH but may be less potent. Formulate at 10-20% for optimal results. Pairs with vitamin E and ferulic acid for synergistic antioxidant protection.
Did You Know?
Vitamin C serums oxidize (turn yellow/brown) when exposed to light and air—store in dark, airtight bottles and use within 3-6 months of opening.
Cosmetic vitamin C is synthetically produced through fermentation or chemical synthesis, ensuring pharmaceutical-grade purity and stability. Synthetic production is more sustainable and consistent than extracting from citrus fruits. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable.
The Cellular Energy Booster
Coenzyme / Antioxidant
Oil Soluble
Aging, Energy-Depleted Skin
Anti-Aging Serums, Eye Creams
Clinically Proven
Synthetic or Fermented
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in every cell's mitochondria, where it plays a critical role in energy production. As we age, CoQ10 levels decline by up to 60%, leading to decreased cellular energy and increased oxidative damage. Topical CoQ10 replenishes this vital compound, energizing skin cells, neutralizing free radicals, and reducing visible signs of aging—particularly fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
Energizes tired, dull skin
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Powerful antioxidant protection
Protects against UV damage
Supports collagen production
Improves skin firmness and elasticity
Clinical studies published in BioFactors demonstrate topical CoQ10 reduces wrinkle depth by 27% and improves skin smoothness after 12 weeks. Research shows it penetrates into living skin layers, where it reduces oxidative stress by up to 50% and stimulates dermal fibroblasts to produce more collagen. German research established its photoprotective benefits against UV-induced aging.
CoQ10 is oil-soluble and formulated at 0.01-1% in emulsions, oils, and anhydrous products. Its yellow-orange color may tint formulations slightly. Nano-encapsulation enhances penetration and stability. Both ubiquinone (oxidized form) and ubiquinol (reduced form) are used; ubiquinol may offer superior bioavailability. Pairs well with vitamin E, vitamin C, and peptides for comprehensive anti-aging benefits.
Did You Know?
CoQ10 is found naturally in every cell of your body—your heart has the highest concentration, using it to generate energy for constant pumping.
Cosmetic CoQ10 is produced through bacterial fermentation or chemical synthesis, both yielding bioidentical compounds. Fermentation methods are increasingly preferred for sustainability. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable, making it suitable for clean beauty formulations.