About the Active Ingredient(s):
Niacinamide:
A cosmetic superstar! Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that is commonly known as Vitamin B3. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and anti-blemish properties while strengthening the skin barrier and improving skin hydration.
Niacinamide boosts collagen production as well as the production of keratin, filaggrin and involucrin, which are all important proteins for maintaining skin elasticity and structure. Low levels of these proteins result in premature aging, skin sagging, wrinkles and fine lines.

Our outer-layer of skin (the epidermis) is protected by a top layer barrier made up of fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides. Niacinamide assists in stimulating the synthesis of these three, resulting in a stronger skin barrier, decreased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and better overall skin hydration – plumper, more radiant looking skin, YAY!

If that’s not all, Niacinamide is amazing at combating brown spots assisting with a more even skin tone. When combines with a tyrosinase inhibitor such as Vitamin C, they are able to suppress the transfer of little sphere like molecules that carry skin pigment (melanosomes) from the skin cells that produce the skin pigment (melanocytes) to the keratinocytes (the skin cells in the top layer of the skin) where brown spots and acne scars form.

Some further reasons why we love it?

• Increases epidermal cell growth, which results in delaying the process of ageing
• Smoother skin
• Has antibacterial properties
• Has photoprotective properties, meaning it protects cells against UV radiation linked to skin damage and cancer (you still need to wear your sunscreen though!)
• May improve wound healing

Key attributes:
Moisturiser, Humectant, Cell-communicator, Skin brightener

Squalane:
Our skin is our largest organ, and with our body’s incredibly intricate systems there is one such system which is responsible for keeping our skin hydrated and moisturised. Unfortunately, as we age this moisturising activity decreases and our body is unable to keep our skin as hydrated as it did when we were younger – remember that youthful, plump and hydrated glow? Oh how we remember those days!

Squalene (with an ‘e’) is a natural oil (lipid) that our skin cells produce to assist with skin hydration. It has been shown that the peak production of this oil is in our teens, but begins to decrease from our mid-20s to 30s, resulting in drier, more rough looking skin. Squalene is found in plants such as olives, sugarcane and even rice bran. It is also found in animals, and in the past there was much controversy surrounding this ingredient as it was commonly harvested from shark liver, but with the change in regulations it is mostly derived from plant origins these days. Because of its incredibly moisturising properties, squalene was incorporated into many cosmetics and skincare products but its downfall is that it is a very unstable molecule and oxidises quickly. This led to the development of squalane (with an ‘a’). This is squalene that has been hydrogenated to form squalane. Squalane is able to mimic the activity of the skin’s natural squalene, delivering the same hydrating and moisturising properties but in a more stable form, meaning it can be incorporated into many cosmetic products while maintaining its active properties and shelf life.

Hydrogenation is the process of converting an unsaturated lipid (in this instance squalene) into a saturated lipid (squalane), making the oil more skin-friendly, prolonging the active properties all while ensuring a suitable shelf life for commercial application.

When used on the skin squalane comes with a host of benefits. This magical oil has the ability to transform the skin from dry, rough and dull to a vibrant, hydrated, and glowing complexion.  It is known to boost collagen production, and the antioxidant properties help to combat free radicals and the signs of skin damage. Squalane is also non-comedogenic, meaning that it does not block pores or aggravate acne. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that assist with inflammation and redness, and can be used safely by a variety of skin types.

Some further reasons why we love it?
-Naturally soothing properties that may assist with inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and dermatitis
-Results in a smoother, softer more hydrated complexion
-Increases skin elasticity and suppleness, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
-Safe to use on a variety of skin types

Key attributes:
Emollient
Skin-identical

Glycerine:
You may have spotted this ingredient in many of your cosmetic products, but did you know that this is a natural molecule known for its moisturising properties that can be found in many plants and animals too? To be even more specific, glycerine is found in our skin – the stratum corneum (top layer of the epidermis) – where it acts as a natural moisturiser by attracting and holding onto moisture for the skin to absorb and remain hydrated. But this is not all, glycerine also has osmoregulation properties meaning it is able to regulate the moisture content of our cells ensuring they are neither too diluted nor too concentrated. It keeps our skin cells in a healthy state by ensuring that our cell membranes and intercellular lipids are at their optimum. It has also been shown to protect against skin irritations as well as assists with dry to very dry skin.
One point worth mentioning – before you rush off and apply all the glycerine you can find to your face hoping that it will reverse the sands of time – in high concentrations of glycerine can have the opposite effect. Because it draws moisture from wherever it can find it, it may draw this moisture out from the lower levels of your skin, which we do not want as once it reaches the surface – uppermost layer of the skin – it can then evaporate and lead to trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) which leads to dry, dull skin resulting in more wrinkles and skin sagging. Therefore, always look for a product that has glycerine along with other moisturising actives to prevent this drying effect.

Key attributes:
Skin-identical
Humectant
Moisturiser

Composition:
Active ingredient(s): Niacinamide 2%, Squalane 2%
Ingredients: Aqua, TEA Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerine (Vegan Source), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Squalane/ Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Polysorbate, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin

Allergens: None known. Always patch test before implementing use

How to use: Apply a small, pea sized dollop onto your fingertips, gently lather onto a wet face and rinse off thoroughly. Suitable for morning and evening use

Storage instructions:
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
Store in a cool, dry place at or below 25°C. Protect from direct sunlight.
Reseal after opening

Manufactured in South Africa for Sally-Ann Creed®

Warnings and special precautions:
Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider right away if this applies to you
For external use only. Always patch test before implementing use

This information is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Nor does it take the place of professional medical advice. If professional assistance is needed, a qualified physician or licensed health care practitioner should be consulted.

This unregistered health product has not been evaluated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for its quality, safety or intended use. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.