bioelements key ingredient glossary
We've been skin-conscious, mindful and responsible formulators since 1991. Our products blend the best of science and nature, and are free of sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, fragrance, dyes – and many more known irritating, unfriendly or allergenic ingredients. Learn about our key, active ingredients below.
ingredients
ACEROLA CHERRY FRUIT
Key Benefits: Contains 65x greater vitamin C content than an orange, with powerful antioxidant properties. This natural source of vitamin C promotes a flawless, radiant complexion and naturally brightens skin.
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow, vc10 Nightly Bright, vc10 Eye Bright Contour
ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8
Key Benefits: Peptides that help smooth wrinkles, and reduce appearance of line depth
Found in: Power Peptide, V-Neck Smoothing Creme
ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM
Key Benefits: Alpine plants to reduce color intensity
Found in: LightPlex GigaWatt Dark Spot Corrector
ACHILLEA VULGARIS EXTRACT
See Achillea Millefolium
ALBIZIA JULIBRISSIN BARK
See Persian Silk Tree Extract
ALGAE + ALGAE EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Instantly hydrating and moisturizing; has antioxidant properties to fight skin aging free-radicals
Found in: Kerafole, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Beyond Hydration, CreateFirm
ALLANTOIN
Key Benefits: Plant-derived skin soothing, calming and comforting agent
Found in: Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, Soothing Reset Mist, Sensitive Eye Smoother, vc10 Daily Glow, Flash Foam Cleanser, Quick Refiner for Eyes, Measured Micrograins+, Multi-Task Eye Creme, RayDefense
ALMOND OIL
Key Benefits: Skin smoothing and softening natural oil that is rich with replenishing fatty acids
Found in: Absolute Moisture, Oil Control Sleepwear, Multi-Task Eye Creme, Skin Editor, V-Neck Smoothing Creme
ALOE BARBADENSIS
See Aloe Vera
ALOE VERA (LEAF JUICE, GEL)
Key Benefits: Naturally soothes skin, reduces redness
Found in: Sensitive Eye Smoother, Soothing Reset Mist, Multi-Task Eye Creme, Quick Refiner for Eyes, Quick Refiner, Measured Micrograins+, Collagen Rehab, SPF 50 FaceScreen, RayDefense, vc10 Eye Bright Contour, Peel Breaker
ALPHABLEND
Key Benefits: Bioelements exclusive blend of multi-fruit acids that chemically exfoliate surface skin cells
Found in: Quick Refiner
ALPHA-ARBUTIN
Key Benefits: Functional active ingredient for skin brightening that promotes an even skin tone on all skin types by targeting melanin production
Found in: vc10 nightly bright, v-neck smoothing creme, lightplex gigawatt dark spot corrector
ANADENANTHERA COLUBRINA BARK EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Plant extract that targets water retention in the skin for immediate + long-lasting moisturization; fortifies the skin barrier for up to 72 hours.
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow
APPLE EXTRACT
Key Benefits: A sustainable apple saccharide super-food complex derived from a zero-waste process of manufacturing apple juice for the food industry. This farm-based active provides clinically tested hydration and draws back atmospheric water onto dry skin to instantly leave it plump, dewy, and with a healthy glow.
Found in: Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum, Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment, Pore Thing
AQUAMIDE-5
Key Benefits: Bioelements exclusive innovation blend of skin protective and reparative Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, and Ceramide AP
Found in: CreateFirm
ARGAN OIL
Key Benefits: Hydrates skin by restoring hydro-lipids; works on top of skin barrier surface to prevent dehydration by trapping water and decreasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL); contains high levels of emollient fatty acids and antioxidant tocopherol
Found in: Dewluxe
ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT
Key Benefits: A natural antioxidant species of algae seaweed that hydrates and moisturizes skin
Found in: Kerafole
ASCORBIC ACID — VITAMIN C
Key Benefits: Potent antioxidant form of vitamin C; brightens and targets signs of aging
Found in: Multi-Task Eye Creme, Plump Start, Pumice Peel
ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE
Key Benefits: Vitamin C derivative that brightens skin, increases skin turn over, reduces oxidative stress and improves appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow, vc10 Nightly Bright, vc10 Eye Bright Contour
AVENA STAIVA
See Oat Kernal Flower
AVOBENZONE
Key Benefits: FDA-approved active ingredient for broad-spectrum sun protection against UVB and UVA rays; One of the most widely-used UV ingredients; rigorously tested for safety and efficacy
Found in: SPF 50 FaceScreen, RayDefense
AVOCADO OIL
Key Benefits: Smoothing, moisturizing and softening natural oil
Found in: Absolute Moisture, Really Rich Moisture
AZELAIC ACID
Key Benefits:Naturally soothes skin, reduces redness
Found in: Pore Thing
BAKUCHIOL
Key Benefits: A compound isolated from the seeds and leaves of the Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), a plant native to East Asia. The first natural alternative to retinol without potential irritation, it has a different molecular structure than retinol but a comparable effect on the skin: fine lines and wrinkles are reduced while skin elasticity and firmness improve.
Found in: Time Sensitive
BENTONITE CLAY
Key Benefits: Natural cleansing clay; works to purge pollution, sebum and makeup from skin as it binds to and absorbs dirt + oil
Found in: Urban Undo Cleanser, Spot Defy
BERGAMOT ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Oil Control Sleepwear, Power Peptide, Sleepwear, CreateFirm, Skin Editor, V-Neck Smoothing Creme
BETA GLUCAN
Key Benefits: Antioxidant and soothing polysaccharide; soothes irritation, rebalances, protects barrier; clinical testing on eczema shows decrease of itching, irritation, tension, dryness, redness, and roughness; strengthens skin barrier
Found in: Multi-Task Eye Creme, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum, Plump Start
BETA GLUCAN - magnesium carboxymethyl betaglucan
Key Benefits: Derived from baker’s yeast, it acts as an ‘immune trainer’ to target reactivity. Soothes irritation, rebalances, and protects skin’s barrier by reducing trans-epidermal water loss. It can also protect the skin surface from pathogens and allergens. Clinical testing of this beta glucan on eczema showed it decreases itching, irritation, tension, dryness, redness, and roughness – in just one week.
Found in: Soothing Reset Mist, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator
BETAINE
Key Benefits: A highly purified, 100% bio-based amino acid derivative extracted from sugar beets. It helps keep the skin hydrated and moisturized to protect against oxidative and thermal stress.
Found in: Hydroplunge
BIOELEMENTS ADAPTOGEN BLEND
Key Benefits: Our exclusive blend of adaptogenic natural Chinese herbs (ginseng, gotu kola, dong quai and watercress) that work together to naturally balance and strengthen the skin. Adaptogens refer to the way these herbs “adapt” to your body, in response to what the skin needs most.
Found in: Quick Refiner, Measured Micrograins+, Pumice Peel, Restorative Clay, Beyond Hydration, Equalizer, Crucial Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Moisture Positive Cleanser, SPF 50 FaceScreen
BIOELEMENTS MARIBRIGHT COMPLEX
Key Benefits: Bioelements exclusive innovation blend of natural calming marigold and eyebright extracts
Found in: Makeup Dissolver Perfected
BIOELEMENTS PURE ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND
Key Benefits: Often called the Bioelements “signature scent” – this blend of 100% pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oils includes lavender, rosemary, clary sage, and sandalwood.
Found in: Most Bioelements Formulations
BITTER ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Makeup Dissolver Perfected, V-Neck Smoothing Creme, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Pumice Peel, RayDefense
BLACK TEA EXTRACT
See Kombucha
CAFFEINE
Key Benefits: Wakes up skin and increases microcirculation;
improves undereye puff
Found in: Radiance Rescue, vc10 Eye Bright Contour
CALCIUM PCA
Key Benefits: Protects and smoothes skin, and works to improve the skin’s barrier and defend it against line-inducing aggressors
Found in: Sleepwear, Oil Control Sleepwear, Sleepwear for Eyes
CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Green tea extract that is a natural antioxidant with polyphenols to help soothe and strengthen skin
Found in: Daily Meds, Pore Thing
CANADIAN WILLOWHERB
Key Benefits: Naturally-derived plant extract soothes, counteracts invisible irritation and fights free radicals
Found in: Skin Editor, Peel Breaker
CAPROOYL-PHYTOSPHINGOSINE + CAPROOYL-SPHINGOSINE
Key Benefits: Skin-replenishing fatty acids smooth skin's surface and provide hydration
Found in: CreateFirm
CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT
See Gotu Kola Chinese Herb
CERAMIDES
Key Benefits: Restores barrier function, enhances moisturization, prevents moisture loss, delivers mild desquamation
Found in: Sensitive Eye Smoother, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, Recovery Serum, CreateFirm
CHAMOMILE
Key Benefits: Naturally-derived antioxidant; anti-inflammatory, calms skin
Found in: Soothing Reset Mist, SPF 50 FaceScreen, Kerafole
CHOLESTEROL
Key Benefits: A non-animal cholesterol (vegetal-derived). Helps replenish skin's barrier and restore moisture balance.
Found in: Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator
CITRIC ACID
Key Benefits: Exfoliating extract derived from citrus fruits
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow, Kerafole, Absolute Moisture, Collagen Rehab, Makeup Dissolver Perfected, Flash Foam Cleanser, Plump Start, Equalizer, Pumice Peel
CITRUS ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: V-Neck Smoothing Creme, Makeup Dissolver Perfected, Radiance Rescue, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Quick Refiner for Eyes, Kerafole, Quick Refiner, Plump Start, Pumice Peel, Really Rich Moisture, RayDefense, Flash Foam Cleanser, Oil Control Sleepwear, Power Peptide, Sleepwear, CreateFirm, Skin Editor, Decongestant Cleanser
CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Soothing Reset Mist, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Crucial Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Moisture Positive Cleanser, Pumice Peel, RayDefense
CLOVE
Key Benefits: Naturally stimulating and skin-purifying
Found in: Kerafole, Power Peptide, CreateFirm, Skin Editor
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
Key Benefits: Ultra-gentle skin cleansers derived from coconut
Found in: Decongestant Cleanser
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
Key Benefits: Ultra-gentle skin cleansers derived from coconut
Found in: Decongestant Cleanser
COCONUT OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived, skin-smoothing aromatic essential oil
Found in: Dewluxe for Body
COLLAGEN-4 COMPLEX
Key Benefits: Bioelements exclusive belend of 3 Australian wild plums + a moisture-magnet marine bioactive: Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract: Known to have 100x the vitamin C concentration of an orange. It also naturally contains antioxidants A and E, and gallic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties
Found in: Plump Start
COLLOIDAL OATMEAL
Key Benefits: Calms and soothes skin; features a naturally high concentration of beta glucan to help protect and hydrate
Found in: measured micrograins+
COLLOIDAL SULFUR
See Sulfur
COPPER PCA
Key Benefits: A beet amino acid-derived copper salt; predominates skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF); replaces skin moisture + essential lipids robbed by pollution
Found in: Urban Undo Cleanser
CORIANDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: V-Neck Smoothing Creme
CRANBERRY SEED OIL
Key Benefits: A protective, fatty acid-rich antioxidant plant extract that conditions, moisturizes and helps increase the feel of firmness
Found in: vc10 Nightly Bright, Lip Clinic Hydrating Serum, Sleepwear, Sleepwear for Eyes
CUCUMBER
Key Benefits: Antioxidant natural extract to help hydrate and nourish
Found in: Multi-Task Eye Creme, vc10 Eye Bright Contour
CUPUACU FRUIT BUTTER
Key Benefits: Protective and reparative hydrolipidic barrier butter to improve softness and elasticity
Found in: Radiance Rescue
DERMAL RESPIRATORY FACTOR
See Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
DIMETHICONE
Key Benefits: Emollient moisturizer that also works to prevent moisture loss
Found in: Crucial Moisture, Moisture x10, vc10 Daily Glow, Oil Control Sleepwear, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Sleepwear for Eyes, SPF 50 FaceScreen, Plump Start, Recovery Serum, Sleepwear, Really Rich Moisture, CreateFirm, Multi-Task Eye Creme, RayDefense, Skin Editor, Radiance Rescue, Collagen Rehab
DIMETHYLMETHOXY CHROMANYL PALMITATE
Key Benefits: Induces significant brightening, fights the signs of photo-aging
Found in: LightPlex GigaWatt Dark Spot Corrector
DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE
Key Benefits: From licorice root, helps soothe skin and helps skin texture
Found in: Spot Defy
DONG QUAI CHINESE HERB
Key Benefits: Adaptogenic natural herb to help strengthen and balance the skin
Found in: Quick Refiner, Measured Micrograins+, Pumice Peel, Beyond Hydration, Equalizer, Crucial Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Moisture Positive Cleanser, SPF 50 FaceScreen
DRIED FLEECE FLOWER
See Zhi He Shou Wu
ECLIPTA PROSTRATA
Key Benefits: Soothing natural extract blend
Found in: Hydroplunge
Same As: Melia Azadirachta Leaf, Morning Pterygosperma
EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT
See Canadian Willowherb
ERGOTHIONEINE
Key Benefits: Powerful anti-aging and protective antioxidant derived from mushroom
Found in: Power Peptide
FERMENTED PUMPKIN
Key Benefits: Stimulates cell turnover; helps remove dead cells so skin can become less pigmented and less lined
Found in: Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum
GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Crucial Moisture, Equalizer, Moisture Positive Cleanser, Dewluxe for Body
GINKGO BILOBA
Key Benefits: Adaptogenic natural herb to help strengthen and balance the skin
Found in: Kerafole
GINSENG CHINESE HERB
Key Benefits: Adaptogenic natural herb to help strengthen and balance the skin
Found in: Quick Refiner, Measured Micrograins+, Pumice Peel, Multi-Task Eye Creme, Really Rich Moisture, Collagen Rehab, Beyond Hydration, Equalizer, Crucial Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Moisture Positive Cleanser, SPF 50 FaceScreen
GLUCONOLACTONE
Key Benefits:Large molecule poly-hydroxy acidknown for gentle exfoliating properties; dissolves the bonds of dead skin, eliminates surface flakes, rough textures, and imperfections
Found in: Peel Breaker
GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBENA) SEED EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Provides hydration and improves elasticity
Found in: Lip Clinic Exfoliating Butter
GLYCOLIC ACID
Key Benefits: Potent exfoliant derived from sugar cane; its small molecule size helps readjust the water percentage in the epidermis (the uppermost layer of the skin) to create smoother, softer and more radiant skin. It also stimulates 'desquamation', or cell removal of the skin's uppermost layers to target clogged pores, dark spots, rough texture, and more
Found in: Daily Meds, Lip Clinic Exfoliating Butter, Quick Refiner, Skin Editor
GOTU KOLA CHINESE HERB
Key Benefits: Adaptogenic natural herb to help strengthen and balance the skin
Found in: Quick Refiner, Measured Micrograins+, Pumice Peel, Beyond Hydration, Equalizer, Crucial Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Moisture Positive Cleanser, SPF 50 FaceScreen, Spot Defy
GRAPEFRUIT OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: V-Neck Smoothing Creme, Really Rich Moisture, Plump Start
GREEN TEA
Key Benefits: Natural antioxidant with polyphenols to help soothe and strengthen skin
Found in: Sensitive Eye Smoother, Flash Foam Cleanser, Oil Control Sleepwear, Quick Refiner for Eyes, Multi-Task Eye Creme
HEMP SEED OIL
Key Benefits: Pressed from hemp seeds, and contains a balance of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Omega 3 regulates oil production and boosts hydration; Omega 6 are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. This oil is highly moisturizing, but does not clog pores. Note: Hemp seed oil is not the same as marijuana. Hemp seed does not contain the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that is found in marijuana leaves, and does not contain the concentration of cannabinoids (found in CBD) that are extracted from the plant
Found in: Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator
HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS FLOWER EXTRACT
Key Benefits: High in polysaccharides to help the skin retain moisture
Found in: Spot Defy
HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA FLOWER EXTRACT
Key Benefits: High in polysaccharides to help the skin retain moisture
Found in: Peel Breaker
HOMOSALATE
Key Benefits: FDA-approved active ingredient for broad-spectrum sun protection - particularly against UVB; One of the most widely-used UV ingredients; rigorously tested for safety and efficacy
Found in: SPF 50 FaceScreen
HYALURONIC ACID
Key Benefits: A naturally occurring substance that retains up to 1000 times its weight in water; it binds moisture to surface layers
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, Multi-Task Eye Creme, Moisture x10, V-Neck Smoothing Creme
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (STABILIZED)
Key Benefits: When stabilized hydrogen peroxide is applied to the skin, it creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria within the pores. When bacteria is reduced or eliminated, it helps purify the skin and give it a chance to become healthier.
Found in: Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment
HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE
Key Benefits: Hydrating, softening and smoothing agent
Found in: Pumice Peel
HYDROLYZED LINSEED EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Protects skin and inhibits inflammation
Found in: Sensitive Eye Smoother, Quick Refiner for Eyes
ILLARWARRA PLUM FRUIT EXTRACT
See Podcarpus Elatus Fruit Extract
IRIS ROOT EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Natural extract helps skin control oil and refine the appearance of pores
Found in: Measured Micrograins+
JOJOBA BEADS
Key Benefits: Natural, physically exfoliating beads slough off dead surface skin; gentle, spherical shape
Found in: Measured Micrograins+
JOJOBA OIL
Key Benefits: Emollient, smoothing and softening natural oil
Found in: Dewluxe for Body, Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Absolute Moisture, Measured Micrograins+, Really Rich Moisture, Radiance Rescue, Sleepwear, Collagen Rehab
KAOLIN
Key Benefits: Clay mineral with natural absorbant properties; absorbs oil and refines pores
Found in: Plump Start, Measured Micrograins+, Collagen Rehab, Urban Undo Cleanser, Spot Defy
KELP
Key Benefits: Water-binding and texture-improving natural antioxidant
Found in: Kerafole
KISSI SEED OIL
Key Benefits: Derived from the seeds of camellia kissi, it naturally conditions, softens and soothes
Found in: Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil
KNOTWOOD ROOT
See Zhi He Shou Wu
KOMBUCHA
Key Benefits: Targets premature aging and loss of volume, and enhances skin luminosity
Found in: Skin Editor
LACTIC ACID
Key Benefits: A product of fermentation of plant derived sugars; it's large molecule size penetrates slowly for gentle, mid-depth exfoliation; acts as a humectant and hydrates; smoothes roughness, improves clarity + radiance; provides antiseptic benefits for breakout-prone skin
Found in: Daily Meds, Quick Refiner for Eyes, Skin Editor
LAMINARIA DIGITATA EXTRACT
See Mitostime
LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Flower extract, helps calm skin
Found in: Spot Defy
LAVENDER | LAVENDULA | LAVENDIN ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil (when linalool is listed as an ingredient: It is not an added or additional ingredient in the formula, it is something that naturally occurs in lavender. Some countries outside of the US are requiring that linalool be identified as an ingredient. It's not currently required in the US, but we anticipate that may change, so we are beginning to label our formulas this way. Nothing inside the formula changed, we just changed the way ingredients are listed.)
Found in: Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Soothing Reset Mist, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Crucial Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Kerafole, Moisture Positive Cleanser, Pumice Peel, RayDefense, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, V-Neck Smoothing Creme
LEMON OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Quick Refiner for Eyes, Kerafole, Quick Refiner, V-Neck Smoothing Creme
LENTIL FRUIT EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Antioxidant extract helps soften and hydrate skin
Found in: Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum, Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment
LICORICE ROOT/LEAF EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Comforting and brightening plant extract and potent antioxidant with natural skin-soothing properties
Found in: Lip Clinic Exfoliating Butter, Power Peptide, vc10 Nightly Bright
LILAC EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Soothes and targets post-inflammation pigmentation
Found in: Daily Meds, Spot Defy
LINALOOL
See Lavender
LINKED PAPAIN CMPB
Key Benefits: Naturally derived papaya enzyme; exfoliates and smoothes skin, delivers radiance and luminosity
Found in: Quick Refiner for Eyes
LIPOIC ACID
Key Benefits: Potent antioxidant; soothes and helps improve firmness
Found in: Multi-Task Eye Creme
MALACHITE EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Copper-rich pollution magnet and heavy metal scavenger; Helps support skin’s natural cellular “damage protection” system and neutralize everyday skin-aging oxidative stress; Gives formula its natural blue hue
Found in: Urban Undo Cleanser, Remineralist Daily Moisture
MALIC ACID
Key Benefits: An exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from fruit
Found in: Lip Clinic Exfoliating Butter, Kerafole
MANGO SEED BUTTER
Key Benefits: Derived from mangos, this butter helps hydrate and smooth
Found in: Lip Clinic Exfoliating Butter
MELISSA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Derived from alpine plants; anti-inflammatory properties; soothes and helps reduce color intensity
Found in: LightPlex GigaWatt Dark Spot Corrector
MENTHA PIPERITA
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil; antiseptic properties
Found in: LightPlex GigaWatt Dark Spot Corrector, Beyond Hydration, Skin Editor, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum, Collagen Rehab
MITOSTIME
Key Benefits: Derived from sea kelp, it reduces wrinkles, rejuvenates aged cells and increases skin respiration. Rich in polysaccharides, polyphenols, polyols and minerals, it rejuvenates aged fibroblasts, helping to restore a youthful appearance and a higher production of collagen (reducing the appearance of wrinkles in 28 days). Protects mitochondrial DNA for increased skin respiration, taking in more oxygen and releasing more carbon dioxide.
Found in: Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment
MORINGA SEED OIL
Key Benefits: Delivers skin conditioning and natural color
Found in: Radiance Rescue
MULTIFRUIT BSC
Key Benefits: Bioelements exclusive blend of naturally-occurring, non-irritating AHAs derived from fruit
Found in: Lip Clinic Exfoliating Butter, Quick Refiner for Eyes
MURUMURU BUTTER
Key Benefits: Protective and reparative hydrolipidic barrier butter to improve softness and elasticity
Found in: Radiance Rescue
NEEM LEAF
Key Benefits: Delivers skin conditioning and natural color
Found in: Radiance Rescue
NEROLI
See Bitter Orange Essential Oil
NIACINAMIDE
Key Benefits: Skin-strengthening vitamin B3 - helps improve the appearance of environmental damage, problem pores, uneven tone, lines, and dullness
Found in: Kerafole, Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment, vc10 Daily Glow, vc10 Nightly Bright, Daily Meds, Spot Defy
NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID
Key Benefits: Helps regulate oil production; anti-inflammatory
Found in: Oil Control Sleepwear
OAT KERNAL FLOWER
Key Benefits: Calms and soothes skin; features a naturally high concentration of beta glucan to help protect and hydrate
Found in: Measured Micrograins+
OCTINOXATE
Key Benefits: FDA-approved active ingredient for broad-spectrum sun protection against UVB and UVA rays; One of the most widely-used UV ingredients; rigorously tested for safety and efficacy
Found in: SPF 50 FaceScreen, RayDefense
OCTISALATE
Key Benefits: FDA-approved active ingredient for broad-spectrum sun protection against UVB and UVA rays; One of the most widely-used UV ingredients; rigorously tested for safety and efficacy
Found in: SPF 50 FaceScreen, RayDefense
OCTOCRYLENE
Key Benefits: FDA-approved active ingredient for broad-spectrum sun protection against UVB and UVA rays; One of the most widely-used UV ingredients; rigorously tested for safety and efficacy
Found in: SPF 50 FaceScreen, RayDefense
OLIVE OIL
Key Benefits: Natural oil to moisturize, soften and soothe skin
Found in: Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Really Rich Moisture
ORANGE OIL | ORANGE PEEL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Makeup Dissolver Perfected, V-Neck Smoothing Creme, Flash Foam Cleanser, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Quick Refiner for Eyes, Decongestant Cleanser, Kerafole, Quick Refiner, Plump Start, Pumice Peel, Really Rich Moisture, RayDefense, vc10 Daily Glow
ORIGANUM VULGARE LEAF EXTRACT
Key Benefits: From oregano, a botanical extract that is high in carvacrol with antioxidant benefits
Found in: Daily Meds, Spot Defy, Peel Breaker
OXYBENZONE
Key Benefits: FDA-approved active ingredient for broad-spectrum sun protection against UVB and UVA rays; One of the most widely-used UV ingredients; rigorously tested for safety and efficacy
Found in: SPF 50 FaceScreen, RayDefense
PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7, DIPEPTIDE-2
Key Benefits: Powerful but non-irritating peptides that visibly and significantly promote wrinkle smoothing and improve tone + elasticity. They work to restore and maintain skin’s youthful appearance by signaling to cells to produce more collagen. Helps prevent puffiness and reduce bags under the eyes
Found in: vc10 Eye Bright Contour, Sleepwear for Eyes, Time Sensitive
PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-5 + PALMITOYL DIPEPTIDE-5
Key Benefits: Visibly and significantly reduces wrinkle appearance
Found in: Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum
PANTHENOL – PRO VITAMIN B5
Key Benefits: B vitamin pantothenic acid; attracts and holds moisture to the skin
Found in: Beyond Hydration, Flash Foam Cleanser, Multi-Task Eye Creme, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator
PAPAYA EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Naturally derived papaya; exfoliates and smoothes skin, delivers radiance and luminosity
Found in: Flash Foam Cleanser
PEPPERMINT LEAF EXTRACT
See Mentha Piperita
PEPPERMINT OIL
See Mentha Piperita
PERILLA FRUTESCENS EXTRACT
Key Benefits: From the Perilla frutescens plant in Asia where it’s traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Composed of rosmarinic acid, caffeic and perillic acid to help brighten skin overall and reduce the color of dark spots by targeting melanin production.
Found in: vc10 Nightly Bright
PERSIAN SILK TREE EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Helps the upper eyelid appear more lifted, reduces the look of crow’s feet, helps fade dark circles and diminish puffiness
Found in: vc10 Eye Bright Contour
PETIT GRAIN
See Bitter Orange Essential Oil
PHOSPHOLIPIDS
Key Benefits: Water-binding lipids composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and phosphate
Found in: Lip Clinic Exfoliating Butter, Lip Clinic Hydrating Serum, SPF 50 FaceScreen, Beyond Hydration
PHYTONADIONE
Key Benefits: A form of vitamin K; Helps reduce dark circles
Found in: Multi-Task Eye Creme
PINEAPPLE EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Naturally derived pineapple enzyme; exfoliates and smoothes skin, delivers radiance and luminosity
Found in: Flash Foam Cleanser
PIPERONYL GLUCOSE
Key Benefits: Naturally derived, this innovative molecule is obtained by the transfer of reaction of glucose onto piperonyl alcohol. It helps reduce skin redness (whether transitory or persistent) in intensity and surface area for a more radiant complexion. Helps control angiogenesis, stimulating vessels resistance to deformation and reducing their diameter.
Found in: Time Sensitive
PLANT COLLAGEN AMINO ACIDS (RICE, SOY BEAN, CARROT, QUINOA, RED GINSENG)
Key Benefits: Deliver a complex of proline, glutamic acid, oxyproline and glycine amino acids that feed skin's collagen
Found in: Collagen Rehab
PLANT GLUCOSIDES
Key Benefits: An antioxidant blend of 3 plant glucosides to sooth, protect, brighten and targets inflammation: rosmarinyl glucoside – a derivative of rosmarinic acid and polyphenol - a strong antioxidant; caffeyl glucoside – a derivative of caffeic acid and the main phyto-active in green coffee - with strong antioxidant, soothing, and protective effects; and gallyl glucoside – a derivative of gallic acid; antioxidant; soothing effects. This blend helps prevent skin redness by controlling neovascularization, and targeting the major inflammation factors in the skin so it’s perfectly compatible for all types of sensitive, red and irritated skin. In a clinical evaluation under dermatological control on a panel of women having rosacea, the sufferers saw a 7%-12% improvement in rosacea and improved skin color of 11% in only 28 days.
Found in: Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator
PODCARPUS ELATUS FRUIT EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Naturally high in flavonoids (cell-signaling plant metabolites) – it’s antioxidant properties are higher than most fruits and represents 7 times that of blueberries
Found in: Plump Start
POTASSIUM AZELOYL DIGLYCINATE
Key Benefits: A glycinated derivative of azelaic acid, inherits the benefits of azelaic acid, to reduces lines, roughness, dullness; increases cellular turnover. Improves the appearance of oily skin by normalizing sebum, brightens and clarifies skin tone. Significantly improves skin luminance and improve the appearance of spots.
Found in: Daily Meds
PRIMULA VERIS EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Alpine plants to reduce color intensity
Found in: LightPlex GigaWatt Dark Spot Corrector
PSEUDOALTEROMONAS EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES
Key Benefits: A sustainable, marine-derived humectant that is a stronger alternative to hyaluronic acid
Found in: Plump Start
PULLULAN
Key Benefits: Natural hydrator; contains polysaccharides to help bind water to the skin
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow, CreateFirm
PUMICE CRYSTALS
Key Benefits: Natural exfoliant; spherically shaped to be gentle on the skin
Found in: Pumice Peel
PUMPKIN EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Naturally derived pumpkin; exfoliates and smoothes skin, delivers radiance and luminosity
Found in: Flash Foam Cleanser, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum
PYRUS MALUS FRUIT EXTRACT
See Apple Extract
N/A
RED ALGAE
Key Benefits: Moisture-binding powerhouse harvested from the Baltic Sea; Protects against dryness and irritation caused by pollution by replenishing and maintaining skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF); rich in taurine; helps reduce visible signs of eye fatigue (puff, circles, eye bags, tired skin) and the visible first signs of aging (lines and wrinkles)
Found in: Remineralist Daily Moisture, vc10 Eye Bright Contour
RETINOL
Key Benefits: The vitamin A molecule; a potent antiozidant that smoothes wrinkles, firms and targets a wide range of age signs
Found in: Oil Control Sleepwear, Sleepwear, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum
RETINYL PALMITATE – VITAMIN A
Key Benefits: Free radical fighting antioxidant; helps protect skin
Found in: SPF 50 FaceScreen, Measured Micrograins+, Multi-Task Eye Creme
RHODIOLA COMPLEX
Key Benefits: An energizing blend of 3 natural-based actives that help firm and brighten skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of puffiness. Saccharomyces lysate extract: derived from yeast ferment, which increases cellular respiration. Delivers more energy and blood flow to the cells, which reduces puffiness and dark circles; Betaine from sugar beets: an osmolyte, meaning that it facilitates cell osmosis. Maintains the water balance in cells, for a strong moisturizing effect; and Rhodiola Rosea:an adaptogenic flowering plant of the Crassulaceae family, native to regions of Eastern Siberia and Tibetan mountains. A strong antioxidant and free radical scavenger that stimulates lipolysis (fat burning) to reduce puffiness.
Found in: Sensitive Eye Smoother
ROSE OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Equalizer
ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Beyond Hydration, Soothing Reset Mist, Crucial Moisture, Kerafole, Moisture Positive Cleanser, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, V-Neck Smoothing Creme, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum
SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE
Key Benefits: 100% plant derived, skin identical carbohydrate complex; Provides a 72 hour deep, discernable moisture reservoir; More than 50% improvement in smoothness and softness and more than 50% reduction in flakiness after 2 weeks*; Enhances skin’s protective barrier [*in vivo tests]; improves dark spots
Found in: Sensitive Eye Smoother, Beyond Hydration, Collagen Rehab, vc10 Eye Bright Contour
SACCHAROMYCES LYSATE EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Derived from yeast; increases cellular oxygenation, enhances cellular respiration + collagen/elastin synthesis while soothing the skin; enhances barrier function and reduces transepidermal water loss, significantly increasing moisturization with better results over time.
Found in: Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment
SAFFLOWER OIL
Key Benefits: Naturally emollient oil with beneficial fatty acids; moisturizes
Found in: Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Really Rich Moisture, Sleepwear
SAGE
Key Benefits: Antioxidant extract; refreshing
Found in: Beyond Hydration, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Pumice Peel, RayDefense, V-Neck Smoothing Creme, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum
SALICYLIC ACID
Key Benefits: A beta hydroxy acid, OTC acne treatment; helps exfoliate dead, pore-clogging skin; reduces breakouts / blackheads / whiteheads
Found in: Quick Refiner, Skin Editor, Daily Meds, Peel Breaker, Pore Thing
SALIX ALBA BARK EXTRACT
See Willow Bark Extract
SANDALWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Soothing Reset Mist, Crucial Moisture, Moisture Positive Cleanser, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator
SAW PALMETTO
Key Benefits: Natural berry; helps reduces oil; balances skin
Found in: Oil Control Mattifier
SEA KALE
Key Benefits: Haylophytic marine plant that improves appearance of external epidermal stress, visible signs of photoaging + the skin barrier
Found in: Dewluxe, Dewluxe for Body
SEA SALT
Key Benefits: Mineral-loaded cocktail (iron, manganese, selenium + zinc ) to replenish what pollution depletes and rebalance for proper skin function; encourages vibrancy, stabilizes hydration levels and helps skin absorb vital trace minerals and nutrients
Found in: Remineralist Daily Moisture
SHEA BUTTER
Key Benefits: Emollient plant lipid; antioxidant and fatty acid-rich; improves dry skin
Found in: Lip Clinic Hydrating Serum, Lip Clinic Exfoliating Butter, Radiance Rescue, Skin Editor, Sleepwear for Eyes, Sleepwear, Really Rich Moisture, Multi-Task Eye Creme
SILVER EAR MUSHROOM
Key Benefits: A natural alternative to hyaluronic acid, it holds up to 500x its weight in water — so, it has an even stronger ability to hydrate the skin. Plus, it helps form a barrier-protective hydration film, to keep skin nourished over longer periods of time. In fact, its hydration effects are cumulative – skin hydration doubles after just 2 weeks (in-vivo tests)
Found in: Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, Soothing Reset Mist, Sensitive Eye Smoother, Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment
SKIN REPLACEMENT LIPIDS + FILLERS
Key Benefits: Increases production of Collagen I by 179%, and Collagen III (youth collagen) by 194%*; Increases elastin production by 190%*; Increases firmness by 13 x, and elasticity by 1.6 in 15 days* [*ex vivo tests]
Found in: Collagen Rehab
SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE (VITAMIN C)
Key Benefits: Vitamin C derivative that reduces free radical damage and helps increase the appearance of skin firmness, as it brightens skin and evens skin tone.
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow, vc10 Eye Bright Contour, vc10 Nightly Bright
SODIUM HYALURONATE
Key Benefits: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; Hydrating substance that binds moisture to surface skin layers
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow, Multi-Task Eye Creme, Moisture x10, V-Neck Smoothing Creme, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, Absolute Moisture, Oil Control Sleepwear, Sleepwear for Eyes, Quick Refiner for Eyes, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum, Collagen Rehab, Hydroplunge, vc10 Eye Bright Contour
SODIUM PCA
Key Benefits: Softening, moisture-binding humectant; helps replenish skin
Found in: Absolute Moisture, Oil Control Sleepwear, Sleepwear for Eyes, Sleepwear, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum
SOYBEAN OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived, skin smoothing aromatic essential oil
Found in: Dewluxe for Body
SPEARMINT OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Collagen Rehab
SPHINGOLIPIDS
Key Benefits: Complex fats that help replenish skin; Repairing and strengthening
Found in: Recovery Serum
SQUALANE
Key Benefits: Plant-based natural moisturizing agent with antioxidants and fatty acids; works on top of and below skin barrier to lubricate cells and encourage turnover so roughness improves
Found in: Lip Clinic Hydrating Serum, Dewluxe, Dewluxe for Body, Recovery Serum, Sleepwear, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum, Radiance Rescue
SULFUR
Key Benefits: Treats + clears acne, absorbs excess sebum, unclogs pores and denies growth of acne bacteria; prevents acne + PIH; calms inflamed skin. Superior to and safer than benzoyl peroxide.
Found in: Spot Defy
SUMAC CHINESE HERB
Key Benefits: Adaptogenic natural herb to help strengthen and balance the skin
Found in: Beyond Hydration, Equalizer, Crucial Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Quick Refiner, SPF 50 FaceScreen, Moisture Positive Cleanser, Measured Micrograins+, Pumice Peel
SUNFLOWER SEED OIL
Key Benefits: Naturally replenishes and soothes skin; a rich source of fatty acid
Found in: Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil
SYRINGA VULGARIS EXTRACT
See Lilac Extract
TANGERINE ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Remineralist Daily Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Pumice Peel, RayDefense, V-Neck Smoothing Creme
TAPIOCA STARCH
Key Benefits: Naturally mattifies skin; reduces oil
Found in: Oil Control Mattifier
TEA TREE OIL
Key Benefits: Antioxidant, skin soothing, purifies skin
Found in: Kerafole
THYME ESSENTIAL OIL
Key Benefits: Pure, plant-derived aromatic essential oil
Found in: Beyond Hydration, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum
THYME EXTRACT | THYME WHITE OIL
Key Benefits: Reduces oil; Pure, plant-derived botanical that targets excess sebum production; antibacterial properties
Found in: Daily Meds, Peel Breaker, Spot Defy
TIGER GRASS
See Gotu Kola Chinese Herb
TOCOPHEROL — VITAMIN E
Key Benefits: Antioxidant vitamin E; moisturizing
Found in: Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Radiance Rescue, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Sleepwear for Eyes, Sleepwear, Pumice Peel, Collagen Rehab
TOPICAL CALCIUM
Key Benefits: Helps strengthen the skin’s “mattress coils” that can sag over time as collagen and elastin weaken – so skin feels firmer
Found in: Oil Control Sleepwear, Sleepwear, Sleepwear for Eyes
N/A
VITAMIN A
Key Benefits: Free radical fighting antioxidant; helps protect skin
Found in: Multi-Task Eye Creme
VITAMIN C
Key Benefits: Clarifying, brightening and energizing antioxidant
Found in: Multi-Task Eye Creme, Plump Start, vc10 Daily Glow, vc10 Eye Bright Contour, vc10 Nightly Bright
VITAMIN E
Key Benefits: Antioxidant vitamin; moisturizing
Found in: vc10 Daily Glow, Dewluxe, Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Oil Control Sleepwear, Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum, Multi-Task Eye Creme, Remineralist Daily Moisture, Barrier Fix Daily Hydrator, Sleepwear, Radiance Rescue
WATERCRESS CHINESE HERB
Key Benefits: Adaptogenic natural herb to help strengthen and balance the skin
Found in: Beyond Hydration, Equalizer, Crucial Moisture, Decongestant Cleanser, Quick Refiner, SPF 50 FaceScreen, Moisture Positive Cleanser, Measured Micrograins+, Pumice Peel
WATERMELON RIND EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Provides hours of skin hydration; increases skin’s Natural Moisturizing factor (NMF) elements
Found in: Age Activist Clinical Youth Serum, Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment
WHITE TEA LEAF EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Extracted from green tea; potent antioxidant; comforting
Found in: Power Peptide
WHITE TRUFFLE
Key Benefits: Increases skin’s elasticity by 35%; Increases moisturization by 48%; Reduces eye bag appearance by 14%; Reduces wrinkles by 12.8%; Creates a filler effect: increases skin thickness by + .39 mm [In vitro and in vivo tests]
Found in: Radiance Rescue
WILLOW BARK EXTRACT
Key Benefits: Similar to salicylic acid, vacuums clogged pores + reduces oil. Provides gentle exfoliation; helps reduce blemishes and excess oil; improves the appearance of pores. Pore Thing
Found in: Oxygen Boost Barrier Treatment, Pore Thing
XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, ANHYDROXYLITOL AND XYLITOL
Key Benefits: A vegetable origin-derived sugar blend is an anti-dehydration shield that helps the skin maintain hydration for softer, smoother skin. It increases and reserves circulation of water, as well as reinforces the skin barrier.
Found in: Hydroplunge, Time Sensitive
