When it comes to skincare, the extensive ingredient lists can be quite confusing – and understandably so. It can be challenging knowing which ingredients are a complete no-no and should be avoided. At the same time, there are so many wonder workers out there enhancing moisture retention, rebalancing moisture levels, and aiding towards improved skin health.  

At BIOEFFECT, we aim to solely use ingredients our skin can truly understand and are proven to be effective. Here’s goes a little something on our favourites we believe everyone should look for in their skincare regimen:

 Barley EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) – a moisture-binding, skin-rejuvenating signaling protein. It is the first of its kind to be produced in plants by BIOEFFECT scientists to combat the visible effects from the loss of EGF naturally found in skin. Barley EGF supports natural production of collagen, elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid, and is essential for keeping skin looking smooth, healthy, and youthful. It is a signaling protein, communicating with cells in the dermis. It sends messages to repair and rejuvenate while strengthening the skin’s ability to retain and withhold moisture. Increased moisture levels maintain skin thickness and density, reducing the depth of wrinkles.

 Barley KGF (Keratinocyte Growth Factor) – A signaling protein naturally found in skin. KGF works in synergy with EGF. KGF helps keep the skin barrier intact and healthy-looking, strengthens skin, and promotes it’s natural repairing process, making it the ideal ingredient to help strengthen the skin barrier.

Our science team found a way to bioengineer a plant-based KGF in barley.

 Barley IL-1a – A protein naturally found in skin that helps support the skin's structural integrity and maintain its natural firmness; promotes skin elasticity.

Our science team found a way to bioengineer a plant-based IL-1a in barley.

 NAG (N-Acetyl Glucosamine) – This is a vegan, highly stable form of an amino acid sugar compound originally found in skin, located in the spaces between the skin cells, that is known to help support our natural Hyaluronic Acid production. Studies have shown that it brightens the complexion and minimises the appearance of hyperpigmentation. NAG also has antioxidant benefits and helps maintain skin barrier integrity, elasticity, and addresses skin dryness by sealing in moisture.

 Hyaluronic Acid – a vital substance naturally found in skin, and critical for maintaining skin hydration. Known for its incredible capacity to attract and hold vast amounts of moisture. We use optimised Hyaluronic Acid when formulating our products, as it has a smaller or lower molecular weight which allows for deeper and better absorption in the skin.

 Glycerin – A great humectant as it pulls in moisture, making the skin plumper and smoother while diminishing fine line and wrinkles. Glycerin works as a protective agent against skin irritation, it has an antimicrobial effect on the skin, it can enhance the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin, it aids in the wound healing process, and also increases hydration/moisturisation of the skin. To be able to get the maximal benefit from glycerin, the composition of the formulation of the product is critical. Therefore, BIOEFFECT products have the optimum concentration of water in the formulation for glycerin to have a very effective hydrating function.

 Barley Beta Glucan – A skin-soothing ingredient known for its effect on the skin barrier, ability to seal in moisture and hydrate, fight wrinkles and UV damage as well as provide skin-calming rejuvenation. In addition, clinical testing has shown Beta Glucan derived from Barley can provide as much as 3 times more potent antioxidant protection than Beta Glucan derived from Oats.

 Oridonin – A new skincare ingredient derived from an herbal extract known for its medicinal properties and its ability to reduce oxidative stress – another potential factor contributing to the visible signs of aging. Oridonin also has the ability to communicate with the skin similar to Barley EGF, and the two combine for a more profound effect by blurring the appearance of lines, targeting saggy skin, and ensuring a healthy-looking complexion.

 Niacinamide – Also known as Vitamin B3. Visibly improves skin’s texture, evens skin tone, and increases radiance while also minimising fine lines and wrinkles.

 Squalane – A skin-replenishing and hydrating antioxidant. Softens and moisturises while preventing moisture loss. Occurs naturally in the sebum.

 Certain fatty acids, like those found in Evening Primrose Oil and Shea Butter, provide nourishing moisturisation and skin-softening benefits without a greasy residue that is perfect for dry, mature skin. Evening Primrose Oil and Shea Butter do not classify as mineral or vegetable oils and are non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog the pores or cause inflammation.

 Orthosilicic Acid (OSA) – Bioavailable form of silica which the skin absorbs. Quite rare in nature but can be found in high-temperature geothermal steam in Iceland. Known to stimulate the production of collagen and strengthen the skin’s elasticity.

 Icelandic Water – Clean and pure, as it’s geologically filtered through layers of inert volcanic lava. This natural process ensures a low concentration of hard minerals (like calcium and magnesium), leaving the water extremely pure and soft on the skin making it less likely to cause irritation.

Azelaic Acid – Multi-functional support ingredient for all skin types and acts as an effective antioxidant. It brightens the skin tone while reducing redness, inflammation, and hyper-pigmentation.

Micelles – A mix of surfactants suspended in a water solution. Micelles work like magnets for oil and dirt, removing impurities on the face, without leaving oily residue on the skin.