Aqua or water is used to dissolve those amazing water-soluble ingredients we want working their magic in your skin. As we have not used any ingredients as fillers, the concentration of our water is there to serve its purpose as a solvent. Nothing more.

Found in: Cleansing Elixir, Mask Antidote, MultiMasker, Face Crème Originale, Complete Serum, Eye Crème Solution, PRP Plus Serum

Bergamot is a fruit that looks like the result of a love affair between a lime and an orange. It’s got antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties and it can be used to unclog pores and balance sebum levels. This makes it a good clarifying addition for acne patients. It is also powerfully antioxidant keeping skin youthful by keeping free radicals at bay. As with lemon, Bergamot as a citrus oil can make you more sensitive to the sun.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Butylene Glycol is a humectant which pulls and holds water in the stratum corneum and helps to dissolve dirt. It also creates a nice barrier effect on the skin, helping to prevent water loss (TEWL) while it moisturizes and softens the skin. It also has antimicrobial properties which means that it helps to boost the efficacy of preservatives.

Found in: Cleansing Elixir, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen, Face Crème Originale

Butylene Glycol Cocoate is a multifunctional ingredient, not only acting as an emollient which moisturizes the skin but it also solubilises organic and mineral sun filters and boosts SPF.

Found in: Face Crème Originale, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Canola oil is derived from the rapeseed plant and its naturally high levels of sterols/ essential fatty acids give this plant lipid the ability to soothe skin that is irritated by surfactants while providing intense moisturisation.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Caprylyl Glycol boosts the efficacy of our novel preservative system while multitasking as an emollient which allows the skin to maintain good hydration levels. Any formulation with water will require preservatives to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. But traditional preservatives have many unwanted effects (most people are well versed in the controversies around parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and phenoxyethanol). As with everything when it comes to root4, you can trust that our preservative system is entirely safe. While still being reassuringly potent.

Found in: MultiMasker, Face Crème Originale, Complete Serum, Mask Antidote, Cleansing Elixir, Eye Crème Solution, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Derived from the wild seeds of the carrot plant, carrot seed oil is loaded with antioxidants, isoflavonoids and skin-nourishing properties. It is also rich in vitamin E and known for its ability to rejuvenate. The perfectly stabilized carotenoids in our 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral sunscreen have been proven to shield the skin from blue light-induced skin damage and pigmentation as well as neutralizing blue light-induced reactive oxygen species.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

The beta carotene found in carrot root extract is rich in antioxidants, which are vital in fending off skin-damaging free radicals found in everything from polluted air to the sun’s rays. Beta-carotene acts a precursor to vitamin A—the holy graile in skincare responsible for cell regeneration. This means that it steps up the skin’s cell turnover, bringing younger, healthier skin cells to the surface. Carrot root extract is a powerful moisturizer with high levels of lycopene to help balance oily skin and fatty acids to repair the all-important skin barrier. The perfectly stabilized carotenoids in our 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral sunscreen have been proven to shield the skin from blue light-induced skin damage and pigmentation as well as neutralizing blue light-induced reactive oxygen species.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

A light-weight emollient made by combining esters from coconut-derived fatty alcohol (the non-drying kind) with caprylic and capric acids, also from coconut that absorbs quickly and leaves a dry but silky finish on the skin. It has a high level of biocompatibility with skin and therefore has the ability to penetrate deeply and help skin to repair itself. It provides the skin with incredible softness.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol making it a very different beast to the notorious denatured alcohol which dries out skin and disrupts the skin barrier. Cetearyl alcohol prevents oil-water mixtures from separating while also moisturizing the skin. It also increases the efficacy of our novel safe preservative system. It is absolutely non-irritant and non-drying.

Found in: Mask Antidote, MultiMasker, Eye Crème Solution, Face Crème Originale

Coco-Glucoside is a very mild, gentle foaming surfactant derived from fruit sugars and coconut oil. It does not irritate and dry out the skin like other foaming agents and surfactants do, as it shares a lot of the moisturizing properties of coconut oil. Because it is so gentle and mild, it is suitable for even the most fragile and sensitive skin.

Found in: Cleansing Elixir

An unsung hero of skincare, Coriander essential oil is brimming with free radical destroying antioxidants and skin boosting Vitamin C. It is anti-inflammatory, soothing and cooling irritated skin while boasting potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Decyl Glucoside is a 100% biodegradable ingredient that is derived from plants. It is synthesized following a reaction between glucose obtained from corn starch and the fatty alcohol decanol extracted from coconuts. Being a surfactant, Decyl Glucoside effectively removes dirt and oils from a surface when used along with water. This skin-friendly cleanser’s gentle action on the skin makes it an ideal ingredient to be used on sensitive skin. It helps in hydrating the skin and prevents drying out of the skin.

Found in: Cleansing Elixir

Dicaprylyl Carbonate is an excellent emollient that makes skin softer and smoother and helps other ingredients spread more easily onto your skin. It gives a beautiful ‘dry touch’ finish to the skin for those who don’t like greasy, tacky creams.

Found in: Face Crème Originale

This helps to solubilize ingredients but also helps to boost the efficacy of actives such as Vitamin C.

Found in: Complete Serum

This ingredient is a penetration-enhancer: meaning that it allows active ingredients to penetrate more deeply and effect more change. In other words, it makes our formulas more powerful. It is particularly useful for actives targeting acne and pigmentation.

Found in: Eye Crème Solution, NovA Oil, SupernovA Oil

Cellulose is a natural sugar that is found in the cell wall of plants. Ethylcellulose, a modified cellulose polymer is used as to improve the texture and sensory experience of our products. It allows our products to be thick and creamy and yet spread easily.

Found in: Face Crème Originale, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

The ability to provide your skin with exactly what it needs is that sweet point which Geranium manages to hit. Native to southern Africa, Geranium is a natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory which actively boosts the skin’s health and natural radiance. It balances the skin’s oil production while regenerating the skin. This makes it a useful addition for the 12-25% of the population suffering from adult-onset acne.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Glyceryl Stearate is a food-grade emulsifier (allowing oil and water to mix in a formulation) which occurs naturally in the body. It acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It also slows the loss of water from the skin (that all-important term TEWL again) by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface.

Found in: Mask, MultiMasker, Eye Crème Solution, Face Crème Originale

It has been referred to as ‘miraculous’ and ‘healing’. Our go-to for bumps, bruises and wounds, no essential oil serum could be complete without it. Helichrysum has amazing antimicrobial properties making it useful in acne. It also promotes healthy skin cell regeneration and a youthful, glowing complexion. It is a natural alternative to boost a product’s SPF.

Found in: Intergrative Serum

Hydrolised rice protein helps to improve the skin’s moisture barrier for true hydration and dry skin relief and protection from environmental aggressors. Rice and soybean proteins are particularly beneficial for the delicate skin around the eye area.

They have been shown to be a fast and effective tool to:
• reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes
• strengthen the connective tissue
• reduce inflammation and prevent UV damage

• 35% reduction in dark circles after 8 weeks
• 32% reduction in eye puffiness after 8 weeks
• Increases circulation
• Stimulates collagen production: increases the proliferation of fibroblasts (the cells which make collagen) by 200%!

Found in: This powerful ingredient is a key component of our Eye Crème Solution.

Cellulose is a natural sugar that is found in the cell wall of plants. Hydroxyethylcellulose, a modified cellulose polymer is a thickener, used as to improve the texture, spreadability and sensory experience of our products.

Found in: Cleansing Elixir

This plant-derived ingredient moisturizes as well as firms and lifts the skin. It has a skin-smoothing effect and is one of our novel ingredients for healthy ageing.

Found in: Complete Serum

A liquid fatty acid derived from skin barrier superstar oleic acid which nourishes and moisturizes the skin.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Isostearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient which softens the skin. It is important to differentiate these fatty alcohols which are beneficial to the skin from the drying type of alcohol that you’ll most often see listed on an ingredient label as SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or, less often, isopropyl alcohol. These volatile alcohols damage the skin barrier and disrupt the delicate skin microbiome and you will not find them in root4 products.

Found in: Face Crème Originale, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Lanolin is derived from oil secreted by sheep to condition and ‘waterproof’ their wool. Lanolin is then collected when the wool is sheared. Though it may have a bad reputation coming from an animal source, lanolin itself is nothing more than a natural substance collected following shearing and is a cruelty-free product. Its high fat content makes lanolin occlusive, meaning that it prevents water evaporating from the skin (this is the transepidermal water loss of TEWL that you may keep reading about). This keeps the skin moisturized and helps the skin heal making it particularly useful in dry, itchy, scaly or chapped, fissuring skin or lips. This is my top recommendation for my acne patients on isotretinoin who suffer from dry, cracked lips.

Found in: Mask Antidote, MultiMasker, Face Crème Originale

Lavender is truly the “Swiss army knife” of the essential oil world. True lavender – as used in root4 products – is lavendulan angustifolia . The rest may smell nice but the therapeutic qualities are unique to this particular species. There is more synthetic Lavender on the market than the real thing and the lavender used by root4 is the purest you can get. Lavender is a natural anti-histamine as well as being antimicrobial (ie active against bacteria, fungi and some viruses). It is very soothing to the skin and its potent anti-inflammatory action can best be seen in the instantaneous relief when applied to burns.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Did you know? It takes 75 lemons to make 15ml of lemon essential oil. Lemon essential oil comes from cold-pressing the lemon peel (the most nutrient dense part of the lemon), not the inner fruit. Lemon has incredible brightening effects on the skin as well as helping to control oiliness and breakouts. Be aware that lemon essential oil can make you more sensitive to the sun.

Found in: Integrative Serum

A clay mineral which thickens and stabilizes formulas. It is a natural detoxifying mineral, first discovered in Africa which mops up heavy metals and toxins. It has powerful anti-oxidant and free-radical scavenging effects making it a balm for irritated, red and sun damaged skin. It also has super wound-healing powers.

Found in: MultiMasker, Face Crème Originale

In order to harvest Myrrh, the tree trunks must be cut into to release the resin. The resin is allowed to dry and begins to look like tears all along the tree trunk. The resin is then collected and the essential oil is made from the sap via steam distillation.
Two primary active compounds are found in myrrh, called terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, both of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Its ability to soothe irritated skin makes Myrrh useful in dermatitis and acne. Both of these compounds are under investigation for their anticancer and antibacterial benefits. In fact, myrrh has been shown in studies to be powerful against the notorious Staph Aureus which creates such havoc in our skin. These effects are amplified further when myrrh is combined with Frankincense (as it is in The Integrative Serum). It has also been shown to be useful in fungal infections and has been used for centuries in wound healing.

Found in: Integrative Serum

This precious oil, derived from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree is best known for its soothing and skin regenerative effect on even the most environmentally stressed skin. It is particularly beneficial for break-out prone skin owing to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to fade acne scarring. It is a potent antioxidant and supports collagen production while giving the skin an enviable glow.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Natural corn oil is an oil extracted from the corn germ or maize by a cold pressing method. It contains 85% unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids and is also a wonderful source of vitamins including Vitamin A, C, and E. In fact, it has a higher vitamin E compared to olive oil.

Its main benefit however is its soothing and anti-itch properties. Oxygenated glycerol triestersD (O.G.T.D) are composed of glycerol triesters derived from corn oil and oxygenated according to a patented and controlled process. The oxygenation process transforms glycerol triesters into OGTD whose structure becomes similar to pro-inflammatory lipidic derivatives (leucotrienes, prostaglandines). These OGTD compete with the binding of these pro-inflammatory mediators at the cell receptor site and block them. In this way, these triesters are anti-inflammatory and provide a powerfully soothing effect on skin.

A clinical efficacy study proved its anti-itch and soothing properties: application to irritated skin showed highly significant reduction of the erythema after 48 hours of application. The total observed beneficial effect of the active versus the placebo cream was 65%.

Found in: Face Crème Originale

The compound making up 80% of Palmarosa essential oil to which it owes much of its potency is Geraniol. This compound has the capacity to reprogramme damaged DNA and stimulate cell growth. Palmarosa hydrates the skin while balancing its sebum (oil) production. It has significant antiviral and antibacterial activity including defense against the infamous Staphylococcus aureus (the leading cause of skin infections). This is a goodie for acne patients.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Patchouli essential oil, rich in sesquiterpenoids and flavonoids is potently anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In fact, studies have shown that it has significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which is a menace when it comes to the skin. It also protects the skin against UV damage and oxygen free radicals and boosts collagen production.

Found in: Integrative Serum

This forms part of our novel preservative system owing to its remarkable antibacterial and anti-yeast properties. Any formulation with water will require preservatives to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. But traditional preservatives have many unwanted effects (most people are well versed in the controversies around parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and phenoxyethanol). As with everything when it comes to root4, you can trust that our preservative system is entirely safe. While still being reassuringly potent.

Found in: Face Crème Originale, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen, Eye Crème Solution, Complete Serum, Mask Antidote, MultiMasker, Cleansing Elixir

A plant based fatty acid ester derived from castor beans that helps water to mix with oil (in other words, it is an emulsifier). It provides our 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen with a buttery and yet non-greasy feel.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Propanediol, derived from corn sugar, boosts the efficacy of our novel preservative system. Any formulation with water will require preservatives to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. But traditional preservatives have many unwanted effects (most people are well versed in the controversies around parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and phenoxyethanol). As with everything when it comes to root4, you can trust that our preservative system is entirely safe. While still being reassuringly potent.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen, Cleansing Elixir, Eye Crème Solution, Face Crème Originale, Mask Antidote, Complete Serum, MultiMasker

Containing more than 50% oleic acid as well as being a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, rapeseed oil provides excellent moisturizing properties as well as supporting a strong and healthy skin barrier. It also has potential antoxidant properties to combat daily environmental assault.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Rosemary essential oil is as refreshing for the skin as it is for our taste buds. Its main skin benefit is its potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It balances the skin; providing hydration while controlling oil production. It is also invigorating and is a highly regarded ingredient in eye creams due to its ability to increase blood flow thereby reducing under eye dark circles and puffiness.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Deeply moisturizing, this is an oil your skin really loves. It smoothes and evens out the skin.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Roman chamomile is fantastic for the skin primarily because it is made up over 50 percent of esters which calm and soothe dry, sensitive skin. This also makes it a useful adjunct in many of the inflammatory skin conditions.

Found in: Integrative Serum

A balancing oil which supports the healthy regeneration of skin cells and maintains elasticity. Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties are useful in preventing breakouts.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Jojoba is the derived from the seeds of a shrub found in North America. It is actually a wax ester rather than an oil: several plants use wax esters on their leaves as a protective coating against environmental damage and 30% of human sebum (the oil we produce on the surface of our skin) is made up of wax esters. This means that jojoba does an excellent job at forming a protective, moisturizing barrier on the skin. It has also been postulated that Jojoba is a good choice for oily acne-prone skin as it can ‘trick’ the skin into thinking that it has sufficient sebum and slow down its own production. Jojoba can also penetrate into the skin, making it soft and supple. Studies have shown that combining our Jojoba butter with Shea butter increases skin hydration by 33% greater than a placebo cream after 4 hours. It also prevents water loss by 46% more than a placebo cream 24 hours after application. Being a wax ester means that Jojoba is really in a category of its own when it comes to plant oils: it is more biologically similar to human sebum or whale oil than it is to other traditional plant oils.

Found in: MultiMasker, Mask Antidote

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate is derived from glutamic acid (an amino acid), lauric acid (a fatty acid derived from renewable plant resources) and sodium. It is used as a gentle cleanser with fantastic foaming properties more suitable for sensitive skin. Its claim-to-fame is its moisturizing and skin-softening properties.

Found in: Cleansing Elixir

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is a natural food-grade emulsifier (allowing oil and water to mix in a formulation). It is derived from the sodium salt of lactic acid and stearic acid. Its sodium backbone allows it to penetrate into the upper layers of the skin providing an intensive moisturizing action. It is also a penetration enhancer ie. It allows those beautiful active ingredients to pass more deeply into the skin where they can work their magic.

Found in: Face Crème Originale, Eye Crème Solution, MultiMasker, Mask Antidote

Sorbitan olivate is an ester derived from fatty acids from olive oil plus sorbitol (a natural sugar). It moisturises and softens the skin while preventing water loss from the skin and giving products a smooth and luxurious feel.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

This is a fatty acid of natural origin which can be found in shea or cocoa butter. It has the dual function of moisturizing the skin but also helps oil and water mix together nicely. This prevents products from separating over time.

Found in: Face Crème Originale

Tridecane forms a fast-spreading emollient which is a 100% renewable, ECOCERT approved, sustainably sourced alternative to silicones and helps products apply easily, absorb quickly and leave a smooth, dry skin feeling.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Undecane forms a fast-spreading emollient which is a 100% renewable, ECOCERT approved, sustainably sourced alternative to silicones and helps products apply easily, absorb quickly and leave a smooth, dry skin feeling.

Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen

Not to be confused with diazolidinyl urea (an ingredient with a big question mark over it in terms of safety), the urea used in root4’s formulations is just that: Urea. AKA a Natural Moisturising Factor. As a dermatologist, I love urea. Its uses are so varied from tackling deep dryness to psoriasis or hair follicle disorders like keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) where little ‘pimples’ form on the skin from keratin plugging the follicle. It deeply hydrates and smoothes while gently increasing cell turnover.

Found in: Mask Antidote, MultiMasker

A little known oil with incredible skin benefits, Vetiver is actually one of the most biochemically complex of all essential oils. We chose to include it in our Integrative Serum owing to its unique ability to treat both dry and eczema or acne-prone skin by moisturizing while targeting unfriendly skin bacteria such as Staph Aureus. Vetiver oil, a potent antioxidant, has also been shown to enhance skin regeneration resulting in a more uniform skin tone and even complexion. Its cooling properties are useful for soothing skin that has been overexposed to the sun or wind.

Found in: Integrative Serum

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide (a chain of sugar molecules) fermented from the sticky coating of a particular type of bacteria, Xanthomonas campestris. It’s approved by Ecocert and also used in the food industry. It helps to bind and thicken skincare formulations to create a smooth, even-textured product.

Found in: Face Crème Originale

Ylang Ylang is a useful oil in acne: it balances oil production while calming inflammation as well as having antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is a powerful antioxidant which attacks free radicals bombarding the skin and is a source of nourishment for thirsty, dry skin.

Found in: Integrative Serum