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defend

The foundation without which any skincare
regimen will crumble.

protect + strengthen

This is skin minimalism pared down to the key elements of any healthy skin approach: that of PROTECTION of your skin DNA and telomeres from UV and free radical damage together with STRENGTHENING of your skin barrier.

integrative serum
R1,295.00
supernovA oil
R995.00
Nova oil
novA oil
R845.00
3D defense SPF50 mineral sunscreen
R875.00
face crème originale
R1,565.00
Complete serum
complete serum
R1,795.00
Shop All

shop Antioxidants

Resveratrol

Oil-soluble vitamin C

Vitamin E

Ferulic acid

Superoxide dismutase

Punicic acid from pomegranate seed oil

Beta-carotene

shop Prebiotics

shop UV protection

shop barrier strengthening

Hyaluronic acid

Ceramides

Squalene and other sources of cholesterol

Fatty acids

d-Panthenol

Glycerin

DR. L protocol

Each ingredient in the root4 range is meticulously considered to encompass the DR. L objectives of defend, renew and liberate – 3 specific skincare steps to your healthiest, most radiant skin.

This natural alpha-hydoxy acid (AHA) was the secret ingredient in Cleopatra’s famed sour milk baths which naturally contained lactic acid. It gently brightens and clarifies the skin by lifting off dead skin cells revealing smoother, softer, glowing skin below. It is also a fantastic moisturizing agent and increases the efficacy of any product applied following its use by increasing penetration of actives. Found in: MultiMasker and Cleansing Elixir
Lactic acid
Vit E (Tocopherol Acetate; d-alpha tocopherol) is one of the key players in the Vit C/Vit E and Ferulic acid power anti-oxidant trio but is also an exceptional free-radical scavenger in its own right. It protects the skin from UVB rays but when combined with Vit C it becomes more broad-spectrum, protecting also against UVA. In this way it boosts sunscreen efficacy. Found in: Face Crème Originale, Complete Serum, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen, Mask Antidote, MultiMasker, Eye Crème Solution, Cleansing Elixir
Vitamin E
top view white flour inside plate on white background flour dust dough bake raw
Non-nano UV mineral filters
Turmeric or curcumin is becoming known as wellness and skincare ‘gold’ and with good reason. It’s potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity calms down acne-prone skin and it can also regulate oily skin. It’s powerful antioxidant and skin-brightening properties provide the skin with an enviable radiance and make it a key ingredient in healthy aging. Its effect on pigmentation has been shown to be several-fold greater than other natural extracts such as kojic acid. Found in: Face Crème Originale
Turmeric root
This skincare ‘gold’ is potently anti-inflammatory with antimicrobial activity to calm down acne-prone skin and regulate oiliness. It’s powerful antioxidant and skin-brightening properties provide the skin with an enviable radiance. Its effect on pigmentation has been shown to be several-fold greater than other natural extracts such as kojic acid. Found in: Cleansing Elixir, Mask Antidote, MultiMasker, Complete Serum, Face Crème Originale, Eye Crème Solution
Curcumin Longa
Reactive forms of oxygen such as superoxide (which is just oxygen with an extra electron), can leak from our cell enzymes involved in respiration and wreak havoc on our cells causing DNA damage. To combat this potential danger, most cells make superoxide dismutase to protect itself from these damaging free radicals. Superoxide dismutase is therefore a powerful antioxidant which has been shown in some studies to be even more powerful than Vit E or Green Tea. Found in: Eye Crème Solution
Superoxide Dismutase
Sunflower seed oil is rich in the skin barrier superhero linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid which can help maintain the skin barrier and decrease transepidermal water loss. Studies have shown benefit in inflammatory skin conditions particularly eczema. Its oleic acid makes it beneficial for wound healing and its Vit E provides powerful antioxidant defense. This nourishing oil is non-comedogenic meaning that it won’t clog pores and is suitable for acne-prone skin. Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen
Sunflower Seed Oil
Squalene is an exceptional moisturizer naturally produced by the skin which prevents moisture loss and which makes the skin beautifully supple. The plant sugar-derived squalene used in our formulations gives our products their silky smooth feel without causing clogged pores and breakouts. Our squalene has been shown in studies to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 51% after just one month of use. Found in: Face Crème Originale
Squalene
Derived from algae, this skin superfood is a powerhouse of protein, Vitamins A, B and E, carotenoids, iron, zinc, copper and gamma-linolenic acid (a powerful anti-inflammatory). It works wonders on dull and congested skin by gently detoxifying and encouraging cell renewal. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps to treat dark under-eye circles and dryness. It is antibacterial and anti-acne. Found in: Cleansing Elixir, Complete Serum, Face Crème Originale, Eye Crème Solution, Mask Antidote, MultiMasker
Spirulina
Glycine soja (soy) peptides interfere with the enzymes which break down our collagen and other skin proteins. They work hard to maintain the collagen we naturally have and also stimulate collagen production, increasing fibroblasts (the cells making collagen) by 200%! It prevents the deposition of sun-induced pigment while boosting circulation and studies have shown a 35% reduction if dark under-eye circles and a 32% reduction in eye puffiness after 8 weeks. Found in: Eye Crème Solution.
Glycine Soybean (Soja) Protein
In order to get the most benefit from this therapeutic grade essential oil, the sandalwood tree must grow for at least 40–80 years before the roots can be harvested. Its main benefits are its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-viral effects. It is rich in santalols - sesquiterpenes which have been shown in a study conducted in 2014 to behave similarly to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications while other studies show benefit for acne and dermatitis. Found in: Integrative Serum
Sacred Sandalwood
This ‘liquid gold’ is a skincare ingredient of mythical proportions. Sacred Frankincense is the ‘oil of kings’ as it was selected solely for royalty and contains 20% more of the active compound alpha-pinene than other types of Frankincense. This makes it the most therapeutic type of Frankincense to be found in the world. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties while lightening pigmentation, smoothing wrinkles and improving the skin’s elasticity. Found in: Integrative Serum
Sacred Frankincense
Our cold-pressed rosehip oil is composed of nearly 89% essential fatty acids such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 which plump up the skin by boosting collagen and elastin. It is high in Trans-retinoic Acid, a natural form of Vitamin A that converts to Retinol making it a natural choice for brightening the skin and combating acne. Vitamin E provide rosehip oil with antioxidant powers and also helps to regenerate the skin while anthocyanin calms and soothes inflammation. Found in: Integrative Serum, NovA Oil, SupernovA Oil
Rosehip oil
It takes tens of thousands of rose blossoms, picked as they are unfolding in the early hours of dawn, to yield 30ml of rose essential oil. That makes rose oil one of the most precious and valuable essential oils. Rose oil contains more than 95 compounds, among them vitamin C, quercetin, flavonoids and anthocyanins. It is antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treating redness and acne while promoting healthy ageing. Found in: Integrative Serum
Rose
A retinoid is derived from Vitamin A, our healthy ageing superhero ingredient which: • treats acne • lightens pigmentation • treats sun damage • boosts collagen • softens fine lines and wrinkles • increases cell turnover Granactive retinoid binds directly to the retinoid receptors which means faster, better and more consistent results with significantly less irritation than prescription strength Vitamin A creams. Found in: Eye Crème Solution, NovA Oil, SupernovA Oil
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Complex
Resveratrol, found in the seed and skin of the red grape (and berries), is our most powerful antioxidant with 95% efficacy at preventing free radical skin damage (vs Vit C’s 37% efficacy rate). It is anti-acne and anti-redness while also lightening skin pigmentation (it is both a direct and indirect tyrosinase inhibitor). It slows ageing by impacting our ‘longevity genes’, boosting our collagen-producing cells and activating sirtuin-1 which repairs DNA and protects telomeres. Found in: Complete Serum
Resveratrol
This oil is precious, requiring 7kg of pomegranate seeds to produce just 1 litre of oil. It contains punicic acid: a potent anti-inflammatory which protects skin from free radicals and sun damage while simultaneously healing skin. It is intensely nourishing while boosting collagen production and increasing the skin’s elasticity and cell turnover resulting in more youthful, radiant skin. Found in: Integrative Serum, NovA Oil, SupernovA Oil, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen
Pomegranate seed oil
Dried yoghurt powder encourages and protects the ‘friendly’ while discouraging the ‘unfriendly’ bacteria on our skin. If the microbiome gets stripped away or unbalanced by harsh cleansers, then our skin becomes sensitive and inflamed. Applying these prebiotics to the skin for just 15 minutes can modify the microbiome towards that of a younger skin while increasing hydration 2.6 times. Found in: Cleansing Elixir, MultiMasker, Mask Antidote
Prebiotics from yoghurt powder complex
A powerful peptide which boosts 6 skin-building essentials. It evens out the skin and smoothes wrinkles from the inside by rebuilding the skin where it is needed, particularly on the forehead and crows feet. Found in: Complete Serum
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Olive fruit extract is derived from the olive tree native to the Mediterranean areas of Europe and Africa. It has a long history as a natural medicinal now supported by scientific demonstration of its moisturizing, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In our Face Crème, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Ester has been combined with other emollients to create an impressive hydrophilic combination which can absorb 5 times its weight in water. It also lightens pigmentation. Found in: Face Crème Originale
Olea Europaea Fruit Extract
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate provides powerful day-time antioxidant defense against pollution, UV and free radicals while boosting collagen production and brightening the skin by reducing the formation of those annoying brown sunspots. Together with Vitamin E and Ferulic acid, it forms part of the power-trio providing superb photo-protection. A study done using THDAC also showed >50% improvement in >75% of acne patients in 2-10 months. Found in: Face Crème Originale, Mask Antidote
Oil Soluble Vitamin C
Our skin superstar, Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 has been extensively researched and shown to have so many good effects on the skin when used in a 4-5% concentration (as we have in all our root4 products). • moisturizer/humectant • wrinkle-smoothing • repairs damaged skin barriers • helps with wound healing • skin brightening • can help acne, rosacea and atopic eczema Found in: Complete Serum, Mask Antidote, Eye Crème Solution, Face Crème Originale
Niacinamide
Two primary active compounds are found in myrrh, called terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, both of which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer and antioxidant effects. Its ability to soothe irritated skin makes Myrrh useful in dermatitis and acne. Myrrh has been shown in studies to be powerful against the notorious Staph Aureus which creates such havoc in our skin. It has been used for centuries in wound healing. Found in: Integrative Serum
Myrrh
Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide remain two of the best sunscreen filters we have to date: they are truly ‘full spectrum’ providing excellent protection from damaging UV rays as well as blue light, they are extremely stable and have a meticulous safety profile. Our filters are non-nano: this means that they have not been micro-ionised into tiny particles which could form complexes with proteins generating damaging free radicals. Found in: 3D Defense SPF50 Sunscreen
Non-nano UV mineral filters
Malachite extract is derived from grinding the Malachite gemstone into a fine powder. This gem of an ingredient deeply detoxifies the skin while it stimulates one of the body’s own most powerful antioxidant enzymes to fight off free radicals. It is rich in copper which the skin requires to make its keratin and it also stimulates collagen production, enhances elasticity and softens wrinkles. Found in: Cleansing Elixir, Mask Antidote, MultiMasker, Face Crème Originale, Complete Serum, Eye Crème Solution
Malachite
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. Found in: MultiMasker, Mask Antidote
Jojoba butter
Our clay extracts are derived from volcanic minerals with an extraordinary detoxifying ability to absorb and neutralize environmental toxins, heavy metals, pollution, bacteria and viruses. They are potently antioxidant and can boost glutathione and SOD enzyme levels protecting the critical lipids of the skin barrier from oxidative damage. Studies have also shown natural antihistamine properties decreasing skin inflammation and allergic reactions by 57%. Found in: Mask Antidote, MultiMasker
Clay extracts
Our “queen of the night”, blossoming only in night-time, Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) oil is celebrated when it comes to skincare. It soothes inflamed skin and is naturally anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It also nourishes the skin, improving elasticity. Found in: Integrative Serum
Jasmine
A big sugar molecule occurring naturally in our skin which acts as a sponge to attract and retain water. 1g of Hyaluronic acid can bind 6 litres of water! It maintains elasticity, reduces inflammation, repairs skin barrier and plumps up dehydration-related skin wrinkles. It also acts as a pump to push water-soluble active ingredients into the skin. The HA used in root4 products are high-molecular weight since low-molecular weight HA is thought to be pro-inflammatory. Found in: Cleansing Elixir, Complete Serum
Hyaluronic acid
Glycerin is a superstar moisturizer found naturally in the skin. It is a humectant so it creates a reservoir of hydration for the skin but also regulates the delicate balance of the ‘glue’ between the skin cells as well as the function of the cell membranes themselves. Found in: Mask Antidote, MultiMasker, Eye Crème Solution, Face Crème Originale, Complete Serum, 3D Defense SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen
Glycerin
Biosaccharide Gum-1, obtained from bacterial fermentation of sorbitol and rich in fructose, soothes skin reactivity from pollution, climate and chemicals. Its limits the hyper-reactivity of the skin’s nerve fibres thereby relieving sensitive, irritated skin. It is intensely moisturizing while boosting the ‘youth proteins’ in the skin (sirtuins-1) which helps repair DNA and promote skin cell longevity. Of particular interest, it works really well with Hyaluronic Acid in boosting skin hydration. Found in: Cleansing Elixir
Fructose-rich actives
Also known as pro-vitamin B5, this ingredient is a moisturizing heavyweight. Similar to hyaluronic acid (HA), d-panthenol is a humectant which attracts and binds water to the skin. But it also has the added benefit of being an emollient which then locks the moisture in. It can even help our skin to produce even more lipids which strengthen the skin barrier. It is anti-inflammatory, soothes itchy skin and is useful in wound healing. Found in: Face Crème Originale
d-Panthenol
Omega fatty acids
Omega fatty acids
Ethyl Ferulate or Ferulic acid (FA) is found naturally in the plant cell walls of grains such as rice, wheat and oats. FA, whose claim-to-fame is its potent antioxidant capacity, is part of the FA, Vit C and Vit E power-trio. Dynamic on their own. Indomitable together. FA not only stabilizes Vitamin C but it also doubles the photoprotection abilities of our Face Creme. It neutralizes free-radical damage from pollution, ultraviolet light or infrared radiation. Found in: Face Crème Originale
Ferulic acid
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