The active ingredients you need in your skin care

After explaining some important groups of ingredients in our article let’s talk skincare ingredients, we take it a step further in this article in which we talk about active ingredients. But what exactly does “active” mean and why are they essential in your skincare routine? Active ingredients are the powerhouse components that deliver real results, addressing the specific skin concerns your products claim to target. Whether you’re looking for hydration, anti-aging benefits, or skin barrier repair, understanding the role of these ingredients is key to achieving healthy, radiant skin.

Retinyl palmitate 

Retinyl palmitate is a derivative of vitamin A, naturally present in our skin. This active ingredient stimulates cellular turnover, improving skin texture and tone, reducing roughness, and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also effective against inflammatory acne and scarring, making it a must-have in your anti-aging skincare routine. 

You might wonder what the difference is between this active ingredient and retinol. Retinyl palmitate is the gentlest and most stable form of vitamin A. It’s a precursor that must go through three conversion steps in the skin before it becomes active (retinyl palmitate → retinol → retinal → retinoic acid). Because of this, it works more slowly and causes less irritation, making it a good choice for sensitive skin or for people just starting with vitamin A products.

Retinol, on the other hand, is one step closer to the most active form. It only needs to convert twice (retinol → retinal → retinoic Acid). That makes it stronger and faster-acting than retinyl palmitate, but also more likely to cause irritation, dryness, or redness, especially in higher concentrations or on reactive skin.

Are you looking for retinyl palmitate in one of our products?
+ Sans [Ceuticals] - Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil.
+ Sans [Ceuticals] - Barrier Restore Butter 

Niacinamide 

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is one of the most versatile and well-tolerated ingredients in skincare. It helps to reduce redness, regulate oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and strengthen the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone or oily skin types. Unlike many active ingredients, niacinamide is gentle enough to use daily and works well alongside other actives like retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Whether you're targeting fine lines, pigmentation or inflammation, niacinamide is a go-to multitasker that brings visible results without irritation. Curious whether you should choose a 5% or 10% formula? Lower percentages are often just as effective and more suitable for sensitive skin.

You can find this beautiful ingredient in:
+ Sans [Ceuticals] - Cellular Repair Body + Face Lotion
+ Nourished Daily - Daily Moisturizer

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant known for its ability to brighten the skin, improve elasticity, and reduce pigmentation and uneven tone. However, conventional vitamin C serums are often unstable and lose potency quickly. Biologi solves this with a unique extraction method that delivers 100% active, stable vitamin C directly from native Australian plants like Kakadu Plum and Finger Lime.

Kakadu plum is one of our favourite vitamin C sources. It’s one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C in the world, containing up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges. It also offers additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a perfect match for skin brightening and strengthening. The result: a visibly firmer, more radiant complexion with reduced redness and improved skin tone. 

Try the products from Biologi yourself, and be blown away by the results they leave behind:

+ Biologi - Bk Vitamin C Face & Eye Serum – with vitamin C from kakadu plum
+ Biologi - Bf Restore Face & Body Serum – with vitamin C from finger lime

Want to learn more? Read the full story in our article: Biologi – a new revolution in natural beauty

Amino acids

Amino acids are the foundation of peptides and proteins, key elements in keeping your skin strong, smooth and resilient. Each amino acid plays a specific role: some help deeply hydrate and plump the skin, while others calm inflammation, stimulate repair or support collagen production. Together, they help reduce the appearance of fine lines and boost overall skin vitality, making them a smart addition to any anti-aging or skin-repairing routine.

Curious about our favourites?

+ Biologi - Bm Regenerate Serum – a powerful serum designed to support cell renewal and reduce signs of aging
+ Biologi - Bc Refresh Cleanser – a gentle, amino acid-rich cleanser that protects the skin barrier while removing impurities

Both products use plant-derived, active amino acids to support healthy, radiant skin.

These active ingredients are more than just buzzwords, they’re very important when addressing specific concerns like dullness, pigmentation, fine lines and inflammation. Incorporating natural, active ingredients into your skincare routine will support your journey to a healthy, glowing complexion.

References:

+ Bogdan Allemann I, Baumann L. Antioxidants Used in Skin Care Formulations. Skin Therapy Letter. 2008;13(7):5-8.

+ Sorg O, Kuenzli S, Kaya G, Saurat JH. Proposed mechanisms of action for retinoid derivatives in the treatment of skin aging. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2005;4(4):237-244.

+ Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):860-5.

+ Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr-Jun;4(2):143–146.

+ Lintner K. Peptides, Amino Acids and Proteins in Skin Care? Cosmetics & Toiletries Magazine. 2007 Oct;122(10).