Ingredient Glossary

A plain-English guide to the active ingredients we formulate with across the Osmotics range — what each one is and what it’s studied to do. Every ingredient links to its own complete guide. We work with our actives at the levels used in the research behind them; the full INCI list for any product is on its own page.

The Blue Copper 5 copper-peptide system

Copper peptides — our signature
A copper ion bound to an amino-acid carrier that delivers copper into the skin to support the look of firmness, density and renewal. The foundation of every Blue Copper 5 formula. Read the full guide →
Aldenine® — copper tripeptide-1 + hydrolysed proteins
A copper-tripeptide complex for renewal and antioxidant support, used in Moisture Cloud. Read the full guide →

Firming & renewal peptides

New to peptides? Start with the complete peptides guide.

Matrixyl® 3000 — palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + tetrapeptide-7
A collagen-boosting peptide duo for the look of firmness and reduced wrinkle depth. In Firming Elasticity Repair, PRIME Face and PRIME Eye. Read the full guide →
SYN®-HYCAN — tripeptide-42
A firming tripeptide that supports the skin’s own hyaluronan to redefine the neck and décolleté. In Nécolleté. Read the full guide →
Eyeseryl® — acetyl tetrapeptide-5
Studied for the appearance of under-eye puffiness and bags. In Under Eye Rejuvenator. Read the full guide →
Haloxyl™
Targets the red and blue pigmentation behind the look of dark circles. In Under Eye Rejuvenator. Read the full guide →
Uplevity™ — acetyl tetrapeptide-2
A lifting-and-firming peptide used in PRIME Face and PRIME Eye. Read the full guide →
Regestril™
Studied for the appearance of stretch marks and body-skin firmness. In Anti-Aging Body Lift. Read the full guide →
Hilurlip™
A lip active studied for an increase in lip volume over 30 days. In Lip Plumper. Read the full guide →
Adifyline® — acetyl hexapeptide-38
A volumising peptide studied for the look of fuller cheeks. In PRIME Sleep Tight Mask. Read the full guide →
Coheliss® — Secale cereale (rye) seed extract
Biomimetic rye arabinoxylans that support skin against the pull of gravity. In Lipofill. Read the full guide →
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
A renewal peptide for the look of firmness and elasticity. In Anti-Aging Super Serum. Read the full guide →
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1
A conditioning peptide for the lash line. In Eye Lash Enhancing Serum. Read the full guide →

Vitamin A (retinol)

Retinol & retinyl palmitate — vitamin A
The most researched anti-ageing active, supporting renewal and collagen for smoother-looking texture, tone and fine lines. Read the full guide →

Hydration & the moisture barrier

Hyaluronic acid — & sodium hyaluronate
A humectant that holds many times its weight in water to plump and smooth the surface. Read the full guide →
Pentavitin® — saccharide isomerate
A keratin-binding saccharide that resists washing off, for lasting hydration. In Nécolleté and Lipofill. Read the full guide →
Ceramides — NP, NS, EOS, EOP, AP & Ceramide PC-104
Skin-identical barrier lipids that help a compromised barrier rebuild. In PRIME Face, Cream Extreme and Moisture Cloud. Read the full guide →
Phytosterols & linoleic acid
Plant-derived barrier lipids that reinforce a dry or reactive barrier. In Cream Extreme and Moisture Cloud. Read the full guide →
Squalane
A lightweight, skin-identical emollient that softens and reinforces the surface. In Moisture Cloud and PRIME Face. Read the full guide →
Instensyl® — hydrolysed cassava (Manihot esculenta)
A plant tensor that gives an immediate smoothing, supported feel. In PRIME Sleep Tight Mask. Read the full guide →
Glycerin, panthenol (vitamin B5) & allantoin
Humectants and soothing agents that keep skin hydrated, calm and comfortable. Read the full guide →

Antioxidants & brightening

Vitamin C — 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
A brightening antioxidant that targets dark spots and uneven tone. In Vitamin C Serum. Read the full guide →
Niacinamide — vitamin B3
Helps brighten, supports the barrier and evens the look of tone. In Glow Toner and Rejuvenating Eye Gels. Read the full guide →
Vitamin E — tocopherol / tocopheryl acetate
A foundational antioxidant that protects and conditions. Used across the range. Read the full guide →
Carnosine
An anti-glycation antioxidant that helps defend skin proteins. In several treatment creams. Read the full guide →
Ergothioneine
A powerful cell-protective antioxidant. In Under Eye Rejuvenator and Anti-Aging Super Serum. Read the full guide →
Lipochroman-6 — dimethylmethoxy chromanol
A high-potency, broad-spectrum antioxidant. In Moisture Cloud. Read the full guide →
Coenzyme Q10 — ubiquinone
A skin-energising antioxidant. In Moisture Cloud and Eye Lash Enhancing Serum. Read the full guide →
Green & white tea — Camellia sinensis
Polyphenol-rich botanical antioxidants. In Anti-Aging Super Serum and Glow Toner. Read the full guide →
Tetrahydrocurcuminoids
A gentle, near-colourless turmeric-derived antioxidant. In Cream Extreme. Read the full guide →

Gentle exfoliation & refining

Mandelic acid
A large-molecule AHA that refines and smooths gently, suiting sensitive skin. In Glow Toner. Read the full guide →
Phytic acid
A mild exfoliating antioxidant that brightens without harshness. In Glow Toner. Read the full guide →

Botanical & conditioning actives

Soy protein & Rabdosia — with Siegesbeckia
Firming and supporting botanicals for the neck and chest. In Nécolleté. Read the full guide →
Biotin
A conditioning ingredient that supports the look of healthier lashes. In Eye Lash Enhancing Serum. Read the full guide →
Rice protein
Strengthens and adds body to fine hair. In PRIME Volumizing Conditioner. Read the full guide →
Aloe, Centella & chamomile
Soothing botanicals that calm and hydrate. Across toners, gels and creams. Read the full guide →
Fruit & plant extracts — pineapple, grape, apple, lemon
Brightening botanical extracts that freshen a dull complexion. In Glow Toner. Read the full guide →

This glossary covers the key actives we feature; every formula also contains supporting emollients, humectants and preservatives. For the complete ingredient (INCI) list, see the “Ingredients” section on each product page. This is general education, not medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a skin condition, check with your doctor before starting a new product.