Ingredients & Science

It's all about the science...

Dr. Bib and his team have spent over 10 years researching and developing the Collagener8® range, investing in the best materials and ingredients. The success of the Collagener8® range is the science behind the extensively researched ingredients that cumulatively, in the correct concentrations and combinations, deliver the outstanding results for which Collagener8® is trusted all over the world.


Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

The wide ranging clinical applications and benefits of the topical application of vitamin C have been known for some time. A landmark study published in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology outlined the fantastic benefits of using vitamin C as part of your routine skincare.



This ground breaking scientific paper found:

    • "…as one of the most powerful antioxidants in the skin, vitamin C has been shown to protect against photoaging, ultraviolet-induced immunosuppression, and photocarcinogenesis. it also has an antiaging effect by increasing collagen synthesis, stabilizing collagen fibers, and decreasing collagen degradation. it decreases melanin formation, thereby reducing pigmentation. Vitamin C is the primary replenisher of vitamin E and works synergistically with vitamin E in the protection against oxidative damage…"


The scientific research shows that using vitamin C in your daily skincare has profound benefits, including:

    • anti-aging effects by increasing the production of collagen, stabilising collagen fibres, reducing collagen degradation and protecting against photoaging.
    • antioxidant effect, reducing the oxidative damage caused by free radicals and harmful chemicals in the skin.
    • photoprotection (protecting against the damage caused by sunlight) by reducing ultraviolet-induced immunosuppresion, photocarcinogenesis and photoaging.
    • reducing pigmentation by reducing the production of the pigment forming chemical, melanin.

 

Collagener8®  products that harness the incredible effects of vitamin C include:

Collagener8 Vitamin C+E Ferulic Pro-Collagen Facial Serum
Collagener8 Vitamin C+E Pro-Collagen Facial Moisturiser
Vitamin C Serum and Moisturiser Bundle

 

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Vitamin E is a popular ingredient in skincare for its dermal benefits. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin present in cell membranes, blood plasma and many other tissues that the body is unable to produce. Although the main method of intake of vitamin E is via ingestion, it is also absorbed topically through high quality skincare products.

A scientific paper published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery in 2006 (Jens et al) investigated how Vitamin E has two distinct ways in which it assists and improves the skin;

    • as an antioxidant
    • providing photoprotection.


Vitamin E is the primary antioxidant in the skin reducing the oxidative damage caused by free radicals and harmful chemicals in the skin. Vitamin E achieves this by scavenging peroxyl radical molecules. The antioxidant capacity of vitamin E is enhanced by its co-antioxidant, vitamin C.

Numerous studies have proved the photoprotective benefits of vitamin E to help prevent the damage caused by ultra violet rays in sunlight. These studies have shown that topical application of vitamin E assists with reducing acute skin responses to UVR (erythema, oedema, lipid peroxidation) and also chronic skin reactions to UVR (skin wrinkling, skin tumour formation).

Collagener8®  products that harness the incredible effects of vitamin E include:

Collagener8 Vitamin C+E Ferulic Pro-Collagen Facial Serum
Collagener8 Vitamin C+E Pro-Collagen Facial Moisturiser
Vitamin C Serum and Moisturiser Bundle
Collagener8 Retinol Facial Night Serum

 

Retinol

In cosmeceuticals, retinol commonly refers to a group of compounds (often called "retinoids") based on the core structure of vitamin A and are derivatives of beta carotene and its metabolites.

Although retinol compounds can be absorbed through the gut, due to their lipophilic (lipid soluble) structure they can easily penetrate the epidermis and therefore be delivered topically via quality skincare.

An important scientific study published in the journal of Dermatological Therapy in 2006 (Sorg et al) found that retinol compounds assisted;

    • Renewing epidermal cells
    • Acting as UV filters
    • Preventing oxidative stress
    • Controlling cutaneous bacterial flora
    • Improving skin ageing and photo-ageing


These beneficial effects are achieved through the conversion of retinol compounds in the cytoplasm of skin cells to retinoic acid which is the active form of retinol compounds. It is this retinoic acid that then binds to specific cell receptors to promote the beneficial effects for which retinol is revered.

Collagener8®  products that harness the incredible effects of retinol include:

Collagener8 Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid Facial Night Cream
Collagener8 Retinol Facial Night Serum
Retinol Serum and Night Cream Bundle

 

Ferulic acid

Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can deliver up to 8x protection, prevent free radical damage and improve fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness in the skin.


A scientific paper published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology in 2018 (Zdunska et al) extolled the antioxidant properties of ferulic acid. The paper described ferulic acid as being protective for the major skin components keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, elastin and also outlined how ferulic acid inhibits melanogenesis (pigment formation) and enhances angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels) and wound healing.

Collagener8®  products that harness the incredible effects of ferulic acid include:

Collagener8 Vitamin C+E Ferulic Pro-Collagen Facial Serum
Vitamin C Serum and Moisturiser Bundle

 

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid has ben extensively researched and valued in cosmeceuticals for its brilliant hydration properties to help keep the skin radiant and nourished to assist in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

A scientific study in 2022, published in the scientific journal Dermatologic Therapy, investigated the benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and skin aging (Bravo et al).



The study explored the hydrating, rejuvenating and healing effects of hyaluronic acid. This important scientific study found that hyaluronic acid in topically applied cosmeceutical preparations was a non-invasive and effective solution for improving skin hydration, rejuvenation and healing.

Collagener8®  products that harness the incredible effects of ferulic acid include:

Collagener8 Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid Facial Night Cream

 

Frankincense

Often referred to as the "king of essential oils", frankincense has been famed for its medicinal properties since biblical times. Frankincense is the aromatic resin obtained from the boswellia tree. As well as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, frankincense also has antioxidant properties that assist with anti-aging. Additionally, a scientific study published in 2020, in the Journal of Dermatology and Skin Science (Caliskan et al) found that essential oils, including frankincense, can improve the transdermal delivery of drugs and active substances.

 

Geranium

Geranium essential oil is derived by steam distillation of the leaves of Pelargonium graveolens, a plant species native to South Africa. According to folklore, it was used for a wide range of health conditions.

A scientific study published in 2017 (Orchard et al) found that geranium extract had antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that made it valuable in reducing breakouts, skin irritation and skin infections, when used topically.

Another scientific study in 2013 (Boukhatem et al) found that geranium extract had potential as an anti-inflammatory medication with few side effects.


Lavender

Lavender extract and oil has been shown to have a number of important properties and applications including antibacterial, antioxidant (therefore anti-aging), anti- inflammatory and wound healing.


Mango seed butter

Apart from the well known hydrating and moisturising capabilities of mango seed butter, it is also abundant in vitamin C and vitamin E that have profound antioxidant capabilities and assist in collagen production. Additionally, mango seed butter is found to be non-comedogenic, reducing the risk of skin irritation, pore blockages and comedones.


Pomegranate

Pomegranate provides hydrating relief to the skin, helping with dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sunburned skin. Just like the Pomegranate, the oil has high antioxidant content, mainly due to it's high content of ellagic acid. By reducing the oxidative damage caused by free radicals and harmful chemicals in the skin the oil helps keep the skin looking young and can provide some protection against the sun

A report in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Pomegranate oil stimulates 'keratinocytes', which are the major cells found in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Helping to regenerate these cells, may actually help to reverse past damage and revive the skin to reveal a fresher and more youthful appearance.

 

Avocado

The benefits of topical avocado oil for the skin have been well researched and documented. The beta carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E found in avocado oil help moisturise and protect your skin from damaging UV rays. A scientific study published in the journal, Connective Tissue Research, in 1991 found that avocado oil contributed to increased collagen in the skin.

 

Grapeseed

Grapeseed oil is derived from the pressed seeds of grapes. The oil is a by-product of the wine making process. In addition to Grapeseed oil being abundant in omega chain fatty acids and vitamin E, it is much sought after as a skin care product for a number of properties including:

    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Antimicrobial
    • Antioxidant


Due to its antimicrobial properties, grapeseed oil is often used to help with acne outbreaks to help skin become clearer.

A scientific study, published in 2010 in the journal Pharmacognosy Magazine, found that Grapeseed oil did improve the skin's moisture, softness and elasticity. Research has also found that grapeseed oil can help vitamin E and Vitamin C in the skin act more efficiently.

Grapeseed oil additionally contains a powerful antioxidant called proanthocyanidin which can help even out skin tone and counteract hyperpigmentation.