We understand that as consumers, there is a lot of information out there – perhaps even misinformation – surrounding the ingredients contained in skincare. Navigating through all of the buzzwords such as ‘peptides,’ ‘natural,’ ‘active,’ and ‘synthetic,’ can be an arduous task if you’re not familiar with the inner workings of cosmetics. Determining what products to use, and what will work for your skin type, and what wont, can in fact be a minefield!
The key thing to remember is that not all ingredients are created the same way – nor are they sourced the same. Take the ingredient of liquorice extract for example. There are many different ways and processes which can be used to derive extracts from plants. Some of these processes are more superior to others. So, you might be looking at two different skincare products from two different companies, each containing the ingredient liquorice extract. The difference in quality between these two products stems from how the plant extract was sourced, processed and formulated.
What’s the difference?
In aiming to produce high quality skincare, cosmeceutical companies should be focusing on including highly active extracts within their product. This, put simply – means that the extract maintains the same cellular composition as the original plant. If companies have used extraction processes which have left very little active components within the extract – you can probably make a safe bet that the ingredient and overall product will not be as effective on your skin. The formulation, ingredients and the source of the raw materials are paramount to an effective product.
How does AWE Cosmeceuticals operate?
Here at AWE Cosmeceuticals, we strive to create quality products which are effective and good for you!
When an ingredient is included, you can rest assured knowing the source and preparation of the raw material is always valued over the price (good ingredients are typically not cheap!) This means, our raw ingredients are also not preserved in unwanted or harmful materials, prior to use in our formula.
What are peptides?
Peptides have become very trendy within the beauty sphere over the last decade. For those who like a little scientific information, Peptides are a series of two or more amino acids, these form various proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of our skin. What is exciting is that peptides can have direct effect on different physiological functions in the skin, thereby targeting specific skin concerns. Some peptides we use here at AWE Cosmeceuticals include; Hexapeptide - 51 amide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Oligopeptide-10, Acetyl Hexapeptide-50, Tripeptide-10, Tripeptide-1.
They have created quite a buzz in the cosmeceutical field as they are highly effective in acting on certain processes in the skin. They also need to be stored effectively prior to use. Most peptides are made to order, this means there is a minimum four week lead time on receiving the raw material, and this can go out as far as 12 weeks! We always purchase our active ingredients directly from the manufacturer and this ensures we know exactly when it was made and that it has been stored in a suitable environment prior to use.
AWE ingredients
AWE Cosmeceuticals understands the benefit of delivering active ingredients to the skin, with minimal interaction from additives. In order to achieve these pure results, AWE Cosmeceuticals use as few ingredients as necessary and deliver them via an airless system.
One of our favourite ingredients is Piperine, it is derived from the Piper Longum plant and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. This ingredient acts as a penetration enhancer, to help deliver active ingredients. It is a natural alternative to ingredients such as Propylene glycol.
Our products also include Ayurvedic ingredients such as turmeric, gotu kola, Indian frankincense, liquorice, sandalwood, aloe vera, gingko biloba, organic basil, honey, coconut water, shea butter, jojoba and coleus forskohlii oil.
We blend our Ayurvedic ingredients with active ingredients including retinol, vitamin A, vitamin C, amino acids and active peptides.
Putting your safety first, the AWE Cosmeceuticals range contains NO: Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), Parabens, Harsh Chemicals or known irritants, Formaldehyde Releasing Agents (such as Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methyllisothiazolinone, Imidazolidinyl urea), Propylene Glycol, PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol), Mineral Oils, Artificial Fragrance of Colours.
All formulations are biodegradable, are NOT tested on animals and are packaged in minimal and recyclable packaging. Formulations are also vegan friendly (except for our mask which does have honey in it), and any fragrances are 100% natural.
What else should we know?
Of course the formulator is the other significant link in all of this! Without an expert in the cosmetic science field, you may not be getting what you paid for in terms of how the product you are purchasing has been formulated. Our formulator has over 30 years’ experience in this industry and has worked for many well-known cosmeceutical brands.
This is the AWE difference.
For more information on our ingredients, click here or get in touch with any questions you may have. We’re always happy to help!