Clinical Evidence

Our proof is the published research. Every ingredient we use is backed by a peer-reviewed clinical study — cited in full, linked to the source, so you can read them yourself.

A note on how we cite. We cite studies on each ingredient, not on our finished formulas. Where a study used a different concentration or tested a multi-ingredient formula, we say so. We don't claim more than the research shows.

Bakuchiol — the active behind the brand

In a 12-week trial, 0.5% bakuchiol was comparable to 0.5% retinol on the look of wrinkles and pigmentation, with less reported irritation.

A randomized, double-blind trial (n=44). Participants used 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily or 0.5% retinol once daily for 12 weeks. Both improved the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation comparably; the retinol group reported more scaling and stinging. We cite this for the bakuchiol ingredient — not as a test of our finished formulas.

Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology. 2019;180(2):289–296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918

In: No. 01 · No. 02 · No. 03

Niacinamide — even-looking tone

4% niacinamide is associated with a more even-looking tone.

A double-blind, split-face trial (n=27, 8 weeks): 4% niacinamide improved the appearance of pigmentation comparably to 4% hydroquinone, with fewer reported side effects. This is the on-concentration match for the 4% in No. 01. Its mechanism — reducing the transfer of pigment within skin — was characterized in a separate study (Hakozaki et al., 2002, Br J Dermatol, which used 5%; cited for mechanism only).

Navarrete-Solís J, Castanedo-Cázares JP, Torres-Álvarez B, et al. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2011;2011:379173. doi:10.1155/2011/379173

In: No. 01

Beta-glucan — barrier support

Beta-glucan helps support the skin's moisture barrier and soothe the look of redness.

A split-face, vehicle-controlled study (n=20) in post-procedure recovery: the beta-glucan side showed lower water loss and better hydration than the control. Supportive evidence in a barrier context — not a wrinkle claim.

Cao Y, Wang P, Zhang G, et al. Administration of skin care regimens containing beta-glucan for skin recovery after fractional laser therapy: a split-face, double-blinded, vehicle-controlled study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021;20(6):1756–1762. doi:10.1111/jocd.13798

In: No. 01

Ceramides — barrier lipids

Ceramides help support the skin's moisture barrier.

A double-blind trial (n=24): a ceramide moisturizer was associated with greater hydration and reduced water loss than a plain one. We cite ceramides as a class; the trial used ceramides 1/3/6-II, not our exact NP/AP/EOP complex.

Lueangarun S, Tragulplaingam P, Sugkraroek S, Tempark T. The 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6-II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment. Dermatologic Therapy. 2019;32(6):e13090. doi:10.1111/dth.13090

In: No. 02 (ceramide NP) · No. 03 (ceramide complex)

Peptides — firmness, with limits stated

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and tetrapeptide-7 are signal peptides associated with the look of firmness.

A 12-week study (n=37) of an eye cream containing these peptides alongside other actives reported improved firmness and elasticity in the eye area. The limits: results are from the full formula, not the peptides alone, and it's a single small study. We present it as supporting context, not proof.

Yang F, Zhang X, Wang H, et al. Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component topical eye cream. Skin Research and Technology. 2024;30(7):e13790. doi:10.1111/srt.13790

In: No. 02

Centella asiatica (cica) — calming context

Centella asiatica is traditionally used to help soothe and support the moisture barrier.

Cica appears as one of several calming actives in clinical research. In a 2025 trial (n=60), a mask containing Centella asiatica/madecassoside alongside panthenol reported reduced redness and better hydration after a procedure. That formula was panthenol-led and multi-ingredient, so the result can't be credited to cica alone. Ingredient context, not cica-specific proof.

Gao M, Gao N, Wang L, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a panthenol-enriched mask for skin barrier recovery after facial laser treatment. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025;24(7):e70223. doi:10.1111/jocd.70223

In: No. 03

Every claim on this site links back here. If we can't cite it, we don't say it.