Used for centuries for flushing out toxins and heavy metals from the body, Activated Charcoal is becoming increasingly known for its ability to detoxify the skin too. Activated Charcoal is carbon infused with oxygen, creating an extremely porous surface that acts like a sponge. It’s known to absorb 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, helping to purge pores of deeply rooted toxins, excess oils and impurities. Activated Charcoal is also known for its anti-bacterial properties, helping to clear blemishes and breakouts. Because of its deeply detoxifying nature, you’ll find Activated Charcoal in our Purifying skin care regimen to thoroughly cleanse and reboot skin so it glows with pure health each and everyday.

As the universal antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is capable of protecting all portions of the skin’s cellular structure and boosts the activity of all other antioxidants. What makes ALA special as an antioxidant is its versatility. It helps deactivate a wide array of cell damaging free radicals and recycles other antioxidants, making them much more effective. In particular, ALA helps protect the mitochondria and our DNA. As we age, mitochondrial function is impaired and this contributes to the adverse effects of aging. DERMA E® provides quality Alpha Lipoic Acid skin care products to help nourish and protect your skin.

Pressed from the nut of the fruit of the Moroccan Argan Tree, Argan Oil has been used for centuries by the indigenous people to help protect and nourish their skin, hair and nails. In addition, it was also used to help resolve various skin diseases.
Today, Morrocan Argan Oil has become extremely popular for its multitude of beauty benefits. This rich oil contains a concentrated nutrient-rich blend ofantioxidant tocopherols (Vitamin E) and fatty acids, making it the perfect pure solution for dry, damaged skin, hair, nails, and the visible signs of aging. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory, healing and protective properties making it ideal for soothing skin with eczema, psoriasis, burns, wounds or scars.

Harvested from micro-algae and responsible for the pink color of salmon, flamingos, shrimp and lobster, Astaxanthin is the most potent antioxidant yet discovered. This amazing natural ingredient has been found to be 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals and 1000 times more effective than both beta-carotene and lutein in protecting the skin from exposure to UV light. Helping to prevent and reduce the visible signs of aging, diminish the look of skin irregularities, soothe irritation, normalize skin function and enhance the skin’s defensive cells, Astaxanthin is a key ingredient in DERMA E® Age-Defying products.

Found along the Atlantic coasts of North America and Europe, Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) brown seaweed is greatly admired for its vast range of health benefits.
Used medicinally for centuries, this marine algae extract is rich in nutrients such as iodine, potassium, magnesium, bromine, lutein, and essential oils and fatty acids. It’s been used to treat thyroid gland disorders, inflammation issues like rheumatoid arthritis and poor digestion, as well as promote healthy hair and soft, glowing skin.
Applied topically, Bladderwrack is known for its water-binding properties, helping to moisturize, soften and soothe skin, and support healthy collagen and elastin. Due to its rich mineral content, it can also act as an antioxidant, shielding skin against environmental stress. Look for Bladderwrack in our Purifying deep detox skin care regimen to help boost your skin’s natural defenses, preserving its healthy, youthful glow.

Youthful skin is firm because the muscle fibers under skin are short, thick and taut. As we age, muscle fibers under the skin lengthen and loosen. Skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner. As an alternative to cosmetic surgery, one gentler alternative can be found in DMAE products.
Research shows DMAE improves skin tone and increases tensile strength of the skin, suggesting that the topical application of DMAE firms skin and restores elasticity. Another study using DMAE reported similar improvement in skin firmness and added that DMAE reduced the appearance of lines and wrinkles. DMAE has also demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which can help visibly slow the aging process.
The Firming DMAE line helps visibly firm, smooth and tone skin while replenishing moisture. Fortified with universal antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid and nourishing C-Ester, this skin-firming line contains a potent cocktail of pro-collagen, pro-elastin ingredients to address loose, aging skin.

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that is known for exfoliating skin, improving texture and revealing a fresh, smooth, more youthful complexion. As an exfoliant, Glycolic Acid has multiple skin benefits. It dissolves the bonds that hold the outer layer of skin cells together, enabling skin to shed easier. This action helps renew the epidermis to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, fade the look of age spots and dark spots and enhance radiance for more even skin tone. Through exfoliation, Glycolic Acid also helps purge pores of impurities making it an ideal ingredient for those who have blackheads or blemishes.

In many of our formulations, Green Tea has been included for its synergistic roll and potent antioxidant benefits for the skin. When applied topically, research shows that this powerful ingredient contains strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help slow the signs of aging. Because it is rich in polyphenols, these also help eliminate free radicals, prevent oxidative stress, protect skin from UVA and UVB radiation damage and reduce the number of sunburned cells

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Hyaluronic Acid products act like a “moisture magnet” and are perfect for rehydrating dry, thirsty, aging skin. Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water and has the amazing ability to attract and bind water molecules, keeping collagen hydrated and healthy and plumping, softening and smoothing skin. With age, the body’s ability to produce its own Hyaluronic Acid diminishes and topical application helps replenish the skin.
Additionally, dry, dehydrated skin has the tendency to accentuate fine lines and wrinkles making the skin look old before its time. Our exclusive Hyaluronic Acid products blend this remarkable moisture binding agent with skin vitamins and botanicals to deliver and restore maximum hydration while helping reduce the visible signs of aging for a healthy youthful glow.

Used for centuries in traditional Japanese cuisine, and still a healthy main staple in daily meals (miso soup and salads), Wakame seaweed is becoming increasingly popular in skin care products.
Extracted from the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida, Kimarine® Wakame contains all amino acids plus high levels of potassium and magnesium. This patented marine algae extract is clinically proven to protect skin against environmental pollutants and external irritants like exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke and heavy metals. Research also shows it shields skin against free radical damage and UVA radiation. Because of its anti-pollution and anti-aging skin benefits, you’ll find Kimarine® Wakame in our Purifying deep detox skin care regimen to help boost your skin’s natural defenses, preserving its healthy, youthful glow.

Known as “Bright Light” Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum), active plant stem cells from this evergreen plant have been shown to interfere with the transfer of melanin to help prevent and decrease dark spots for a more even skin tone and a brighter complexion. Additionally, Madonna Lily is known to help regenerate and increase cellular renewal making it an ideal skin-lightening and anti-aging skin care ingredient.
Our Evenly Tone line contains an Intensive Skin Brightening Complex rich in Madonna Lily, Bearberry, Vitamin C and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to help target uneven skin tone and discoloration for brighter, younger-looking skin.

Clinical studies have shown that Olive Oil provides potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. Additionally, it has been discovered that some of the most important active compounds found in the oil, fruit and leaves of the beautiful olive tree protect against photodamage from UV exposure and demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Our maximally nutritious formulas are blended with the goodness of Olive Oil plus additional antioxidants and botanical extracts to help nourish, hydrate and protect your skin from damaging environmental elements.

This powerful oil, extracted from the leaves of the Oregano plant, was used in ancient Greece to help treat wounds, venomous bites and headaches, as well as infection-related illnesses and respiratory problems. Chinese medicine also uses Oregano for colds, fever, vomiting, dysentery and jaundice.
Oregano Oil is comprised of two phenolic compounds, thymol and carvacrol, that contribute to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Clinical studies have shown that topical application of Oregano Oil helps improve serious bacterial and fungal issues and aids in a wide variety of problem skin conditions such as insect bites, rashes and abrasions.

Panthenol, or ProVitamin B5, is a gentle, water-soluble vitamin that deeply penetrates skin, delivering essential moisture that helps hydrate, soothe and encourage self-healing. ProVitamin B5 works as a humectant, attracting and locking moisture into skin. This action helps protect skin as well as support healthy collagen and elastin.
This skin-conditioning vitamin has also been shown to help regenerate healthy skin tissue, reduce inflammation and relieve itchiness, redness and pain, making it a go-to ingredient in formulas targeted towards scars, contact dermatitis, insect bites and scrapes.

Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, can be combined together to form Peptides. Recently, scientific research has proven that Peptides help restore and maintain your skin’s youthful appearance. Two Peptides in particular, Matrixyl® synthe’6® and Argireline® have been shown to help visibly reduce the look of deep lines and wrinkles while also promoting healthy skin tone, texture and resilience.
Matrixyl® synthe’6®
• Stimulates collagen
• Promotes healthy tone and texture
• Reduces look of deep lines and wrinkles
Argireline®
• Helps relax facial muscles
• Promotes smooth skin
• Discourages formation of new lines
DERMA E® combines these two powerful Peptides in the Deep Wrinkle Moisturizer, Serum and Eye Cream to visibly soften even the deepest lines and wrinkles, and help improve skin’s resilience, tone and texture. These revolutionary double-action products, enriched with beneficial antioxidants, help relax facial muscles, smooth the look of deep lines and wrinkles and support collagen and elastin for healthier, younger-looking skin.

A remarkable antioxidant extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine, Pycnogenol® has been shown to be 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more effective than Vitamin C in neutralizing free radicals that cause age damage to the skin. Therefore, this powerful antioxidant helps fight and reduce the visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Pycnogenol® also helps stabilize the capillary system and increase skin’s resistance to irritation making it an ideal ingredient for those who have red, easily irritated, sensitive skin or who suffer from the symptoms of rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions. Additionally, Pycnogenol® works to improve circulation, therefore helping to reduce puffiness or swelling.
Because of Pycnogenol®’s various benefits to skin including anti-aging, calming and supporting red, easily irritated, sensitive skin, and helping improve circulation, you will find this unique antioxidant in our Sensitive Skin and Age-Aging lines, eye creams, hand and body lotions and treatment products.

Salicylic Acid, derived from the bark of the Willow tree, is a remarkable multi-benefit beta-hydroxy acid. It is well known for being an anti-inflammatory with calming and soothing effects. It is also known for its gentle exfoliating properties. Salicylic Acid is an active component of aspirin and the key ingredient in many blemish-fighting skin care products.
When applied topically, Salicylic Acid helps skin cells shed normally, therefore facilitating the removal of pore-clogging dirt, oil and debris. Not only does this process help clear pores, minimize blemishes and prevent breakouts, it allows for your next treatment layer to penetrate more effectively. In addition, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Salicylic Acid helps calm and soothe red, irritated skin. Look for this gentle yet effective blemish-fighting ingredient in our Very Clear® skin care system.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a potent antibacterial, antifungal, and natural antiseptic. Recent studies have also attributed this therapeutic herb with antiviral capabilities. It successfully treats a wide variety of skin problems including fungal infections on nails, athlete's foot, ringworm, scalp or skin fungi, cuts, scrapes, staphylococcal infections, canker sores, blisters, rashes, dermatitis, and eczema, to name a few. An excellent insect repellent, its natural solvent properties also help dissolve insect toxin in existing bites to stop itching and allow the bite area to heal faster.
DERMA E® blends Tea Tree with Vitamin E for additional benefits in its superior formulations.

Also known as retinyl palmitate, Vitamin A is commonly referred to as the “skin vitamin”. Although Vitamin A is an antioxidant, it is best known for its cellular renewal properties that speed up exfoliation to reveal younger, plumper skin cells. Through the process of cell renewal and exfoliation, Vitamin A helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin irregularities.

Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin that delivers multiple anti-aging benefits for softer, smoother, more youthful looking skin.
In a clinical trial, topically applied Vitamin B3 was shown to significantly reduce age spots by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes needed for melanin production. In separate studies, topical Vitamin B3 has also been shown to help retain moisture and boost production of fatty acids and ceramides, improving skin’s barrier function. Plus, Vitamin B3 has been shown to stimulate fibrolasts and collagen, both of which help visibly firm skin and reduce the look of wrinkles.

Vitamin C is a globally cherished nutrient acclaimed for its remarkable antioxidant, skin-brightening and anti-aging properties. To maximize its effectiveness, DERMA E® formulates with two forms of Vitamin C, C-Ester and Stay-C® 50.
C-Ester (ascorbyl palmitate) is a lipid-soluble, stable form of Vitamin C that exhibits greater antioxidant activity than the water-soluble form, ascorbic acid. The lipid solubility enables penetration into cell membranes for strengthening benefits. Compared with ascorbic acid, C-Ester delivers eight times higher levels of Vitamin C activity and has the ability to recycle other antioxidants such as Vitamin E.
Stay-C® 50 (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), is another stable and patented form of Vitamin C. This ingredient also maximizes the benefits of traditional Vitamin C because of its ability to stay effective over time without oxidation. Stay-C® 50 is also known for being less irritating to the skin versus ascorbic acid.
Why it’s important to maximize Vitamin C activity
Vitamin C has been shown to support collagen health. Collagen is responsible for skin resilience and firmness. When collagen breaks down, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin become visible. Research has demonstrated that Vitamin C can actually help stimulate collagen to restore skin’s youthful resilience, texture and firmness, thereby addressing more advanced signs of skin aging.
Vitamin C has also been shown to brighten skin, making it an excellent nutrient for age and dark spots, uneven skin tone, discoloration and sun damage. Research shows that Stay-C 50® inhibits the formation of melanin (dark pigment), and reduces the look of facial spots, promoting more even tone and a brighter complexion.
Additionally, Vitamin C has been shown to protect against UV-induced damage and improve the appearance of photo-damaged skin. Research shows topical Vitamin C on UV-damaged skin improves uneven pigmentation, tactile roughness and wrinkles. Vitamin C offers excellent added protection as well as a recovery solution for environmentally damaged skin.

Naturally present in the skin, Vitamin E has been used in clinical dermatology as a treatment for a variety of skin conditions including eczema, atopic dermatitis, superficial burns, cutaneous ulcers, and other inflammatory skin diseases (Panin, Strumia, and Ursini, 2004). As a topical treatment, Vitamin E helps moisturize the skin and optimize skin health.
One function of the epidermis is called the barrier function. Our skin has a natural barrier, a waterproof seal that keeps moisture in the skin and prevents evaporation. Both the natural aging process and environmental influences cause the barrier to break down, allowing skin to lose moisture and become dry. Vitamin E helps maintain the barrier function by locking moisture into the skin and preventing dehydration. Topically applied Vitamin E is an excellent and intense moisturizer to help keep skin healthy and soft.

Zinc Oxide, or ZnO, is natural zinc metal that has been oxidized. While the compound has been used for centuries as a skin healing agent and cosmetic mineral pigment, Zinc Oxide has more recently become synonymous with natural sun protection. Zinc Oxide has been thoroughly tested and approved by the FDA as a safe, effective sunscreen agent. It outperforms all other sunscreens in its ability to block the UVA and UVB spectrum, and it works by instantly reflecting and scattering light so there is no wait time for sun protection.
Despite its positive benefits, Zinc Oxide’s use has been hindered by its whitish look and heavy feel on skin. To address these negative attributes, manufacturers sought ways to grind Zinc Oxide particles down to the smallest size possible. Nanoparticle-sized Zinc Oxide emerged on the market, however, human health and environmental safety concerns soon followed.
With great appreciation for effective formulations that always delight and never compromise well being, DERMA E® found the perfect balance for sun care in micronized, nanoparticle-free Zinc Oxide. This ‘clear’ form of mineral Zinc Oxide provides safe, chemical-free, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that feels sheer and lightweight on skin, without a thick, whitening appearance. The Zinc Oxide we use is uncoated, lot tested and guaranteed to be nano-free, having an average particle size of 200 nm and no particles under 100 nm.