Glossary
Every active in a Selene Skin formula is selected for one reason: published evidence that it works at the molecular level the label promises. This is the laboratory's reading list.
Signal Peptide
INCI · Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A matrikine signal that instructs fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen.
A lipid-conjugated tripeptide derived from the natural breakdown of collagen. The palmitoyl chain enables it to cross the stratum corneum and reach the fibroblast layer, where it binds receptors that upregulate collagen I, III, and fibronectin synthesis.
Found in: Peptide Radiance Repair Cream
Carrier Peptide
INCI · Copper Tripeptide-1
Ferries trace copper into the dermis, where it activates wound-repair pathways.
First isolated from human plasma in 1973. GHK binds copper with high affinity and delivers it across the barrier, triggering antioxidant defense, collagen and elastin synthesis, and the remodelling of the extracellular matrix.
Found in: Rosewater Lychee
Vitamin B3
INCI · Niacinamide
A multifunctional vitamin that strengthens the barrier and regulates pigmentation.
A water-soluble form of vitamin B3. At 4–5% it improves ceramide synthesis, reduces transepidermal water loss, inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, and modulates sebum. One of the most evidence-supported molecules in modern dermatology.
Found in: Luminous Barrier Cleanser · Radiant Tone Serum · Luminous Veil SPF 40 · Peptide Radiance Repair Cream
Pigment Modulator
INCI · Tranexamic Acid
Interrupts the UV-triggered signal that drives melanocytes to overproduce pigment.
A synthetic amino-acid derivative originally used to control bleeding. Topically, it blocks the plasminogen–plasmin pathway that keratinocytes use to instruct melanocytes after UV exposure — reducing melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and stubborn dark spots.
Found in: Radiant Tone Correcting Serum
Tyrosinase Inhibitor
INCI · Alpha Arbutin
A stable hydroquinone alternative that quiets pigment production at the source.
Alpha arbutin binds tyrosinase — the rate-limiting enzyme in melanogenesis — without the irritation or safety concerns of hydroquinone. Ten times more effective than beta arbutin, it works synergistically with niacinamide and tranexamic acid.
Found in: Radiant Tone Correcting Serum
Barrier Lipid
INCI · Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP
The structural lipids that hold the skin's water-retentive lattice together.
Ceramides comprise roughly 50% of the lipid mass of the stratum corneum. A multi-ceramide complex — NP, AP, and EOP — restores the bilayer in the precise ratio the skin produces it, sealing in moisture and excluding irritants.
Found in: Luminous Veil SPF 40 · Peptide Radiance Repair Cream
Mineral UV Filter
INCI · Zinc Oxide
A physical, reef-safe mineral that scatters UVA and UVB across the full spectrum.
The only single-molecule filter that covers the entire UVA/UVB range in one ingredient. Non-nano zinc oxide sits on top of the skin and reflects light without entering the bloodstream — the gold standard for sensitive skin, pregnancy, and Fitzpatrick I–VI.
Found in: Luminous Veil SPF 40
Botanical Humectant
INCI · Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
The 'beauty mushroom' — smaller polysaccharides than hyaluronic acid, deeper hydration.
Also known as snow mushroom. Its polysaccharides are ~1/1000th the size of hyaluronic acid and penetrate more effectively into the stratum corneum, holding nearly 500 times their weight in water.
Found in: Radiant Tone Correcting Serum · Luminous Veil SPF 40 · Peptide Radiance Repair Cream · Berry Blossom
Extremolyte
INCI · Ectoin
An extremophile molecule that forms a protective water shell around cells.
Discovered in bacteria living inside salt lakes and volcanic vents, ectoin forms a hydration shell that stabilizes cell membranes against UV, pollution, and temperature stress. Clinically shown to strengthen skin barrier function and reduce inflammation.
Found in: Luminous Barrier Cleanser · Radiant Tone Serum · Luminous Veil SPF 40 · Peptide Radiance Repair Cream
Botanical Actives
INCI · Centella Asiatica Extract
Cica — a K-beauty staple whose triterpenes calm inflammation and speed repair.
Centella's active triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside) stimulate fibroblast collagen synthesis and quiet inflammatory cytokines. Used for centuries in traditional medicine; now a cornerstone of modern barrier-repair formulations.
Found in: Luminous Barrier Cleanser · Radiant Tone Serum · Luminous Veil SPF 40 · Peptide Radiance Repair Cream
Nootropic
INCI · Citicoline
A patented form of citicoline that supports focus, attention, and mental energy.
Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell, essential for producing phosphatidylcholine — a key component of neural membranes. Cognizin® is a clinically studied form shown in randomized trials to improve attention, focus, and mental energy without the crash of stimulants.
Found in: Berry Blossom
Amino Acid
INCI · L-Theanine
The green-tea amino acid that produces calm, alert focus — without sedation.
L-theanine increases alpha brain waves associated with relaxed attention and modulates GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. Pairs synergistically with caffeine or citicoline to deliver focus without jitters.
Found in: Berry Blossom
Adaptogen
INCI · Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract
A high-altitude adaptogen that buffers the body's stress response.
Traditionally used across Scandinavia and Russia, Rhodiola's rosavins and salidroside help modulate cortisol and support mental performance under fatigue. One of the best-studied adaptogens in modern research.
Found in: Rosewater Lychee · Berry Blossom
Chelated Mineral
INCI · Magnesium Bisglycinate
The most bioavailable, gentlest form of magnesium — for sleep, nerves, and recovery.
Bound to glycine for superior absorption and no laxative effect. Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions including neurotransmitter regulation, muscle relaxation, and sleep-cycle support.
Found in: Rosewater Lychee · Berry Blossom
Structural Protein
INCI · Hydrolyzed Fish Collagen
Low-molecular-weight peptides that arrive intact in the dermis to prompt new collagen.
Marine collagen has smaller peptide fragments than bovine, absorbs 1.5× faster, and delivers the exact amino-acid profile skin uses to rebuild Type I collagen. Clinical trials at 5 g/day show measurable skin elasticity and hydration gains in 8–12 weeks.
Found in: Citrus Glow · Rosewater Lychee
Carotenoid Antioxidant
INCI · Astaxanthin
The most potent carotenoid on record — 500× stronger than vitamin E.
Sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. Astaxanthin crosses the blood–brain and blood–retina barriers and accumulates in skin, where it quenches singlet oxygen and neutralizes UV-induced free radicals.
Found in: Citrus Glow
Antioxidant
INCI · Ascorbic Acid
A cofactor essential for collagen synthesis and a first-line free-radical neutralizer.
Vitamin C is required for the enzymes that cross-link procollagen into stable Type I and Type III collagen. Delivered orally at 120 mg alongside marine collagen, it maximizes the raw materials and cofactors your body needs to rebuild the dermis.
Found in: Citrus Glow