Our Hero Ingredients

At SBTRCT we pioneer a new solid format of expert, sustainable skincare.  Through innovation we bring first-to-market formulations using the very best proven ingredients that deliver results.  Here is a the run down on some of our favourites...

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Found in Gentle Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Melt
Many facial bars contain soap.  Soap is made by mixing an alkali, (typically sodium hydroxide), with oil or fat in a process known as saponification - this is the  "highly alkalinic process" and it is what gives soap a high alkaline pH >9 that can be drying on the skin and leave it feeling tight.

SBTRCT products never contain soap or go through this process. Instead they are based on a palm oil free surfactant designed from the fatty acids in coconut oil. This surfactant has an affinity for oils and water, enabling them to surround dirt, forming small structures, that are removed upon rinsing.  As such, our Cleanser has a more balanced and skin friendly pH of 6, which is much closer to the skin’s natural pH level, (pH 4.7 - 5.75), than soap and in turn far more suitable for cleansing the face.

Squalane
Found in Moisturising Facial Balm, Makeup Melt + Rejuvenating Night Balm
A major component of the human sebum. Our squanlane is derived from the unsaponifiable fraction of Olive oil fatty acids. It has a unique skin feel that is non-greasy, non-tacky, easy spreading. It is a unique emollient base for beauty products preventing trans-epidermal water loss and restores skin suppleness. It is also high in purity (and 100% natural), colorless, odorless, stable vs. oxidation.

Granactive Retinoid®
Found in Rejuvenating Night Balm
Our use of Granactive Retinoid® is revolutionary. This active ingredient delivers the high performance of retinol but with significantly lower irritation. It combats the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a younger appearance while increasing skin elasticity for firmer, smoother skin texture. Overall skin clarity and appearance is enhanced for a healthier complexion. Dark spots and skin imperfections are reduced for a more even skin tone to give a brighter and more luminous appearance to skin. Reduction in pore size is observed leading to overall skin clarity.

Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
Found in Rejuvenating Night Balm and Vitamin C Booster
An antioxidant, combatting free-radical damage as well as preventing any degradation of other key active ingredients (e.g. Granactive Retinoid®). It also works both as a humectant and an emollient (retaining water in the skin).

Sea Buckthorn Oil
Found in Vitamin C Booster
Used for its high levels of Vitamin C, containing up to 10 times more Vitamin C than an orange. Sea Buckthorn Oil also has the highest natural content of Vitamin E of any other plant- based oil. The oil has many benefits to the skin, promoting skin hydration, elasticity, cell regeneration, and even helps treat and prevent acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness associated with many skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

Rosehip Seed Oil
Found in Vitamin C Booster
Known for its exceptional regenerative and healing properties and can be hugely beneficial for those with rosacea, eczema, and other inflammatory skin concerns. For acne-prone skin, it can be can be helpful because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and low comedogenicity. Rich in Vitamin C, which helps brighten the skin, decreases the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and fights free radicals, which will help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Found in Vitamin C Booster
An oil-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that is stable at high temperatures and has good solubility in oils. Evens skin tone with anti pigmentation properties, promotes collagen synthesis and protection, and reduces UV-induced cell damage.

Rice Powder
Found in Clarifying Facial Exfoliator
An ultra-fine gentle, natural exfoliator made from white rice. Rice particles work to gently remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin, leaving skin feeling fresh and revitalised.

White Willow Bark Extract
Found in Clarifying Facial Exfoliator
Derived from the bark of the willow tree, Willow Bark Extract has been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin. Containing salicin—from which salicylic acid is derived—this versatile ingredient is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, clearing pores and alleviating acne and irritation.

Ginger Extract and Bisabolol
Found in Fragrance Free Gentle Foaming Cleanser + Moisturising Facial Balm
Ginger extract has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regarded as non-volatile it doesn’t pose a risk of sensitising the skin.

Combined with Bisabolol, a nature identical ingredient know for its calming properties,  the duo works synergistically to sooth the skin and reduce redness.