It’s a real mixed bag when it comes to naturally-derived ingredients, but many have been put through the same scientific scrutiny as synthetic ingredients, and some have passed with flying colours. However, despite the myths, natural doesn’t always mean better (or worse) — what really counts is clinical evidence.

The Elucent skincare products are all about the science, so we incorporate only science-backed ingredients whether they happen to be synthetic or naturally-derived

Let’s break down the science behind some of the naturally-derived ingredients found in Elucent.

Note: While we use naturally-derived varieties of these ingredients in Elucent, there may be synthetic varieties available that are used by other brands. Seeing one of these on an ingredient list for a different product isn’t a guarantee that it’s naturally-derived.

This naturally-derived antioxidant helps protect against skin changes caused by free radicals^1,2. It also has humectant moisturising properties, meaning it helps hold water in the skin¹.

A refined natural oil (Carthamus tinctorius seed oil) that contains linoleic acid, a natural fatty acid that acts as an emollient to help soften and lubricate the skin³.

From the edible fruit of the plant Phyllanthus emblica, also known as Indian gooseberry, native to Southeast Asia. It’s rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, minerals, and amino acids. As well as being a potent antioxidant, emblica extracts help brighten and even skin tone⁴.

Naturally derived from corn, lactic acid is a gentle chemical exfoliant (from the AHA family) that helps unstick the ‘glue’ that holds dull, dead skin cells to the surface of the skin, revealing fresher, younger-looking skin⁵. Lactic acid is well known in the anti-ageing skincare world, but it also pairs well with moisturisers to enhance their hydrating effect⁶.

Hyaluronic Acid, a product of bio-fermentation of the Lactobacillus microbe, this natural moisturiser attracts water and forms a hydrating layer on the skin’s surface. It’s been shown in scientific studies to refresh and visibly rejuvenate sun-damaged skin and support the skin’s natural moisturising system⁷.

The best approach is to look for ingredients with a proven track record, and brands you can trust. Brands who back up their claims with citations or their own clinical testing. It can be difficult to see through the marketing spin when it comes to trendy, new ingredients, but don’t be afraid to do some research on natural skincare ingredients before buying to make sure the proof can match the promises.

The Elucent products are backed by clinical testing:

• In a trial of 52 women using an Elucent anti-ageing skincare regimen, 90% reported visibly rejuvenated skin* and skin was 43% smoother after only 21 days.*^
• In a trial of 50 women using an Elucent niacinamide skincare regimen, 88% reported smoother skin and 86% reported brighter skin after 28 days.†

We’ve been trained to think of naturally-derived ingredients as better, safer, cleaner than synthetic options, but that’s marketing spin, not science. And it’s why we’re not interested in using exclusively natural or naturally-derived ingredients in Elucent products. Each ingredient needs to justify its place in our formulations based on thorough safety and efficacy testing. Sometimes a naturally-derived ingredient is the best pick, but not always. When brands prioritise having all-natural ingredients over everything else, the result can be an increased risk of irritant or allergic reactions^8,9.

So choose well-formulated skincare that puts both nature and science to work on your skin, so you can enjoy real results and smooth, glowy skin.