SCIENCE. BOTANICALS. RITUALS.
The Alchemist Library
What each active actually does, and the research behind it. We link directly to the clinical studies so you can read the evidence for yourself.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) strengthens the skin barrier, calms inflammation and visibly reduces the look of enlarged pores, blotchiness and hyperpigmentation. Research also points to benefits for acne, rosacea and general skin barrier repair.
Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant capable of holding up to 1000x its weight in water, drawing moisture into the skin to plump, hydrate and smooth the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental and UV-induced free-radical damage, while inhibiting tyrosinase activity to visibly brighten tone and fade the look of dark spots.
Copper peptides (including GHK-Cu) support the skin's extracellular matrix, helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production for a firmer, more resilient complexion, alongside a well-established wound-healing safety profile.
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
Tranexamic Acid targets stubborn pigmentation by interrupting the signalling pathway between skin cells that triggers excess melanin production, making it especially effective for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic Acid is an oil-soluble BHA that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells, making it especially effective for comedonal and inflammatory acne compared to water-soluble exfoliants.
Retinol is converted by the skin into retinoic acid, which binds skin cell receptors to accelerate cell turnover, boost collagen production and inhibit the enzymes that break it down — visibly softening fine lines and refining texture over time.
Azelaic Acid has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antimelanogenic properties, making it a well-tolerated multi-tasker for acne, rosacea-related redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation alike.
Squalane is a stable, saturated derivative of squalene, a lipid your skin already produces naturally. It reinforces the skin barrier and reduces trans-epidermal water loss without the oxidative instability of natural squalene.
Alpha Arbutin is a gentler alternative to hydroquinone that competitively inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, helping to visibly fade dark spots and even skin tone with a lower irritation profile.
Ready to put the research into practice?
See how these actives combine in our DIY recipes.
BROWSE DIY GUIDES