Guide

Ingredient Glossary

Skintervene editorial 3 min read Updated

Every active in the Skintervene formula, what it does, and how strong the evidence behind it actually is. We have graded the evidence honestly — including where it is early.

The formula at a glance: nine actives built around methylene blue at cosmetic concentration — niacinamide, ectoin, tremella fuciformis, N-acetyl glucosamine, centella asiatica, green tea, beta-glucan, and squalane with panthenol. Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, made in London under UK cosmetic regulations.

Methylene blue

HeroEvidence: early

INCI: Methylene Blue. A synthetic phenothiazine compound, first made in 1876, that cycles reversibly between oxidised and reduced states. That redox activity lets it behave as an electron carrier and antioxidant rather than being consumed on contact with a free radical. Used at cosmetic concentration — this is a dose-sensitive ingredient where more is emphatically not better.

Evidence base: laboratory and reconstructed-skin model data, with limited large-scale clinical trials in topical cosmetic use. Read the full guide.

Niacinamide

Evidence: strong

INCI: Niacinamide. Vitamin B3, and a precursor to NAD+ — the coenzyme central to cellular energy metabolism. In topical use it is associated with improved barrier function, reduced appearance of pores, better regulation of oil, and more even-looking tone. Among the most extensively studied actives in cosmetic science.

Ectoin

Evidence: good

INCI: Ectoin. An extremolyte produced by bacteria that survive extreme salt and heat. It forms a structured hydration shell around cell membranes, helping skin resist environmental stress from UV exposure and pollution, and holding water without occlusion.

Tremella mushroom

Evidence: moderate

INCI: Tremella Fuciformis Extract. Sometimes called the beauty mushroom. Its polysaccharides form a moisture-binding film on the skin surface with humectant behaviour comparable to hyaluronic acid, but at a smaller particle size.

N-acetyl glucosamine

Evidence: moderate to good

INCI: Acetyl Glucosamine. An amino sugar and a building block of hyaluronic acid. Studied for supporting the skin's own hyaluronic acid synthesis, encouraging surface cell turnover, and helping even the appearance of pigmentation — particularly in combination with niacinamide.

Centella asiatica

Evidence: good

INCI: Centella Asiatica Extract. A botanical used in traditional medicine for centuries and now well characterised in cosmetic research. Its triterpenoids — madecassoside and asiaticoside — are associated with soothing irritated-looking skin and supporting barrier recovery. One of the better-supported botanicals in skincare.

Green tea extract

Evidence: good

INCI: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. Rich in EGCG and other polyphenols, which act as antioxidants against oxidative stress generated by UV exposure and pollution. Also associated with a calmer-looking complexion.

Beta-glucan

Evidence: moderate to good

INCI: Beta-Glucan. A polysaccharide with unusually good penetration for its molecular size. Studied for hydration, soothing, and supporting the skin's natural repair processes.

Squalane and panthenol

Evidence: strong

INCI: Squalane, Panthenol. Squalane is a lipid-identical emollient — it mirrors a component the skin produces naturally, so it softens and seals without heaviness or pore occlusion. Panthenol is pro-vitamin B5, a humectant that converts to pantothenic acid on skin and supports barrier comfort. Both long-established, widely used, low irritation risk.

What is deliberately not in the formula

  • No added fragrance. Fragrance is among the most common causes of contact sensitivity in skincare and adds nothing to performance.
  • No essential oils used as fragrance.
  • No animal-derived ingredients. Vegan, and not tested on animals.
  • No alcohol denat. as a primary solvent.
  • No colourants added for appearance.

How to read any skincare label

Rules that apply to every brand
  • Order matters, to a point. INCI lists run by concentration down to 1%, after which order is arbitrary — and many potent actives work below 1%.
  • Water first is normal. It is the carrier for water-soluble actives, not a sign of a weak product.
  • Preservatives are a feature. An unpreserved water-containing product is a microbial risk. “Preservative-free” is not a selling point.
  • Named concentrations beat adjectives. “High-strength” means nothing; a stated percentage means something.
  • Check the Responsible Person. UK and EU cosmetics must name one and hold a Cosmetic Product Safety Report.

Frequently asked questions

Is the full INCI list published?

Yes — the complete ingredient list appears on the product page and on the carton. If anything is unclear, email info@skintervene.com and we will explain it.

Is the formula suitable for sensitive skin?

It is designed to be: fragrance-free, with ectoin, centella and panthenol included specifically for tolerance. Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours before facial use.

Can I use it with retinol or acids?

Yes, though we would alternate rather than layer everything in one application. Use the serum on nights you are not using a prescription retinoid or a strong exfoliating acid, or apply it in the morning instead.

Is it vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes to both. No animal-derived ingredients, and no animal testing — which is in any case prohibited for cosmetics sold in the UK.

Why nine actives rather than one?

Because skin problems are rarely single-mechanism. The supporting actives address hydration, barrier, environmental protection and tolerance, which is also what makes a dose-sensitive hero ingredient comfortable to use daily.

Formulated on what the evidence supports

One serum. Nine actives. Methylene blue at cosmetic concentration. Made in London.

Shop the serum

This page is general information about cosmetic ingredients and is not medical advice.