XAGE formulations are composed using function-defined ingredients selected for compatibility, stability, and cosmetic relevance. Each component serves a specific role within a controlled system supporting hydration balance, barrier integrity, and visual tone uniformity.
Raw Ingredient
Formula
INGREDIENT index
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Epidermal Hydration & Recovery Matrix
A polysaccharide-rich botanical fluid that enhances water retention, calms inflammatory signaling, and supports post-stress epidermal recovery. Contributes to barrier homeostasis and improves tolerability of active systems.
Primary Function
Humectant, soothing agent
Origin
Organic plant extract
Typical Usage
5–20%
Allantoin
Barrier-Calming Keratolytic Modulator
A multifunctional compound that supports desquamation balance while promoting epidermal comfort and barrier repair. Reduces irritation potential in exfoliating or high-activity formulations.
Primary Function
Skin protectant, keratolytic
Origin
Biotech-derived
Typical Usage
0.2–0.5%
Bakuchiol
Retinoid-Pathway Mimetic Phytoactive
A plant-derived compound shown to activate retinol-associated pathways without retinoid-associated irritation. Supports collagen expression, tone uniformity, and surface refinement.
Primary Function
Retinol alternative, anti-aging
Origin
Plant-based (Psoralea corylifolia)
Typical Usage
0.5–1%
Centella Asiatica Extract
Inflammatory Response Modulator
A triterpenoid-rich botanical extract supporting wound recovery pathways and inflammatory control. Enhances dermal repair signaling and reduces visible reactivity.
Primary Function
Anti-inflammatory, reparative
Origin
Water or CO₂ extract
Typical Usage
0.5–2%
Coco-Glucoside
Ultra-Mild Non-Ionic Cleansing Agent
A biodegradable surfactant offering effective cleansing with minimal disruption to the stratum corneum lipid matrix.
Primary Function
Non-ionic surfactant
Origin
Coconut fatty alcohols + glucose
Typical Usage
3–10%
D-Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
Barrier Repair & Hydration Amplifier
A humectant and skin-conditioning agent that enhances barrier lipid synthesis and reduces transepidermal water loss.
Primary Function
Moisturizer, barrier support
Origin
Biotech-derived
Typical Usage
1–5%
Ectoin
Cellular Stress Shield
An extremolyte that stabilizes proteins and cell membranes under oxidative, thermal, and UV stress. Enhances skin resilience in polluted or high-exposure environments.
Primary Function
Anti-pollution, stress protection
Origin
Fermentation (extremophile microorganisms)
Typical Usage
0.5–2%
Glycerin (Vegetable)
Foundational Hydration Vector
A primary water-binding agent that supports stratum corneum hydration, elasticity, and formulation stability.
Primary Function
Humectant, stabilizer
Origin
Plant-based
Typical Usage
2–10%
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Polyphenol-Based Antioxidant Defense
Rich in catechins (notably EGCG), this extract neutralizes free radicals and mitigates inflammation-driven degradation of dermal structures.
Primary Function
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Origin
Water or ethanol extract
Typical Usage
0.1–3%
Sodium Hyaluronate
Multi-Level Hydration Polymer
A glycosaminoglycan capable of binding up to 1000x its weight in water, improving surface smoothness and hydration dynamics.
Primary Function
Hydrator, plumper
Origin
Fermentation-derived
Typical Usage
0.01–1%
Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)
Sebum-Mimetic Lipid Regulator
A liquid wax ester structurally similar to human sebum, supporting barrier balance and lipid normalization.
Primary Function
Emollient, lipid balancer
Origin
Cold-pressed plant oil
Typical Usage
3–10%
Lactic Acid
Alpha-Hydroxy Acid Renewal Agent
A naturally occurring AHA that promotes controlled exfoliation, hydration, and improved skin luminosity.
Primary Function
Exfoliant, brightener
Origin
Fermentation-derived
Typical Usage
1–10%
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Barrier & Tone Optimization Molecule
A multifunctional vitamin supporting ceramide synthesis, reduced redness, pore refinement, and pigmentation control.
Primary Function
Barrier booster, tone corrector
Origin
Synthetic
Typical Usage
2–10%
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Essential Fatty Acid & Carotenoid Source
Supports skin regeneration and tone refinement through omega fatty acids and provitamin A compounds.
Primary Function
Emollient, antioxidant
Origin
Cold-pressed plant oil
Typical Usage
3–8%
Squalane
Lightweight Barrier Lipid Restorer
A stable, non-comedogenic emollient that enhances softness and prevents moisture loss without occlusion.
Primary Function
Emollient, lipid replenisher
Origin
Sugarcane or olive-derived
Typical Usage
1–10%
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)
Occlusive Lipid Matrix
A triglyceride-rich butter providing deep nourishment and barrier reinforcement for dry or compromised skin.
Primary Function
Occlusive, nourishing
Origin
Plant butter
Typical Usage
3–15%
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Lipid Phase Antioxidant Stabilizer
Protects unsaturated oils from oxidation while supporting barrier repair and elasticity.
Primary Function
Antioxidant, preservative booster
Origin
Sunflower-derived
Typical Usage
0.1–1%
Tea Tree Leaf Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Essential Oil
Provides antimicrobial activity useful in blemish-focused formulations.
Primary Function
Antimicrobial
Origin
Steam-distilled essential oil
Typical Usage
<1%
Zinc PCA
Sebum & Microbiome Modulator
A zinc salt that regulates sebum production while exerting antimicrobial control without over-drying.
Primary Function
Sebum regulation, antimicrobial
Origin
Zinc salt of PCA
Typical Usage
0.1–1%
BLACKLISTED INGREDIENTS
Benzene & Benzene-Derived Compounds
Excluded due to established toxicity concerns and the risk of contamination within cosmetic raw material supply chains.
Known or Suspected Carcinogens
Ingredients with credible links to carcinogenic activity are not permitted, regardless of regional regulatory allowances.
Parabens
All paraben preservatives are excluded due to their potential interaction with endocrine pathways.
Phthalates
Phthalates are prohibited owing to their classification as endocrine disruptors and their documented systemic exposure risks.
High-Risk Preservatives
Formaldehyde-releasing agents, BHA, and similar preservatives are excluded due to associations with irritation, sensitization, and long-term safety concerns.
Silicones & Siloxanes
Excluded due to persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and environmental impact considerations.
SLS-Type Sulfates
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and related high-irritancy sulfates are avoided to preserve barrier integrity and minimize skin stress.
Synthetic Colorants & Mineral Fillers
Coal tar dyes, carbon black, synthetic colorants, and talc are excluded due to contamination risks, heavy metal concerns, and limited skin benefit.
