One of our core beliefs is a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us. In our mission to make Wildsmith skincare as efficacious, yet sustainable as possible, we use lab-grown actives – alongside bioactive and botanical ingredients – in many of our formulations.
But what does ‘lab grown’ actually mean, and how exactly do they benefit the environment?
WHAT ARE LAB GROWN INGREDIENTS?
In simple terms, lab grown ingredients are bio-identical versions of the originals – for example hyaluronic acid – but they have been created in controlled laboratory conditions, rather than extracted from natural sources or environments.
This makes them a more sustainable option for skincare formulations because they are less resource intensive to produce and transport; more reliable in terms of their quality and efficacy; and perhaps most importantly, less damaging to natural environments and biodiversity.
It’s this forward-thinking approach, blending sustainably produced, advanced lab-grown ingredients with botanicals sourced from protected environments, like The Heckfield Estate, that informs our RADICAL BOTANY ethos.
WILDSMITH’S LAB GROWN ACTIVES
GLYCOLIC ACID
You’ll find lab grown GLYCOLIC ACID, a skin-smoothing AHA, in Time-Release Pre-Serum Drops. Normally derived from sugar cane, this lab grown version is less water and energy intensive to produce, which reduces its carbon footprint.
HYALURONIC ACID
Our lab grown LOW-WEIGHT HYALURONIC ACID acts as a moisture magnet in Double Clay Refining Mask. Created using a process called bio-fermentation, it has deliberately smaller molecule size that is more readily absorbed by the skin than traditional HYALURONIC ACID, maximising its hydrating capabilities.
COPPER PEPTIDES
Our unique lab grown COPPER PEPTIDES – find them in Active Repair Copper Peptide Serum and Copper Peptide Cream – transport copper ions directly into the skin’s deeper layers, where they support collagen and elastin synthesis and boost hydration. These smart peptides can also signal to the skin to regenerate damaged cells.
PLATINUM MATRIX
Our collagen boosting BIOACTIVE PLATINUM MATRIX – the hero ingredient in Active Repair Platinum Booster – is a lab grown fusion of COLLOIDIAL PLATINUM and skin-plumping PEPTIDES. This sophisticated delivery system also increases the performance and stability of the ingredients.
