Active Ingredients
Across our product range you will find an array of natural active ingredients. Monuskin are renowned for harnessing Mother Nature to provide the very best and most extensive natural skincare range that is trusted by leading skincare professionals in the Uk and overseas.
Allantoin - This extract, from the root of the comfrey plant, has soothing and healing properties and is effective against infection. The plant is also used as an anti-wrinkle product.
Almond Oil - This oil contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and a small amount of vitamin E. Very good for the treatment of the skin as it nourishes and protects. An excellent moisturising oil for dry and sensitive skin.
Acmella Oleracea Extract - This extract from the Acmella plant is an effective and safe alternative to botox treatments. Acmella contains a compound called Spilanthol which has a perceptible numbing sensation.
Algae and Active Marine Magnesium - Marine Magnesium acts to inhibit calcium which contracts the facial muscles resulting in expression lines. Marine magnesium helps to instantly relax expression lines.
Aloe Vera - A soothing, moisturising and healing extract taken from the succulent aloe plant. A natural sun filter. Extensively researched with very positive results.
Anemarrhenae Extract - This extract is from a member of the lil family used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in a compound called sarsasapogenin - a phytosterol. This compound helps stimulate the adipocytes, encouraging increased lipid storage and increasing the density of the skin.
Apricot Kernal Oil - A nourishing oil that is rich in carotene.
Arnica - Taken from the alpine herb that helps stimulate the peripheral blood supply when applied externally. It is an anti-inflammatory and helps to heal broken skin.
Bergamot Essential Oil - Bergamot is an essence taken from the peel of a Mediterranean citrus fruit. Its delightful fresh fragrance has an uplifting and calming effect.
Basil - A refreshing and uplifting herbal essence recommended for soothing nerves. Basil has a warm and spicy aroma and is also used for relieving rheumatic pain, respiratory problems.
Biosaccharide Gum - Offers an immediate and long lasting hydration with a silky after feel. It provides a film-forming conditioner for instant and remnant comfort.
Beeswax - A natural wax taken from the honeycomb which has a protective action.
Blackcurrant - Blackcurrant Seed Oil is particularly high in gamma linolenic essential fatty acid, particularly Omega 6 and Omega 3. Called “essential” because our body cannot reproduce them, they form part of the lipid layer and are vital for healthy skin. They help prevent skin dryness, restore optimal moisture balance and maintain the skin’s barrier function.
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract - From a Tropical habitat, this extract has developed a powerful defence mechanism. This compound helps to protect mitochondrial DNA from degradation. It supports the cell’s natural repair system by combating the harmful effects of the sun.
Clary Sage Essential Oil - This essence is excellent for use to promote a sense of well being. This warm, nutty essence has an euphoric effect on the system.
Coconut - Nourishes and combats dehydration.
Cornflower Extract - Taken from the flower, this extract has soothing properties and is often used in eye care. Anti-inflammatory.
Cardamon - A stimulating, warming oil.
Cotton Seed Extract - Cotton seeds are rich in fatty acids, proteins and trace elements. They are widely used in traditional medicine for their soothing and conditioning properties.
Camphor - Taken from the Oriental evergreen tree, this essence is medicated and particularly beneficial in caring for oily skins. Stimulates the circulation and will help ease congestion on the chest when used as an inhalant.
Cucumber - Cucumber provides your skin with immense levels of hydration whilst being both soothing and cooling with its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces redness and is especially beneficial on sore or sunburnt skin. It carries Vitamin C which protects the skin from free radicals and has skin brightening benefits helping reduces dark spots and blemishes. The silica content supports collagen production which is wonderful at helping the skin regain its bounce and elasticity and prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Chicory Extract - Part of the Chicory, Algae and Marine Magnesium complex. This is a natural extract from the roots of the chicory plant. A polysaccharide consisting mainly of glucose and fructose. Both these sugars have powerful moisturising properties due to their high capacity for water retention. This part of the active complex works to maintain skin cells in good condition, helping to keep cell membranes intact and preserving the skin’s smooth and supple appearance.
Copper - This element in involved in many enzyme reactions in the skin. They are found in the fibroblast and keratinocyte cells and are part of the natural moisturising factor. Copper encourages the synthesis of ATP, keratin and collagen. Trace elements help promote cell energy, they stimulate cell turnover, restoring skin vitality and freshness.
Collagen - Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals. These fibres give structure and support to the tissues and cells. Collagen is responsible for skin strength and elasticity and it's degradation leads to wrinkles. Our marine collagen is a by-product of the fishing industry. The large collagen molecules form a tightening film on the surface of the skin to smooth fine lines, firm and tone the skin.
Citric Acid - A PH modifier.
Calendula - An extract taken from Marigold flowers. It acts as a decongestant and has proven purifying, healing, soothing and anit-inflammatory properties.
Diatomaceous Earth - Composed of silica
Elderflower Extract - An extract taken from the flower, it is soothing and cooling.
Evening Primrose Oil - Evening Primrose oil is rich in Gamma Linolenic essential fatty acid, particularly Omega 6. Called “essential” because our body cannot reproduce them, they form part of the lipid layer and are vital for healthy skin. They help prevent skin dryness, restore optimal moisture balance and maintain the skin’s barrier function.
Glycolic Acid - Glycolic Acid is an exfoliator. It safely removes the outer layer of dead skin cells on the surface your skin, bring fresh new skin to the surface. This is beneficial for those who are looking for ingredients that help with anti-aging. Glycolic acid can also help lighten discoloration of the skin, such as sun spots or age spots and help those with acne-prone and blackhead-prone skin.
Ginger Essential Oil - Ginger has a spicy aroma and is useful in a massage blend as a warming and refreshing tonic for tired muscles.
Grapefruit Peel - Stimulates circulation, tones & rejuvenates skin for a more youthful appearance.
Geranium - Geranium has a delicious, floral fragrance and is widely used in skincare for all skin types. It has a balancing, refreshing effect on emotions and is also useful as an insect repellent.
Hyaluronic Microspheres - These tiny spheres are micro-injected with pure hyaluronic acid. They re-hydrate on contact with the water in the skin and swell up to 30 times in volume to plump out wrinkles from within. A non-surgical alternative to hyaluronic dermal fillers.
Hazelnut Oil - A light, easily absorbed oil which is well suited to combination and oily skin types. Rich in essential fatty acids.
Horsetail Extract - Taken from the plant, this extract works on Elastin fibres. Has a firming and tightening effect. Assists in the healing of broken skin.
Hawthorn - The ancient Greeks are thought to be the first to use Hawthorn for its medicinal properties. The flowers have good astringent and antioxidant properties due to their flavonoid content. This Hawthorn extract has anti-microbial properties which provide the skin with protection against harmful acne bacteria; encouraging healthy skin.
Hydroxyproline - Amino Acids are the basic building blocks of the body helping to form thousands of different types of proteins. Hydroxyproline is essential in collagen formation. This amino acid stimulates the contraction of collagen fibres to help firm and plump up deeper lying wrinkles. It also protects the skin’s structure against degradation.
Iron Oxide - A colourant used in tinted moisturisers. Provides brown, red and yellow tints.
Jasmine Essential Oil - This popular essence has an exquisite floral scent, which is sensual and soothing. Jasmine can be used to tone and maintain elasticity in dry, mature skin. It is relaxing, whilst uplifting.
Juniper Extract - The Juniper belongs to the conifer family. Renowned in traditional medicine for its stimulating and toning properties. This hydro-glycolic extract of Juniper berries is rich in phytosterols, polyphenols and flavonoids. When massaged into the skin the extract helps boost the production of B-endorphins to soothe and comfort the skin.
Jojoba Essential Oil - A natural liquid emollient with properties similar to the skin's sebum, helping to protect and prevent water loss. A soothing, moisturising and healing oil.
Lemongrass - Lemongrass has a stronger, sweeter aroma than lemon and is good for relaxing tired limbs. It will improve energy and stimulate the system. Used in skincare for the treatment of oily skin conditions.
Liquorice - This extract is anti-inflammatory and soothing. An antioxidant.
Linseed Extract - Linseed Extract is the richest source of Gamma-Linolenic essential fatty acid, particularly Omega 3. Called “essential” because our body cannot reproduce them, they form part of the lipid layer and are vital for healthy skin. They help prevent skin dryness.
Liposomes - Small spheres that encapsulate active ingredients such as vitamins. These are absorbed into the skin and the active substances released.
Lemon - Lemon has incredible brightening effects to the skin as well as helping to control oiliness and breakouts.
Lavender Oil - This versatile oil has a delightful fragrance and is widely used in skincare. It is excellent for dry, sensitive skin as it helps to aid cellular renewal. Lavender is a natural antiseptic and has a calming effect on the system.
Lactic Acid - The mildest and most effective AHA available. This natural AHA weakens the bonds that hold dead skin cells together enabling them to be shed more easily from the skin.
Mandarin - This calming oil has a gentle, sweet fruity aroma. Mandarin is useful in a massage blend to help treat fluid retention.
Menthol - An extract taken from the essence of peppermint, which leaves the skin feeling cool. It is medicated, stimulating and vaso-constricting.
Multi Mineral Complex - Contains the minerals Magnesium, Copper and Zinc. These elements are found in the Fibroblast and Keratinocyte cells and are part of the natural moisturising factor. This Multi Mineral Complex supplies the elements necessary for cell energy. It stimulates cell turnover, restoring vitality, freshness and tone to the skin.
Marine Peptide - From the seaweed Enteromorpha compressa. This material works with the skin’s neuromediators, helping to block the message telling the skin cells to over-react to stress. It has a soothing action and improves the comfort of thin, sensitive and dry skin. It helps to reduce skin tightening, stinging and reddening.
Marine Collagen - Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals. These fibres give structure and support to the tissues and cells. Collagen is responsible for skin strength and elasticity and its degradation leads to wrinkles. Our marine collagen is a by-product of the fishing industry. The large collagen molecules form a tightening film on the surface of the skin to smooth fine lines, firm and tone the skin.
Magnesium - This element is involved in many enzyme reactions in the skin. Magnesium is found in the Fibroblast and Keratinocyte cells and are part of the natural moisturising factor. Magnesium encourages protein synthesis. Trace elements help promote cell energy, they stimulate cell turnover, restoring skin vitality and freshness.
Mallow - A soothing extract to relieve irritation.
Natural Fruit acids - Eliminates dead cells. Resurfaces and exfoliates. Smooths and refines the skin. Reduces the appearance of pores. Reduces in-growing hairs and encourages cell renewal.
Neroli - Neroli has a beautifully floral aroma and is derived from Orange blossom. It has a calming effect on redness or broken capillaries. Can be used in the treatment of dry skin.
Orange Essential oil - With a delicious, tangy fragrance, Orange is an uplifting, refreshing oil which has a mildly relaxing effect on the system. Softens thick, fissured skin.
Oligosaccharide Complex - This naturally derived sugar complex works with a prebiotic action. It is gentle and skin compatible. It stimulates the skin’s protective microflora – reinforcing the immune system. It helps to maintain the skin’s barrier function and promotes the healthy appearance of the skin.
Petitgrain - Petitgrain has a light woody aroma and is widely used in skincare for its astringent, refreshing properties. An excellent conditioner of dry skin.
Phyto Squalane - Derived from pure olive oil, this molecule has a natural affinity with the skin, being one of the main components of sebum and hydrolipic film. Restores skin suppleness and helps to prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
Panthenol - An active that helps to replenish loss of moisture as well as control the viscosity of the product. This will prevent ball-up or rolling of creams. Anti-inflammatory and linked with the formation of vitamin B5.
Patchouli - An exotic and stimulating oil from India with a woody, sensuous aroma. Patchouli is used in skincare for mature skin and has a relaxing effect on the system.
Papaya - These papaya fruit enzymes gently digest the dead skin cells. The extract is contained in Glycospheres which have an affinity to the skin, therefore aiding penetration.
Polysaccharides - These are molecules of neutrally charged sugars which are moisture binding and mimic the skin’s intercellular cementing. They provide structural support for the connective tissues.
Rose - This special oil has a gentle, floral aroma that is extremely mood enhancing. It is used in skincare when treating sensitive skin and can also lift the spirits. Only a little of this essence is required, as its perfume is intense.
Rosewood Essential Oil - This is a relaxing, balancing oil with a subtle woody aroma. Rosewood also has a toning and softening effect on the skin. Good for dry, sensitive skin.
Rosehip Seed Oil - From the seed of the wild rose bush. Rosehip Seed Oil is high in Oleic, Linoleic and Linolenic essential fatty acids. Called “essential” because our body cannot reproduce them, they form part of the lipid layer and are vital for healthy skin. They help prevent skin dryness, restore optimal moisture balance and maintain the skin’s barrier function.
Royal Jelly - Rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and proteins, this ingredient is used to nourish dry, mature skin and encourage cellular renewal.
Sodium Hyaluronate/Hyaluronic Acid - A superb moisturiser taken from fermented soya proteins. A moisture binding ingredient which helps the skin to capture and hold onto water molecules.
Soft Focus Technology - A modern Silica coated powder which provides wrinkle smoothing and sebum absorbing properties with an excellent silky, powder finish.
Siberian Ginseng Extract - Used in Chinese medicine, this extract is rich in both Polysaccharides and Gglycoproteins. It forms a fine, tightening film on the surface of the skin – smoothing fine lines with an immediate action.
Salicylic Acid - Occurs naturally in wintergreen leaves, birch and selected plants. This beta hydroxy acid improves the appearance and condition of the skin.
Sandalwood essential oil - With a sweet, woody scent this oil will have a relaxing effect. Sandalwood is excellent in the treatment of stress and insomnia. Good for dry, chapped or cracked skin.
Soapwort - An extract from a perennial herb which can be used as a gentle wash for sensitive skin.
Sodium Bicarbonate - Has exfoliating properties
Shea Butter - This is fat extracted from the kernels of the African tree. Aids absorption of active ingredients and leaves a protective film on the skin.
Tangerine Peel Oil - This fragrant, citrus oil has an uplifting effect on the system.
Vitamin A - Improves skin elasticity and moisture content while reducing the signs of sun-induced ageing.
Violet Leaf Essential Oil - Violet leaf absolute has a green, leafy odour with a delicate floral undertone. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties but today is mainly used in premium perfumery.
Vitamin E - Has an antioxidant action. Believed to improve the use of oxygen in the tissues and increase the capillary circulation. Calms inflammation.
Vitamin C - An Ascorbic acid and Polypeptide complex. Plays an important role in metabolic processes. Acts as an antioxidant
Wheatgerm - Wheat Germ Oil is rich in Vitamin E a powerful antioxidant. This oil will help to nourish dry skin, excellent for treating wrinkles and stretch marks.
Witch Hazel - Taken from the shrub, this extract contains tannin and is good astringent and decongestant.
Wild Yam and Soya Extract - This plant has long been used in a nutritional context for soothing the hormonal fluctuations that mature women experience. It is a natural phytosterol. Wild Yam stimulates collagen and elastin production.
Willow Bark Extract - Willow Bark Extract is a natural source of Salicylic acid, able to provide the benefits of the synthetic acid but without any irritation. Salicylic acid is known for its antimicrobial capabilities. This extract has activity against Staphylococcus Aures and Propionibacterium Acnes, two of the skin flora implicated in the formation of acne. This extract prevents congestion by encouraging cell turnover, helping to refine the surface texture of the skin.
Zinc Oxide - A natural sunscreen in the form of a micro-fine dispersion, which does not leave a white residue on the skin. It is the broadest spectrum UVA and UVB absorber that is approved for use as a sunscreen and is completely photostable.