What does it mean to be “clean”? 

Clean beauty is all about making conscious choices for our health and safety by choosing plant-based ingredients for active results, over those that are harmful and toxic to our skin. With the skincare industry growing faster than ever—quickly surpassing the makeup industry—new products are being launched quicker than you can say “clean beauty”. As consumers, it’s our responsibility to make educated choices when deciding which products to invest in for our skin. 

However, going “clean” is more than just considering human health and going down the (very rewarding) road of no nasties—it’s also about environmental health and avoiding harmful practices, such as animal testing. Animal testing, an ugly practice that has long been used, most ironically, in the beauty industry, involves experimenting on living animals to assess the effectiveness and safety of consumer products. Therefore, going clean also means only supporting brands that are cruelty-free. 

CLEF is a high-end brand that aligns with the values of Korean Beauty (also known as K-Beauty), which focuses on youthful, glowy, glass-like skin. We believe in treating skin, the largest organ in the body (and the most obvious one, might we add), luxuriously—all while being clean, ethical, effective, and most importantly, stress-free. Self-care should be simple! Our products are formulated WITHOUT essential oils, drying alcohols, silica, parabens, hydroquinone, artificial fragrances and dyes, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

In this article, we break down the ingredient list of CLEF’s best-selling Anti-Aging Copper Peptide Sheet Mask, which was formulated in France, and explain their benefits.

FULL INGREDIENT LIST:

 Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Carbopol, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, P-Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol

INGREDIENT BREAKDOWN:

Water

 A solvent that dissolves other ingredients. Only purified water free of pollutants, toxins, and microbes is used in our skincare formulations.

Glycerin

 A moisturizing agent (known as a humectant) that draws water from the air and deeper levels of your skin, to the outer layers of your skin. Glycerin mimics the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF), making it non-allergenic. It is important to replenish the skin’s NMF because it depletes as we age, and as we expose our skin to environmental pollutants and irritating ingredients such as denatured alcohols.

Propylene Glycol

A delivery agent that helps active ingredients penetrate skin. Like glycerin, it is also a humectant.

Chamomilla Recutita Extract

Also known as German chamomile, Chamomilla Recutita is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals in the sun’s harmful UV rays, which break the skin’s natural protective barrier. It also contains azulene, an organic compound with soothing, calming, and healing properties, making it ideal for combating inflammation and skin redness. Bisabolol, another compound in German chamomile, boosts the penetration power of other healthy ingredients in our Copper Peptide Mask formula while serving as an anti-aging component that softens fine lines and wrinkles. 

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract

A time-honoured (we’re talking 4,000 years) medicinal herb grown throughout Asia also known as licorice root. This ingredient is popular for its ability to fade hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dark spots left behind after breakouts. Glabridin, an active ingredient of licorice root, inhibits the production of an enzyme (tyrosinase) responsible for producing pigmentation in the skin. As a result, it also makes skin appear brighter and more radiant. Licorice root also offers natural protection as it contains UV blocking enzymes, which alleviate the discomfort and inflammation associated with sunburn.

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Also known as purslane, this is the richest green plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These skin goodies grant this ingredient several magic properties: it’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and has wound-healing abilities. Purslane is suitable for every skin type, including sensitive and reactive skin. 

Centella Asiatica Extract

Also known as gotu kola or Asiatic pennywort, this herb encourages collagen production, reduces scarring, and strengthens skin cells by making them resistant to sagging. Rich in vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, and phytochemicals, gotu kola has superb anti-aging properties. It improves blood circulation, accelerates wound-healing due to its antimicrobial properties, and improves skin elasticity, keeping it healthy and youthful. 

Copper Tripeptide-1

The star ingredient our Copper Peptide Masks are named after. Copper Tripeptide-1 is a complex found naturally in our bodies. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that penetrate the top layer of skin where they go to work, delivering their anti-aging and rejuvenating benefits. 

Copper Tripeptide-1 boosts the skin’s natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This results in skin that is firmer, smoother, brighter, and with better elasticity and moisture. Say goodbye dull patches, texture, and double chins! It also repairs damaged skin, lessens wrinkles, and reduces pigmentation. It’s a brilliant multitasking ingredient—plus it does all this quicker than most other anti-aging skincare products on the market.

Carbomer/Carbopol

A delivery agent for other ingredients.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

A thickening agent.

Sodium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid, just in salt form (which blends better with the composition of ingredients). Like glycerin, this ingredient is a superb humectant and is celebrated as the key to plumping fine lines and introducing dewiness to the skin.

Aminomethyl Propanol

A pH level adjuster that helps other active ingredients penetrate the skin, making the overall formulation more effective.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

As another form of licorice root extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a skin relaxer that soothes the skin and allows it to absorb active ingredients without any irritation. It also preserves hyaluronic acid content in skin.

Hydroxyacetophenone

An antioxidant agent and skin-conditioning that pairs well with licorice root, one of the key ingredients in our Copper Peptide Mask, by multiplying its antioxidative effects. It also boosts the preservation system in skincare formulations and stops them from losing their efficacy. 

1,2-Hexanediol

A moisture binding agent that prevents the moisture inside the mask from drying up before usage.

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