Licochalcone A is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant active that is derived from the roots of the Chinese licorice plant Glycyrrhiza inflata. Licochalcone A protects cells from oxidative stress mediated by UV and blue light (HEVIS).

Licochalcone A is able to activate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. These enzymes protect the skin cells from damage induced by oxidative stress, like lipid peroxidation and DNA as wells as protein damage. Licochalcone A is able to soothe irritated skin and redness.

Urea is also produced naturally by the skin and is part of the essential Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) which regulates skin’s moisture content. Urea is hygroscopic, which means it is able to bind moisture into the outermost layer of skin, thus relieves itching and roughness, helping  to  fight  dry  skin symptoms. It is also keratolytic, meaning it improves natural exfoliation and soothes and smoothes the skin’s surface. As a substance produced naturally by the skin, Urea is well-tolerated even by dry and sensitive skin. Because all of these effects and very good study data, Urea is the gold standard in treating of dry skin.*

* Reference: Augustin M et al., diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis – a position paper, JDDG 2019, DOI: 10.1111/ddg.13906

Like Urea, Lactate (the salt of Lactic Acid) is also produced naturally by skin and is part of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) which regulates skin’s moisture content. Lactate absorbs and retains moisture within the stratum corneum, or upper layer of the skin, and therefore plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s physical properties. Low levels of Lactate within the stratum corneum are known to be associated with dry skin.

Polidocanol is an antipruritic agent (something used to relieve itching) that has been clinically proven to soothe skin and help reduce itching.