As the joyous festivities of Chinese New Year unfold, the abundance of delectable treats like pineapple tarts, peanut puffs, and shrimp rolls can be irresistible. However, indulging in these sugary delights may take a toll on your skin. The combination of high-sugar foods, lack of sleep from late-night mahjong sessions, and constant socialising can lead to skin issues such as inflammation, breakouts, clogged pores and dehydration. To counteract these effects, we've curated a list of some of our favourite highly effective skincare ingredients that will be your skin's saviours (and ours too!) during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

1. Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola but most commonly known cica is a widely popular skincare ingredient for its extensive medicinal properties. Some compounds in the plant help with collagen production whereas others are naturally occurring antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that work together to improve skin hydration, soothe blemish-prone skin, heal sun damage, reduce fine lines and lighten pigmentation.

Used in our Clear Skin Treatment Essence:

Centella is a multi-tasking ingredient that works alongside other ingredients like organic rose and snow fungus to help calm, hydrate, plump, firm and tighten the skin. Centella also has phenolic compounds and flavonoids which help mitigate the damage that pro-aging external agents, like UV rays and pollution, inflict on the skin.

 

2. Alfalfa

Rich in chlorophyll, Alfalfa plays a vital role in flushing out impurities from your pores which can lead to breakouts. Packed with essential minerals and vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin B1 and B6, it also helps to hydrate the skin barrier, improve circulation and soothe inflamed skin.

Used in our Alfalfa & Fig Spot Solution Serum:

Many of our customers face widespread breakouts, and the continual use of harsh and drying spot treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide over large areas of the skin can lead to overall skin dryness. This triggers sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum to make up for the lack of moisture. The result? Clogged pores and more acne – a counterproductive cycle. 

This is why when it came to formulating our Alfalfa & Fig Spot Solution, our approach was different from the conventional “dry it out” method. Instead, we based our formulation around two things: gentle treatment and hydration. Together with key ingredients fig, licorice and carrot, alfalfa works to get rid of pimples and acne marks for good in the quickest time possible. 

 

3. Arbutin

Derived from plants like bearberries, blueberries, and cranberries, arbutin is a skin-lightening compound known for reducing pigmentation, improving uneven skin tone, and diminishing acne marks. With melanin being the pigment that gives skin its colour, arbutin works by inhibiting melanin production to prevent pigment-related issues. The best part about arbutin? Unlike other skin brightening agents, arbutin is less irritating due to its slow release of active components.

Used in our Apple Stem Cell Vitaglow Serum:

Incorporated into our Apple Stem Cell Vitaglow Serum, arbutin joins forces with organic licorice extract, acai, and Swiss apple to amplify the brightening effects of the serum while keeping the skin plump and supple.

4. Snow Fungus

With its exceptional ability to hold up to 500 times its weight in water, snow fungus surpasses hyaluronic acid in deep hydration and moisture retention. This mushroom, like most mushrooms, is rich in fatty acids which help with moisture retention while strengthening the skin barrier. Snow fungus is rich in vitamins A, C, and D and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a source of kojic acid, an ingredient most commonly known for addressing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Used in our Clear Skin Treatment Essence:

As one of the star ingredients in our treatment essence, snow fungus works alongside other ingredients like centella asiatica and organic rose to deeply hydrate the skin from the inside out by drawing moisture to the skin and hydrating it from within to keep it supple and plump.

 

5. Matcha

Matcha, also known as green tea powder, has been used for centuries in Japan for its health and beauty benefits. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a powerful ingredient for skincare. Matcha is a form of green tea which is much more concentrated in antioxidants than regular green tea. It contains high levels of antioxidants, which protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits which makes it particularly effective for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin since it can help soothe redness, irritation, and swelling, reducing the appearance of blemishes.

Used in our Intensive Skin Renewal Gel:

Enriched with the synergistic benefits of aloe vera and matcha, our formula presents a gel-based, lightweight moisturiser meticulously crafted to nurture and soothe your skin. This rejuvenating blend goes beyond mere hydration, actively enhancing cellular repair and regeneration – great for damaged skin, sensitive skin and even skin that has undergone aesthetic treatments.


This Chinese New Year, treat your skin to the ultimate care with these holy grail ingredients.