Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any skincare products, especially if you have existing skin conditions or sensitivities. Individual results may vary.
L-Retinol is the chirally correct, biologically active form of Vitamin A. It is one of the most researched and effective anti-aging ingredients in skincare, known for its ability to support cellular turnover and skin renewal.
Common Uses: L-Retinol is used by individuals seeking to address signs of aging, improve skin texture, and support collagen production. It is commonly incorporated into nighttime skincare routines.
Application: Available in serums, creams, and lotions designed for facial application.
Found in: Plastic Surgery in a Bottle, Peptide Facial Lotion, Vitamin A Complex Nighttime Serum, Peptide Eye Treatment Cream
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. Different peptides serve different functions in skincare formulations.
Common Uses: Peptides are used by individuals seeking to support skin firmness, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve overall skin texture. They are popular in anti-aging skincare routines.
Application: Found in facial lotions, serums, and eye creams for topical application.
Found in: Plastic Surgery in a Bottle, Peptide Facial Lotion, Peptide Eye Treatment Cream, Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream, Lips Anti-Aging Lip Cream, Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Lotion for Acne
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body. In skincare, acetyl and palmitate forms are used for enhanced stability and skin penetration.
Common Uses: Glutathione is incorporated into skincare products by individuals seeking antioxidant protection, skin brightening effects, and support for overall skin health.
Application: Available in creams, serums, and specialized treatments for facial use.
Found in: Plastic Surgery in a Bottle, Antioxidant Moisturizer, Healing Cream, Peptide Facial Lotion, HQ-Free Skin Lightening Lotion
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It is a key molecule for maintaining skin hydration and plumpness.
Common Uses: Hyaluronic acid is used by individuals seeking intense hydration, plumper-looking skin, and improved skin texture. It is suitable for all skin types.
Application: Found in serums, moisturizers, and eye treatments for topical application.
Found in: Plastic Surgery in a Bottle, Hydrating Rain, Peptide Eye Treatment Cream
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that supports collagen synthesis and helps protect skin from environmental damage. L-Ascorbic acid is the most bioavailable form.
Common Uses: Vitamin C is used by individuals seeking to brighten skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, protect against UV damage, and support collagen production.
Application: Available in concentrated serums designed for daytime use.
Found in: Vitamin C Caffeine Daytime Serum, Vitamin C Serum with Caffeine L-Carnosine, HQ-Free Skin Lightening Lotion
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk. It gently exfoliates the skin while providing hydrating benefits, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Common Uses: Lactic acid is used by individuals seeking gentle exfoliation, improved skin texture, and enhanced radiance. It helps with cellular turnover without excessive irritation.
Application: Found in moisturizers, serums, scrubs, and specialized treatments.
Found in: Peptide Facial Lotion, Polishing Scrub Raspberry, Purifying Tea Tree Mask, Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Lotion for Acne, HQ-Free Skin Lightening Lotion
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), allowing it to penetrate deeply into the skin. It is highly effective for exfoliation and skin renewal.
Common Uses: Glycolic acid is used by individuals seeking to address signs of aging, improve skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and unclog pores.
Application: Available in cleansers, moisturizers, and specialized treatments.
Found in: Vitamin A Complex Nighttime Serum, Blemish Rescue, Ultra Rich AHA Moisturizer, Clarifying Acne Cleanser, HQ-Free Skin Lightening Lotion
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores. It is particularly effective for acne-prone and oily skin.
Common Uses: Salicylic acid is used by individuals seeking to clear acne, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and control excess oil production.
Application: Found in cleansers, scrubs, masks, and blemish treatments.
Found in: Blemish Rescue, Polishing Scrub Raspberry, Purifying Tea Tree Mask, Clarifying Acne Cleanser
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. It has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, making it gentler and ideal for sensitive skin.
Common Uses: Mandelic acid is used by individuals with acne-prone or sensitive skin seeking gentle exfoliation, pore refinement, and control of sebum production.
Application: Available in blemish treatments and specialized gels.
Found in: Blemish Rescue, Problem Skin Gel
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple benefits for the skin, including regulating oil production, strengthening the skin barrier, and reducing inflammation.
Common Uses: Niacinamide is used by individuals seeking to minimize pore appearance, control oil, reduce redness, and improve overall skin tone and texture.
Application: Found in lotions and treatments for acne-prone skin.
Found in: Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Lotion for Acne
Caffeine is a natural stimulant with antioxidant properties. In skincare, it helps constrict blood vessels, reduce puffiness, and protect against UV damage.
Common Uses: Caffeine is used by individuals seeking to reduce puffiness, brighten skin, repair UV-damaged cells, and improve microcirculation.
Application: Available in serums designed for facial and under-eye use.
Found in: Vitamin C Caffeine Daytime Serum, Vitamin C Serum with Caffeine L-Carnosine
L-Carnosine is a dipeptide with powerful antioxidant and anti-glycation properties. It helps protect proteins in the skin from damage and supports tissue repair.
Common Uses: L-Carnosine is used by individuals seeking to reduce the appearance of scars, protect against oxidative stress, and support skin repair processes.
Application: Found in serums and facial lotions.
Found in: Plastic Surgery in a Bottle, Vitamin C Serum with Caffeine L-Carnosine, Peptide Facial Lotion
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides derived from sources like oats and yeast. They have soothing, hydrating, and skin-barrier strengthening properties.
Common Uses: Beta-glucans are used by individuals with sensitive or compromised skin seeking to reduce irritation, support healing, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Application: Incorporated into various skincare products including serums, moisturizers, and treatments.
Found in: Plastic Surgery in a Bottle, Vitamin C Caffeine Daytime Serum, Vitamin A Complex Nighttime Serum, Antioxidant Toner, Lips Anti-Aging Lip Cream, and many other Vital Therapy products
Kojic acid is a natural compound derived from fungi that inhibits melanin production. It is commonly used for skin brightening and addressing hyperpigmentation.
Common Uses: Kojic acid is used by individuals seeking to lighten dark spots, even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of sun damage and age spots.
Application: Available in skin lightening lotions and treatments.
Found in: HQ-Free Skin Lightening Lotion
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that helps normalize skin cell turnover, reduce inflammation, and inhibit melanin production. It is effective for both acne and hyperpigmentation.
Common Uses: Azelaic acid is used by individuals seeking to address acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
Application: Found in skin lightening and clarifying treatments.
Found in: HQ-Free Skin Lightening Lotion
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Common Uses: Tea tree oil is used by individuals with acne-prone skin seeking natural cleansing and clarifying benefits.
Application: Found in masks, cleansers, and moisturizers.
Found in: Purifying Tea Tree Mask, Antioxidant Moisturizer, Healing Cream
Witch hazel is a botanical extract with astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It helps tighten pores and soothe irritated skin.
Common Uses: Witch hazel is used by individuals seeking to refine pores, control oil, soothe inflammation, and tone the skin.
Application: Found in toners, serums, masks, and cleansers.
Found in: Vitamin C Caffeine Daytime Serum, Vitamin A Complex Nighttime Serum, Antioxidant Toner, Problem Skin Gel, Purifying Tea Tree Mask
Shea butter is a rich, nourishing fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is highly moisturizing and contains vitamins A and E.
Common Uses: Shea butter is used by individuals with dry or mature skin seeking deep hydration, nourishment, and skin barrier support.
Application: Found in moisturizers, eye creams, and lip treatments.
Found in: Peptide Facial Lotion, Peptide Eye Treatment Cream, Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream, Lips Anti-Aging Lip Cream, Clarifying Acne Cleanser
Aloe vera is a succulent plant extract known for its soothing, hydrating, and healing properties. It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Common Uses: Aloe vera is used by individuals with sensitive, irritated, or sun-damaged skin seeking calming and hydrating benefits.
Application: Incorporated into moisturizers, serums, and healing treatments.
Found in: Plastic Surgery in a Bottle, Antioxidant Moisturizer, Healing Cream, Hydrating Rain, Peptide Eye Treatment Cream
Vital Therapy products are formulated with "chirally correct" ingredients, meaning they use the biologically active forms of molecules that your skin can best utilize. This approach ensures maximum effectiveness and skin compatibility.
Last Updated: March 2026
Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Vital Therapy products are cosmetic skincare products, not drugs. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult with a qualified dermatologist or healthcare provider before beginning any new skincare regimen, especially if you have existing skin conditions. Individual experiences may vary.
