Every active, every excipient, explained.

A synthetic peptide (chain of six amino acids) modelled on a fragment of SNAP-25, the protein botulinum toxin acts on. Applied topically, it produces a mild, temporary softening of the muscle micro-contractions that produce expression lines around the eyes. It is the most-studied topical neuropeptide in the eye-care category and a strong supporting active alongside SYN-AKE.

A naturally occurring nucleoside that sits at the centre of cellular signalling and energy metabolism. In topical cosmetic use, adenosine is documented to support smoother appearance of fine lines, calm visible irritation, and signal a softer surface texture. Approved as a wrinkle-improving active in several jurisdictions.

Extract from the seeds of the horse chestnut tree, rich in saponins called escins. Long used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulas for its ability to support microcirculation and reduce the visible appearance of capillary fragility — useful where puffiness, dullness, or visible vascular shadowing matters.

A naturally occurring molecule (originally derived from comfrey root, now most commonly synthesised) used in dermatology and cosmetic formulas for its calming, soothing, and barrier-supportive properties. Helps the surface skin feel comfortable and the formula sit gently on reactive skin.

Extract from the inner leaf of the aloe vera plant. One of the oldest botanical actives in cosmetic use, recognised for its hydrating, soothing, and barrier-supportive effects. In the Reformer formulas, it pairs particularly well with retinol (Eye Mask) and the energy complex (Face Mask), buffering active ingredients while reinforcing comfort.

The ammonium salt of glycyrrhizic acid, the active component of licorice root. Calming and anti-irritant, used to quiet the appearance of redness and to support skin under environmental stress. The Eye Mask carries a related compound (Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate) for the same purpose.

An amino acid present naturally in the skin. In a topical formula it serves a dual purpose: it functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, and as a gentle pH adjuster that helps stabilise the overall formula.

An osmolyte naturally produced by plants and animals to maintain cellular water balance under stress. In topical cosmetic use, betaine is an effective humectant that helps the skin retain moisture and soften the appearance of fine, dry lines without the heaviness of a traditional oil. Part of the layered humectant system in both masks.

A small alcohol used in modern cosmetic formulas as a solvent for actives, a mild humectant, and a stabiliser that helps the finished formula remain consistent over its shelf life. Considered safe and well-tolerated in modern cosmetic chemistry; assessed favourably by the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review).

The same molecule in coffee, applied topically. Produces vasoconstriction of surface capillaries, which visibly reduces puffiness and supports a smoother, tighter look on application. Common across premium eye-care for that reason; in the Reformer Face Mask, it adds the same de-puffing effect to the cheek and brow.

Extract from the leaves of the tea plant, rich in polyphenols including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). One of the most-studied botanical antioxidants in topical use, supports skin against the visible effects of oxidative stress and environmental pollution.

A family of cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymers used to thicken and stabilise water-based formulas. In a hydrogel mask, it helps form the soft, water-holding lattice that conforms to the orbital bone and releases serum gradually onto the skin.

Also known as gotu kola or "cica." A botanical extract long used in Korean and Ayurvedic skincare for its ability to soothe stressed skin and support visible repair of the barrier. Particularly valuable on skin that reacts easily to retinoids, acids, or environmental aggressors.

Extract from a red seaweed (Irish moss), the natural source of carrageenan. Acts as a gelling and water-binding agent inside the hydrogel matrix of the Eye Mask, and contributes mineral content that complements the cooling sensation of the patch.

Extract from the fruit of the grapefruit, naturally rich in vitamin C and flavonoid antioxidants. Supports brightness, defends against the visible effects of oxidative stress, and pairs particularly well with the niacinamide-led brightening complex in the Eye Mask.

A molecule naturally produced by the body and stored in cells with high energy demand — muscle, brain, and skin. Inside the cell, creatine reacts with ATP to form phosphocreatine, a high-energy reserve that rapidly recharges ATP when demand spikes. This is the same molecule athletes supplement for muscular performance; applied topically, published cosmetic research supports its role in strengthening the skin barrier and improving cellular metabolism under stress.

In the Reformer Face Mask, creatine works with NAD⁺ and NMN as the third pillar of the Cellular Energy & Longevity Complex: NAD⁺ drives ATP production, NMN refills the NAD⁺ reserve, creatine acts as the energy buffer that smooths demand. The three were chosen specifically because none can replace what the other two do.

A ring-shaped sugar molecule used in cosmetic chemistry as a carrier system: it stabilises actives, improves the solubility of less water-friendly molecules, and supports controlled release into the skin over the duration the mask is worn.

A synthetic peptide whose structure was modelled on a peptide isolated from the venom of the temple viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri). It is laboratory-made; there is no actual snake venom in the formula. The peptide works topically by mildly inhibiting muscle nerve signalling at the level of the skin surface, which relaxes the micro-contractions of facial muscles that, over time, etch in as expression lines around the eyes.

SYN-AKE is the hero ingredient of the Reformer Under-Eye Mask. The Eye Mask product page is tagged "SYN-AKE Peptide Powered" for this reason. It is paired with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) and Adenosine, which work on the same line-softening pathway through different mechanisms.

The dipotassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid, the active component of licorice root. Calms visible redness and reactivity in the eye-area skin, and pairs specifically well with retinol — it is part of the calming complex that buffers the retinol in the Eye Mask so the active can do its work without sensitising the barrier.

An adaptive molecule originally isolated from extremophile microorganisms that survive in conditions of intense temperature, salinity, and ultraviolet exposure. Functions in skin by stabilising cell membranes against environmental stress, supporting hydration even under harsh conditions, and contributing to the visible resilience of the skin barrier. Particularly valuable in formulas designed for skin under stress.

A modern preservative booster that helps formulas remain stable over their shelf life with less reliance on traditional preservative loads. Considered gentle and well-tolerated in modern cosmetic chemistry.

A water-binding polysaccharide derived from konjac, used in the hydrogel matrix of the Eye Mask to hold water within the lattice and produce the soft, cool, conforming wear the format is known for.

One of the oldest, most thoroughly studied humectants in cosmetic chemistry. Glycerin draws water from the environment into the upper layers of the skin and helps the skin retain it, supporting comfort, plumpness, and visible smoothness. It is the foundation of the layered humectant system in both Reformer masks.

Extract from the root of the Asian licorice plant, used in dermatology and cosmetic chemistry as a gentle, well-tolerated tone-evening active. Supports a more even-looking complexion by softening the appearance of post-inflammatory discolouration and uneven pigmentation. Pairs naturally with Vitamin C in the brightening pillar of the Reformer Face Mask.

A multifunctional glycol used in modern formulations as a humectant and a preservative booster, helping the finished formula remain stable while contributing to skin softness.

Collagen broken down by enzymatic hydrolysis into smaller peptide fragments. The fragments are too large to replace structural collagen in the dermis, but they are highly effective as humectants on the surface of the skin, plumping fine lines from above while the deeper-working actives (retinol, peptides) do their structural work over time.

A gentle antioxidant and preservative booster used in modern cosmetic formulas. Contributes to formula stability and shelf life without traditional irritant preservatives.

A plant-derived thickener used to give a serum or hydrogel its texture and viscosity. Helps the formula sit and glide on the skin properly.

An advanced cosmetic active designed to support skin against the visible signs of environmental stress. Particularly valuable on skin that registers fatigue, redness, or sensitivity from screen use, pollution, or sun exposure.

A modified form of cyclodextrin used as a carrier system for active ingredients. Encapsulates and stabilises sensitive molecules (including retinol) so they can be delivered at meaningful concentrations while remaining stable in the formula.

Pressed oil from the macadamia nut, rich in palmitoleic and oleic acids that closely mirror the lipid profile of healthy skin. Used in the Eye Mask specifically to nourish the thin barrier of the eye area and to buffer the retinol — allowing meaningful retinol concentrations without the sensitivity retinol can produce on its own.

A water-soluble, stable form of Vitamin C. More gentle than ascorbic acid, with the same brightening and antioxidant benefits but without the irritation. Supports a more even skin tone, defends against the appearance of oxidative damage, and pairs with the licorice extract in the Face Mask to address dullness from multiple angles.

An alkaloid traditionally extracted from Sophora flavescens, used in cosmetic chemistry as a calming, anti-irritant active. Particularly valuable in formulas containing retinol or other actives that can produce visible reactivity.

A naturally occurring mineral used in cosmetic chemistry for its soft light-reflective properties. In the Eye Mask, mica contributes a subtle finishing luminosity that softens the visible appearance of shadowing under the eye.

Niacinamide is one of the most thoroughly studied cosmetic actives in the modern formulary. It supports the skin barrier, brightens uneven tone, calms visible redness, and contributes antioxidant defence — four jobs at once, executed at clinically meaningful concentrations.

It is one of the hero ingredients of the Reformer Under-Eye Mask, chosen because it is one of the few actives well-suited to the demands of the eye area without compromise. Niacinamide works gently alongside retinol, supports the barrier the retinol is renewing, and produces the visible brightening that lifts the eye area out of dullness.

A coenzyme present in every living cell, essential for converting fuel molecules into ATP — the energy currency every cell uses. NAD⁺ accepts electrons during the Krebs cycle in the mitochondria, then donates them to the electron transport chain, where the bulk of cellular ATP is generated. It is also used by two families of repair enzymes that matter for skin specifically: sirtuins, associated with longevity, and PARPs, which repair damaged DNA.

Cellular NAD⁺ levels decline meaningfully with age — most published estimates put the drop at roughly fifty percent between the twenties and the sixties. Topical and supplemental replenishment is one of the most studied strategies in modern longevity science. In the Reformer Face Mask, NAD⁺ is the lead active of the Cellular Energy & Longevity Complex.

A direct precursor to NAD⁺. Inside the cell, an enzyme called NMNAT converts NMN into NAD⁺ on demand. The strategic value of NMN is that it works as a reserve: NAD⁺ itself is consumed rapidly during cellular repair and energy production, and without resupply, levels drop within hours of high demand. NMN gives the cell a fast, stable source of NAD⁺ precisely when it is most needed — under sun exposure, after sleep loss, during the inflammation that follows pollution or stress.

Pairing NMN with NAD⁺ in a single topical formula gives skin both an immediate supply and a sustained reserve. That combination is structurally different from products that include only one or the other. NMN is the second pillar of the Reformer Face Mask's Cellular Energy & Longevity Complex.

A synthetic peptide that signals collagen synthesis in skin cells. One of the longest-studied "matrix" peptides in cosmetic chemistry; established in topical formulas as a structural supporting active alongside the energy and hydration complexes.

The alcohol form of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5). Converts to the vitamin on the skin and is one of the most consistently effective barrier-supportive ingredients in topical care — calms visible irritation, retains moisture, and supports the appearance of recovery on stressed skin.

Modified castor oil derivatives used as solubilisers — they help oil-soluble ingredients dissolve evenly in water-based formulas, which is what enables a hydrogel mask to carry the diverse active ingredient profile it does.

A multifunctional glycol used as a humectant and a mild preservative booster, supporting formula stability and contributing to comfort on the skin.

A widely used, well-tolerated cosmetic preservative that protects the formula from microbial contamination over its shelf life. Considered safe at standard cosmetic concentrations by the FDA and the European Commission.

A simple mineral salt used in hydrogel formulations as an electrolyte and a structure-stabilising component of the gel matrix.

A small alcohol used as a solvent for water-soluble actives and as a mild humectant. Helps the formula deliver its actives evenly across the skin.

An aromatic compound naturally present in red raspberries. In topical cosmetic use it contributes a gentle antioxidant effect and is studied for its supportive role in skin tone evenness.

The pure alcohol form of Vitamin A. Retinol is the most-studied active ingredient in modern topical dermatology, with decades of peer-reviewed evidence supporting its role in cellular turnover, collagen synthesis, and the visible reduction of fine lines, dullness, and texture irregularity over time.

In the Reformer Under-Eye Mask, retinol is one of the four hero ingredients. The concentration is calibrated specifically for the under-eye barrier, which is significantly thinner than facial skin elsewhere. The formula buffers the retinol with macadamia oil, aloe vera, allantoin, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, and matrine — a calming complex deliberately matched to the active so it can deliver its benefits without producing the sensitivity that retinol can cause on unbuffered skin.

Extract from the fruit of the wild rose (rosehip), naturally rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene. Supports brightness and contributes antioxidant defence, particularly suited to skin that has been exposed to ultraviolet light or environmental stress.

The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring component of the dermis, where it holds many times its weight in water and contributes to the structural plumpness of healthy skin. Sodium hyaluronate is more stable and more easily formulated, with all the same humectant benefits.

Sodium hyaluronate is a foundational hydration active in both Reformer masks. It draws water into the skin, plumps fine lines from above, supports surface comfort, and works as the visual delivery system that makes the masks feel as immediately effective as they do.

A naturally occurring disaccharide produced by plants and microorganisms that survive extreme dehydration. It works by stabilising cellular structures and lipid membranes against water loss — the same mechanism it provides on the skin. Studied for its role in preserving the lipid barrier under environmental stress, which is exactly the role it plays in the Reformer formulas.

The base medium of both Reformer formulas. Listed first because it is the highest-concentration ingredient by volume — standard for water-based mask serums. Purified to cosmetic-grade specifications before it enters the formula.

A natural polysaccharide produced by fermentation, used as a thickener and stabiliser. Helps give the Reformer Face Mask serum its characteristic body and prevents the actives from separating out over the shelf life of the product.

A bioavailable mineral salt of zinc, used in cosmetic chemistry for its anti-inflammatory and visibly de-puffing properties. Particularly useful in formulas designed for stressed or tired-looking skin; pairs with caffeine in the Face Mask to address visible fatigue from multiple mechanisms.