-Helps visibly improve skin smoothness and texture
-Supports skin barrier function and moisture retention
-May help reduce the appearance of fine lines over time
-Helps skin appear more even-toned and refined
-Provides long-lasting hydration throughout the day
-May help improve the appearance of skin firmness
-Supports skin's natural moisture balance
-Helps protect skin from environmental stressors

The IDEO Skin Memory Daily Moisturizer combines several well-researched ingredients that work through distinct biological mechanisms to support skin health and appearance.

Bakuchiol: Retinol-Alternative for Skin Renewal

Bakuchiol, derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, functions as a gentler alternative to retinol by activating similar cellular pathways without the associated irritation. Research demonstrates that bakuchiol influences gene expression to support collagen and elastin production in skin cells. A comparative study found that both retinol and bakuchiol upregulated genes important for skin matrix integrity, including types I, III, and IV collagen, as well as aquaporin-3, which regulates water distribution in skin. In a clinical study, 0.5% bakuchiol applied twice daily for 12 weeks showed improvements in wrinkle appearance and skin pigmentation with better tolerability than retinol. The mechanism differs from retinol—bakuchiol doesn't bind to retinoid receptors but instead modulates gene expression through alternative pathways, which explains its reduced irritation potential. Studies also show bakuchiol demonstrates multidirectional anti-aging activity by supporting fibronectin levels (a critical extracellular matrix protein) and accelerating epidermal regeneration.​

Niacinamide: Multi-Functional Barrier Support

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) operates through multiple biochemical pathways in skin cells. At concentrations of 3-5%, niacinamide has been shown to stimulate ceramide and fatty acid synthesis in the epidermis, which strengthens the skin's protective barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss. This barrier enhancement translates to improved moisture retention and protection against environmental irritants. Clinical studies demonstrate that niacinamide at 4-5% concentrations can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The ingredient also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α and TNF-α in skin tissue. Research shows niacinamide's effects are dose-dependent, with concentrations of 2-5% showing optimal benefits for barrier function and pigmentation concerns. A study involving niacinamide-containing emollients found significant improvements in skin hydration (44% increase) and reduction in itching (79% decrease) in participants.​

Hyaluronic Acid Complex: Multi-Layer Hydration

The moisturizer contains multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, each serving a distinct function based on molecular weight. Sodium hyaluronate (lower molecular weight) can penetrate into the stratum corneum to provide deeper hydration, while larger forms remain on the skin's surface to immediately boost moisture. A clinical study of topical hyaluronic acid serum showed a 134% immediate increase in skin water content, with sustained 55% increase after six weeks of use. The study also demonstrated improvements in skin plumping (60%), smoothness (64%), and fine line appearance (31%) after six weeks. Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer creates a stable protective film on the skin surface that provides long-lasting hydration and helps prevent moisture loss throughout the day. This crosslinked form is more resistant to enzymatic degradation, allowing it to maintain its moisturizing effect for extended periods.​

Squalane: Biomimetic Emollient

Squalane is a hydrogenated form of squalene, a lipid naturally present in human sebum. As an emollient, squalane's small molecular structure allows it to fill gaps between skin cells, smoothing rough edges and improving skin flexibility. Research indicates squalane acts as both a moisturizer and antioxidant, with anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin. A four-week clinical study combining bakuchiol and squalane showed an 11.9% improvement in skin elasticity and significant reduction in transepidermal water loss, indicating enhanced barrier function. The study also demonstrated a 38.28% improvement in the appearance of dark spots after two weeks. Squalane's occlusive properties help form a protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss while allowing the skin to breathe.​

Vitamin C Derivative (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate): Lipid-Soluble Antioxidant

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C that offers enhanced stability compared to L-ascorbic acid. Research shows this derivative can be converted to ascorbic acid within skin cells, with cellular uptake studies demonstrating it delivers three times more intracellular ascorbic acid compared to water-soluble ascorbic acid at equivalent concentrations. However, recent studies indicate that tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate shows limited antioxidant capacity on its own and degrades rapidly under simulated daylight conditions. When stabilized with additional antioxidants, it demonstrates improved effects on collagen production and keratinocyte differentiation. A clinical study using 30% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate showed improvements in dermal morphology, increased collagen levels, and reduced melanin content after six weeks of twice-daily application.​

Peptide Complex (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8): Expression Line Targeting

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic peptide designed to reduce the appearance of expression lines. The peptide works by modulating neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, similar to botulinum toxin but through a topical mechanism. Clinical studies show that formulations containing 10% acetyl hexapeptide-8 can reduce wrinkle depth by 30-49% after four weeks of daily application. However, lower concentrations show more modest effects—a study using 2% concentration showed a 15.9% decrease in wrinkle depth after one week. The peptide has also been shown to stimulate type I collagen fiber proliferation while decreasing type III collagen in skin tissue.​

Shea Butter: Lipid Barrier Enhancement

Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii) is rich in fatty acids including oleic acid (73%), palmitic acid (15%), and linoleic acid (9%). These fatty acids support the skin's lipid barrier by mimicking the structure of natural barrier lipids. Research demonstrates that shea butter's fatty acid composition helps seal moisture into the skin and strengthens barrier function, with effects comparable to ceramides. The butter also contains triterpenes, which studies suggest may help preserve collagen fibers by inhibiting enzymatic degradation. Shea butter's anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like lupeol cinnamate, make it beneficial for reducing redness and irritation.​

Supporting Antioxidants and Hydrators

Several additional ingredients provide complementary benefits. Ergothioneine, a naturally occurring amino acid with antioxidant properties, has been shown to protect skin cells from UV-induced oxidative stress and support skin barrier repair. Studies demonstrate ergothioneine can reduce UVA-induced collagen degradation by activating antioxidant pathways (ARE/Nrf2) while inhibiting inflammatory signaling (AP-1). Sodium PCA, a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, functions as a humectant that can hold several times its weight in water. Research confirms that cosmetic preparations containing at least 2% sodium PCA significantly improve dry skin conditions by enhancing moisture retention and supporting barrier function. Haematococcus pluvialis extract provides astaxanthin, a potent carotenoid antioxidant that research shows can reduce oxidative stress, promote collagen secretion, and support skin regeneration following UV exposure. Tocopherol (vitamin E) serves as a lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects against UV-induced damage by scavenging free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation in skin membranes.​

Amino Acid Complex: Structural Building Blocks

The formula contains multiple amino acids including glutamic acid, lysine, threonine, arginine, serine, alanine, glycine, and proline. While these amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of skin proteins like collagen and keratin, topical amino acid bioavailability presents challenges. Research indicates that amino acids applied to the skin surface have limited capacity to directly stimulate collagen synthesis due to molecular size constraints and the need for specific cellular uptake mechanisms. Glycine, the most abundant amino acid in collagen, is essential for structural integrity, while arginine serves as a natural moisturizing factor and may support wound healing. However, studies suggest that for topical application, amino acids primarily function as humectants and skin conditioning agents rather than direct collagen precursors.​

Apply an even layer to face and neck, morning and night, massaging into skin with an upward motion. For optimal results, apply after your IDEO Skin Memory Serum. Keep away from contact with eyes.