The raspberry plant is known to have plentiful medicinal properties. Raspberries are rich in anthocyanosides, providing high antioxidant levels to help fight cells ageing. The leaves have been used since ancient times as a skin softener. They can contain up to 10% tannins (skin tightening) as well as several organic acids, flavonoids and vitamin C. The fruit contains polyphenols (anthocyannins) and vitamin C but also vitamins B1 and B2, provitamin-A and various trace elements.

Rose is a popular ingredient in skin care — and with good reason. Its mild astringent properties help tighten the pores and gently tone the skin. It hydrates, calms, heals, and maintains the skin’s pH balance. Other important skin benefits of rose water are its anti-inflammatory effects, and its antioxidant effects on free radical damage. It takes tens of thousands of rose blossoms to yield 1 ounce of rose essential oil. That makes rose oil one of the most expensive essential oils.  Floral water is derived from an intricate process. Small batches of rose buds are steamed in copper distilleries and ultimately release a therapeutic compound into the water. The essential oil is drawn off, and rose water, containing micro molecules of essential oil and constituents from the flower is captured drop by drop.

Pantothenic acid is converted to vitamin B5 in the body. Pantothenic acid is present in all living cells and acts as an essential nutritional component due to its role in the formation of acetyl-co-enzyme A in the early stages of metabolism. Benefits: Enhances skin barrier repair and reduces inflammation. Stimulates the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and can accelerate cell turnover. Stimulates wound healing. Anti-inflammatory & anti-aging benefits. It’s a penetrating moisturizer.

Sodium hyaluronate is the salt of hyaluronic acid and it has a much lower molecular size. This gives it the ability to penetrate skin when applied topically. One key feature of sodium hyaluronate is its ability to hold more than 1000 times its weight in water! Sodium hyaluronate is a glycosaminoglycan found in various connective tissues and skin. It is water-binding, has the ability to fill the spaces between the connective fibers known as collagen and elastin.

Glycerin is a natural component of healthy skin and is present in all natural lipids (fats). It plays a key role in maintaining skin’s moisture balance, keeping it feeling smooth and supple. 

Aloe has been used since ancient times to heal wounds. It has moisturizing, healing, skin soothing and rejuvenating properties. Aloe vera leaf juice is composed of polysaccharides, anthraquinones, amino acids, glycosides, minerals, flavones, phytosterols and salicylic acid.Polysaccharides give aloe its hydrating, emollient and anti-inflammatory benefits, while creating a protective barrier on the skin.
Anthraquinones offer antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics.
Flavones offer further protection from free-radical damage.
Phytosterols are anti-inflammatory, which calm and soothe itchy skin, also moisturizing and protecting the skin from trans-epidermal water loss.
Glycosides promote healthy cell regeneration and offer antihistaminic (anti-allergen) properties, while vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids nourish the skin.

The dermis is a connective tissue composed of fibroblasts that produce proteins (mainly collagen and elastin)‚ which are deposited in the extra-cellular matrix (ECM).

Fibroblasts play a key role in the dermis architecture‚ as they organize a supporting network that brings firmness and elasticity to the skin.

As the skin ages‚ it loses both elasticity and firmness. Cell turnover slows down and collagen production decreases. The dermis structure is disorganized‚ resulting in skin slackening and an accentuation of wrinkles.

To prevent sagging and combat the signs of aging‚ it is essential to reinforce the dermis structure‚ by targeting the cellular dynamism, cellular communication and stimulating fibroblast biomechanical functions.

All living cells are dynamic and integrate a wide variety of biochemical and mechanical information‚ continuously adapting and responding to their environment.

Signals transmitted by hormones‚ growth factors, neighboring cells or the ECM are sensed by cells and can trigger rapid changes in metabolism‚ gene expression‚ cell shape‚ dynamics and behavior.

The ECM regulates cell’s dynamic behavior and facilitates the surrounding cells to repair and heal tissue.

The ECM is composed of structural proteins (collagen‚ elastin) and glycosaminoglycans.

At ALBIVA we stimulate cellular dynamism with the following active ingredients:

Spilanthes Acmella Extract

Renowned for high content of alkylamides‚ boosts cellular dynamism by stimulating fibroblast biomechanical function‚ which in turn reorganises & tightens the collagen fiber network. This reinforces the architecture of the dermis‚ enhances density of the skin and firmness.

Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract (Wu Zhu Yu)

Stimulates extracellular release of citric oxide which dilates blood vessels‚ thus improves micro-circulation and as a result‚ illuminates & brightens skin.

Alaria Esculenta Extract (Brown Algae)

Stimulates Collagen III synthesis and Matricial & Peri-Membranar Proteoglycans synthesis, both resulting in firming effect.

Gemmotherapy - Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Bud Extract

The extract contains proline‚ an amino-acid and a precursor of pro-collagen synthesis‚ high content of alpha-tocopherol‚ a well known antioxidant and 8’-hydroxyarctigenin which is a lignan found in certain plants which possess cell proliferative and differentiation activities‚ as well as antioxidant properties.

One of the ECM many functions‚ is regulating intercellular communication.

At ALBIVA we stimulate cellular communication with the following active ingredients:

Alaria Esculenta Extract (Brown Algae)

Maintains cell communication at epidermic level by activating connexions 43 for an optimum keratogenesis, regeneration of epidermic tissue.

Vitamin B3

A known cell communicator‚ it is critical for cellular energy production and protection against stress and DNA damage. Helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin’s elasticity‚ fighting free-radical damage‚ and evening skin tone and texture.

Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract (Oceanic Marine Algae)

A powerful anti wrinkle active‚ stimulates production of structural skin proteins. It is highly concentrated in carotenoids‚ essential fatty acids and sterols.

• Low Molecular Weight (eg. hyaluronic acid‚ vitamin complex)
• Skin Penetration Enhancers (fatty acids‚ ceramides)

• Humectants (attract & hold water e.g. glycerol‚ hyaluronic acid, allantoin, vitamin B5)
• Occlusives (lock in moisture e.g. squalane‚ prickly pear oil‚ jojoba oil)
• Emmolients (soften and soothe skin, eg. Perilla Ocymoides Seed Oi)

Our formulas contain a concentrated blend of Vit B5‚ B3‚ C‚ A and E with proven synergistic relationships.

Research shows that when applied topically‚ several vitamins inclusive of A‚ B‚ C & E‚ are all very effective for targeting the signs of aging inclusive of hyperpigmentation‚ sagging as well as wrinkles.

The molecules of these vitamins are small enough to penetrate the skin’s layers and work their reparative efforts‚ improving cell regeneration as well as helping to repair prior skin damage.

We use a concentrated complex of 7 Swiss Alpine plant extracts in our brightening serum (Mallow‚ Peppermint‚ Cowslip‚ Lady’s Mantle‚ Speedwell‚ Melissa and Yarrow) that work in synergy to brighten and even the skin and reduce the colour intensity of age spots.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 work synergistically to stimulate the synthesis of the key constituents of the skin matrix—collagen‚ elastin and glycosaminoglycans.

This combination improves skin structure by reducing wrinkles and lines‚ as well as a generally younger appearance. The new production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans is accelerated. The skin profile is improved from within. Tannins are extracted from oak and are well known to be skin tightening.

Our oil comes from China and is obtained by cold pressing the seed of the Perilla plant. Once pressed the remaining seed cake is used as animal or bird feed.

The fruit is grown in a very specific area of China. The ethical policy of the manufacturer confirms that no slave labour or child labour is used and there is no gender discrimination‚ which is great news for women's rights in China.

Because of the risk of pollution in the sea‚ our producer grows the micro algae in a purpose built eco facility located in Italy. This not only guarantees purity of the algae but also means that the eco balance of the oceans are not disturbed by uncontrolled harvesting. The algae give off gases that are harvested to heat the facility and it is powered by solar panels to give a low carbon footprint. 

When isolating plant cultures‚ we encounter problems dealing with environmental aggressors such as soil contaminants that alter plant metabolism‚ water pollution‚ air pollution etc. To isolate the most effective active ingredients that are pollution free‚ our producer uses a special facility to cultivate plants under controlled environment. Light‚ air‚ temperature‚ nutrients are auto-controlled. In this protected ecosystem‚ it is possible to harvest buds that are pesticide free‚ fresh and rich in nutrients.

Carry PEFC mark (Licence number: PEFC/14-35-00133). PEFC is the world's largest forest certification organization. An International non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management. The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification is the certification system of choice for small forest owners.