Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ALBIVA different?
- Our complex formulas contain more ingredients at higher levels of concentration than most of our competitors. Basing our formulas on single ‘hero’ ingredients is not what we do.
- The skin is our largest organ and absorbs around 70 % of what is applied to its surface. That is why what we leave out of our products is just as important as what we put in—pure and sustainable ingredients with no harmful additives.
- Every ALBIVA product delivers cold processed, nutrient dense formulations where every ingredient has a purpose. We don’t use cheap fillers such as filtered water, silicones, etc.
- At ALBIVA we explore the nature’s principle of synergy, whereby unique and intelligent combining of ingredients creates sophisticated and advanced complexes, drawing on the synergistic relationship of actives in a way to maximize their therapeutic benefits.
Why do you believe in maximalist approach for your products?
We currently use 50+ high performance active ingredients. Many brands focus on a single ingredient and surround it with fillers (because it is a simple way to tell a story and sell you a product). But for us, “hero” ingredients and simplistic approaches to skincare are just not how we do things. We believe, just as our body needs varied nutrition and balanced diet to be healthy and function properly, our skin, as our largest organ, functions in the same way. Can you imagine eating only broccoli and spinach for few months? Both really healthy and a great part of your five a day, however your body would need other sources of nourishment that would provide variety and each benefit your body as a whole in a different ways. We make complex formulas to deliver multiple benefits to the skin for maximum results.
Why did you replace virtually free, distilled water in your products with expensive organic raspberry water?
We don’t do formulas as everybody else. You may be surprised that distilled water (aqua) makes up 85% – 95% of many brand’s products. This not only means your active ingredients are minimal, too much water can be a problem for skin because it can disrupt the essential substances in skin's surface layers that keep it intact, smooth, and healthy-looking. Distilled water is not an active ingredient, and only a 10% concentration of water in the outer layer of skin is necessary for softness and suppleness in this part of the epidermis.
Our signature COSMOS certified organic raspberry water (Rubus Idaeus) is a powerful active ingredient. 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 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.
We wanted to turn the traditional cosmetics formulating on its head, and do things differently. If many products out there contain 85-95% distilled water and you take out emulsifiers, fillers, fragrance, preservatives, there is hardly any active ingredients left.
ALBIVA products contain 91 – 97.5% active ingredients! Just to give a glimpse:
- Our ECM Advanced Repair Brightening Serum (contains 92% actives) is formulated with 59.15% organic raspberry water (Rubus Idaeus), 5% Ceramides Complex, 3% Lepidium Sativum +7 Swiss Alpine Plants Extract, 2% Niacinamide (vit B3), 2% Spilathes Acmella Extract, 2% Carthamus Tinctorius Extract, 1.4% D-Panthenol (vit B5), etc.
ECM appears in the name of your products. What does it stand for?
ECM stands for Extra Cellular Matrix.
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 and stimulating fibroblast biomechanical functions.
How do your products work? What do the active ingredients do?
ALBIVA products are designed to stimulate cell regeneration using the skin’s own cell biology. Every active ingredient has been specifically selected to support‚ stimulate‚ boost & prevent:
- ECM (Extra Cellular Matrix)
- Cellular Dynamism
- Cellular Communication
- Transdermal Absorption
- Transepidermal Water Loss
This activates skin’s natural ability to repair itself and boost the natural process of restoring collagen and elastin resulting in healthy‚ youthful and firm skin.
Please refer to the science tab on our website for more information.
What ingredients are your products formulated with?
The skin is our largest organ and absorbs around 70 % of what is applied to its surface. That is why what we leave out of our products is just as important as what we put in—pure and sustainable ingredients with no harmful additives.
Our products are formulated with:
- Sophisticated complex of vitamins
- Skin identical and cell communicating ingredients
- Ultra-hydrating blend of botanical extracts
- Powerful antioxidants
- Collagen supporting ingredients
- Peptides
- Ceramides
- Compound of oligo-elements
- Phyto-stimulins
- Nucleid acids
- Marine algae extracts
- Essential fatty acids
- Cellular dynamism boosting compounds
- and many more...
The complex synergy of these active ingredients stimulate and support skin’s own healing at the cellular level‚ providing a youthful‚ healthy‚ radiant look while combating free radical damage.
ALBIVA uses Gemmotherapy. Can you tells us more about it?
Gemmotherapy is an advanced branch of Phytotherapy. This new technology uses the embryological tissues of plants to enhance and facilitate tissue regeneration.
Gemmotherapy remedies are unique‚ young shoots and buds are used‚ as they contain the peak life essence of the plant. These embryological tissues are richer in vitamins‚ oligo-elements‚ minerals‚ nucleic acids and growth hormones than other plant tissues.
Additionally‚ Gemmotherapy extracts contains other active substances (such as growth hormones gibberelins and auxins) that are lost if a plant is allowed to reach a later stage in its growth cycle before harvesting. These fresh‚ embryonic tissues are harvested in their most active phase of the growth cycle‚ to ensure the highest concentration of biologically active substances.
We pride ourselves on being pioneers who lead the way in harnessing this new‚ natural technology. We use the bud extract of Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) throughout our products. 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 (growth hormone) found in certain plants which possess s cell proliferative and differentiation activities‚ as well as antioxidant properties.
Why are all ALBIVA products formulated within the pH range of 5 – 6.5?
Healthy, glowing skin requires its acid mantle’s (protective barrier) pH to be balanced to protect it from environmental damage, toxins and the aging process.
The entire ALBIVA range has been specifically formulated within the pH range of 5 – 6.5 (our skin’s healthy pH range), to repair and restore skin that has become unbalanced as a result of an impaired acid mantle.
Unfortunately there are many astringent products and harsh treatments in the market, that together with adverse environments such as central heating, air conditioning, air pollution, sun damage, dust, create stress on the skin, breaking down it’s natural defense mechanisms, throwing our skin’s barrier function out of balance. Compromised skin barrier’s function results in bacteria, allergens and foreign bodies finding passageways through skin, creating inflammation, allergies and breakouts.
It is very important to us at ALBIVA to formulate products with not only gentle ingredients to keep your pH levels balanced, but also formulate with ingredients designed to restore the integrity of your barrier function (eg. ceramides, fatty acids) in order to ward off premature ageing, helping to return your skin to a youthful, healthy glow.
Can ALBIVA products change colour, aroma or texture?
ALBIVA formulations do not change. However, due the use of mainly natural ingredients, the colour, texture and aroma can change slightly from batch to batch. This is simply an effect of using natural ingredients.
Is ALBIVA 100% natural & organic?
At ALBIVA we create Next Generation products that are results driven and scientific-led utilising the latest technology‚ without any compromise on the quality and purity of ingredients.
We are honest in what goes into our products. They are up to 98% natural and 80% organic.
We are not certified organic by any certification board. We will always use the natural, organic, cold pressed and if possible food grade option if it is available and effective, but we decided against certification because it dramatically reduces the amount of active ingredients available to use. ALBIVA only chooses ingredients that deliver results.
ALBIVA products are inspired by nature, powered by science. We embrace the latest innovations in science, biotechnology and utilize complex chemistry to create products that are highly effective, yet kind to the skin and the environment.
Do ALBIVA products contain preservatives?
We use the latest airless technology packaging to protect our precious formulations from air and light degradation and contamination.
This reduces the requirement for preservative to an absolute minimum.
We feel very strongly that skincare products need to be preserved 100% effectively. So called 'preservative-free' products can be a health hazard.
Can you tell us more about the cold processing technology you use?
High heat during standard production process degrades many precious active ingredients such as vitamins‚ peptides‚ oils and antioxidants.
Our active ingredients are added to the formulations using cold processing technology to ensure all ingredients retain maximum effectiveness.
Are ALBIVA products unisex?
Yes, our products have been specifically designed to be used by women and men. Our products are scented by the natural ingredients within, no artificial fragrances have been used. The textures are lightweight, highly effective, with maximum penetration and absorption ability.
Does sustainability play an important role for ALBIVA?
Sustainability‚ waste reduction‚ reducing carbon footprint and taking care of the Earth is at the heart of what we do and we choose to work with companies sharing our quality standards and ethos. We believe it is our responsibility to cherish what remains of our nature and foster its renewal.
Please refer to the technology & sustainability tab on our website for some concrete examples.
Are ALBIVA products safe to use during pregnancy?
None of our products contain ingredients at levels which should cause concern during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. However, certain products contain ingredients such as essential oils that some women choose to avoid entirely during pregnancy. If you have any concerns at all we advise you to consult your GP or pharmacist and show them the ingredient list before using the product. Our ingredients lists are available on our website. (Just select the product you are interested in and you'll see a tab to click on for the ingredient listing).
What does ALBIVA stand for?
ALBIVA is a combination of two names: Albina, our founder’s beloved grandmother and Ivana. Please refer to Our Founder’s story.