ingredient

why we selected it

in which products of
ours you'll find it

A

allantoin

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alpha arbutin

The idea of minimizing pigmentation spots on the skin and brightening overall tone is an appealing one that has really grown on me within the last two years.

In the past, I was all about getting a tan…it was the thing to do and I always thought I looked healthier with it. Even with everything I’ve learned about damaging effects tanning and the sun can have on the skin, I have to admit, when I first realized I’d be moving to Florida I thought, “Oooo the tan I’ll be able to get!”

I came to my senses though and am growing to see that for me, un-tan is how I choose to look my best. Especially here in Florida, where I can go to any mall and see the negative effects of the sun all around me. These days, I’ll gladly take cream-colored, unblemished and wrinkle-free over that “healthy orange glow.”

Alpha arbutin was an exciting choice of skin brightener for a couple of reasons. First, many skin brighteners achieve their effect by bleaching or removing pigmentation from the skin. Though the potential is there for a quick fix, it’s not exactly safe to be bleaching one’s skin and the results I've read about scare me.

Rather than directly removing pigment, alpha arbutin tells the skin to not so aggressively produce melanin (our skin pigment) resulting from sun exposure. It takes more time than bleaching, but the results can be astounding. In a way, it’s as if arbutin speeds up the natural fading process our skin goes through that causes our tans to fade. It’s the best way I’ve found so far to nearly eliminate so-called age spots.

I learned more about tanning itself and our skin's response to UV exposure and that with select ingredients you can, in essence, turn down this tanning response to UV. This knowledge led the decision-making process when selecting ingredients that would safely brighten the skin.

• Brightens Skin
• Reduces tanning after UV exposure
• Improves tone and evens complexion
• Is an ultra-safe method of skin lightening

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alpha lipoic acid

Long before a skincare interest, alpha lipoic acid was an ingredient I had read up on and knew had a multitude of benefits to our bodies. It is an important anti-oxidant that is both water and fat soluble, which means when consumed, all parts of the body could use it to protect the cells.

In skincare, alpha lipoic acid applied topically has powerful skin toning, protecting and synergistic effects, especially when combined with other vitamins and antioxidants. It is known to increase cell metabolism and energy levels. According to experts, this can have an anti-aging effect.

• Antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble
• Synergistically works with other vitamins and antioxidants

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Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3)

Everyone has by now heard of Botox - the hammer approach, if you will, to eliminating expression line wrinkles. Argireline goes after halting those same type of wrinkles addressed by Botox injections, but does so in a much simpler way…and of course, without needles or a doctor office visit. Argireline is derived from plants and delivers results by blocking the transmitter between the muscle and the skin that’s responsible for facial expression contractions. It in essence tells the skin to stay smooth and relaxed. Clinical studies with solutions containing 20% Argireline resulted in a 27% wrinkle reduction after 30 days of use and new wrinkles were also inhibited. YBF’s original Control formula contained over 25% Argireline. In July of 2009 we updated Control's peptide mix, replacing Argireline with Snap-8 (an improved version of the peptide) and added the peptides Syn-Tacks, Leuphasyl and increased the amount of Matrixyl 3000. We made these changes to increase Control's ability to fight existing deep wrinkles.

• Reduces expression line wrinkles
• Creates a smoother look

Formerly in Control

ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Vitamin C is awesome and I knew we needed to use the vitamin in at least one of our products. Based on research and personally trying some of the best vitamin C products out there, I knew sensitivity would be an issue for many people. I also wasn’t a fan of how typical vitamin C products would age (quickly), turn brown and take on an interesting smell. I also noted some manufacturers of vitamin C products would state that even though their product would turn color, the C would still be as effective and others would tell you it HAD to be fresh or it wasn’t effective at all…as a consumer, these mixed messages were confusing. It didn’t matter though, because there was still the issue of sensitivity.

Happily, we found an alternative; one that is just fantastic. The long name is ascorbic tetraisopalmitate, but we call it stabilized vitamin C. Turns out, there are several stabilized forms of vitamin C on the market, but this one is the Rolls Royce of C’s. It’s super stable…doesn’t turn brown or take on a strange smell, is better absorbed by the skin and best of all, doesn’t irritate the skin like other C’s do.

Including this form of vitamin C in our products adds many benefits. It synergizes with the other vitamins to increase their effectiveness, is a VERY powerful anti-oxidant, helps to brighten and clarify the skin (inhibiting excess melanin formation) and boosts collagen production to decrease appearance of wrinkles. You’ll find us using ascorbic tetraisopalmitate in Control product and in our greatest concentration in Restore.

• Antioxidant protection
• Stable form of Vitamin C
• Skin brightening / lightening

control

restore

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B

bht

Part of why we chose the containers we use for YBF products was because of their air tightness, allowing us to minimize preservatives. BHT is a mild preservative, but is also an antioxidant.

• Has antioxidant properties
• Ensures product stability

Formerly in Correct

blueberry seed oil

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C

caffeine

If asked, every one of my close friends and former co-workers would tell you I included caffeine in our eye cream just because I’m a coffee junkie and wanted an alternative way to get a quick fix. Actually though, caffeine is an anti-oxidant and is great for use in products around the eye area because it helps reduce puffiness (the same reason putting tea bags on your eyes helps).

If you're after a highly caffeinated fix, go for some java…and next time you are in Minneapolis, check out Coffee & Tea Ltd in the Linden Hills neighborhood, they’re my favorite. Or meet for a secret coffee rendezvous at the SpyHouse Coffee Shop.

Addition from Kimberley: I think we should represent Orlando, too. So, for a fun and casual spot for great coffee, snacks and games when in our tourist mecca, go to the Drunken Monkey. Oh, and believe it or not, my hometown in Wisconsin is where the coffee break originated.

• Helps tighten the skin and reduce puffiness

boost

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cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate

Made from olives, helps to seal moisture into the skin and lends to the consistency of the product feel.

• Seals and protects the skin, adds moisture

boost

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cucumber extract

This just seemed like a natural choice for us to include in our eye cream and in our newest product, Boost. It helps cool and refresh due to a ph that's almost identical to human skin.

• Soothes and reduces puffiness

boost

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cupuacu butter

quench

D

dimethyl isosorbide

The very worthwhile ingredient with a strange name. We call it DMI for short and is based chemically from a sugar molecule. It helps the active ingredients we use to better penetrate the skin and increases their effectiveness. It’s an alternative to using of oils and is safe. You’ll most likely see this ingredient used in some of the high-end spray on self tanners found on the market these days.

• Increases absorption of other active ingredients which increases overall product effectiveness

defend 

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restore

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E

edelweiss extract

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Eyeseryl

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H

Haloxyl (hydroxy-succinimide, chrysin, palmitoyl oligopeptide (and) palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3)

Say that three time fast! Ever hear of those eye creams designed to get rid of serious dark circles? This is the active ingredient they use and it works in several ways to brighten the area around the eyes. I get queasy on this next part…. A lot of research points to dark circles as a result of blood seeping from the frail capillaries and collecting in the thin tissues around the eyes. Yuck - I know. All this leads to iron deposits in the skin…and dark circles. Haloxyl helps to strengthen the capillaries and naturally flush the tissues of iron deposits, leaving the skin better looking and more refreshed.   

• Reduces dark circles by assisting the body flush dark iron deposits from the skin
• Increases capillary strength to minimize blood seepage which can lead to darkening of thin tissue
• Improves smoothness and tone of the skin and helps minimize fine wrinkles

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Hilurip

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Homeostatine

defend

boost

I

idebenone

There’s so much to say about idebenone, which has an interesting history with YBF. This was one of the first antioxidants that turned us on to skincare. It is a remarkable ingredient and is even used to protect organs due for transplant. It's a cousin to the very popular CoQ10 but is more stable and better for use in skincare.

• One of the most powerful antioxidants and skin protectors
• Proven to help restore skin's youthful appearance by reversing sun damage
• Helps clarify skintone, may brighten skintone and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles

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J

jojoba

Jojoba is a well-tolerated oil replacement. Even though we've steered clear of using excess oils in our products, use of jojoba in small quantities allows us to incorporate ingredients that would not otherwise be possible in a water-only formula. It is also very moisturizing.

• A natural, liquid wax that is similar to our own skin's sebum
• Helps retain moisture and protect the skin

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L

l-proline

Amino Acid, strengthens cell envelope, strengthens skin and is derived from various plants.

• Improves elasticity of the skin

Formerly in Correct

Leuphasyl
(water, glycerin, pentapeptide-18, caprylyl glycol)

A new peptide designed to reduce the depth of wrinkles on the face, especially on the forehead and around the eyes.

• Redeuces wrinkle depth
• Enhances the effectiveness of other peptides such as Snap-8

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licorice root extract

Anti-inflammatory with powerful skin lightening properties.

• Natural skin brightener

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Lipochroman-6 (dimethylmethoxy chromanol)

New and up there with Spin Trap as one of the most effective and favored antioxidants available in skin care. Lipochroman-6 fights two types of free radicals (ROS and NOS) known to increase skin aging.

• Protects skin from damage
• Improves overall skin appearance and brightness with cumulative benefits

defend

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restore

boost

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M

Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3

When we first began formulating the YBF line, we were excited about the potential use of Matrixyl. It was touted as a great alternative to the use of vitamin A, which has a reputation of being not-so-well tolerated and can cause sun sensitivity if used in too high a quantity. So, imagine our joy when Matrixyl 3000 became available. Offering vastly improved anti-wrinkle and skin smoothing properties even better than standard Matrixyl.

The ingredient is actually a combination of two peptides. Working together to restore and maintain the skin's youthful appearance by decreasing wrinkle depth and density, increasing skin firmness and promoting collagen synthesis.

• A gentle alternative to retinol and helps smooth the skin
• Encourages the skin to heal

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meadowfoam seed oil

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micronized titanium dioxide

Natural sun block mineral with anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity.

• Serves as a natural UV barrier, used in many sunscreen products
• Has antiviral and antibacterial properties
• Diffuses light for more even skintone appearance

Formerly in Defend

N

niacin

Niacin is another B vitamin that's proving to be great for your skin in quite a few ways! Niacin helps skin stay balanced and is perfect for those with hyperpigmentation, sensitive or overly oily skin. It also helps to increase circulation which helps the skin stay fresh looking and more toned.

• Protective against photoaging and aid brightening process
• Regulates oil production, balancing skin
• Improves texture and tone

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nutmeg butter

Contains Tetradecanoic Fatty Acid

• Moisturizing
• Soothing and relaxing qualities

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nylon 12

When we began formulating to help balance oiliness, we considered natural clays first. The problem we found was that depending on the other ingredients in a formula and even varying humidity, sometimes the clay worked and sometimes it didn't. When it didn't work, it not only did a poor job of handling oil, it just looked odd. Nylon 12 was a superior alternative. It is a synthetic ingredient that is more consistent than clay, doesn't break down and has a LOT of slip...so it feels great and holds up beautifully.

• Diffuses light for more even appearance
• Absorbs many times its weight in oil, thus reducing shine
• Contributes to a time-release effect of active ingredients

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O

olive leaf extract

Helps maintain product freshness and has amazing properties that help tone the skin, keeping it firm and taut.

• Antiviral and antioxidant properties

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P

palmitoyl pentapeptide-3

Stimulates collagen production and reduces appearance of wrinkles.
In July, 2009 we updated Defend's formula with a more up-to-date peptide, Syn-Coll which is better suited to fight premature wrinkles.

• Encourages collagen stability and reduces wrinkles

Formerly in Defend

paraben du

Preservative that is widely accepted and the most used method in the skincare industry of protecting product safety. The role of preservatives in our products is not to create an extended shelf life, but to protect our customers from product contamination. Because of our airless containers and the quick turn of our product from the time it's made, our use of preservatives is kept to an absolute minimum.

• Ensures product freshness
• Proven effective and safe
• Low irritation record

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restore

boost

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Pentavitin

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Pepha-Timp (polypeptide)

This is another great skin protector and helps you combat sun damage by protecting the skin at a cellular level.

• Reduces degenerative damage resulting from excessive UV exposure
• Protects and strengthens collagen

Formerly in Correct

provitamin B5

Most widely known for use in brand name hair products, but also works wonders on the skin.

• Moisturizes
• Soothes irritated skin
• Increases elasticity
• Heals minor wounds

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boost

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R

raspberry seed extract

An excellent emollient oil that helps protect the skin.

• Powerful antioxidant due to ellagic acid content
• Soothing
• Has antibacterial properties

Formerly in Correct

Renovage (triglyceride, teprenone)

Improves skin's overall quality while protecting skin from early signs of aging by providing antioxidant protection and increasing cell lifespan.

• Antioxidant protection from DNA damage
• Known to extend cell life and improve skin's resistance to premature aging
• Helps to prevent new wrinkles or skin damage

boost

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reverse osmosis water

ULTRA-purified water like no other and better for your skin.

• Does not contain irritants or chemicals like regular water may

defend

control

restore

boost

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S

Sepilift DPHP (palmitoyl-1, palmitoyloxy-4 proline)

plant-derived lipid agent consisting of hydroxyproline (natural amino acid essential for skin collagen synthesis) & palmitic acid (natural fatty acid).

• Increases skin firmness
• Assists in moisture retention
• Helps smooth wrinkles

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sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid)

Pure, elegant hydration...that's what this ingredient brings to the table. I first used a product containing sodium hyaluronate about 10 years ago and was amazed at how hydrated my skin felt. It literally helps draw moisture into your skin and helps in delivery of the other ingredients so you get their full benefit.

• Highly moisturizing
• Helps to continually draw moisture to the skin
• Helps plump up the skin to reduce appearance of wrinkles

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restore

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Snap-8
(water, acetyl octapeptide-3)

An octapeptide, Snap-8 is molecularly an elongated version of Argireline and believed to be more effective than Argireline at reducing fine wrinkles.

• Reduces depth of facial contraction wrinkles, especially around the forehead and eyes

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spin trap

This is a skincare formulator's dream ingredient. When I first read about spin traps in skincare, the thought of possibly using it in one of our formulas felt like a dream. Who knew it would become a foundation of the entire brand! It's an extremely costly ingredient, but is literally THE cutting-edge in skincare, so we had to use it.

Spin trap functions as an antioxidant, but not in the traditional manner. Instead of destroying free radicals, it restores balance to unstable molecules and does a better job of protecting our cells from damage.

• Cutting-edge antioxidant
• Reduces skin's response to the damaging effects of UV

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boost

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Syn-ake
(water, glycerin, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate)

Hissss....those afraid of snakes need not fear. Syn-ake gets its witty name because it was modeled after snake venom, but is NOT venomous. Scientists were simply able to identify the component of a particular venom that could be used to reduce repetitive muscle contractions....think topical Botox. It works on the same muscles that benefit from those scary injections, just no needles, and it's safe.

• Reduces expression line wrinkles, quickly

Formerly in Correct

Syn-coll (glycerin, palmitoyl tripeptide-5)

A great peptide that's well suited to prevent new wrinkles and protect skin that already looks great! Syn-Coll protects and stimulates collagen synthesis and helps maintain youthful appearances.

• Protects and stimulates collagen production

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Syn-tacks
(glycerin, palmitoyl dipeptide-5, diaminobutyroyl hydroxythreonine, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate)

A combination of two peptides aimed at improving the structural integrity of skin and thereby improving tone and actively reducing wrinkles.

• Improves tone
• Reduces wrinkles

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superoxide dismutase

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V

vitamin a

Encourages cellular renewal when used in small amounts. Speeds natural exfoliation process.

• Anti-wrinkle properties by encouraging skin renewal

Formerly in Correct

vitamin e

Is a free radical scavenger of pollutants and protects and nourishes the skin. Works well in combination with other vitamins and is highly moisturizing. Also promotes healing of the skin.

• Soothes and heals
• Powerful antioxidant

defend

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restore

boost

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W

white tea/green tea (silver needle)

boost

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X

xylitol

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