Ingredient Philosophy

The actives we focus on. The ones we don't.

Pre-launch. Full ingredient list, exact concentrations, and the evidence behind each active will be published at launch, once the formula and safety assessment are finalised. The page below explains how we choose actives, not the final formula.

STEMOVA is built around a short list of well-studied actives, used in forms skin can actually absorb. We don't add ingredients for marketing alone, and we don't make whitening claims — STEMOVA is about an even, healthy-looking tone and a comfortable barrier, not bleaching skin.

Active families we focus on

The plain-language version of what STEMOVA is being formulated around. Specific percentages, the complete INCI list, and the studies behind each choice will be published in full at launch.

A stable vitamin C derivative

For antioxidant support and a more even-looking tone over time. We favour modern, well-tolerated derivatives that stay stable in the bottle rather than pure L-ascorbic acid, which is notoriously fragile.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

One of the best-studied molecules in skincare. Supports the appearance of an even tone, helps refine the look of pores, and contributes to a comfortable, well-supported barrier.

Multi-weight hyaluronic acid

Different molecular weights sit at different depths of the upper skin. The blend approach gives surface hydration and a plumper-looking finish in the same drop.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

A long-trusted humectant and soothing ingredient. Helps skin feel calm and comfortable, especially when the barrier has been pushed too far.

Centella asiatica (Cica)

Standardised extracts of Centella have decades of evidence for soothing visibly stressed skin and supporting a calm, even-looking complexion.

Ceramides & barrier lipids

Skin-identical lipids that help the outermost layer of skin do its job — holding moisture in and keeping daily irritants out.

Glycerin

The most-studied humectant in cosmetic science. Quietly does a lot of the work behind a comfortable, dewy finish.

Our standard — what won't be in the bottle

A short, deliberate list of ingredients we exclude — either because the evidence doesn't support them at the doses required, because they compromise long-term barrier health, or because they conflict with our cruelty-free standard.

  • Hydroquinone
  • Synthetic fragrance
  • Parabens
  • Mineral oil and petrolatum
  • Drying alcohols (SD Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol)
  • Sulphates (SLS / SLES)
  • Animal-derived ingredients

Pre-launch. Nothing on this page constitutes a finalised product claim. The complete ingredient list and any substantiated claims will be printed on the box and published on this site at launch.