What is it?

Niacinamide - C₆H₆N₂O

Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimise enlarged follicles, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened skin barrier function. It may also treat acne, as it is reduces the amount of Sebum made. Nicotinic acid is found in brewer's yeast and many cereals. So yes, it is considered green and sustainable. However it is made in India, so there is still the carbon footprint to think about.

Hyaluronic Acid - (C₁₄H₂₁NO₁₁)_n

Also known as Sodium hyaluronate. A slippery substance that actually your body does produce naturally. However as we age the body produces less.  Hyaluronic acid used to be procured from the coxcomb on a Rooster (the flappy bit on its head). Fortunately scientists have found that it can be made from bacterial fermentation. It is considered a natural skin care ingredient, but it is made in China, so, again, there is the carbon footprint to think about.

CoEnzyme Q10 – Ubidecarenone

Our bodies naturally produce CoEnzyme Q10, it is at the highest concentrations from childhood until about 30 years old.  It is found in nearly every cell of the body. It is a powerful antioxidant which helps fight free radicals*, it also assists with collagen repair (so helps the skin look less wrinkled and saggy). Laboratory made CoEnzyme Q10 is made by fermentation of corn. Again, it is considered sustainable and green, but it is developed in China and so yet again, there is the carbon footprint.

So, to summarise this... they are amazing, they do seem to help the skin, they are all "green" and "sustainable" but my issue is the carbon footprint and therefore you wont be finding them in any White Cloud product anytime soon. I see them as a luxury item. I will keep my eye on it, and if it comes to shores nearer to us in New Zealand, then I will look at formulating a super boost serum... watch this space....

*Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells.