ALAB | Ingredients Philosophy

Every Ingredient Matters

WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR SKIN SHOULD HAVE A PURPOSE.

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AESTHETIC LAB

Ingredient Philosophy

At AESTHETIC LAB, every formula starts with ingredients that are backed by science — not trends. Every ingredient is purposefully selected not only for its efficacy by itself, but also for how it works in synergy with other clinically proven ingredients, at the exact concentrations that matter. There is no ingredient fatigue and no trendy acids or actives that compromise the barrier for the sake of “instant results.”

Ingredients with Intention, Not Just Inclusion.

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In my world, care means intention, and that always starts with thoughtful formulation. Every ingredient we choose must earn its place, be backed by science, and serve a real purpose. Because your skin’s story deserves more than just pretty packaging.

Christina Lee

Former ICU Critical Care Nurse & Founder

Clinically Proven.
Skin-Backed.

Here’s a closer look at three clinically proven ingredients you’ll find in our formulations with science that proves why they belong in your routine.

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Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)

GHK-Cu increases the synthesis of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.¹ It can accelerate wound healing and skin repair by supporting the function of dermal fibroblasts and stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are vital for skin structure and hydration.^2,3 GHK-Cu also possesses potent antioxidant properties, helping to prevent oxidative stress and protect skin cells from environmental damage, supporting the skin barrier.^3,4GHK-Cu significantly reduced wrinkle volume and depth by over 30% in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.⁵

¹ BioMed Research International. July 2015.
² International Journal of Molecular Sciences. July 2018.
³ Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. May 2012.

⁴ Current Chemical Biology. August 2014.

⁵ Cosmetics. May 2017.

Deca-Peptide-12

Deca-Peptide-12 is highly effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. By reducing melanin synthesis, it helps fade the visibility of dark spots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter and more even skin tone.¹ Unlike traditional skin-brightening agents, Deca-Peptide-12 is generally well-tolerated, with a low risk of irritation or cytotoxicity, making it suitable for sensitive skin.^1,2 Because Deca-Peptide-12 works at the cellular level to regulate melanin production, improvements in skin tone are gradual and natural-looking, avoiding the abrupt whitening sometimes seen with harsher treatments.^3,4

¹ Marine Drugs. August 2024.
² Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology. January 2021.
³ Molecules. January 2023.

⁴ International Journal of Molecular Sciences. December 2019.

NAD+

NAD+ is essential for cellular energy production and supports the repair of damaged DNA. As skin ages or is exposed to environmental stressors like UV radiation, its natural NAD+ levels decline, impairing the skin’s ability to repair itself and maintain youthful function.^1,2 NAD+ is involved in lipid synthesis and keratinocyte differentiation, critical to a healthy epidermal barrier.² A study boosting NAD⁺ levels with precursors reversed age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in skin cells.³By activating enzymes like sirtuins (SIRT1) and PARPs, NAD⁺ promotes balanced skin turnover and collagen support, helping smooth out rough texture, even out tone, and enhance reflectivity.⁴

¹ Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. October 2020.
² Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. February 2021.
³ Nature Communications. October 2016.

⁴ Cells. October 2024.

Clinically Proven.
Skin-Backed.

Here’s a closer look at three clinically proven ingredients you’ll find in our formulations with science that proves why they belong in your routine.

Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)

GHK-Cu increases the synthesis of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.¹ It can accelerate wound healing and skin repair by supporting the function of dermal fibroblasts and stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are vital for skin structure and hydration.^2,3 GHK-Cu also possesses potent antioxidant properties, helping to prevent oxidative stress and protect skin cells from environmental damage, supporting the skin barrier.^3,4GHK-Cu significantly reduced wrinkle volume and depth by over 30% in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.⁵

¹ BioMed Research International. July 2015.
² International Journal of Molecular Sciences. July 2018.
³ Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. May 2012.

⁴ Current Chemical Biology. August 2014.

⁵ Cosmetics. May 2017.

Deca-Peptide-12

Deca-Peptide-12 is highly effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. By reducing melanin synthesis, it helps fade the visibility of dark spots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter and more even skin tone.¹ Unlike traditional skin-brightening agents, Deca-Peptide-12 is generally well-tolerated, with a low risk of irritation or cytotoxicity, making it suitable for sensitive skin.^1,2 Because Deca-Peptide-12 works at the cellular level to regulate melanin production, improvements in skin tone are gradual and natural-looking, avoiding the abrupt whitening sometimes seen with harsher treatments.^3,4

¹ Marine Drugs. August 2024.
² Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology. January 2021.
³ Molecules. January 2023.

⁴ International Journal of Molecular Sciences. December 2019.

NAD+

NAD+ is essential for cellular energy production and supports the repair of damaged DNA. As skin ages or is exposed to environmental stressors like UV radiation, its natural NAD+ levels decline, impairing the skin’s ability to repair itself and maintain youthful function.^1,2 NAD+ is involved in lipid synthesis and keratinocyte differentiation, critical to a healthy epidermal barrier.² A study boosting NAD⁺ levels with precursors reversed age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in skin cells.³By activating enzymes like sirtuins (SIRT1) and PARPs, NAD⁺ promotes balanced skin turnover and collagen support, helping smooth out rough texture, even out tone, and enhance reflectivity.⁴

¹ Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. October 2020.
² Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. February 2021.
³ Nature Communications. October 2016.

⁴ Cells. October 2024.

Start My Routine

Clinically Proven.
Skin-Backed.

Here’s a closer look at three clinically proven ingredients you’ll find in our formulations with science that proves why they belong in your routine.

Start My Routine

Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)

GHK-Cu increases the synthesis of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.¹ It can accelerate wound healing and skin repair by supporting the function of dermal fibroblasts and stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are vital for skin structure and hydration.^2,3 GHK-Cu also possesses potent antioxidant properties, helping to prevent oxidative stress and protect skin cells from environmental damage, supporting the skin barrier.^3,4GHK-Cu significantly reduced wrinkle volume and depth by over 30% in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.⁵

¹ BioMed Research International. July 2015.
² International Journal of Molecular Sciences. July 2018.
³ Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. May 2012.

⁴ Current Chemical Biology. August 2014.

⁵ Cosmetics. May 2017.

Deca-Peptide-12

Deca-Peptide-12 is highly effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. By reducing melanin synthesis, it helps fade the visibility of dark spots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter and more even skin tone.¹ Unlike traditional skin-brightening agents, Deca-Peptide-12 is generally well-tolerated, with a low risk of irritation or cytotoxicity, making it suitable for sensitive skin.^1,2 Because Deca-Peptide-12 works at the cellular level to regulate melanin production, improvements in skin tone are gradual and natural-looking, avoiding the abrupt whitening sometimes seen with harsher treatments.^3,4

¹ Marine Drugs. August 2024.
² Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology. January 2021.
³ Molecules. January 2023.

⁴ International Journal of Molecular Sciences. December 2019.

NAD+

NAD+ is essential for cellular energy production and supports the repair of damaged DNA. As skin ages or is exposed to environmental stressors like UV radiation, its natural NAD+ levels decline, impairing the skin’s ability to repair itself and maintain youthful function.^1,2 NAD+ is involved in lipid synthesis and keratinocyte differentiation, critical to a healthy epidermal barrier.² A study boosting NAD⁺ levels with precursors reversed age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in skin cells.³By activating enzymes like sirtuins (SIRT1) and PARPs, NAD⁺ promotes balanced skin turnover and collagen support, helping smooth out rough texture, even out tone, and enhance reflectivity.⁴

¹ Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. October 2020.
² Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. February 2021.
³ Nature Communications. October 2016.

⁴ Cells. October 2024.

Ingredient Integrity

Our in-house team collaborates directly with chemists, ingredient suppliers, and regulatory experts to guarantee purity, effectiveness, and safety throughout every stage of development. This hands-on process ensures we have ingredient traceability and lab integrity. We know exactly what goes into each bottle and how it benefits your skin. Every formula is dermatologist-formulated and tested to meet the highest standards.

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