Our Ingredients

The Science Behind the V-Renewal System


THE PHILOSOPHY

We don't believe in long ingredient lists that sound impressive and do nothing.

Every ingredient in the V-Renewal System serves a purpose. It either:
- Supports barrier health and recovery
- Addresses visible skin concerns (dark spots, redness, pores, texture, aging)
- Enables other ingredients to work better
- Or all three

This is Korean skincare philosophy: potent ingredients, intelligent formulation, minimal waste.


KOREAN FORMULATION APPROACH

Korean skincare doesn't pursue single-concern solutions with aggressive actives.

Instead, it layers gentle, effective ingredients that work together. A toner that also hydrates. A cream that firms and calms simultaneously. Products that prep skin for the next step.

The V-Renewal System follows this approach. Three products that coordinate. Each step builds on the last. Results compound over time because your barrier stays healthy while your skin improves.


THE MATCHA PDRN FOAM CLEANSER

WHAT IT DOES

Dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and oil without stripping your barrier or leaving residue.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Matcha (Green Tea Extract)
What it is: Powdered green tea leaves, rich in antioxidants and catechins.

Why it's here: Matcha calms inflammation and protects skin from environmental stress. It's also the ingredient that gives this cleanser its green color and subtle scent (no added fragrance).

Benefit: Reduces redness. Supports barrier. Gives your cleanser a ritual feel (you're starting with something intentional).

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PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)
What it is: A nucleotide derived from salmon DNA. Unique to Korean skincare formulation.

Why it's here: PDRN activates your skin's natural repair mechanisms. It's not just sitting on top. It's telling your skin to regenerate and heal.

Benefit: Accelerates barrier recovery. Reduces irritation. Works faster than standard moisturizing ingredients alone.

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Gentle Surfactants (not sulfates)
What they are: Cleansing molecules that remove oil and makeup.

Why these: Most cleansers use sulfates, which strip your skin. These are gentler, more expensive alternatives.

Benefit: Your cleanser removes impurities without disrupting your barrier. You feel clean, not tight.

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Hyaluronic Acid
What it is: A humectant that draws water into your skin.

Why it's here: Most people think cleansers should strip. We think they should prepare. This keeps your skin hydrated during cleansing.

Benefit: Your skin stays plump and hydrated even while being cleansed.

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WHAT'S NOT IN IT

No sulfates (SLS, SLES) - these strip your barrier
No parabens - we use alternative preservatives
No synthetic fragrance - matcha provides the scent
No drying alcohols - your barrier stays intact
No harsh microbeads - gentle on your skin and the ocean


THE MATCHA PDRN TONER PADS

WHAT THEY DO

Exfoliate dead skin, even skin tone, refine pores, and support barrier repair in one step.

This is where treatment happens.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Gentle Acids (AHA/BHA blend)
What they are: Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids that dissolve the glue holding dead skin cells together.

Concentration: 5-7% (gentle, not professional strength)

Why this concentration: Strong enough to create visible results. Gentle enough to use daily without damaging your barrier.

Benefit: Dead skin cells shed. Underneath, newer, clearer skin emerges. Dark spots fade. Texture smooths. Pores appear refined.

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Niacinamide
What it is: Vitamin B3 derivative that regulates sebum and melanin production.

Why it's here: While acids exfoliate the surface, niacinamide works deeper. It tells your skin to produce less dark pigment and less excess oil.

Benefit: Dark spots fade faster. Pores stay refined. Oily skin produces less oil throughout the day.

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PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)
What it is: The same salmon DNA-derived ingredient as in the cleanser.

Why it's here: The acids are exfoliating, which can stress skin. PDRN tells your skin to repair as you exfoliate.

Benefit: You get the benefits of exfoliation without barrier damage. Your skin feels calm after toner pads, not irritated.

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Centella Asiatica (Cica)
What it is: An herb used in Asian skincare for centuries. Supports wound healing and barrier repair.

Why it's here: Cica is clinically proven to calm redness and reduce inflammation.

Benefit: Red, irritated areas calm within 3-7 days. Your barrier strengthens.

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Allantoin
What it is: A naturally derived compound that soothes and protects skin.

Why it's here: While exfoliating, you need soothing ingredients to prevent irritation.

Benefit: Zero stinging. Zero burning. Just gentle exfoliation.

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Hyaluronic Acid
What it is: A humectant that draws water into skin.

Why it's here: Most exfoliating products dry skin out. Not ours.

Benefit: Your skin is hydrated during and after exfoliation. You get results without the typical "dry, irritated" feeling.

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WHAT'S NOT IN IT

No alcohol (drying)
No fragrance (irritating)
No essential oils (sensitizing)
No parabens
No sulfates


THE MATCHA PDRN CREAM

WHAT IT DOES

Hydrates deeply, firms the appearance of fine lines, continues tone evening, and supports barrier repair while you sleep (or throughout the day).

This cream contains 17 active ingredients because it's doing the work of 5-6 separate products.

KEY INGREDIENTS (THE 17 ACTIVES)

Peptides
What they are: Short chains of amino acids that tell your skin to produce collagen.

Why they're here: Collagen production decreases with age. Peptides signal your skin to make more.

Benefit: Fine lines appear softer. Skin looks firmer and more lifted.

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Retinol Alternative (Bakuchiol)
What it is: A plant-derived molecule that mimics retinol's benefits without the irritation or sun sensitivity.

Why it's here: Retinol is powerful but irritating. Bakuchiol provides the same anti-aging benefits without the drawbacks.

Benefit: Fine lines smooth. Skin texture improves. No irritation. No sun sensitivity.

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Niacinamide
What it is: Vitamin B3 (same as in toner pads, higher concentration here).

Why it's here: Deepens tone evening. Regulates sebum. Strengthens barrier.

Benefit: Your skin looks more even. Less breakouts. Stronger, healthier barrier.

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PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)
What it is: The salmon DNA ingredient (third product using it, building on benefits).

Why it's here: By the time you reach the cream, your skin is cleansed, treated, and ready to receive. PDRN maximizes repair overnight.

Benefit: Fastest barrier recovery. Visible improvement by day 7-10.

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Centella Asiatica (Cica)
What it is: The calming herb (same as toner pads, higher concentration here).

Why it's here: The cream is the final step. High cica concentration ensures maximum calming and repair.

Benefit: Even the most irritated, reactive skin becomes calm and resilient.

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Hyaluronic Acid (Multiple weights)
What they are: Hyaluronic acid molecules in different sizes (high and low molecular weight).

Why multiple sizes: Large molecules hydrate the surface. Small molecules penetrate deeper.

Benefit: Your skin is hydrated at every level. Plumpness lasts all day and night.

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Glycerin
What it is: A humectant that draws water into your skin and creates a protective barrier.

Why it's here: Glycerin is the gold standard for hydration. Works with hyaluronic acid.

Benefit: Deep, lasting hydration. Your skin feels soft and plump.

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Squalane
What it is: A plant-derived oil that mimics your skin's natural sebum.

Why it's here: It's an occlusive that locks in hydration without feeling greasy.

Benefit: Your skin stays hydrated all night. You wake up with plump, soft skin.

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Ceramides
What they are: Lipid molecules that form the barrier of your skin.

Why they're here: Your barrier naturally contains ceramides. This cream replenishes them.

Benefit: Barrier strengthens. Irritation decreases. Skin becomes more resilient.

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Alpha-Arbutin
What it is: A derivative of hydroquinone (the gold standard for dark spots) but gentler.

Why it's here: It regulates melanin production while being less irritating than hydroquinone.

Benefit: Dark spots fade. Skin tone evens. Redness decreases.

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Kojic Acid
What it is: An ingredient derived from fungi that inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin).

Why it's here: Kojic acid works differently than alpha-arbutin. Together, they're more effective at evening tone.

Benefit: Dark spots fade faster. Freckles and sun spots lighten.

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Vitamin C (Stabilized)
What it is: L-ascorbic acid in a stabilized form that doesn't oxidize (turn brown) in the jar.

Why it's here: Vitamin C is the gold standard for anti-aging and brightening.

Benefit: Antioxidant protection. Collagen production support. Brightening effect.

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Allantoin
What it is: The soothing compound (same as toner pads, slightly higher concentration).

Why it's here: A final layer of calming and protecting.

Benefit: Even reactive skin feels soothed.

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Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
What it is: A hydrating compound that also supports barrier function.

Why it's here: It works with other hydrators and supports healing.

Benefit: Extra hydration. Barrier support.

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WHAT'S NOT IN IT

No parabens
No sulfates
No fragrance (just subtle matcha scent)
No essential oils
No drying alcohols
No harsh actives that require a rotation system
No ingredients that make your skin dependent on them


WHY THESE INGREDIENTS WORK TOGETHER

You could use these ingredients separately (retinol here, vitamin C there, niacinamide over there). Most people do.

But they'd be competing for space, conflicting with each other, and requiring a 10-step routine.

Instead, we've formulated them to work together:

The cleanser removes impurities and prepares your skin.

The toner pads exfoliate and begin tone evening.

The cream hydrates deeply, continues tone evening, firms, and repairs simultaneously.

By step 3, your barrier is strengthened (PDRN + Ceramides + Cica). Your tone is evening (Alpha-Arbutin + Kojic Acid + Niacinamide). Your fine lines are softening (Peptides + Bakuchiol + Vitamin C). Your skin is hydrated at every level (Hyaluronic Acid + Glycerin + Squalane).

This is why one cream replaces 5-6 products. It's not laziness. It's smart formulation.


SOURCING AND QUALITY

All ingredients are cosmetic-grade and tested for purity.

Matcha is sourced from Korea, where it's been used in skincare for centuries.

PDRN is pharmaceutical-grade, the same quality used in clinical settings.

Centella Asiatica is extracted using advanced methods to preserve potency.

We work with Korean manufacturers who specialize in gentle, effective skincare. They're used to formulating products where every ingredient matters.


TESTING AND SAFETY

The V-Renewal System has been tested on 30 participants over 24 weeks in an independent clinical study.

Results:
- 87% saw visible dark spot reduction by week 4
- 92% reported reduced redness by week 2
- 89% saw visible pore refinement by week 4
- 94% reported improved skin texture by week 4
- Zero adverse reactions

All three products are dermatologist-approved and suitable for sensitive skin.


WHAT ABOUT ALLERGENS

The V-Renewal System is:
- Fragrance-free (no fragrance oils or essential oils)
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free and vegan

If you have known allergies to any ingredient, check the full ingredient list on each product page. We're transparent about every component.


THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KOREAN AND WESTERN SKINCARE FORMULATION

Western skincare: "Use this product to solve one problem. If it irritates you, that's the cost of results."

Korean skincare: "Use products that work together. Solve multiple problems. Keep your barrier intact."

Western: Single-concern solutions. Aggressive actives. Expect irritation.

Korean: Multi-concern coordination. Gentle actives. Barrier-first philosophy.

The V-Renewal System is Korean formulation. All benefits. No damage.


REAL TALK ABOUT INGREDIENTS

Expensive ingredients don't always work better. Matcha and PDRN aren't expensive because they're luxury. They're used because they're effective.

Some of the most potent ingredients are cheap (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide). We use them because they work, not because they're status symbols.

Some trendy ingredients (retinol derivatives, peptides) are included because they're genuinely effective for anti-aging.

Some traditional ingredients (cica, centella asiatica) are included because they've been used for centuries and clinical testing proves they work.

We're not chasing trends. We're using ingredients because they deliver results.


INGREDIENT TRANSPARENCY

You can see every ingredient on our product pages. There are no hidden actives. No proprietary blends that hide the actual concentrations.

If you want to know exactly how much niacinamide is in the cream, we can tell you. If you want to know the pH of the toner pads, we have it.

We believe transparent skincare is trustworthy skincare.


QUESTIONS ABOUT INGREDIENTS

Do I need to worry about mixing these with other products?

No, if you're using the system standalone. If you're using other products, avoid:
- Retinoids (conflict with bakuchiol)
- Vitamin C serums (conflict with our vitamin C)
- Multiple acids (we already have acids in toner pads)
- Heavy occlusive moisturizers (our cream is enough)

The system works best alone.

Is PDRN really from salmon DNA?

Yes. It's extracted from salmon milt (sperm) and doesn't harm fish.

Is this vegan?

The PDRN comes from salmon, so technically no. Everything else is plant-derived or synthesized.

If you need fully vegan, we can recommend alternatives (we're developing vegan versions).

Can I use this if I'm pregnant?

Most ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy. But always check with your OB.

Bakuchiol, while safe, hasn't been extensively studied in pregnancy. If you're pregnant, check with your doctor before using the cream.

Will my skin get dependent on these ingredients?

No. Unlike some actives (retinoids can create dependency), these ingredients support your skin's natural functions. Your skin won't become dependent.

If anything, your barrier becomes stronger, so you need less overall support over time.

Is this tested on animals?

No. Our manufacturers use synthetic and plant-based alternatives to all animal testing.

The clinical study mentioned above was done on human volunteers, not animals.


READ THE FULL INGREDIENT LIST

For exact concentrations and complete ingredient lists, visit each product page:

The V-Renewal System Bundle
Matcha PDRN Foam Cleanser
Matcha PDRN Toner Pads
Matcha PDRN Cream

We're transparent because we're confident in our formulation.


THE BOTTOM LINE

The V-Renewal System isn't built on hype ingredients or expensive actives for the sake of expensive actives.

It's built on ingredients that work. Ingredients that work together. Ingredients that are proven to address the concerns you care about without damaging your barrier.

This is Korean skincare: potent, intelligent, and barrier-first.

This is the V-Renewal System.

Shop The V-Renewal System

Questions? Contact support or check our FAQ.