The Pill: Plump + Hydrate


Plump + Hydrate

THE PILL contains a blend of humectants–a category of skin care ingredients that are hygroscopic–meaning they draw moisture from their surroundings. These are Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Galactoarabinan (GA / Larch Extract) and Sodium PCA, these four humectants work in combination to hydrate the skin and help it repair long term by protecting the skin’s lipid barrier. 

Galactoarabinan (GA) has been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as well as  increasing skin cell turnover. TEWL is the measurement of the water loss from a body that passes through the skin epidermis through diffusion, which then evaporates. Reduction of TEWL (i.e. lower TEWL readings) indicates that the skin barrier is more effective in retaining moisture in the skin, allowing it to feel more moisturised. One study conducted across 21 subjects which measured TEWL after one application of a product containing 2% GA as against a placebo showed a statistically significant reduction in TEWL levels after only 2 and 4 hours, indicating that GA successfully helped to maintain skin barrier function.

In addition to being a humectant, Hyaluronic Acid is also a glycosaminoglycan, a naturally-occurring substance that’s part of skin’s youth-supporting matrix. Studies have shown that Hyaluronic Acid can improve the appearance of fine lines and improve skin hydration within 15 minutes of application, and after 6-8 can significantly improve skin hydration and elasticity.