African Botanics Infusion Micro-Liquid Serum
A vegan and cruelty-free serum that contains aha, hyaluronic acid and vitamin c.
Overview
What it is
Serum with 40 ingredients that contains AHA, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C
Cool Features
It is vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe
Suited For
It has ingredients that are good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
Fun facts
African Botanics is from South Africa.
We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.
About this product
Ingredients List
Dive into the full list of ingredients.
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Chloride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningHelichrysum Stoechas Extract
TonicHydrolyzed Pea
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Millet
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningPavlova Lutheri Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Sorokiniana Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMyrothamnus Flabellifolia Extract
HumectantFucus Vesiculosus Extract
EmollientAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
AntioxidantKigelia Africana Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentUbiquinone
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSalix Alba Extract
Skin ConditioningAlthaea Officinalis Callus Culture Extract
AntioxidantAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Flower Extract
PerfumingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Myrtrimonium Bromide
PreservativeRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf
MaskingHelichrysum Orientale Flower
AntioxidantLuteolin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Hydrolyzed Pea, Hydrolyzed Millet, Yeast Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Persea Gratissima Oil Unsaponifiables, Pavlova Lutheri Extract, Chlorella Sorokiniana Extract, Glycerin, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract, Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salix Alba Extract, Althaea Officinalis Callus Culture Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Flower Extract, Allantoin, Lactic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Myrtrimonium Bromide, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Helichrysum Orientale Flower, Luteolin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Explained
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterHamamelis Virginiana Extract comes from the witch hazel plant.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
The tannin content of witch hazel constrict the appearance of pores by drying out proteins. Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
However, witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing due to the tannin and fragrance compounds.
North American Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana ExtractChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein yet.
We don't have a description for Helichrysum Stoechas Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Pea yet.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Millet yet.
Yeast extract is a silky, clear liquid derived from yeast (usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Torula yeast).
This ingredient has plenty of skin benefits:
Bioferments of yeast and soy have been found to reduce hyperpigmentation at low levels.
Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Yeast ExtractThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglyceridePersea Gratissima Oil Unsaponifiables comes from avocado oil.
Unsaponifiables refers to the unsaponifiable fraction of a fatty substance. These are extracted using a process called alkaline hydrolysis (saponification).
Avocado Oil is mostly made up of the glycerides of fatty acids. About 67% of these fatty acids is made up of oleic acid.
Learn more about Persea Gratissima Oil UnsaponifiablesWe don't have a description for Pavlova Lutheri Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Chlorella Sorokiniana Extract yet.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinWe don't have a description for Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Extract yet.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is derived from a type of brown algae.
Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is also rich in sodium, potassium, and amino acids.
Many different types of algae have different benefits.
Learn more about Fucus Vesiculosus ExtractWe don't have a description for Aspalathus Linearis Extract yet.
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract is an antioxidant.
We don't have a description for Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Equisetum Arvense Extract yet.
Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) is a molecule already found in our bodies. It is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient.
Aging and environmental exposure diminishes our skin's natural ubiquinone levels. This is much like our natural collagen and elastin.
The good news is: studies show applying this ingredient topically replenishes ubiquinone levels in our skin. This also comes with a ton of skin benefits. These benefits include:
Ubiquinone is considered a large molecule and cannot be absorbed into the lower layers of skin. This is why it is believed to be such an effective antioxidant: it protects our skin in the upper layers and prevents damage in the deeper layers.
When used in sunscreen, ubiquinone is shown to increase ingredient stability, increase SPF factor, and add to infrared protection.
Fun fact: ubiquinone is fat-soluble.
Learn more about UbiquinoneAscorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateHyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.
This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.
What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.
Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.
Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.
Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.
One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.
The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSalix Alba Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Learn more about Salix Alba ExtractAlthaea Officinalis Callus Culture Extract is an antioxidant.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract is from the Roman Chamomile flower. It helps soothe the skin and contains antioxidants.
Citrus Aurantium Flower Extract is a fragrance.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate can also help other preservatives be more effective.
Myrtrimonium Bromide is a preservative and a quaternary ammonium salt.
Quaternary ammonium salt is the salt of quaternary ammonium cations, or quats for short. Quats are used in products for their antimicrobial properties.
Myrtrimonium Bromide was determined to be safe in cosmetics and has low chance of irritation. It is not water soluble.
Learn more about Myrtrimonium BromideWe don't have a description for Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract yet.
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Marula plant. In South Africa, Marula is called "an elephant's favorite treat".
Marula seed oil is a non-fragrant oil. It is rich in fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and more. These fatty acids help hydrate the skin.
Other components of marula seed oil include vitamin E and antioxidants such as flavonoids.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilAloe Barbadensis Leaf is a plant material from the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
Aloe leaves contain the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins neutralize free radicals.
It also contains sugars in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, choline, many common minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Polysaccharides help hydrate your skin by mimicking your skin's natural carbohydrates.
Aloe leaves contain many components that are known to help reduce irritation and itchiness. These include vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and more. The high water content of aloe also helps give a cooling effect. This makes aloe an effective sunburn reliever.
Despite helping heal sunburns, aloe does not protect your skin against UV damage. Aloe should not replace your sunscreen.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis LeafHelichrysum Orientale Flower is an antioxidant.
Luteolin is a flavonoid found in the leaves of many plants.
Flavonoids are antioxidants.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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Where it's from
African Botanics is a South African brand
We're dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and science-backed ingredient info out there.
The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.
Read more about us· Updated December 21, 2023 • Added by tsmeu