For more than 15 years, I worked with people navigating complex and chronic health conditions. Through that work, I came to understand that what we put on our skin matters — not just for the skin, but for overall health.
Every ingredient in SAMA is selected with this in mind.
We prioritise ingredients that are not only clean, but ethically and sustainably sourced, and partner with manufacturers who share our commitment to quality, transparency, sustainability, and ethical, cruelty-free production.
How We Choose Our Ingredients
We believe you deserve to know exactly what's in your skincare. That's why we've listed every ingredient used in our products, including those that work quietly behind the scenes. Nothing is hidden.
To make this library easier to navigate, we've grouped ingredients according to their primary role within the formula. Many ingredients support multiple aspects of skin health, but we've listed each in the category where it plays its most significant role.
For each ingredient, you'll find a description of what it is, why it's used, which products it appears in, and its INCI name.
INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is the standardised naming system used on cosmetic labels worldwide. These are the official ingredient names you'll typically find on product labels. While they can sometimes look unfamiliar, they often reflect the scientific or botanical names of ingredients and provide a consistent way to identify them across products and countries.
How To Use This Page
Barrier & Microbiome Support
The skin barrier and microbiome work together to keep skin healthy, balanced, and resilient. When these systems are supported, the skin is better able to retain moisture, defend itself against environmental stressors, and maintain overall comfort. The ingredients in this category help strengthen the skin's natural protective functions while supporting long-term skin health.
A plant-derived ceramide complex sourced from olive oil that helps replenish the lipids naturally found within healthy skin.
Ceramides are one of the most important structural components of the skin barrier, helping organise the lipid matrix that keeps moisture in and environmental stressors out. As ceramide levels decline with age, the skin can become drier, more sensitive and less resilient.
By providing skin-identical ceramides alongside complementary olive-derived lipids, this ingredient helps support barrier integrity, moisture retention and long-term skin resilience.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Triolein, Glyceryl Dioleate, Ceramide NP
A microbiome-supportive active derived from Noni fruit that helps promote balance within the skin's microbial ecosystem.
Quora Noni™ Biomics works through a mechanism known as quorum sensing, helping regulate how microorganisms communicate with one another on the skin. By supporting a healthier balance of beneficial microorganisms and helping reduce microbiome imbalance associated with ageing, it contributes to a more resilient and balanced skin environment. Studies have also shown its ability to support markers associated with healthier, more resilient skin.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Citric Acid
A marine-derived active sustainably sourced from microalgae and naturally rich in cholesterol, omega fatty acids and phytosterols. These skin-compatible lipids help restore the skin barrier, improve moisture retention, and support a healthy and balanced microbiome.
Research suggests that cholesterol and essential fatty acids play an important role in maintaining the skin's extracellular lipid matrix, helping improve barrier function while supporting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. This makes Marine Ocean Mist™ particularly valuable for dry, sensitive, and environmentally stressed skin.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cholesterol, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, β-Sitosterol
A postbiotic ferment created from an ancient cave microorganism and designed to work in harmony with the skin microbiome.
Aenome™ works by supporting beneficial microbial activity on the skin's surface. This encourages the production of antioxidant metabolites that help protect against oxidative stress while supporting skin integrity, hydration and resilience.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Bacillus Ferment
A microalgae-derived prebiotic active designed to support microbiome balance, epidermal renewal, and skin resilience.
By helping encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms on the skin, BioSKN™ supports a healthier skin ecosystem while helping reduce visible redness associated with environmental and physiological stress. Studies have also demonstrated its ability to support healthy epidermal renewal.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Water, Propanediol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Lactic Acid
A microbiome-focused ferment created by fermenting Kakadu Plum, Kangaroo Paw, and Aloe Vera with carefully selected beneficial bacteria.
Developed through years of skin microbiome research, the fermentation process produces a complex blend of postbiotic compounds, amino acids, antioxidants, and bioactive metabolites that are not naturally present in the original botanical extracts alone. These compounds help support microbiome balance, barrier function, skin resilience, and healthy skin renewal.
The result is an ingredient that works at the intersection of microbiome health and skin function, helping support a healthier and more balanced skin environment.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Lactobacillus Ferment Filtrate, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Anigozanthos Flavidus (Kangaroo Paw) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
A botanical extract known for its soothing, hydrating, and skin-conditioning properties.
Rich in naturally occurring polysaccharides, Aloe Vera helps support skin comfort, hydration, and barrier function. It is particularly valued for helping calm dry, stressed, or sensitive skin.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
A finely milled oat powder rich in beta-glucans, lipids, proteins, and antioxidant compounds known as avenanthramides.
Colloidal oatmeal is widely recognised for its ability to support the skin barrier, reduce moisture loss, and help calm irritation associated with dry or sensitive skin. Its unique composition helps support both skin comfort and long-term barrier resilience, making it one of the most extensively studied botanical ingredients in skincare.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
A gentle mineral-rich clay that helps cleanse and purify the skin while maintaining its natural balance.
Unlike more absorbent clays, Kaolin helps remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin or leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Its mild cleansing action makes it particularly suitable for supporting healthy skin function while helping maintain comfort and resilience.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Kaolin
Hydration & Comfort
Healthy skin needs both water and lipids to remain soft, supple, and comfortable. These ingredients help attract, retain, and lock in moisture while supporting the skin's natural ability to stay hydrated. The result is skin that feels nourished, comfortable, and more resilient over time.
A unique cellular oil derived from olive stem cell membranes.
Unlike traditional plant oils, which consist primarily of fatty acids, Olea Vitae™ contains a diverse range of membrane lipids involved in cellular communication, structural support and skin vitality. These specialised lipids help support skin renewal, resilience and healthy cellular function.
Its composition more closely resembles the functional lipids naturally found within living cells, making it a particularly sophisticated approach to skin nourishment.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Olea Europaea (Olive) Callus Culture Lysate
A naturally occurring molecule found throughout healthy skin that helps attract and retain water.
As we age, the skin's natural levels of hyaluronic acid gradually decline, contributing to dryness, reduced suppleness, and the appearance of fine lines.
SAMA uses high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, selected for its ability to support surface hydration, moisture retention, and skin comfort while helping maintain healthy barrier function.
Produced through bacterial fermentation rather than animal-derived sources, it remains one of the most extensively studied and well-established ingredients for supporting skin hydration.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate
A plant-derived humectant produced through the fermentation of renewable sugars.
Propanediol helps attract moisture to the skin, supporting hydration and skin comfort. It is particularly valued for its lightweight, silky feel and is often chosen as an alternative to heavier humectants because it helps deliver hydration while maintaining an elegant skin feel.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Propanediol
A plant-derived lipid complex rich in naturally occurring phytosterols that helps support moisture retention and skin comfort.
Phytosterols share structural similarities with some of the lipids found naturally within the skin, making them particularly valuable for supporting softness, suppleness, and overall skin condition. It's particularly valued for its ability to leave the skin feeling silky, nourished, and comfortable without heaviness or greasiness.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters
A rich plant oil traditionally used in cleansing formulations for its ability to help dissolve oils and impurities.
Naturally high in ricinoleic acid, Castor Oil helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily build-up while contributing to the nourishing feel of the cleanser. It helps leave the skin feeling clean, soft, and comfortable after cleansing.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
A lightweight, olive-derived lipid that closely resembles one of the skin's own natural moisturising components.
Naturally found in healthy skin, squalane helps support moisture retention while improving softness, suppleness, and comfort. It was chosen for its exceptional skin compatibility, lightweight texture, and non-comedogenic nature, helping deliver nourishment without leaving the skin feeling heavy or greasy.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Squalane
A lightweight botanical oil that helps soften the skin and support long-lasting moisture retention.
Its unique fatty acid composition allows it to form a protective layer on the skin's surface, helping reduce moisture loss while maintaining softness and comfort. Naturally resistant to oxidation, Meadowfoam Seed Oil is particularly valued for its ability to provide lasting nourishment while remaining lightweight and non-greasy.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser, Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
A natural humectant rich in sugars, amino acids, and bioactive compounds that help support skin hydration and comfort.
Honey helps attract moisture to the skin while contributing to softness and suppleness. Its long history of use in skincare stems from its ability to support a healthy skin environment while helping the skin feel nourished and comfortable.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Honey, Maltodextrin
A nutrient-rich botanical butter valued for its ability to help soften and condition the skin.
Derived from the seeds of the Amazonian Cupuaçu tree, Cupuaçu Butter is naturally rich in fatty acids and phytosterols that help support skin comfort during cleansing while contributing to the rich, nourishing texture of the formula. It helps leave the skin feeling soft, supple, and comfortable rather than dry or stripped after cleansing.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Derived from olive oil, Plantsil™ provides a silky, lightweight feel while helping improve suppleness and comfort. It was selected for its ability to create the elegant slip and smooth finish often associated with silicones, while remaining entirely plant-based.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Renewal & Longevity
Healthy skin is constantly renewing itself. These ingredients were selected to support healthy cellular function, collagen health, skin vitality, and long-term resilience as the skin changes over time.
A next-generation bio-retinoid derived from sustainably sourced microalgae that supports healthy skin renewal, firmness and radiance.
Inspired by the benefits of traditional retinoids, RetinArt™ was developed to selectively influence skin renewal pathways while minimising the irritation often associated with conventional retinol products. It helps support smoother and brighter skin while remaining gentle enough for everyday use.
This gentle approach was particularly important, as midlife skin often becomes more sensitive and less tolerant of aggressive skincare.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Algae Oligosaccharides, Xanthophylls, Lactic Acid
A biomimetic collagen peptide designed to mimic a naturally occurring fragment of human Type I collagen.
Sustainably produced using advanced plant biotechnology, Col-Frag Remastered™ functions as both a collagen building block and a signalling peptide, helping support the skin's natural collagen renewal processes.
It is valued for its ability to support firmness, smoothness, and skin resilience while contributing to a more youthful-looking complexion.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-47
A biomimetic peptide inspired by human fibrillin-1, one of the skin's most important structural proteins.
While collagen often receives most of the attention, fibrillin plays an essential role in skin elasticity by forming the scaffold on which elastin fibres are built. As fibrillin declines with age, skin can lose firmness, elasticity and bounce.
Frag-Brillin Remastered™ helps support the formation of elastic fibres while promoting skin firmness, elasticity and resilience, helping skin maintain a smoother and more lifted appearance.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
A form of vitamin B3 renowned for its ability to support multiple aspects of healthy skin function.
One of the most extensively researched ingredients in skincare, niacinamide helps balance oil production, calm visible redness, refine skin texture, and support a more even-looking complexion. It is also valued for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, improve moisture retention, and support overall skin resilience.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Niacinamide
A botanical ingredient rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and naturally occurring fruit acids.
Hibiscus contains naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help support gentle skin renewal and improve the appearance of dull, tired-looking skin. Combined with its antioxidant content, it helps promote smoother skin texture, enhanced radiance, and a healthier-looking complexion over time.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Powder
A naturally occurring mineral powder derived from the fossilised remains of microscopic aquatic algae known as diatoms.
Its ultra-fine structure provides gentle physical exfoliation, helping remove accumulated surface cells and impurities while improving skin smoothness and radiance. Unlike harsher exfoliants, it helps support skin renewal through a gentle polishing action that leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
INCI: Diatomaceous Earth
A naturally mineral-rich clay valued for its revitalising and complexion-enhancing properties.
French Red Clay helps gently remove excess oil, impurities, and environmental debris while providing trace minerals that contribute to a brighter, more refreshed appearance. Its gentle cleansing action helps leave the skin feeling refreshed without the harshness often associated with more aggressive cleansing ingredients, supporting smoother, healthier-looking skin while respecting the skin's natural balance.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Illite
Antioxidant Protection
Every day, the skin is exposed to environmental stressors that contribute to visible ageing. Antioxidants help protect the skin from oxidative stress while supporting radiance, vitality, and overall skin health.
A powerful antioxidant naturally found in the skin that helps protect against oxidative stress and support healthy cellular function.
CoQ10 plays an important role in cellular energy production and helps defend the skin against free radical damage caused by environmental stressors such as UV exposure and pollution. As natural levels decline with age, topical CoQ10 is valued for its ability to support skin vitality, resilience, and overall skin health.
Naturally bright yellow in colour, CoQ10 also contributes to the rich golden hue of the Gel Serum.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Ubiquinone
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidant found in plants renowned for its ability to help protect the skin against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as UV exposure and pollution.
Through fermentation, it's transformed into a highly bioavailable ingredient.
It is particularly valued for its ability to support skin resilience, promote a more radiant complexion, and help defend against premature visible signs of ageing.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract
An Australian native botanical renowned for being one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C.
Included as part of SAMA's Proprietary Postbiotic Ferment, Kakadu Plum undergoes fermentation to enhance the bioavailability of many of its naturally occurring compounds. Alongside vitamin C, it contains antioxidant polyphenols including ellagic acid and gallic acid, helping support skin vitality, radiance, and protection against environmental stressors.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser (via Proprietary Postbiotic Ferment)
INCI: Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
An Australian native botanical traditionally valued for its ability to support skin vitality and healthy renewal.
As part of SAMA's Proprietary Postbiotic Ferment, Kangaroo Paw is fermented with carefully selected beneficial bacteria to enhance the bioavailability of its naturally occurring compounds. Rich in antioxidant flavonoids and phenolic compounds, it helps support skin resilience while contributing to a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser (via Proprietary Postbiotic Ferment)
INCI: Anigozanthos Flavidus Flower Extract
A nutrient-rich botanical oil renowned for its exceptional concentration of carotenoids, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil contains omega-3, -6, -7, and -9 fatty acids, including omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), making it one of the few botanical oils naturally rich in this skin-compatible lipid. It is also abundant in carotenoids, including beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which contribute to both its antioxidant activity and vibrant orange colour.
Together, these compounds help support skin vitality, resilience, and protection against oxidative stress.
Its naturally deep orange hue also contributes to the rich golden colour of the Gel Serum.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
A nutrient-rich botanical oil prized for its exceptional concentration of beta-carotene and antioxidant phytonutrients.
Derived from the fruit of the Buriti palm, Buriti Oil is considered one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that contributes to both its vibrant colour and antioxidant activity. These compounds help support skin vitality, resilience, and protection against oxidative stress while promoting a healthy-looking radiance.
Its naturally deep red-orange colour also contributes to the rich golden hue of the Gel Serum.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil
A lightweight botanical oil rich in essential fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidant vitamin E compounds.
Derived from the seeds of blueberries, this nutrient-rich oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids alongside naturally occurring tocopherols and tocotrienols. Together, these compounds help support skin resilience, moisture retention, and protection against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors.
Research has also highlighted its potential role in helping defend the skin against oxidative stress associated with visible light exposure, including blue light.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Vaccinium Corymbosum Seed Oil
An antioxidant-rich botanical extract derived from unroasted coffee beans.
Naturally rich in caffeine and chlorogenic acids, Green Coffee Seed Extract is particularly valued for its ability to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and fatigue, contributing to a fresher, more energised-looking complexion. It also provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
A naturally occurring antioxidant that helps protect both the skin and the integrity of the formula.
Vitamin E helps defend the skin against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors while supporting skin comfort and resilience. It is also valued for its ability to help protect delicate botanical oils from oxidation, helping maintain the freshness and stability of the formulation.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser, 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in naturally occurring polyphenols and flavonoids, cacao provides antioxidant support while contributing to the nourishing feel of the cleanser.
It has long been valued for its ability to help protect against oxidative stress while supporting healthy-looking skin.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Theobroma cacao fruit powder
Aromatic & Botanical Ingredients
Scent has the unique ability to influence how a moment feels. These carefully selected botanical hydrosols, essential oils, and aromatic extracts contribute to the sensory experience of the SAMA Ritual, creating subtle natural scents that encourage a moment of pause within the day.
Beyond their aromatic qualities, many are also valued for their soothing, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties. We favour gentle, skin-compatible botanicals and use them thoughtfully, selecting each for its quality, aroma, and contribution to the overall experience of the ritual.
A fragrant floral hydrosol prized for its refreshing aroma and skin-conditioning properties.
Neroli Hydrosol helps support skin comfort while bringing a light, uplifting citrus-floral note to the Sheer Moisturiser.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water
A delicate floral hydrosol traditionally valued for its calming and soothing properties.
Rose Hydrosol helps support skin comfort while contributing a soft, uplifting floral note to the Gel Serum.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Rosa Damascena Distillate Water
A gentle botanical water with a soft, naturally comforting aroma.
Vanilla Hydrosol contributes warmth and softness to the sensory experience of the ritual.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Water
A premium essential oil renowned for its distinctive deep blue colour and calming aroma.
Rich in naturally occurring chamazulene, Blue Tansy is valued for its soothing properties while contributing the soft herbal scent that defines the Sheer Moisturiser.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil
A floral essential oil with a rich, exotic aroma traditionally associated with balance and wellbeing.
In the Gel Serum, it contributes a warm floral note while offering complementary skin-conditioning benefits.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
A warm, resinous aromatic oil that brings depth and richness to the scent profile of the Gel Serum.
Its grounding aroma complements the floral notes of ylang ylang, creating a scent that feels both calming and sophisticated.
Featured in: Gel Serum
INCI: Pinus Succinefera Oil
A rich botanical extract prized for its warm, comforting aroma.
Its naturally sweet notes contribute depth and softness to the scent profile of the 4-in-1 Cleanser.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
A richly aromatic botanical extract derived from cacao beans.
Its deep chocolate-like aroma contributes to the distinctive scent of the 4-in-1 Cleanser, creating a warm and grounding cleansing ritual.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract
A botanical extract with warm notes of vanilla, almond, and spice.
Tonka Bean Absolute contributes to the rich, grounding aroma of the 4-in-1 Cleanser, helping transform cleansing into a more sensory experience.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract
Functional Ingredients
Those ingredients work quietly behind the scenes to keep the formula stable, safe, effective, and enjoyable to use. They play an essential role in ensuring each product performs as intended throughout its lifespan. We favour naturally derived ingredients, carefully selecting each to balance efficacy, safety, stability, and sensory experience.
A next-generation preservation system designed to keep the formula safe while remaining gentle on the skin.
Developed by the same microbiologists behind SAMA's Proprietary Postbiotic Ferment, these ingredients were selected for their skin-friendly profile and compatibility with modern microbiome-conscious formulation principles. Beyond preservation, they contribute hydration, skin conditioning, and overall formula performance, making them a valuable part of the formulation rather than simply a necessary addition.
Together, they help protect the formula from microbial contamination while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the product throughout its lifespan.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate
A naturally derived emulsifying system that allows oil and water to blend into a stable, elegant cream.
Ecomulse® helps create the light, silky texture of the Sheer Moisturiser while contributing to the overall stability and performance of the formula.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
A natural thickening and texture-enhancing blend derived from plant gums and seaweed.
Sclerothix® helps create the smooth, luxurious texture of the Gel Serum and Sheer Moisturiser while improving stability and skin feel.
Featured in: Gel Serum, Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Algin
A fatty alcohol derived from plant oils that helps soften the skin and improve the texture of a formulation.
Despite its name, Cetyl Alcohol is not a drying alcohol. It helps create the rich, creamy texture of the 4-in-1 Cleanser while contributing to skin comfort during cleansing.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Cetyl Alcohol
A gentle, plant-derived cleansing ingredient valued for its ability to create a rich, creamy foam.
Unlike many traditional foaming agents, SLSA helps cleanse the skin while maintaining comfort, leaving the skin feeling clean rather than stripped. It is also biodegradable and widely used in formulations designed to balance effective cleansing with a gentler skin feel.
Featured in: 4-in-1 Cleanser
INCI: Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
A mineral-based pigment used to create the soft blue hue of the Sheer Moisturiser.
Featured in: Sheer Moisturiser
INCI: Mica