FAQ

• What is serum for the face?

  Face serum is a lightweight, rapidly-absorbing topical skincare product formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides. 

  These ingredients work to correct specific skin concerns such as signs of ageing, dehydration, dullness, blemishes and hyperpigmentation.

  Their lightweight nature means serums have a smaller molecular size than other products, like moisturising creams or facial oils. This allows them to be absorbed more easily which means the high amount of active ingredients can be delivered rapidly and deeply to the skin.

  As a result, visible results can often be seen in a shorter amount of time compared to other skincare products.

  Examples of active ingredients in serums include:

  Encapsulated retinol: An anti-ageing all-star, encapsulated retinol targets signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. The encapsulated delivery system reduces the irritation commonly experienced by new retinol uses. 

  Hyaluronic acid: Delivers a big drink of water to thirsty skin cells. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that physically binds water in the skin for a plump, dewy looking complexion. 

  Niacinamide: Works to reinforce the skin barrier while calming inflammation. 

  Vitamin C: Diminishes the signs of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone for a more radiant, unified complexion. Vitamin C can also stimulate collagen production to increase firmness and neutralise free radical attacks which accelerate signs of ageing.

• What does face serum do?

   

  Face serum offers a variety of benefits for the skin, depending on the active ingredients it contains. This is the advantage of adding a serum to your routine, it allows you to target specific concerns with a high dose of active ingredients. 

  The benefits of using a face serum include:

  Rapid absorption: With a thinner consistency than moisturisers, serums are easily absorbed into the skin. For this reason, serum should always be applied directly after cleansing while the skin is free from other products and still damp. This allows the serum to do its best work!

  Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin: The lightweight texture is ideal for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin as the serum can soothe sensitive skin and provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. 

  Soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Some serums contain active ingredients that can target signs of ageing. 

  Protects against damage: Serums with antioxidant ingredients work to guard the skin against free radical activity which can cause damage, inflammation and quicken signs of ageing. 

  Visible results, faster: Thanks to their higher concentration of active ingredients, you will generally see the visible results of a face serum faster than other skincare products. 

  Lightweight texture: Face serums feel comfortable on the skin thanks to their lightweight texture which doesn’t leave a heavy residue.

• Can you use face serum daily?

  Yes, our Active Compound was designed to be the only serum you need to apply daily, both morning and night. It replaces 6 other serums so you don't need to worry about layering multiple products. This not only saves your skin from the chance of irritation but it also saves precious shelf space in the bathroom!

• What are the benefits of the hemp-based Ingredients used in the Active Compound?

  Our Active Compound uses a mixture of both hemp seed extract and hemp seed oil. Our Hemp seed extract is an entirely unique form of 100% active plant extract, it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as prevent signs of ageing from developing.

  This product also contains omega rich hemp seed oil which helps moderate skin oil production. This ensures your skin remains supple without getting clogged. The combination of Omega-6 and Omega-3 helps promote the growth of new cells which helps calm skin irritation. Hemp Seed Oil is able to soothe irritation while helping your skin retain moisture – unlike many synthetic products that address irritation but strip the skin of moisture.

  You can find a detailed description of all our ingredients in our ingredients library.

• Where do I use this product in my routine?

  Our Active Compound is the serum or treatment step in your skincare routine – morning, and evening.

  After cleansing, you can apply the Active Compound to a dry or damp face. Follow with the Oil Infusion and/or moisturiser of your choice. Always apply sunscreen during the day

• Is it fragrance-free, Vegan, Cruelty free and silicone free ?

  Yes, our Active Compound is completely fragrance free. It is also free from silicones, parabens, TEA, triclosan, mineral oil, MEA/DEA, animal derivatives, formaldehyde, heavy metals, propylene glycol and artificial fragrance.

  The Active Compound is vegan, gluten free and not tested on animals.

• Is the Active Compound safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

  Our Active Compound includes encapsulated retinol in its formulation. However, dermatologist have recommended topical non-prescription retinol to now be safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  We suggest you always ask your doctor before using new active ingredients when pregnant. 

• Is the product suitable for sensitive skin?

  Our Active Compound has been dermatologically tested on human skin and certified with a 5-star skin rating. This means it’s been certified safe for all skin types including sensitive skin.

  However, if you have sensitive skin concerns we recommend checking the ingredients carefully, always patch testing first and consulting with your doctor or dermatologist.

  For sensitive skin we also recommend slowly introducing the product, beginning with one exposure a day and working up your skin tolerance.

• Is it normal to feel tingling when using the Active Compound Serum?

  Some people may experience a slight tingling when applying our Active Compound which is ok.

  When it comes to using a new product or ingredient, we recommend you start slowly and let your skin adjust. We use clinical grade, high concentrations of actives in our products to ensure effectiveness, therefore slight tingling is fine. If any irritation or severe redness occurs, we recommend you stop using the product and consult a dermatologist.

• Is the packaging recyclable and does it come with a refil?

  Yes, we offer a full packaging recycle program you can access here. We provide you with return labels to send your packaging back to us and we recycle your packaging through the TerraCycle program to ensure it is properly recycled. Alternatively, you can take any skincare packaging to any Mecca Store and they will place it in their TerraCycle recycling bins for you.

  All our cartons and paper products are made using FSC certified paper which is recyclable and use waterway safe inks and dyes.

  We are pleased to advise that the Active Compound Serum does come with a refill option, which you can purchase online. 

• Can I put two serums on my face?

  While it is possible to layer two serums on the face, you need to carefully consider the specific activities ingredients in each one before doing so. 

  Layering too many products can not only dilute the effectiveness of each individual product but it has the potential to irritate the skin. 

  When too many active ingredients are applied to the skin at once, the strength of the ingredients may cause the skin to become sensitised. This is of particular concern in the case of layering serums with exfoliating acids, such as AHAs and BHAs.

  A safer approach is to use one targeted serum that addresses a specific skin concern, or an all-in-one serum like the Active Compound that replaces multiple serums in one product.

  Active Compound is a multi-correctional serum designed to replace 6 products in your routine. This all-in-one serum brightens, tightens, hydrates, renews, balances, and defends. Target signs of ageing with encapsulated retinol that promotes cellular turnover while 4 different weights of hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump.

  Niacinamide and active plant growth factors work together to stimulate collagen production, minimise the appearance of large pores, and reduce pigmentation for a more even complexion. 

• Can serum and face oil be used together?

  Yes, serum and face oil can be used together in your skincare routine. 

  While the high concentration of active ingredients in a serum are incredibly beneficial for the skin, to maximise the results of the serum, it should be used in tandem with a moisturising cream or face oil. 

  Immediately after cleansing, apply the serum while the skin is still slightly damp and allow it to penetrate the skin. Then, apply a face oil to seal in moisture and provide additional nourishment. Alternatively, you can apply a serum, followed by a moisturiser, and finally the face oil.

• Can you use face serum on the lips?

  While some face serums may contain ingredients that are safe for use on the lips, we don’t recommend applying Active Compound to your lips. 

  The skin on the lips is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the face and prone to sensitivity and dryness. The active ingredients in a serum may be too strong for this area and lead to irritation such as flaking and redness. 

  To play it safe, we recommend using a lip-specific product to address any concerns you may have on the lips.