What's actually in
every formula.

Allantoin

What it does

A compound found naturally in plants such as comfrey. Allantoin soothes and conditions, helping skin feel calm and comfortable, which is particularly useful alongside active ingredients that can cause temporary sensitivity.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder

What it does

One of the most studied botanical soothing agents. Rich in polysaccharides, aloe helps calm the look of irritation, provides lightweight hydration and supports the skin barrier. We include it in both cleansers to keep cleansing comfortable.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

What it does

Pure Vitamin C, and one of the most researched antioxidants in skincare. It helps brighten the look of dullness, address the appearance of uneven tone and dark spots, and neutralise free radicals from daily environmental stress. In our Vitamin C Serum it sits second on the ingredient list, paired with Ferulic Acid, which improves its stability.

Azelaic Acid

What it does

A dicarboxylic acid found naturally in grains such as barley and wheat. In cosmetic formulas it helps even the look of tone and the marks breakouts can leave behind, for a more even-looking complexion. Our Anti-Acne Serum contains 10%.

Betaine

What it does

A naturally derived compound, typically from sugar beet, that works as a humectant by drawing moisture into skin. We use it in our Anti-Acne Serum to add comfort without interfering with the primary actives.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

What it does

A light emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It spreads smoothly, helps soften skin, and works as a carrier for fat-soluble actives such as Retinol, helping them absorb evenly. Non-greasy and well tolerated.

Cellulose

What it does

A plant-derived microparticle providing physical exfoliation, with no plastic microbeads. We use it in our Gel Cleanser With Scrub, which is designed for use two to three times a week rather than daily.

Coconut Oil

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil

What it does

Pressed from the kernels of mature coconuts and rich in saturated fatty acids, coconut oil forms an occlusive layer that helps seal moisture into skin. Particularly suited to body care, where lasting hydration matters more than rapid absorption.

Copper Gluconate

What it does

A bioavailable form of copper used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and its contribution to a healthy, even-looking complexion. We use it alongside Magnesium Aspartate in our Anti-Aging Moisturiser.

Ferulic Acid

What it does

A plant-derived antioxidant found in the cell walls of grains. It helps neutralise free radicals triggered by UV and pollution, and its best-documented role is improving the stability and effectiveness of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which is exactly why we pair it with Ascorbic Acid.

Gluconolactone

Gluconolactone (PHA)

What it does

A Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), the newer generation of chemical exfoliant. PHAs exfoliate like AHAs but have a larger molecular structure, so they work at the skin surface. It is also a humectant, so it hydrates as it resurfaces.

Glycerin

What it does

One of the most versatile and well-tolerated humectants in skincare. Glycerin draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, keeping skin hydrated and comfortable. It appears in six of our ten formulas.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid (AHA)

What it does

The smallest Alpha Hydroxy Acid, derived from sugar cane. Its low molecular weight lets it work efficiently at the skin surface, loosening dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, more luminous-looking complexion. Our Sleep Mask contains 2%, second on its ingredient list, where it works overnight and is rinsed away in the morning.

Hibiscus Extract

Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract

What it does

A botanical extract containing naturally occurring antioxidants and mild fruit acids. We use it in our Body Butter.

Jojoba Oil

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil

What it does

Technically a liquid wax rather than an oil, jojoba closely mirrors the structure of the skin's own sebum. It is non-comedogenic, rich in fatty acids, and forms a light protective layer without heaviness. We use it as a barrier-supporting carrier in both the Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol serums.

Kakadu Plum

Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract

What it does

Native to northern Australia, Kakadu Plum has one of the highest recorded concentrations of natural Vitamin C of any fruit: up to 100 times that of an orange by weight. It also provides antioxidant polyphenols. It is the hero ingredient of our Anti-Aging Moisturiser, and it appears in that formula only.

Kojic Acid

What it does

A naturally occurring byproduct of fermentation, produced by fungi during the making of sake and similar foods. Used consistently alongside daily SPF, it helps visibly even the appearance of skin tone and soften the look of dark spots over time.

Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid (AHA)

What it does

An Alpha Hydroxy Acid with a larger molecular size than glycolic acid. It has humectant properties, so it hydrates as it resurfaces. Our Sleep Mask contains 1%, and we also use it in both moisturisers.

Lactobionic Acid

Lactobionic Acid (PHA)

What it does

A Polyhydroxy Acid derived from lactose (milk sugar), used in our Sleep Mask alongside 2% glycolic and 1% lactic acid. It works at the skin surface and has antioxidant and humectant properties. Because it is derived from milk, the Sleep Mask is the one NKD Koala formula that is not vegan.

Magnesium Aspartate

What it does

A mineral salt used in skincare as part of a skin-mineral complex. We pair it with Copper Gluconate in the Anti-Aging Moisturiser to support the look of radiance and complexion evenness.

Mandarin Peel Extract

Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin) Peel Extract

What it does

A citrus peel extract rich in flavonoids, providing antioxidant support. We include it in our Anti-Acne Serum alongside Ferulic Acid and Tocopherol.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

What it does

A water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 and one of the most versatile actives in skincare. It helps calm the look of redness, refine the appearance of pores, even out uneven-looking tone and support the skin barrier. It appears in one NKD Koala formula, the Anti-Acne Serum, at 10%.

Phytic Acid

What it does

Derived from seeds, grains and legumes, phytic acid is a chelating agent that binds metal ions which can catalyse free radical formation. This gives it antioxidant properties with mild brightening support. In our Sleep Mask it complements the acid blend overnight.

Retinol

Retinol (Vitamin A)

What it does

A form of vitamin A. With consistent evening use it helps soften the look of fine lines and refine the appearance of skin texture. It increases sun sensitivity, so SPF the following morning is essential. Ours comes in a lightweight gel with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E to help support the barrier while the active works. Our Retinol Serum contains 1%. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Saccharide Isomerate

What it does

A carbohydrate complex derived from plant sugars that binds to the skin surface, giving hydration that lasts longer than a standard humectant. We use it in the Anti-Aging Moisturiser.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

What it does

The one oil-soluble exfoliant commonly used in skincare, which is what distinguishes it from the AHAs. Being oil-soluble, it works within the pore to help keep it clear, and it helps calm the appearance of blemishes. Note that our Gel Cleanser With Scrub does not contain it: its exfoliation is physical, from Cellulose. The Anti-Acne Serum contains 2%.

Shea Butter

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

What it does

Extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, native to West Africa. Rich in fatty acids and naturally occurring Vitamin E, shea butter is deeply nourishing and helps seal moisture into skin. It sits fourth on the ingredient list of our Body Butter, making it a main ingredient rather than a trace inclusion.

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)

What it does

The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a molecule found naturally in skin that binds water with exceptional efficiency: a single molecule can hold many times its own weight. The salt form has a smaller molecular weight than hyaluronic acid itself, which helps it absorb. It appears in four of our formulas, at 1% in the Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

What it does

A lightweight, non-comedogenic seed oil rich in linoleic acid and naturally occurring Vitamin E. It supports the skin barrier and helps reduce moisture loss without heaviness. We use it across both cleansers and the Anti-Aging Moisturiser.

Sweet Almond Oil

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil

What it does

A soft, conditioning plant oil rich in fatty acids. We use it in the Anti-Aging Moisturiser alongside sesame and sunflower oils to nourish without heaviness. Note for nut allergies: this is an almond-derived ingredient.

Tocopherol

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

What it does

The primary fat-soluble antioxidant found in skin. Tocopherol helps neutralise free radicals from UV and environmental pollution and supports the skin barrier. We include it across seven formulas as both an antioxidant and a stabiliser, which matters most in the ones containing Retinol and Vitamin C.

Ubiquinone

Ubiquinone (CoQ10)

What it does

Also known as Coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone is a fat-soluble antioxidant present naturally in every cell. Applied topically it helps neutralise free radicals from daily environmental stress. Levels in skin decline naturally with age, which is why it is used in anti-aging formulas.

Urea

What it does

A molecule found naturally in healthy skin as part of its Natural Moisturising Factor. At cosmetic concentrations urea is a highly effective humectant that draws water into skin. Particularly useful for very dry or dehydrated skin and generally well tolerated.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

What it does

A botanical extract from the fruit of the vanilla orchid. We use it in our Body Butter.