About our active ingredients

Aha acids

AHAs (short for alpha-hydroxy-acids) are natural acids that are mainly obtained from fruit and are therefore classified as fruit acids. Glycolic acid, for example, is one of the AHAs. They are used in cosmetics primarily for their peeling effect: they detach dead cells from the underlying healthy skin layer and stimulate the body to produce new ones. The result: a visibly fresher complexion. Dr. Stefan Duve has also had very good experience with AHAs in his dermatological practice. They are generally well tolerated and are contained in the following Doctor Duve medical skin care products: Glowskin Anti-Impurity Pads, Glowskin Triple Peel Treatment, Glowskin Daily Resurfacing Pads.

Bionymph Peptides

Peptides are natural proteins used in cosmetics primarily to stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is itself a peptide and an essential component of the skin, responsible for its stability and elasticity. Peptides are among the most advanced anti-aging agents, they plump up the skin through their collagen-stimulating effect, thus reducing wrinkles and making the skin look smoother. BioNymph peptides are included in the following Doctor Duve medical skin care products: Boosting Neck & Décolleté Cream, Phytoceutix Eye Cream & Mask.

Doctor Duve Calming Complex

Dr. Stefan Duve developed the Doctor Duve Calming Complex especially for his Babies & Kids care line. He has combined three natural active ingredients: Honey, which was declared a remedy by Hippocrates over 2000 years ago and has been used for generations to treat wounds. Also included: soothing cotton extract and cupuaçu butter. This is extracted from wild cacao plants in the Amazon rainforest and is able to bind a lot of moisture. In Brazil, where Dr. Duve discovered it, it has therefore long been used for skin care. Doctor Duve Calming Complex pampers and protects the sensitive skin of our little ones and soothes them when redness or irritation occurs. It is contained in the skin care lotion, the wound protection cream, the wind & weather cream and the hair & body shampoo. 

Growth Factors

Growth Factors belong to the so-called Big Four, i.e. the four ingredients whose anti-aging effect has been proven in tests at skin and university clinics. The proteins play an important role in the body because they control cell functions and initiate healing processes, among other things. Because of these properties, they are also successfully used in cosmetics: Growth Factors stimulate the organism to form healthy skin cells and promote the production of collagen, which makes the skin look younger and healthier. The discoverers of Growth Factors were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1986. Growth Factors are included in the following Doctor Duve medical skin care products: Boosting Face Cream, Boosting Face Serum, Boosting Mask, Boosting Neck & Décolleté Cream, Clarifying Face Cream, Glowskin Rich Softening Lotion and Hair Serum.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of the so-called Big Four, or four ingredients whose anti-aging effects have been proven in tests at skin and university clinics. It is a natural component of our body and an important building block of our skin. Hyaluronic acid can bind large amounts of moisture - 1 gram of hyaluronic acid several liters - and thus ensures a plump and healthy skin appearance. The amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases with age. The consequences include loss of elasticity and wrinkles. Dr. Stefan Duve, who achieves visible success with the well-tolerated active ingredient in his dermatological practice, uses hyaluronic acid in numerous anti-aging products of his Doctor Duve medical skin care. It is contained in Boosting Face Cream, Boosting Mask, Boosting Face Serum, Clarifying Face Cream and the new Glowskin Hyaluronic Face Mask.

Retinew A16

Retinew A 16 is often referred to as the herbal alternative to retinol. The relatively new and highly effective anti-aging ingredient is extracted from the seeds of the matte bean (Vigna aconitifolia), which has been cultivated in India for thousands of years and is also used there for medicinal purposes. Retinew A 16 stimulates cell renewal, resulting in a visibly fresher complexion. Since it is more tolerable than retinol, it can be used in higher dosages without causing irritation. Dr. Stefan Duve therefore recommends Retinew A 16 especially for sensitive skin. It is contained in the following Doctor Duve medical skin care products: Retinew Serum, Phytoceutix Eye Cream & Mask, Phytoceutix Night Cream.

Vitamin C and E

Vitamins C and E are among the so-called Big Four, or four ingredients whose anti-aging effects have been proven in tests at skin and university clinics. The vitamins are counted among the antioxidants because they scavenge free radicals, which are produced during metabolic processes in the body and are responsible for premature aging of the skin, among other things. They can bind large amounts of moisture and thus smooth the skin, they also accelerate its regeneration. Vitamin C is also used for facial cleansing: It efficiently removes dead skin cells that make the complexion look dull. Vitamins C and E are contained in the following Doctor Duve medical skin care products: Boosting Neck & Décolleté Cream.