Ingredients
Nothing hidden.
Everything explained.
Every ingredient in QUELL is there for a specific, evidence-backed reason. No fillers. No fragrance. No shortcuts. Here's what each one does — and exactly why we chose it.
Barrier Lipid
Ceramide NP
What it is
A naturally occurring ceramide subtype (Ceramide 3) found in high concentration in healthy skin.
What it does
Forms the backbone of the skin's intercellular lipid matrix. Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by filling gaps between skin cells.
Why we use it
Hard water degrades ceramide NP specifically. Replenishing it is the single most important step in barrier repair.
Clinical data
Clinical studies show 40–60% reduction in TEWL within 4 weeks of twice-daily application.
Barrier Lipid
Ceramide AP
What it is
An alpha-hydroxy acid-based ceramide (Ceramide 6-II) that makes up ~10% of the skin's natural ceramide content.
What it does
Works in conjunction with Ceramide NP to restore lamellar body secretion and improve barrier integrity.
Why we use it
Ceramide AP targets the deeper layers of the stratum corneum, addressing damage that surface-only ceramides miss.
Clinical data
Shown to improve skin smoothness and reduce fine lines when combined with NP and EOP.
Barrier Lipid
Ceramide EOP
What it is
An ester-linked omega-hydroxy ceramide (Ceramide 1) that anchors the lipid bilayer to corneocytes.
What it does
Acts as the 'glue' that holds the lamellar lipid structure together. Without it, NP and AP can't form a coherent barrier.
Why we use it
Ceramide EOP is the least abundant but most structurally critical ceramide. Including all three types mimics the skin's natural lipid profile exactly.
Clinical data
The NP+AP+EOP combination has been shown to be significantly more effective than any single ceramide alone.
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
What it is
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid — a pharmaceutical-grade metal ion chelator.
What it does
Binds calcium and magnesium ions (the minerals in hard water) at the skin surface, neutralising them before they can damage the barrier.
Why we use it
No other skincare ingredient directly addresses hard water mineral deposits. EDTA is the only evidence-backed solution.
Clinical data
Used in pharmaceutical formulations for decades. Shown to significantly reduce mineral ion concentration on skin surface within 5 minutes of application.
Barrier Strengthener
Niacinamide 4%
What it is
The active amide form of Vitamin B3. Used at 4% — the clinically validated effective concentration.
What it does
Upregulates ceramide synthesis in skin cells, reducing TEWL and improving barrier function. Also inhibits inflammatory cytokines and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Why we use it
Niacinamide doesn't just repair damage — it helps your skin produce more ceramides on its own, creating a compounding effect over time.
Clinical data
Clinical trials show 4% niacinamide reduces TEWL by 24% and hyperpigmentation by 35–45% in 8 weeks.
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
What it is
A naturally occurring polysaccharide found throughout the body. QUELL uses a multi-molecular-weight blend (high and low).
What it does
Draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface. High MW sits on top for surface hydration; low MW penetrates for deeper moisture.
Why we use it
Ceramide repair works best on well-hydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid creates the hydration environment that ceramides need to function optimally.
Clinical data
Multi-weight HA shown to increase skin moisture content by 40–60% compared to single-weight HA.
Humectant
Glycerin
What it is
A plant-derived humectant extracted from vegetable oils (coconut or palm-based). One of the most well-researched moisturising ingredients in skincare, used for over 200 years.
What it does
Pulls moisture from the air and from deeper skin layers up to the surface, then holds it there. Works as a water reservoir within the skin. Also strengthens the skin's natural moisturising factor (NMF) — the system responsible for keeping skin hydrated between washes.
Why we use it
Ceramides repair the barrier. Hyaluronic acid adds water. Glycerin locks it in. All three work together — removing any one of them weakens the entire system. For skin damaged by hard water, this triple-hydration approach is essential.
Clinical data
Shown to increase skin hydration by up to 50% within 1 hour of application. Long-term use (4+ weeks) shown to restore impaired skin barrier function in clinical models of dry skin.
Our glycerin is vegetable-derived from plant oils. We are currently working toward organic certification for this ingredient.
Barrier Repair
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
What it is
Pro-vitamin B5, which converts to pantothenic acid in the skin — an essential nutrient for skin metabolism.
What it does
Penetrates to the dermis and stimulates skin cell proliferation and wound healing. Reduces inflammation and improves skin elasticity.
Why we use it
Panthenol complements ceramide repair by accelerating the regeneration of damaged skin cells. It's the recovery agent in the formula.
Clinical data
Shown to accelerate barrier repair by 30–40% compared to untreated control in barrier disruption models.
Seven ingredients. One system.
Each ingredient in QUELL targets a specific part of the dry skin problem. Together they form a complete repair system — not just a moisturiser.
Step 1 — Remove
CHELATE
EDTA binds and neutralises hard water mineral deposits the moment you apply it.
Step 2 — Rebuild
REPAIR
Ceramide NP, AP & EOP rebuild the lipid barrier that hard water has stripped.
Step 3 — Hold
HYDRATE
Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid & Panthenol flood the repaired barrier with moisture and lock it in.
What we don't use
Fragrance
Parabens
Sulphates
Mineral Oil
Artificial Dyes
Silicones