Why We Use Alt-Pharma™ Ingredients

They’re more efficacious and have added benefits.

For instance, when it comes to the classic Hyaluronic Acid versus the Alt-Pharma™ Polyglutamic Acid, both are hydrating—but Polyglutamic Acid does even more.


Our Classics

Our list of classics including Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Glycerin are all proven ingredients often found in reputable skincare products.

  • Hyaluronic Acid is a hydration hero. It’s a naturally occurring humectant produced by your body to bind water to keep tissues balanced, moisturized and hydrated. It’s one of the main substances that helps your skin look plump and youthful.
  • Shea Butter is a fat extracted from the shea tree that works in skincare as an emollient. It helps soften and smooth dry skin
  • Glycerin is a humectant that works by pulling water into the outermost layer of your skin from the deeper levels of your skin and the air. It’s used to hydrate your skin and improve barrier function. It also helps provide protection against irritants, in addition to speeding up wound healing. 

Our Alt-Pharma™ Ingredients

Our Alt-Pharma™ ingredients include Polyglutamic Acid, GABA, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract —all clinically proven but not traditionally found in skincare. 

  • Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) comes at a higher cost and is relatively new to skincare. It is larger in molecular size so can hold up to 10x more moisture than HA. It forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, which leads to benefits like softer texture, less irritation, and fewer breakouts—to name a few). Because PGA slowly absorbs into skin, it can deliver a bouncy, dewy glow. As a peptide, PGA plays well with other ingredients (like Hyaluronic Acid – which is also in our formula, Retinol and Vitamin C). It helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, accelerate skin’s natural exfoliation process, and minimize hyperpigmentation, and boost elasticity—even more than topical collagen. 
  • Baicalin is known for its anti-inflammatory propertiesHelps to strengthen the dermal barrier and neutralize free radicals, leading to lower levels of oxidative stress in the skin and creating an optimal environment for skin renewal.
  • Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a powerful antioxidant and naturally occurring neuropeptide known to help relax tense facial muscles, reduce the appearance of lines/wrinkles, and improve elasticity. GABA helps improve elasticity so skin looks and feels firmer. 
  • KETAmino Acid Complex® (both classic + Alt-Pharma™) is our proprietary, curated combination of naturally occurring neuropeptides and amino acids and is in every A.P. CHEM® formula and promotes firmer, smoother, and more even toned skin. Its hero ingredient is Polyglutamic Acid.
  • Passiflora Incarnata Extract is full of vitamins, such as A and C, and fatty acids. It helps to give skin a firm and youthful look while improving fine lines and wrinkles. It boasts antioxidants that can help calm and prevent irritation.

KETAmino Acid Complex®

Our proprietary technology.

  • KETAmino Acid Complex® (both classic + Alt-Pharma™) is our proprietary, curated combination of naturally occurring neuropeptides and amino acids and is in every A.P. CHEM® formula and promotes firmer, smoother, and more even toned skin. Its hero ingredient is Polyglutamic Acid.