It's what's inside that counts.

We combined the best of science and nature to create a skincare line that delivers real results without the junk.

We cut out all the irritants, allergens and sensitizers, including fragrances and essential oils, that can cause breakouts, irritation, and aggravate skin.

Then we added clinical concentrations of science backed, plant based ingredients formulated to deliver healthy looking skin, and address just about every age concern you can dream up.

Our 'cleanical' skincare contains these key ingredients your skin craves:

• hyaluronic acid
• bakuchiol
• olive squalane
• grape seed oil
• avocado oil
• coenzyme Q10
• peptides
• niacinamide
• vitamin C & E

Skin sensitivities can be attributed to a long list of sensitizers and irritants found in many skincare brands - even those claiming to be clean.

We don't believe there's a safe level for any skin irritant or ingredient that can break down your skin barrier, including ubiquitous ingredients like fragrance and essential oils.

Schăf is made without any irritants or sensitizers that your skin doesn't like or need, including:

parabens, fragrances, essential oils, artificial colours, sulfates, mineral oils, emulsifying wax, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, petroleum, or animal by-products.

• Famous for visibly reducing enlarged pores and improving dull, uneven skin tone
• Boosts skin’s barrier strength and hydration
• Helps mitigate negative effects of environmental stressors
• Also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide
• Stable in the presence of light (which is unique for an antioxidant)

Niacinamide (vitamin B3 or nicotinamide) is a unique skin-restoring ingredient with many benefits. It is best known for its ability to help visibly reduce enlarged pores and improve uneven/dull skin tone. It also strengthens a weakened skin barrier.

An advantage of niacinamide’s antioxidant power is that it can help visibly repair damage from UV light while offsetting other sources of environmental attack (including the negative impact of airborne pollutants). Another benefit is that niacinamide helps fortify the skin’s surface against moisture loss and dehydration by boosting its natural production of skin-strengthening ceramides. Studies have also shown niacinamide has a positive effect on reducing wrinkle depth.

Unlike many superstar anti-aging ingredients, niacinamide is stable in heat and light. It is water soluble and presents as colourless needles or white crystalline powder in its raw material state.

Niacinamide offers benefits for skin starting in concentrations as low as 0.2%, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded it is safe in concentrations up to 20%.

Myths about niacinamide’s incompatibility with other “bio-active” ingredients have been dispelled, and in fact, research overwhelmingly shows complementary effects of combining niacinamide with other key anti-aging ingredients.

• Salt form of hyaluronic acid
• Excellent skin-replenishing ingredient
• One gram can hold up to six litres of water
• It is more readily absorbed into the skin than hyaluronic acid
• Available in different molecular weights for controlled penetration

Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of the skin-replenishing ingredient hyaluronic acid. It shares the same benefits as hyaluronic acid, including its remarkable ability to help skin retain much moisture - one gram (or 0.03 oz.) of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water. When used on the skin, it doesn’t hold that much water; instead, as an intelligent ingredient, sodium hyaluronate helps the skin maintain water balance, which is critical to its healthy appearance.

In addition to its moisture-binding (humectant) properties, sodium hyaluronate is a postbiotic, meaning it can help nourish and maintain the skin’s microbiome.

The chief difference between hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate is that sodium hyaluronate is more bioavailable - meaning skin more readily absorbs it than hyaluronic acid. Both hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are available in different molecular weights for multi-level results (lower molecular weight can penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers, where higher weights deliver immediate results on the surface).

• Deliver more resilient, healthy looking skin
• Smooth wrinkles
• Diminishes signs of aging
• Support healthy skin aging
• Skin-restorative ability

Peptides are portions of short or long-chain amino acids, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Skin is composed primarily of a protein known as keratin, so peptides have a role to play as part of a complete skincare routine.

Ongoing research has shown that peptides have some amount of skin-restorative ability, assuming the formulation supports the type of peptide used and is packaged to protect it from degrading from light and air exposure during use - jars are terrible.

Peptides have demonstrated a remarkable skin-soothing effect while improving the appearance of wrinkles and loss of firmness and helping to soften the look of expression lines.

Don’t get seduced by the notion that there’s a best peptide or peptide blend because there isn’t. There are dozens and dozens of remarkable peptides. When different types of peptides are combined in a skincare product to address multiple signs of aging, they can do amazing things!

Our Moisturizer uses three different peptides in combination: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.

• Antioxidant found in the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea corylifolia
• Offers multiple anti-aging benefits, including wrinkle-reducing properties
• Helps visibly fade skin discolorations, including post-breakout marks
• Often touted as an alternative to retinol (but the two are not identical)
• Works best in concentrations between 0.5-2%

Bakuchiol is a natural antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient found in the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. This plant, also known as babchi, is native to India and parts of Africa.

Ongoing in vitro (Petri dish) and in vivo (on the skin) research has shown that bakuchiol has a skin-restoring ability and an effect on brightening a dull complexion. 

In particular, it can help reduce skin discolorations, including post-breakout marks, and clarify uneven tone. Research has also shown this plant ingredient has a significant soothing effect and offers wrinkle-reducing properties.

Bakuchiol is often touted as a natural alternative to retinol. The association between bakuchiol and retinol is because many of its visible benefits mimic what retinol does.

While the two are not identical, science has revealed that bakuchiol interacts with many of the same areas in the skin as retinol, sometimes by taking the same pathway, other times by going a different route but still leading to similar results, such as diminished wrinkles, improved elasticity, and smoother skin.

Research has confirmed that bakuchiol works best in concentrations between 0.5-2%. Amounts lower than that have not been shown to provide retinol-like benefits. Schaf Restore uses 3%.

Pentavitin's primary claim to fame in skincare is its unmatched ability to deeply hydrate the skin. Unlike typical moisturizers that hydrate only the surface, Pentavitin delves deeper, providing moisture that truly benefits the skin. 

This deep hydration is key to maintaining elasticity and a youthful look, as well-plumped skin is less prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.

A healthy skin barrier is essential for overall skin health, and Pentavitin plays a crucial role in supporting this barrier. Maintaining the skin's natural defenses helps retain moisture and protect against environmental factors that can lead to dryness and irritation. 

The result is not just hydrated skin but also skin that's equipped to defend itself against external stressors.

For those with sensitive or easily irritated skin, pentavitin is a very soothing ingredient, helping to nourish the skin. Its compatibility with the skin's natural makeup makes it a gentle yet effective hydrator. This means it provides hydration and soothes discomfort, making the skin feel more comfortable and less reactive.

The consistent use of products containing Pentavitin can lead to noticeable boosts in skin texture. The ingredient’s hydrating properties help to smooth the skin's surface, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and maintaining the skin’s natural radiance. The result is a smooth, healthy-looking complexion that glows from within.

One of the remarkable features of Pentavitin is its adaptability to all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, this ingredient adjusts to your skin's specific needs, providing targeted hydration without causing irritation. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any skincare routine, regardless of skin type.

• A naturally derived plant extract, also known as Saccharide Isomerate.
• Pentavitin® binds to your skin like a magnet, providing intense hydration that lasts up to 48 hours. It penetrates deep into the skin, ensuring long-lasting moisture that doesn’t wash away easily.⁠
• Soothes and Calms: If you struggle with dryness, irritation, or sensitive skin, Pentavitin® alleviates tightness, stinging, and itchiness, making your skin smoother and more comfortable.⁠
• Anti-Aging Benefits: It boosts your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production. This helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a youthful, plump complexion.
• It also strengthens the skin barrier, protecting against environmental stressors and promoting cell regeneration.⁠
  ⁠

• Combats breakouts: Grapeseed oil is excellent for treating oily or acne-prone skin. It’s high in omega-6 fatty acid, which fortifies the skin’s barrier and helps to reduce water loss from the skin.
  
• Lessens redness: It's great for inflamed and red skin often associated with breakouts.
  
• Lightens scars: Grapeseed oil contains powerful antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids that work together to fade dark spots and lighten scars. Studies have shown that it can help speed up the healing process and decrease the formation of keloid scars.
  
• Hydrates and firms: Grapeseed oil contains vitamin E and moisturizing fatty acids, it may help skin appear tighter and more youthful.
  
• Boosts collagen: Studies have shown that grapeseed oil can protect against sun damage and promote collagen repair.
  
• Evens skin tone: As it contains the antioxidant proanthocyanidin, grapeseed oil may help to even out skin tone when used consistently.

Grapeseed oil is a natural product made from the seeds of grapes that have been used to manufacture wine. Grapeseed has long been a popular ingredient in the wellness industry, but it's only just made its way into the beauty aisle.

Grapeseed oil, like our other favourite natural beauty essential, coconut oil, includes linoleic acid and antioxidants that are beneficial to the face and body.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, or grapeseed oil, is a lightweight oil that is extracted from the seeds of grapes and as a skincare ingredient, it penetrates the skin quickly, leaving skin soft, supple, and moisturized. In a nutshell, it's a jack-of-all-trades substance with a light texture that absorbs quickly into the skin.

Grapeseed oil is well-known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, but it also includes omega fatty acids and vitamin E, making it a popular ingredient in skincare formulations. The molecular structure of grapeseed oil, however, is its main strength. Proanthocyanidins, a type of polyphenol found in grapeseed oil, are very potent antioxidants, that have 20 times the antioxidant activity of vitamin E and 50 times the antioxidant power of vitamin C, according to studies.

• An emollient that helps prevent moisture loss and restores suppleness to skin
• Also functions as an antioxidant and helps strengthen skin’s barrier
• Can be derived from olive, wheat bran, rice bran, and amaranth oils
• Despite its sebum-like nature, squalane feels surprisingly lightweight and non-greasy
• Biocompatible ingredient, meaning skin instantly recognizes it and knows how to use it

Squalane is an emollient that helps prevent moisture loss and restores suppleness to the skin. It is also a source of beneficial fatty acids that replenish skin. One unique aspect of squalane is that it’s a modified form of squalene, one of the key components in our sebum (oil). This makes squalane a biocompatible ingredient that the skin instantly recognizes and knows how to use.

Schaf uses an olive plant-derived source of squalane. It can also be produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (a type of yeast) or animal-derived, but we do not use this type.

Despite its sebum-like nature, squalane feels surprisingly lightweight and non-greasy. Squalane can also help strengthen the skin’s barrier to help it be less prone to sensitivity and reactiveness.

Beyond its moisturizing properties, squalane also functions as an antioxidant. The antioxidant benefit of squalane also helps protect the skin’s oil from what’s known as lipid peroxidation. This process damages the skin’s surface and deepens the pore lining where oil originates. This peroxidation is also believed to play a role in acne.

Because it’s highly saturated, squalane is less prone to breaking down in the presence of air than less-saturated squalene. That said, it’s still wise to choose products whose packaging limits light exposure and contamination issues (i.e. don’t buy squalane in a clear jar.)

Squalane has been a cosmetic ingredient for decades and has a long safety track record. 

• Also known as Ubiquinone or CoQ10
• Occurs naturally in the body
• Has antioxidant, skin-soothing, and anti-aging properties
• Can impart a yellow color to skin care products

Ubiquinone is also (and perhaps more popularly) known as coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10. It is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance naturally present in the body.

Applied to the skin, it can have antioxidant benefits due to its energizing effect on factors in the skin that tend to slow down with age and cumulative sun exposure.

Studies also show that environmental factors deplete the presence of ubiquinone in the skin. Topical application has been shown to have skin-soothing effects.

Recent research suggests its inclusion in skin care products can have a noticeable impact on the visible signs of aging.

Since ubiquinone is a large molecule, it is not known to penetrate past the uppermost layers of skin; however, this is believed to help make it so effective in thwarting visible effects of environmental damage.

Its effective usage level in skin is typically between 0.02 and 0.05%. Amounts of 1% or more tend to impart a strong yellow colour to skincare formulas, as its natural colour ranges from orange to dark red. Schaf Restore uses 2%.

• Tocopherols can be either naturally occurring or synthetically derived
• Offers significant antioxidant properties, including defense from pollution
• Works as a supporting ingredient to help stabilize vitamin C

Tocopherol is the name given to one of four forms of vitamin E. These four forms are d-alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, dl-alpha Tocopherol, and dl-alpha tocopherol acetate. The “d” prefix indicates that the product was derived from natural sources, such as vegetable oils or wheat germ, whereas the “dl” prefix indicates that the vitamin was created from a synthetic base.

Research has shown that natural forms of vitamin E are more effective than their synthetic counterparts, but both have antioxidant activity. You’ll most commonly find vitamin E listed as Tocopherol on the ingredient list.

Vitamin E is a naturally occurring component of healthy skin and its second most prevalent antioxidant behind ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It offers significant antioxidant properties to help defend from pollution and other environmental stressors that would otherwise weaken skin, causing unwanted changes.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) can visibly improve hyperpigmentation when used in a 1% concentration. Typically, lower amounts are used in skin care for antioxidant benefits and to help preserve the stability of delicate ingredients. Schaf Moisturizer and restore have 2% concentration.

As used in skin care, Tocopherol is almost always supplied as oil since it is derived from sources like soy, rice bran, or flax oils, among others. It has a characteristic yellow to gold or light brown colour and a subtle odour. However, depending on the supplier, Tocopherol may also be transparent or pale yellow. It will oxidize and become darker in colour from exposure to air and light.