Frequently Asked Questions

Synergie Skin is a leading manufacturer of Australian-made, certified cruelty free, cosmeceutical skincare and mineral makeup. Harnessing a ‘Clean Science’ philosophy means that all Synergie products are ethically made and free from questionable or potentially harmful ingredients.

Read more about our commitment here.

Terri Vinson is a cosmetic chemist, businesswoman, mother and founder of Synergie Skin. In 2005, Terri started the company with a vision to educate and empower people to make effective and safe skincare choices. Terri recognised a significant gap in the aesthetics market for highly active cosmeceutical products, free of potentially toxic ingredients and with a focus on consumer education. Terri went on to launch Synergie Skin, Synergie Minerals and Synergie Practitioner - three ranges all dedicated to improving the long-term health of the skin.

To learn more about Terri, click here.

Within Australia:

To find your nearest clinic please head here and type your suburb in the locator. For a more personalised, in-depth experience within Australia, a list of our top clinics (Premium Affiliates) can be found here.

Outside Australia:

You can still experience the Synergie ‘Clean Science’ results! Find your nearest international clinic from our growing global presence here. Don’t hesitate to contact our head office at info@synergieskin.com for further assistance.

We place a high priority on sustainability and are proud to say that we have recently transitioned our packaging to use premium-grade materials that are fully recyclable & ethically sourced from pioneering recyclables manufacturers for a cleaner, more sustainable future. This is a continuous process as we remain committed to reducing our carbon footprint one step at a
time.

Click here to read more about our sustainability practices.

In partnership with i=Change, we donate $1 from each transaction to one of three important charities we have chosen to support. When you shop online at synergieskin.com, you'll be able to select which charity you'd like to personally support out of the three we are donating to. It's 100% transparent, with each donation reaching its designated giving cause in full - no deductions or fees are applied.

After your next purchase, you will notice a new pop-up where you will be able to choose 1 of 3 impactful projects to support:
1. Educate a Girl: providing education and academic tutoring to young women suffering from poverty
2. Clean the Sea: harnessing Seabin Smart Tech to remove plastics from our oceans
3. Support Mental Health: offering counselling services via Beyond Blue to those suffering from anxiety and depression.

Together with i=Change and our community, we want to create positive change for a better, more equal future for our people and planet.

Unfortunately, the terms ‘natural’ and organic’ are used too loosely in the cosmetic industry. Natural is not always best and it is important to understand the concept of ‘natural’ in our industry and realise that natural ingredients can be extremely harmful. Arsenic, for example, is 100% natural but less than 1/8th of a teaspoon can be fatal. The beautiful oleander shrub can be organically grown but may result in cardiac arrest if the leaves or flowers are ingested! Lead is also a natural element and is highly toxic to the human body. There have been recent concerns about unacceptable traces of lead present in certain lipsticks.

There are chemical additives (both natural and synthetic) that can be harmful to cells when allowed to accumulate over time. This is why Terri has trademarked her ‘Clean Science’ philosophy. It is often as important what you don’t put on your skin as what you do.

Synergie Skin believes that beauty products should be cruelty free. We are proud to be Leaping Bunny approved. A global programme, Leaping Bunny requires cruelty free standards over and above legal requirements. All of our own brand cosmetic and personal care products are approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme, the internationally recognisable gold standard for cruelty free products. We adhere to a fixed cut-off date policy and proactively monitor our suppliers to ensure that our products continue to adhere to the Leaping Bunny criteria. Our supplier monitoring system is also independently audited.

For more information about Cruelty Free International, Leaping Bunny and Leaping Bunny criteria, please visit www.crueltyfreeinternational.org

Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and act by absorbing UV light. They are later broken down in the body and carried in the bloodstream where the by-products may be stored in the body and produce side effects. There has been evidence to suggest that chemical sunscreens are linked to hormonal imbalances.

Examples of chemical sunscreen are:
• Oxybenzone
• avobenzone (butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane)
• octisalate
• octocrylene
• homosalate
• octinoxate

Physical sunscreens are mineral based and protect from harmful UVA and UVB rays. They reflect, scatter and absorb UV light but are not absorbed into the deeper layers of skins and bloodstream. Examples of physical sunscreens include:
• Zinc oxide
• Titanium dioxide

Zinc oxide is the only FDA approved natural mineral offering full broad spectrum UV protection. Any sunscreen is better than none at all but given the choice my advice is to opt for physical sunscreen in the form of zinc oxide – a natural mineral that blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays.

What is vitamin A?

Retinoids (the various forms of vitamin A) are considered the gold standard in cosmeceuticals and are used to treat over 125 skin disorders. Vitamin A is central in controlling and balancing the skin as it activates through its direct effect on DNA in the cell nucleus.

Vitamin A and its derivatives have gone through a significant evolution over the decades. Current technology has given rise to a liposomal form of retinol, a form of vitamin A that is stable, effective, and non-irritating on the skin. More recently, the highly effective form of topical retinoid therapy, HPR (Hydroxypinacolone retinoate), has been developed, which works by directly accessing retinoid receptors on the nucleus.

What is a stabilised retinol?

Stabilised retinol is pure retinol encased in a stable liposome (oil envelope) where it is protected from oxidation. This stabilised retinol produces optimal skin benefits. The liposomes spread uniformly across the skin and penetrate rapidly to target sites in the epidermis.

What is hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR)?

This next generation vitamin A ingredient requires no metabolic conversion by the target cell to exert its numerous beneficial effects. HPR is an ester of all-trans retinoic acid capable of binding directly to retinoid receptors and enhancing gene expression. It is the fastest acting and most potent form of vitamin A, next only to prescription retinoic acid. Clinical studies demonstrate that HPR visibly reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles in as little as 14 days whilst also brightening, clearing, firming and plumping the skin, reducing visible pores, and normalising cell turnover and excess oil production. 

The RetiGen Complex™

Synergie Skin has created and trademarked the RetiGen Complex™, a powerful blend of skin perfecting ingredients, including the cutting-edge hero retinoid, hydroxypinacolone retinoate. The HPR is combined with coenzyme Q10 and green tea to offer optimal antioxidant protection against free radicals, cellular ageing, environmental damage and oxidative stress. This complex increases the skin’s ability to produce collagen and elastin while reversing and preventing the visible signs of ageing. The RetiGen ComplexTM inhibits elastase and MMPs, responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin. It inhibits the production of tyrosinase, one of the key enzymes involved in pigment production, thereby resulting in a brighter and more even toned complexion.

Niacinamide (also referred to as vitamin B3) is an active cosmeceutical with an extraordinary array of skin benefits. 

The multitasking effects seen with niacinamide make it an ideal choice for targeting many concerns including improving barrier strength, inflammation, dehydrated skin, sensitivity, acne, excess oil, pigmentation, and visible signs of ageing. Niacinamide is considered an essential daily cosmeceutical for all skin types and conditions and exhibits negligible side effects or skin irritation. 

Niacinamide is essential in generating energy inside the cells. More than 40 biochemical reactions have been identified and are of paramount importance for normal tissue and skin integrity. 

Synergie Skin harnesses the highest levels of vitamin B3 available on the market today, with niacinamide levels at 13% in Synergie Skin Vitamin B serum, 21% in XCell B Serum and 22% in the Synergie Practitioner Priority B formulation. 

Unlike vitamin A and some other actives, it is rare for normal skin that is not classified as sensitive to exhibit irritancy effects on the skin when using niacinamide at higher dosages. It is also safe to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Results are further enhanced due to the proprietary blend of cosmeceutical actives that work to support the primary ingredient, niacinamide, creating rapid, visible and unparalleled results. 

L-ascorbic acid is the most abundant antioxidant in skin. Most plants and animals synthesise L-ascorbic acid to protect themselves from free radical attack. The gene necessary for its synthesis has been mutated over time in humans. As a result, humans rely on topical application and dietary intake for their vitamin C supply. 

L-ascorbic acid is the only bioidentical form of topical vitamin C available that can be recognised by skin cells. 

All professionally recognised white medical papers supporting the beneficial effects of vitamin C directly on cells are based on the research of L-ascorbic acid alone. Although there is clinical data to support the effectiveness of some vitamin C derivatives, these all require conversion to L-ascorbic acid to be effective on skin, whereas L-ascorbic acid acts directly on the skin cells via specific receptor site interaction. 

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is one of the most stable forms of vitamin C on the market. Upon topical application, ATIP has an 84% conversion rate into free L-ascorbic acid and demonstrates superior absorption due to its lipophilic (oil-loving) nature. Ideal for sensitive skin types, ATIP can penetrate skin on an enhanced level, ensuring controlled and targeted penetration and reducing the likelihood of irritation. To support youthful skin, ATIP is a powerful antioxidant and reduces the appearance of uneven skin tone and supports collagen production to combat fine lines and general skin ageing. 

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate has been included in Synergie Skin’s Effica C formulation.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women can use all Synergie Skin, Synergie Practitioner and Synergie Minerals products except products containing retinol (Synergie Skin Ultimate A / RetiFol / Acceler-A / Synergie Practitioner A+).

There is currently no evidence to suggest that products containing salicylic acid applied to the skin harm a developing foetus. Any concerns with salicylic acid during pregnancy are based on systemic ingestion of the drug aspirin. The use of topical salicylic would not translate to high levels in the bloodstream. In addition, even aspirin taken internally is considered to be safe at low doses to prevent preeclampsia. It is, therefore, safe to use salicylic products on the skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, if an individual is allergic to salicylates (aspirin), they are advised not to use products containing salicylic acid whether pregnant or not.

We suggest you seek medical advice prior to use if you have any other concerns.

The shelf life of our product can vary depending on the specific product and its formulation.

Please check our product packaging and look for PAO (Period After Opening) symbol and Expiry Date.

Whichever comes the earliest will be the recommended period to use the product for highest quality and
efficacy.

We recommend storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight & humidity.

Please always check the packaging for the most accurate instructions.

We believe that it is our responsibility to minimise environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The majority of our products can be recycled with other plastic/glass products. In general, packaging with metal and a mirror (e.g. MineralWhip) is not recyclable as certain components must be removed before disposing into the
recycling bin.