DEFENSE SERUM
Environmental Shield
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Defense Serum was created to counter the silent aggressors that dull the complexion: urban dust, microscopic particles, indoor chemicals, atmospheric gases, infrared rays, and blue light. While often mislabeled as “aging,” up to 85% of visible skin changes — uneven tone, fine lines, loss of clarity — are actually the cumulative result of environmental exposure.
This feather-weight treatment smooths texture while nourishing the skin with intelligent actives that support natural hyaluronic acid production, improve moisture retention, and reinforce the barrier within 24 hours by reducing trans-epidermal water loss. Detoxifying enzymes further support clarity from the inside out, helping renew radiance day after day.
Result: With consistent use, skin appears smoother, more luminous, and visibly protected against the daily stresses of modern living.
Housed in a 100% plastic-free aluminum tube with an aluminum cap, designed for full recyclability and reduced environmental impact. Outer carton is FSC-certified and printed with vegetable-based inks.
Aqua, Glycerin, polyglycerin-6, propanediol, solanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extract, bioflavonoids, brassica oleracea italica (broccoli) extract, Panthenol, Glycine, Mannitol, Tromethamine, Glutamic Acid Arginine HCl, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Lysine HCl, Leucine, Valine, Citric Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitol, Glucose, Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Tyrosine, Histidine HCl, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Copper Tripeptide-1, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Saccharide Isomerate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Scenedesmus Rubescens Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate,
Vitamin B5 (D-panthenol), EO Blend 5, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
KEY ACTIVES
- A rare stress-protection molecule found in extremophile microorganisms that survive high-salt, high-heat, and UV-intense environments. Ectoin forms a protective hydration dome around cells, stabilizes their structure, and reduces pollution- and blue-light–induced inflammation. This helps defend skin from oxidative stress and environmental aging on a molecular level.
- A naturally occurring carbohydrate that enhances hydration and reinforces the skin’s antioxidant defenses. Inositol helps counteract the dryness, dullness, and textural fatigue often triggered by urban air exposure. It improves moisture balance and strengthens the skin’s ability to recover from daily environmental stress.
- A phospholipid essential for healthy cell membranes. Phosphatidylcholine helps repair barrier damage by improving lipid organization, supporting elasticity, and optimizing moisture retention. It also increases the bioavailability of other actives — allowing Ectoin, antioxidants, and enzymes in this formula to penetrate more effectively.
- One of the most researched plant antioxidants, rich in EGCG and catechins. Green tea neutralizes free radicals generated by pollution, UV radiation, and blue light. It soothes visible redness, helps refine tone, and supports long-term skin clarity, making it indispensable for environmental defense.
HOW TO USE
Pat gently over the face, neck and décolleté morning and evening after all other active serums or directly after cleansing. Finish with moisturizer.
Use morning and evening.
- AM: Apply after water-based serums and before SPF to reinforce environmental protection.
- PM: Layer after exfoliants or retinoids to support overnight recovery and barrier reinforcement.
- Pairs seamlessly with Hydrate Serum (beneath) and Protect Oil (on top) for a complete, multi-phase defense system.
Use a pearl-sized amount. Always include the neck and décolleté. Pat gently to enhance efficacy. Smooth evenly with upward strokes.
A feather-light, fast-absorbing cream-serum hybrid with a subtle satin finish.
A quietly elegant, nature-inspired blend: woody dry cypress, lavender, spruce, fir, and Meyer lemon blossom — replicating the distinct scent of Marin County’s coastal air and forests.
TIPS FROM THE SPA
Born in the spa, this formula reflects practitioner insight: environmental damage often shows long before clients notice — as dullness, dehydration, or weakened tone. Defense Serum was developed as a daily “urban shield” that restores clarity and resilience between treatments.
Apply Defense Serum over Hydrate Serum in the morning to create a multi-phase shield that buffers skin from pollution and indoor air aggressors and seal in with Recovery Cream and finish with Shield Primer for the ultimate Defense system
After outdoor time, urban errands, or travel, massage Defense Serum onto clean skin to help neutralize oxidative buildup and reinforce barrier recovery layer with Radiance Mask and leave on until dry. Cleanse with warm water and then apply Defense serum and finish with a generous layer of Recovery Cream.
A spa-inspired rejuvenation stack for restored vitality and amplified glow. Cleanse – Begin with a gentle cleanse to prep and soften the skin. XO Essence – Douse the skin to hydrate and enhance absorption. XO Serum – Apply for advanced cellular communication and renewal. Defense Serum – Layer to support detoxification and strengthen the barrier. Protect Oil – Seal in nourishment for a smooth, radiant, revived complexion.
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Pollution-protection serums help shield the skin from particulate matter, blue light, and environmental stressors that contribute to dullness, uneven tone, and premature aging. Defense Serum uses Ectoin, antioxidants, and barrier-strengthening phospholipids to reduce damage and improve resilience.
Yes. Research shows HEV (blue light) can generate oxidative stress similar to UV exposure. Defense Serum includes antioxidants and Ectoin to help counteract this impact.
Both help: peptides support collagen and firmness, while phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine strengthen the barrier and improve moisture retention — enhancing overall environmental tolerance.
Absolutely. Layering antioxidants and protective actives beneath SPF enhances environmental protection and helps maintain clarity throughout the day
Yes. The formula is feather-light and designed to support barrier function, making it suitable for sensitive, reactive, and dehydrated skin types.
Yes. Use Defense Serum after retinoids or acids at night to reinforce the barrier and support recovery.
Immediate comfort and smoothness can be expected, with visible clarity, improved tone, and strengthened resilience developing over 2–4 weeks.