FORMULATING IS OUR OBSESSION

Our formulas start long before we ever step into the lab. We have a borderline-maniacal obsession with efficacy - every texture, every active, every percentage has to earn its place. Like a Michelin-star chef who knows the dish lives or dies by the quality of its ingredients, we believe high-performance skincare begins with extraordinary raw materials, backed by clinical data and sourced with rigor and care. From there, it's about what happens in our lab: thoughtful formulation, precise delivery systems, and real-world results you can see and feel.

LAB BEAKERS

Our ingredients

We use results-driven ingredients sourced from a number of countries across the world. Many of the ingredients we use have independent third-party clinical studies.

Our products use the highest quality ingredients - many of which are natural, organic and/or wild crafted from conscious growers across the world.

Our products are never formulated with parabens, phthalates, and PEGs or SLS - and are Leaping-Bunny Approved.

Our ingredient philosophy

We scour the globe for clinically studied actives, marrying biotech innovation with powerful botanicals - always at concentrations that make a visible difference. Many of our ingredients are supported by independent third-party studies, and several are ones Maya Chia helped pioneer in the clean beauty space, such as supercritical chia seed oil and astaxanthin.​

Growth factors

These are naturally occurring proteins that stimulate cellular growth, repair, and regeneration. They take on double duty to both promote the production of new cells and repair damaged ones.

These proteins communicate with cells to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, essential components for skin firmness and elasticity. They support the skin's barrier function, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.

In addition to their anti-aging benefits, growth factors are involved in wound healing and can help repair damaged skin by promoting the growth of new cells - particularly beneficial for individuals with skin conditions such as acne scars, sun damage, or other forms of skin trauma.

peptides

Peptides in skincare are short chains of amino acids - mini fragments of proteins - that can act as signaling molecules to help the skin “communicate” repair and renewal messages.​

In skincare, these molecules work to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and even out skin tone. But not all peptides are created equal - some have potent antioxidant properties and are known for their wrinkle-fighting abilities.

In haircare, peptides can help to fortify the hair shaft, reduce breakage, and even help with the appearance of fuller, denser hair. Peptides can also help to seal the cuticle, resulting in smoother, shinier hair that's more resistant to heat and environmental damage.

stem cells

Stem cells stimulate the skin's own repair process, promoting skin regeneration, boosting collagen/elastin, reducing wrinkles, improving texture, and enhancing radiance. These ingredients help activate skin stem cells to produce new cells and proteins, leading to firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin, with results compounding over time.

encapsulated retinol

Encapsulated Retinol delivers the gold-standard retinoid via slow-release, encapsulated technology without BHT. This has enhanced stability for visible improvement in wrinkles, tone, and clarity - while respecting even sensitive skin. An excellent choice for those seeking powerful anti-aging benefits with minimal side effects.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a compound derived from the babchi plant, which offers a natural alternative to retinol in that it encourages cellular turnover, in a very gentle way.

Moth Bean Extract

Similarly, Moth Bean Extract is derived from a legume and supports the cell turnover and collagen renewal benefits of retinol in a way that is also gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, well known in the supplement world for years but just recently used in skincare. Astaxanthin has been clinically proven to be 65x stronger than Vitamin C in combating free radicals. And yet another equally credible clinical study shows Astaxanthin as being 6,000x stronger than vitamin C in combating free radicals, 550x stronger than green tea catechins, and 75x stronger than alpha lipoic acid (from clinical research by Nishida Y./2007)

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 helps reduce the appearance of the depth of wrinkles and neutralize free radicals. A coenzyme is a substance that enhances or is necessary for the action of enzymes. They are generally much smaller than enzymes themselves. Coenzyme Q10 is a coenzyme vital to production of energy within cells. It is also a very powerful antioxidant or free radical scavenger. CoQ10 helps to support the body's natural defense mechanism against the damaging effects of free radicals, particularly the lipid peroxidation in skin.

Tetrahexdecyl Ascorbate

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a stable and oil‑soluble form of vitamin C, that brightens the appearance of uneven skin tone and boosts radiance while supporting collagen and defending against visible environmental damage.

Vitamin C Ester

Vitamin C Ester is a very stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C which has antioxidant activity, inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Topical use can help to relieve effects of UV exposure. Studies have shown it to clarify and brighten the skin thereby promoting a more even skin tone. Unlike ascorbic acid, it will not exfoliate or irritate skin.

Vitamin C SAP

Vitamin C SAP (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) is the sodium salt of ascorbyl phosphate, a stable derivative of L‑ascorbic acid designed for use in aqueous cosmetic formulations.​ Studies suggest SAP can convert to active L‑ascorbic acid in the skin and has documented antioxidant and anti‑blemish properties, including activity against Cutibacterium acnes and reduction of inflammatory lesions when used topically.​

Vitamin C MAP

Vitamin C MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) is the magnesium salt of ascorbyl phosphate, another stabilized form of vitamin C that is highly water‑soluble and less irritating than high‑strength L‑ascorbic acid.​ Research shows MAP can enhance collagen synthesis, provide antioxidant protection, and help improve hyperpigmentation and photoaging signs, making it popular in brightening and anti‑aging formulas.

niacinamide

Niacinamide, otherwise known as Vitamin B3, is a skincare staple. It improves the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and minimizes pores. It is also helpful for addressing concerns with blemishes, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.

tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. Studies show it can help improve melasma and other hyperpigmentation by interfering with the pathways that trigger excess pigment production after UV exposure or inflammation.​
Clinical trials of topical tranexamic acid for melasma have reported reductions in pigmentation.

azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid found naturally in grains and produced by skin microbes; in dermatology it is used topically and primarily used to treat problemed skin suffering from issues such as blemishes, sensitivity and dark spots due to its ideal combination of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-brightening properties.

Maya Chia was one of the first clen beauty brands to bring Azelaic acid to the mainstream market, Before this, Azelaic acid was a hidden skincare gem found mostly only in the dermatologist's office.

sake

Sake is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It softens, brightens, soothes and protects the skin. After sake brewers noticed (in the middle of the winter and harsher climates) they had smooth hands and luminous skin, they realized the truly game-changing benefits of sake.

amino acids

Amino acids play a crucial role in skincare primarily by enhancing the skin's ability to retain moisture. They maintain hydration and regulate skin pH levels, which is essential for skin health and youth.

Amino acids such as glycine and betaine have been shown to not only help in reducing the visible signs of aging but also strengthening the skin's barrier function.

Additionally, amino acids contribute to the repair and regeneration of skin cells. They are involved in the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Moreover, certain amino acids have been found to accelerate cell metabolism and promote the healing of damaged skin, making them effective in reducing skin irritation and redness.

Supercritical Chia Seed Oil

Our patented supercritical chia seed oil has been shown to improve hydration, barrier function, and reduce trans-epidermal water loss, while targeted seed extracts like sweet lupine help address firmness and visible signs of aging.

Chia seeds are one of the most nutrient-dense plant sources of omega fatty acids, antioxidants and essential minerals - all factors that play a vital role for the health of your skin. Our patented supercritical chia seed oil has been shown to improve hydration, barrier function, and reduce trans-epidermal water loss.

Sweet Lupine Seed Extract

Sweet Lupine Seed Extract is made from lupeol, extracted from the coatings of sweet white lupin seeds which are harvested in France. It restores resiliency to help firm and address visible signs of aging.

hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant, drawing and holding up to 1000x its weight in water to deeply hydrate, plump, smooth, and improve skin elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and supporting a healthy skin barrier. This ingredient is used across the majority of the water-based formulations in our portfolio.

fermented minerals

In skincare, fermented minerals usually refers to trace minerals (such as zinc, copper, magnesium, or selenium) that have been processed through a fermentation step with microorganisms or yeast to create bio‑available mineral complexes.​

Fermentation can chelate or “wrap” minerals with organic compounds (like amino acids or peptides), which cosmetic chemistry literature suggests may enhance stability, solubility in water, and skin compatibility.​

These mineral complexes are often used at low levels to support antioxidant defenses, barrier function, and overall cellular metabolism, since many skin enzymes depend on metal ions as cofactors for processes like collagen crosslinking, antioxidant activity, and DNA repair.