THE SCIENCE

The science of Environ

One idea sits underneath everything on this site: much of what we read as ageing is really sun-induced vitamin A deficiency — and a deficiency can be corrected.

What Environ does, and how

Environ makes scientifically researched skincare with one goal: a real, lasting difference to how skin looks — for everyone, whatever your age, gender or skin tone. In its world, healthy-looking skin is the norm, not the exception, and it’s meant to stay that way for life.

The approach comes from its founder, Dr Des Fernandes, a plastic surgeon who observed that sun-exposed skin runs chronically short of vitamin A — a shortfall most of us misread as ordinary ageing and sun damage. Because daily life keeps draining the vitamin — sunlight, pollution, stress, diet — the formulations put it back daily.

Vitamin A leads, and it doesn’t work alone: vitamins C and E, antioxidants, peptides, hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 support it in every routine.

Environ Skin EssentiA vitamin A moisturisers

The Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM®

Vitamin A is vital for healthy-looking skin — but skin has to be introduced to it gradually. Give it too much before it’s ready and it will protest; give it time to acclimatise and it can take, and use, progressively more.

That’s why Environ built the world’s first Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM®: you start at the lowest level, and step up only as your skin becomes comfortable. It’s also why the strengths in our shop — AVST 1 to 5, C-Quence 1 to 4 — are separate steps rather than interchangeable options, and why where you start depends on where your skin is today.

What vitamin A does, step by step:

  • Supports the skin’s natural moisturising factor, for a radiant look
  • Helps the outer layer feel firmer and more resilient
  • Encourages the skin’s own protein production
  • Supports skin immunity, helping keep breakouts at bay
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From the founder

Dr Des Fernandes, the plastic surgeon behind Environ, on why he built a skincare range around vitamin A.

Made with clinical rigour

The claims above are only as good as the manufacturing behind them.

  • Independently verified vitamin levels

    The STEP-UP SYSTEM® moisturisers carry Swiss Vitamin Institute certification, with vitamin content tested every year.

  • Made in Environ’s own sterile facility

    Formulations are mixed under red light and vacuum to protect light- and air-sensitive actives, to ISO 9001 and ISO 22716 (cGMP) standards.

  • Every batch checked

    Independent, internationally accredited laboratories verify each batch’s content and sterility.

  • Trialled on people, over time

    Products go through studies of 18 months and beyond with over a hundred volunteers, with results presented at international plastic-surgery conferences.

  • Formulated to be kind

    Minimal preservative, no added perfume; hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, never tested on animals.

  • Packaging that protects

    Containers are designed to shield actives from light and air, with full ingredient disclosure and a printed shelf life.

What’s in the formulas

  • Vitamin A

    The cornerstone: targets the look of photo-damage, dryness and uneven tone.

  • Vitamin C

    A stabilised, fat-soluble form, for smoother, firmer-looking skin.

  • Antioxidants

    Vitamins C, E, B5 and beta-carotene, defending against daily exposure.

  • Peptides

    Dermaxyl®, Matrixyl® and Argireline®, to soften the look of lines.

  • Niacinamide

    With Sepiwhite MSH™, for a more even-looking tone.

  • Panthenol

    Pro-vitamin B5, a skin-comforting hydrator.

  • AHAs & BHAs

    Gentle exfoliation for fresher-looking skin.

  • Mineral sun care

    Titanium dioxide with antioxidants, for daylight defence.