Source: official Forever publication
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Allantoin is a natural substance with skin-conditioning, protective, moisturising and soothing properties that can help protect the skin, making it a popular ingredient in many skincare products. Allantoin is a gentle substance that rarely causes irritation, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived from plants and are sometimes called fruit acids. Examples of AHAs are lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid. AHA acids are often used in exfoliating skin care to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, helping to make the skin smoother and more hydrated.
Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in many plant materials, especially citrus fruits. Ascorbic acid is also known as vitamin C. It is commonly used as an antioxidant. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, collagen formation, and through this for the normal functioning of blood vessels, cartilage, skeleton, teeth and skin.
Vitamin A is also known as retinol and contributes to:
- the normal functioning of the immune system
- normal vision, skin and mucous membranes
Good sources of vitamin A: cheese, eggs, fatty fish and liver. Vitamin A is also found in Forever products in the form of retinyl palmitate and beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, also known as vitamin A provitamin. Carotenoids are found in root vegetables and green leafy vegetables and are converted to vitamin A in the small intestine during digestion and stored for later use.
Vitamin A is also used in our cosmetic products in the form of beta-carotene and retinol.
The baobab is a tree that grows on the African savannah and is also known as "boaboa", "baobab" and "tree of life", as it can live up to 500 years. Baobab is rich in vitamin C and is used in cosmetic products for its antioxidant, moisturising and moisture-retaining properties, which protect the skin's natural defences. Thanks to its emollient action, a homogeneous blend of ingredients can be created in the product.
Vitamin B1 is also called thiamine and is mainly needed to convert protein and carbohydrate into energy. Thiamine contributes to the following:
- normal energy-producing metabolism
- normal functioning of the nervous system
- normal psychological function
- healthy heart function
Good sources of thiamine are found in meats, whole grains and legumes, cereals, cauliflower, oranges, potatoes and kale
Vitamin B2 in Forever products is known as riboflavin. Riboflavin is necessary for the breakdown of fat, carbohydrates and protein and plays a vital role in maintaining the body's energy supply.
Riboflavin contributes to:
- normal energy-producing metabolism
- normal functioning of the nervous system
- normal mucous membranes, red blood cells, normal skin and normal vision
- normal iron metabolism
- protection of cells against oxidative stress
- reducing fatigue and tiredness
Riboflavin is mainly found in foods such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products, but is also found in pulses and wholegrain products.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is known for its antioxidant properties. Niacin contributes to:
- the conversion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy
- normal energy-producing metabolism
- normal functioning of the nervous system
- normal psychological functioning
- normal mucous membranes and skin
- reducing fatigue and tiredness
Vitamin B3 is not stored in the body and should be supplemented daily through the diet. It is found in foods such as fish, meat, peanuts and cereals. Forever products contain this vitamin as nicotinamide.
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Vitamin B5 is also called pantothenic acid and helps the body break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins to convert them into energy. Pantothenic acid helps to:
- normal energy-producing metabolism
- normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and certain neurotransmitters
- the reduction of fatigue and tiredness
- normal mental performance
Pantothenic acid is found in most foods, but especially in legumes, cereals and meat.
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Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is needed for most biological reactions in the body and is found in eggs, vegetables, fish, poultry, soybeans and whole grains. Vitamin B6 contributes to:
- normal cysteine synthesis
- normal energy-producing metabolism
- normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems
- normal homocysteine metabolism
- normal protein and glycogen metabolism
- normal psychological function
- normal red blood cell formation
Reduction of fatigue and exhaustion and regulation of hormonal activity
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Vitamin B7 is better known as biotin. Biotin is essential for carbohydrate and fat metabolism and is found in almost all foods, especially eggs, liver, cereals such as oats and wheat, pulses, fish and spinach.
Vitamin B12 contributes to:
- normal energy metabolism
- normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems
- normal homocysteine metabolism
- normal psychological function
- normal red blood cell formation
- reduction of fatigue and exhaustion and plays a role in the process of cell division
It is mainly found in meat, fish or dairy products, so if we eat enough of these foods, we will get enough vitamin B12 through our diet. Vitamin B12 is not naturally found in foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains, so those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet may not be getting enough vitamin B12 through their diet. Folate is not stored in the body, so frequent consumption of folate-rich supplements or foods is essential. It is well documented that women who want to have a child should ideally take a folic acid-rich (also known as folate or vitamin B9) supplement for three months before conception and until the twelfth week of pregnancy.
Less is known about the important relationship between vitamins B9 and B12. Without vitamin B12, folate cannot function properly, gets trapped inside cells and cannot support cell growth. Both folate and B12 play a role in the process of cell division.
Ceramides are lipids, oils that are naturally found in the skin and which provide the skin's protective barrier. Ceramide levels in cells decrease with age; one reason we notice this is that the skin becomes drier as we age.
Zinc is a fantastic trace element that should not be ignored. It can be found in meat, poultry and mushrooms. Zinc is an antioxidant and contributes to:
- normal acid-base metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism
- normal cognitive function
- normal DNA synthesis
- normal fertility and reproduction
- maintenance of normal blood testosterone levels
- normal macronutrient metabolism and normal fatty acid metabolism
- normal vitamin A metabolismnormal protein synthesis
- healthy immune function and normal bone, hair, nails and skin
- maintenance of normal vision
- protecting cells against oxidative stress and plays a role in the process of cell division
Citric acid is one of the most common food additives used as a food acid or acidity regulator.
Various sugars are found naturally in fruits, berries and milk and are used in foods mainly to add sweetness. Forever products contain sugars under the following names: sugar (glucose + fructose), fructose, lactose and honey.
Fructose, also known as fructose, is also a natural source of sugar and is added to many foods. Fructose is a simple sugar that makes up 50% of table sugar (sucrose) and is sweeter than regular sugar, so it can be used in smaller quantities.
Lactose is used in our cosmetic products mainly for its moisturising and skin care properties.
Honey is produced by bees of the Apis mellifera species from the nectar or secretions of various plants. Honey is made up of four-fifths sugars and has a lower glycaemic index than traditional sugar due to its high fructose content. Honey is a good alternative to sugar in both food and drinks, but temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius destroy the enzymes in honey.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a well-known vitamin commonly associated with oranges and good health. Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means that it is not stored by the body like fat-soluble vitamins, instead the excess is excreted daily. Vitamin C contributes to:
- normal collagen formation for normal blood vessel, bone, cartilage, gum and tooth function
- normal energy-producing metabolism - normal functioning of the nervous system
- normal psychological function
- normal function of the immune system
- protection of cells against oxidative stress
- to reduce fatigue and tiredness
- regeneration of reduced forms of vitamin E and increased absorption of iron
It is important to replenish vitamin C throughout the day.
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth and is used as a collective name for vitamin D3 and vitamin D2.
Vitamin D contributes to:
- normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus
- normal blood calcium levels
- normal bone, muscle and tooth function
- normal functioning of the immune system and plays a role in the process of cell division
Vitamin D is produced in our skin by UV radiation, but is also found in foods such as meat, oily fish, eggs and cheese.
Elastin, like collagen, is an important natural building block of the skin; it keeps the skin firm, elastic and smooth. With age, skin elasticity decreases, resulting in sagging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The addition of elastin to skincare products helps to maintain the skin's connective tissue and by moisturising, the skin becomes smoother.
Vitamin E, also often called tocopherol, is needed to prevent the breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as fatty acids found in the body's tissues. Tocopherol is used as an antioxidant in many of Forever's products. Antioxidants have chemical properties that can reduce the damaging effects of free radicals and slow down the ageing process of cells. This is why vitamin E helps protect cells against oxidative stress.
Good sources of vitamin E are seeds, oils, green leafy vegetables, avocados and eggs.
A wide variety of sweeteners are used in foods to enhance flavour. Forever supplements and enhanced foods contain a variety of sweeteners in the form of sugars or other natural and synthetic sweeteners.
Yeast extract is an ingredient used for its skin care and skin protection properties. It is also an ingredient that supports collagen synthesis by maintaining healthy capillaries in the skin and helps counteract the appearance of uneven brow tone by supporting cellular metabolism.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an important B vitamin and is particularly important for women of childbearing potential. It is recommended that women planning to have a baby take a folic acid supplement before conception, up to the twelfth week of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of early developmental problems and prevent birth defects called prematurity defects, including open spine. The recommended daily intake of folic acid is 200pg, but it is recommended to increase this to 400pg during pregnancy.
The above information is well documented, but what is not so well known is the important relationship between vitamin B9 and vitamin B12. Without vitamin B12, folate cannot function properly, gets trapped inside cells and cannot support cell growth. Both folate and B12 play a role in the process of cell division.
In addition to its beneficial effects before and during pregnancy, folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis, haematopoiesis, metabolism and psychological function. It also plays a role in the normal functioning of the immune system and may reduce fatigue and tiredness.
The protein sources that Forever uses in its supplements are soy and whey. Whey protein is a natural residual product derived from the liquid that is separated from the curds during cheese making. Soy protein is derived from soybeans. Soybeans are low in fat, high in protein, low in glycaemic index (glycaemic index is the ability of food to raise blood sugar levels), Low glycaemic index foods such as soy contain slow-absorbing carbohydrates and therefore cause a feeling of fullness that lasts longer. Soy protein is the most complete plant protein and the only fully vegan protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Protein helps maintain and grow muscle mass and maintain healthy bones.
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative added to cosmetic products to prevent the growth of microorganisms, ensure product safety and extend shelf life.
Garcinia Cambogia is a tree native to Southeast Asia, whose fruit is valued for its culinary benefits and beneficial effects. The fruit of Garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and is a popular dietary supplement among those who are interested in weight management products but wish to avoid products containing caffeine.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. Glucosamine is naturally produced in the body, but studies have shown that it can decrease with age. Glucosamine is found in foods such as bone marrow, mushrooms and crustaceans such as shrimp, crab and lobster.
The guarana (Paullinia cupana) is the fruit of the creeper plant of the same name, which is usually found in the Amazon rainforest. This fruit contains guaranin, a type of caffeine, and was originally used as a medicine. Today, an extract of the seeds of the fruit is used as an ingredient in energy drinks.
Sony Refreshing Gel Cleanser contains hydroxyacetophenone. This ingredient is an antioxidant and helps prevent oxidation.
HPMC is a vegan alternative to animal gelatine as a thickener, made from chemically modified cellulose polymers, which is bone colourless and safe to consume. Cellulose is a fibre found in the cell wall of plants. HPMC is commonly used as an alternative to gelatin and gluten in vegan-friendly products.
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinesis), a shrub that usually grows in arid, desert regions. The seeds are cold-pressed to produce jojoba oil, which is not actually an oil but a liquid wax. Jojoba is used for its moisturising properties, absorbing easily into the skin without leaving a greasy layer. Jojoba beads are also used as natural exfoliating beads in exfoliating products. Jojoba beads are biodegradable and gently roll over the skin to remove impurities.
The most abundant mineral in the body, calcium is an integral part of bone structure, with 99% of calcium in the body found in bones and teeth.In addition to its well-known benefits, including maintaining normal bone, tooth and muscle function, calcium also contributes to healthy blood clotting, energy-producing metabolic processes and the normal functioning of digestive enzymes.Calcium is found in dairy products, soybeans and some leafy vegetables such as broccoli. Vitamin D has been shown to contribute to the absorption and utilisation of calcium, so be sure to get enough vitamin D and calcium daily.
Potassium sorbate is a synthetic preservative added in very small quantities to products to prevent the growth of micro-organisms and extend shelf life.
Caprylic/ capric triglyceride is a natural ingredient extracted from coconut oil, which forms a protective layer that increases the skin's moisture without leaving the skin's surface oily.
Collagen is a natural fibre protein, usually found in the skin and bones. Collagen is a very important protein for the body, making up 5% of its total mass, and helps to maintain skin firmness and bone elasticity. Factors that can affect the degeneration of collagen and lead to signs of ageing include stress, smoking, sun damage and inadequate diet. A healthy lifestyle should be complemented by a good skin care routine, such as a moisturising cream with active collagen ingredients.
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Chondroitin, like glucosamine, is a structural component of the cartilage that surrounds the joints of the body and can be obtained through diet and supplements. The chondroitin used in Forever Freedom is derived from bovine cartilage.
Chromium is an essential trace mineral found in foods such as egg yolks and broccoli. It contributes to the metabolism of macronutrients and the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels.
Turmeric, the "golden spice of India", has been widely used for thousands of years. Today it has become a very popular ingredient in both dietary supplements and cooking. Turmeric is a spice derived from the plant Curcuma longa, and its root can also be used for its compounds. These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Forever ESM Complex contains curcuma (Biocurc), a valuable Asian root popular with people who lead active lifestyles.
Vitamin K can be divided into two groups: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2, which contribute to:
- normal blood clotting
- K1 and K2, which contribute to normal bone health.
Vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables, meat and egg yolks, while vitamin K2 is found in many dairy products and algae. Vitamin K2 is found in Forever products as menaquinone.
The amino acid L-arginine is the biological precursor of nitric oxide. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
Forever ARGI+ has been specifically developed for active lifestyles to provide the necessary protein and amino acids, healthy blood building nutrients, antioxidants, muscle function and energy maintenance. It also contains the popular amino acid L-arginine and added folic acid to support amino acid metabolism, and vitamin B6 to promote protein 'metabolism'.
Vitamins B6 and B-12 contribute to healthy blood formation, and the anti-oxidant vitamin C protects cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin D3 supports healthy muscle function and vitamin B6 helps reduce fatigue and tiredness.
Lecithin is a type of fat found in foods such as soybeans and egg yolks and is essential for the body's cells. Lecithin is used as an emollient to help skin feel smooth and restore hydration, and it also acts as an emulsifier to prevent certain ingredients from separating.
Magnesium is an important mineral found in bones and muscles. A balanced diet should provide the body with enough magnesium, which is why a diet rich in foods such as kale, seeds, chickpeas and fish such as salmon and mackerel is important.
A low protein diet reduces magnesium absorption and magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis, so a balanced diet is important.
Magnesium also contributes to electrolyte balance, normal functioning of the nervous system and maintenance of psychological functions.
Methyl salicylate is an organic compound that is also found in many evergreen plants. It has a distinctive mint-like smell and is used for its properties, fragrance and taste. Methyl salicylate is also commonly used in ointments. It functions as a skin warmer as an ingredient in Aloe Heat Lotion and is derived from salicylic acid.
Sodium benzoate is an authorised preservative for food and food supplements and is present in very small amounts in some Forever products. Sodium benzoate is derived from benzoic acid, which is naturally found in some fruits and spices. This preservative is used to increase the shelf life of our drinks. We only sell products that meet our high quality standards for purity and quality.
Sodium hyaluronate is the salt of hyaluronic acid, which replenishes the skin. Sodium hyaluronate is a common ingredient in skin care products because of its skin nourishing and moisturising properties. It is often used instead of hyaluronic acid because sodium hyaluronate is a smaller molecule that can penetrate the skin more effectively. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin and connective tissue. It has water-binding properties and helps protect the skin's natural barrier, which is important for ageing skin as it can lose moisture and elasticity.
Palm oil is used in food products for its unique properties and in recent years has been used as a healthier alternative to unwanted trans fats. Palm oil has a soft and creamy consistency and has no odour. It has excellent cooking properties and remains solid at room temperature. In addition, the oil has a high stability over time and a natural preservative effect, which means that it retains the flavour and texture of the product during its shelf life.
Palm oil is also the highest yielding vegetable oil crop, which means that it is very efficient as it requires less land to produce the same amount of oil compared to other crops. If palm oil were to be replaced by another type of vegetable oil (such as sunflower or rapeseed oil), much more land would be required, as palm trees produce 4-10 times more oil than other crops per unit of land. This would cause serious environmental damage, with the risk that more forest would have to be converted into agricultural land.
The small quantities of palm oil used in some Forever products are sourced from suppliers who support the RSPO [Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil].
The small quantities of palm oil used in some of Forever's products are sourced from suppliers who support the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), one of the key criteria of which is that no natural forests or areas with significant concentrations of biodiversity should be cut down. To learn more about the RSPO principles and criteria, visit rspo.org.
Parabens are used as a preservative to prevent bacteria, yeasts and moulds from growing in products and are used in very low concentrations. Parabens are also allowed in certain foods and medicines.
Certain parabens have been removed from the list of authorised preservatives in the EU because there was insufficient data to assess whether these parabens are safe to use. Fortunately, all animal testing of cosmetic ingredients is now banned in the EU, and any testing that was done in the past is no longer possible, so it is unlikely that the parabens that were withdrawn will ever be used again.
Contrary to media perception, which wrongly raises concerns about the safety of all parabens, scientific evidence confirms that many parabens are effective and safe.
This perception, and the growing tendency for companies to demonise safe parabens, led to a change in EU cosmetics laws in 2019, which now prohibits companies from stating on labels that products are 'paraben-free'.
All products in the Forever range are free of all banned parabens.
Peptides are short amino acid chains. Several peptide chains make up a protein. Collagen, for example, is a protein made up of peptide chains that contribute to skin health. Peptides are found in Forever cosmetic products for their protective, skin care and moisturising properties.
Propolis is a natural resinous beekeeping product produced by honey bees from pine needles and other conifers, and used as a protective sealant and barrier. Propolis is a popular ingredient in skin care products and dietary supplements.
Propylene glycol is used in cosmetic products because of its versatility. As a humectant and emollient, it helps form a protective barrier on the skin to counteract water loss and maintain hydration while moisturising the skin. It is also used as an astringent and solvent, helping to control viscosity and aiding the penetration of active ingredients into the skin.
Steviol glycosides are intense sweeteners extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, called Stevia rebaudiana in Latin. Stevia is traditionally cultivated in South America and the sweet substances, steviosides, are about 300 times sweeter than sugar.
Sorbitol is a component that can be produced synthetically, but is often found naturally in many fruits and berries, such as apples, plums, pears and apricots. It has a sweet taste and is used as a texture enhancer and sweetener in a wide variety of foods. It is produced by processing synthetically produced sorbitol starch. Sorbitol can be found in some cosmetic and skin care products for its moisturising and skin care properties.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is stable and resistant to high temperatures. It is at least 300 times sweeter than sugar, so you need less of it to provide the same sweetness as sugar. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers sucralose safe up to 15 mg/kg body weight per day.
Preservatives are used to prevent food from spoiling and to prevent the growth of unwanted micro-organisms.
Marine collagen is composed of collagen peptides from fish and is the most efficiently absorbed of all collagen types. Marine collagen is environmentally friendly and sustainable because it uses parts of fish that are normally discarded.
Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that can filter out UVA and UVB radiation when applied topically to the skin and is mostly used in physical sunscreen products. Products with a solar filter are used to protect the skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreens are minerals that sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays, forming a protective layer for the skin. Chemical solar filters are molecules that are absorbed into the skin and convert harmful UV rays into heat.
Hygiene combined with an effective deodorant is a good way to avoid odours from sweating. Traditional antiperspirants have aluminium salts added as active ingredients. As this has been questioned in recent years, Forever has decided to develop a deodorant free of aluminium salts. Triclosan has been approved within the EU for use as a preservative in cosmetic products (which includes deodorant). The ingredient is a germicide, so it helps prevent unpleasant odours. The level of triclosan in Forever Ever-Shield (0.18%) is below the maximum permitted limit for safe use (0.3%). According to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), triclosan in deodorants does not pose a risk within the permitted level, even when used every day.
Xylitol is a sweetener, which is a sugar alcohol, and although xylitol is also called birch sugar, this is a fancy name and refers to the fact that xylitol was first extracted from birch trees. It is produced from vegetable fibre containing hemicellulose and, like maltitol, is about as sweet as conventional sugar. Maltitol and maltitol syrup are sugar alcohols produced from natural maltose sugar. Xylitol is found in some cosmetic and skin care products for its moisturising and skin care properties.
Gelatin is a protein secreted from collagen. Gelatin is produced from animal bones, skin, tendons and ligaments. The gelatin in Forever products is derived from bovine, fish or plants. Its function is to gelatinise and thicken foods.