Ingredient Glossary
Skincare Ingredient Glossary: 70+ Actives Explained
Key Takeaways
Active ingredients are the working molecules in a formulation—the components that produce visible change in skin. This skincare ingredient glossary covers more than seventy actives used across the RATIONALE Essential Six Collections, organised first by what they do biologically and then alphabetically for easy reference. Each entry is grounded in research, and the most-studied actives are paired with the RATIONALE formulations they live within.
Behind every visible change in skin sits a molecule. A peptide that signals collagen production. An enzyme that targets the rejuvenation of sun-damaged DNA. A small sugar that pulls water into the upper layers of skin and holds it there. These are the actives in a skincare formulation, and learning what they do is perhaps the strongest foundation of skincare literacy.
Here, we share a reference glossary of the active ingredients used across the RATIONALE Essential Six Collections. It opens with a short definition, then a navigation table by skin concern for those starting from a focus or target rather than an ingredient, then an overview of how these actives actually work. The alphabetical glossary itself is the heart of the page—return to it whenever you encounter an active you want to better understand.
What Is an Active Ingredient?
An active ingredient is the component in a skincare formulation that produces a visible change in skin – calming redness, supporting renewal, defending against environmental damage, refining texture, brightening tone. Everything else in the formulation is there to deliver, stabilise, or carry the active.
The distinction matters because skincare results come from the combination of active and formulation. A well-chosen retinol in a poorly designed vehicle will underperform; the same retinol in a stable, barrier-supportive formulation can transform skin over a renewal cycle. RATIONALE's Skin Identical approach treats formulation and active as one integrated system; every choice in the formulation is made to support what the active is asked to do.
Find Actives by Skin Concern
If you are starting from a skin concern rather than an ingredient name, use this index to jump to the actives most relevant to you.
Hyperpigmentation (uneven tone, dark spots)
Vitamin C (all forms), Glutathione, Niacinamide, Nonapeptide-1, Iron Oxides, Zinc Oxide
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinal), Bakuchiol, Peptide Complex, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Tripeptide-9 Citrulline, DNA Repair Enzymes
Sensitivity (redness, reactivity, barrier compromise)
Niacinamide, Allantoin, Alpha Bisabolol, Aloe Vera, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Ceramides, Intercellular Lipids, Oat Amino Acids
Congestion (uneven texture, pore visibility)
Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Zinc PCA, Piroctone Olamine
Dehydration (skin lacking water content)
Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Betaine, Amino Acids
How Active Ingredients Work: Eight Biological Functions
Most glossaries are alphabetical, which helps with lookup but not with understanding what an active does. Underneath every formulation, actives are doing one of eight things in skin.
1. Barrier reinforcement: supporting the lipid layer that holds moisture in and irritants out: Ceramides, Intercellular Lipids, Niacinamide, Oat Amino Acids, Jojoba Esters. #1 The Strengthening Serum uses Niacinamide as its core barrier-supportive active.
2. Cellular renewal: encouraging skin to shed older surface cells and produce fresh ones underneath: Retinol, Retinal, Bakuchiol, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid. The territory of evening formulations, when the skin's natural renewal cycle is most active.
3. Antioxidant defence: neutralising the free radicals generated by UV light and pollution: Vitamin C (all forms), Vitamin E, Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase, Co-Enzyme Q10, L-Carnosine, Blueberry Extract, Sweet Orange Extract.
4. Photoprotection: reflecting or absorbing the UV and visible light that drive solar and environmental damage: Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides, Melanin. #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+ combines all three.
5. Expression softening: gently quieting the small muscle contractions that contribute to expression-related lines: Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-22. Signalling, not paralysis.
6. DNA repair: supporting the repair of specific forms of UV-induced damage to skin's DNA: Plankton Extract (Photolyase), Micrococcus Lysate, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract. Appears in #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème, with published evidence of measurable improvement in RATIONALE Research Paper 02 (Professor Yohei Tanaka).
7. Hydration: drawing water into the upper layers of skin and holding it there: Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Betaine, Amino Acids.
8. Calming and recovery: reducing the look of redness and supporting skin through reactivity: Allantoin, Alpha Bisabolol, Aloe Vera, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Magnesium.
Every active in the glossary below belongs to one or more of these eight functions.
The RATIONALE A–Z Active Ingredient Glossary
A note on peptides. Peptides fall into four families. Signal peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hexapeptide-10) instruct skin cells to perform a task — produce collagen, build connective tissue. Carrier peptides (Copper Tripeptide-1) deliver trace elements. Neurotransmitter-modulating peptides (Acetyl Hexapeptide-37, Acetyl Octapeptide-3) soften the muscle contractions behind expression lines. Structural peptides (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5) protect existing collagen from breakdown.
7-Dehydrocholesterol (Vitamin D Precursor) — A natural molecule in skin that the sun converts into Vitamin D. Topically, it supports the skin's own Vitamin D pathway, contributing to barrier health and resilience. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Enriched Crème and #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 — A neurotransmitter-modulating peptide that softens the appearance of expression-related lines by softening the contraction of small facial muscles, without paralysis. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Crème, #4 The Nourishing Crème and #5 The Refining GelCrème.
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 — A neurotransmitter-modulating peptide developed for the eye and forehead area. It reduces the visible intensity of micro-muscle contractions for a smoother resting appearance. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Serum.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 — A structural peptide that helps reinforce the strength of small blood vessel walls and reduces the look of under-eye puffiness. Often included for brightening and depuffing the eye area. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-22 — A signal peptide that supports the production of heat shock proteins, the molecules skin cells use to defend themselves against environmental stress. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Enriched Crème and #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) — The energy currency of every cell in the body. Topically, ATP gives skin cells additional fuel to perform renewal and repair, supporting overall vitality. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Serum.
Allantoin — A naturally occurring compound found in plants and animal tissue that calms irritated skin and accelerates the appearance of recovery. One of the most reliable calming actives in formulation. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Hydragel and #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème.
Aloe Vera — A botanical extract from the aloe plant whose polysaccharides hydrate and soothe skin. Long valued for reducing the look of redness and supporting moisture retention. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Cleanser and The Instant Radiance Mist.
Alpha Bisabolol — A naturally occurring molecule from chamomile (and candeia trees) with strong calming and anti-redness properties. It supports a more even, comfortable complexion. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
Amino Acids — The building blocks of every protein in skin, including collagen, elastin, and keratin. Topically applied, they reinforce hydration, barrier strength, and natural moisturising factor levels. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Serum, #4 The Nourishing Crème, #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème, The Décolletage Crème.
Bakuchiol — A plant-derived molecule from the seeds of the Babchi plant that behaves similarly to retinol but without the same irritation. Research shows comparable renewal outcomes to retinol in sensitive skin (Dhaliwal et al., British Journal of Dermatology, 2019). Appears in #6 The Rejuvenating GelCrème.
Betaine — A humectant derived from sugar beets that draws water into the upper layers of skin. It supports hydration with a light, non-tacky feel. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Hydragel, #2 The Brightening Light Crème, #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème.
Black Wattle Flower Wax — An Australian botanical wax used as a lipid-stabilising ingredient. It supports formulation texture and helps replenish the skin's natural lipid layer. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Balm.
Blueberry Extract — A botanical rich in anthocyanins — the antioxidant pigments that colour the fruit. It defends skin against free radical damage from solar and environmental exposure. Appears in #5 The Refining Serum.
L-Carnosine — A naturally occurring molecule made from two amino acids that defends against glycation, the process where sugar damages skin proteins. It supports collagen integrity and the look of resilient skin. Appears in #2 The Brightening Light Crème and #2 The Brightening Hydragel.
Ceramides — The lipid molecules that hold the skin barrier together. They keep moisture in and irritants out, and supplementing them topically reinforces barrier function. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Cleanser, #4 The Nourishing PreCleanse Balm, #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème and #5 The Refining Cleanser.
Citric Acid — A gentle alpha hydroxy acid sourced from citrus fruit that supports the natural shedding of dead surface cells. It also helps maintain a stable, skin-friendly pH within a formulation. Appears in #5 The Refining GelCrème and #5 The Refining Serum.
Co-Enzyme Q10 — A naturally occurring antioxidant that fuels cellular energy production. Topically, it defends against oxidative damage and supports the energy skin needs for repair. Appears in #2 The Brightening Serum, #2 The Brightening Hydragel and #4 The Nourishing PreCleanse Balm.
Copper — A trace mineral essential for collagen and elastin formation. In skincare, copper supports firmness, recovery, and the production of structural skin proteins. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Mask.
Copper Tripeptide-1 — A carrier peptide that delivers copper into skin where it is needed for collagen production and recovery. One of the most-studied peptides for renewal and firmness (Pickart & Margolina, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018). Appears in #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème.
DNA Repair Enzymes — Three enzymes that support repair of specific forms of UV-induced DNA damage: Plankton Extract (Photolyase) addresses the most common UV lesions; Micrococcus Lysate and Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract support further repair pathways. Corrective rather than preventive — they work overnight while the skin renews. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+, #3 The Brilliance Enriched Crème, and #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème with published evidence in RATIONALE Research Paper 02.
Glutathione — A naturally occurring antioxidant produced in every cell, often called the body's master antioxidant. Topically, it supports brighter skin and defends against oxidative damage that contributes to uneven tone. Appears in #2 The Brightening Light Crème, #2 The Brightening Serum and #2 The Brightening Hydragel.
Glycerin — The most widely used humectant in skincare; a small molecule that pulls water into the upper layers of skin. It maintains hydration and supports a comfortable, plump feel. Appears in The Radiance Booster Serum and The Instant Radiance Mist.
Glycyrrhetinic Acid — A molecule from liquorice root with calming and tone-evening properties. It reduces the appearance of redness and supports a more uniform complexion. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Hydragel and #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème.
Hexapeptide-10 — A signal peptide that supports the production of laminin, a protein essential for keeping the layers of skin firmly connected. It contributes to firmness and skin density. Appears in #5 The Refining GelCrème.
Hexapeptide-51 — A peptide that supports cellular longevity by protecting the cell's regulatory pathways. It contributes to overall skin resilience over time. Appears in #6 The Rejuvenating GelCrème.
Hyaluronic Acid (and Sodium Hyaluronate) — A naturally occurring molecule that holds up to a thousand times its weight in water. Sodium Hyaluronate is its smaller, more skin-penetrating form; together they hydrate at multiple depths. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Hydragel, The Radiance Booster Serum, #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème and #6 The Rejuvenating GelCrème.
Intercellular Lipids — The mix of Phospholipids, Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids that fill the spaces between skin cells. They are a core component of the skin barrier and reinforce it when applied topically. Appears in #4 The Nourishing PreCleanse Balm and #4 The Nourishing Cleanser.
Iron Oxides — Mineral pigments that visibly tint a formulation and physically reflect visible and infrared light. They are essential for protecting skin against pigmentation triggered by visible light. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+ and The Beautiful Balms Collection.
Jojoba Esters — Wax esters from the jojoba plant that closely mimic skin's own sebum. They support barrier integrity and improve the feel of dry skin. Appears in #4 The Nourishing PreCleanse Balm.
Lactic Acid — A gentle alpha hydroxy acid naturally found in the skin's own moisture factors. It refines surface texture, supports hydration, and works within skin's natural low pH. Appears in #5 The Refining Serum, #5 The Refining GelCrème and The Décolletage Crème.
Lupinus Albus Seed Extract — A botanical extract from the white lupin seed that helps support skin's structural integrity, contributing to firmness and the look of resilience. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
Magnesium — An essential mineral involved in hundreds of biological processes, including DNA repair and barrier function. Topically, it supports skin resilience and overall vitality. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Mask.
Melanin — The natural pigment that gives skin its colour and absorbs UV light. As a topical ingredient, encapsulated melanin acts as a defence layer against visible and ultraviolet light. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+, #3 The Brilliance Enriched Crème and Beautfiul Skin Superfluid.
Nonapeptide-1 — A signal peptide that helps regulate the over-production of pigment in skin. It supports a more even tone and reduces the look of pigmentation. Appears in #2 The Brightening Light Crème.
Oat Amino Acids — Amino acids derived from oats with strong calming and moisturising properties. They support sensitive skin and reinforce surface hydration. Appears in #5 The Refining Cleanser.
Oligopeptides— Signalling peptides that mimic epidermal growth factor, the natural signal prompting skin cells to renew. It supports recovery and the look of younger, more resilient skin. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Crème and #5 The Refining Milk Concentrate.
Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18 — A signal peptide that supports collagen production and reduces the visible signs of skin ageing. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème.
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52 — A peptide that supports renewal of skin cells in the basal layer. It contributes to refined texture and firmness. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 — A signal peptide that mimics the body's natural collagen-stimulating signals. It supports firmness and softens the look of fine lines. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème.
Peach Resin Extract — A botanical exudate from the peach tree with moisturising and skin-conditioning properties. Supports surface hydration and softness. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème.
Peptide Complex — A proprietary RATIONALE blend of six peptides — Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52, Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 — selected to work synergistically across firmness, renewal, and structural support. The combination is greater than the sum of any single peptide in isolation. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème.
Piroctone Olamine — A balancing ingredient used to support the skin microbiome and reduce the appearance of congestion-related concerns. Appears in #5 The Refining Milk Concentrate.
Salicylic Acid — A beta hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, meaning it can travel into pores to clear excess sebum and dead cells. The most effective active for refining congestion-prone skin. Appears in #5 The Refining Serum, #5 The Refining GelCrème and #5 The Refining Cleanser.
Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate — A mineral powder used to give formulations a soft-focus finish and support a smoother, more even surface appearance. It also forms a fine veil across the skin that helps keep airborne pollutants from settling on its surface. Appears in #2 The Brightening Hydragel, #3 The Brilliance Enriched Crème and #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
Soy Amino Acids — Amino acids derived from soy that support skin's natural moisturising factors and reinforce surface hydration. Appears in #5 The Refining Milk Concentrate.
Superoxide Dismutase — A powerful antioxidant enzyme that neutralises one of the most reactive forms of free radical in skin. It defends against oxidative damage from solar and environmental exposure. #2 The Brightening Serum and #2 The Brightening Hydragel.
Sweet Orange Extract — A botanical extract rich in Vitamin C and natural antioxidants. It supports a brighter, more radiant complexion. Appears in #4 The Nourishing Cleanser.
Tripeptide-9 Citrulline — A peptide that supports collagen and elastin production while defending against glycation, the structural stiffness associated with visible skin ageing. Appears in #6 The Rejuvenating GelCrème.
Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinal) — The most clinically studied family of actives for visible renewal. Two forms appear together in RATIONALE formulations: Retinol (gentler, requiring two conversion steps inside skin) and Retinal / Retinaldehyde (one step closer to active form, faster-acting). Used together they deliver strong renewal with better tolerance (Mukherjee et al., 2006). Appears in #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème, #2 The Brightening Serum and #4 The Nourishing Crème.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) — A multi-corrective B vitamin that supports the skin barrier, helps regulate oil production, and visibly brightens uneven tone. One of the most versatile, well-tolerated actives in skincare (Bissett et al., Dermatologic Surgery, 2005). Appears in #1 The Strengthening Serum, #1 The Strengthening Hydragel, #1 The Strengthening Crème and The Décolletage Crème.
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol, Dexpanthenol) — A B vitamin that hydrates skin and supports the barrier. Panthenol is the alcohol form; Dexpanthenol is its biologically active form, and both convert into Pantothenic Acid inside skin. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Hydragel and #1 The Strengthening Mask.
Vitamin B6 — A B vitamin that supports the metabolism of amino acids and lipids in skin cells, contributing to barrier health and balanced oil production. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Hydragel.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) — A B vitamin essential for healthy cell division. Topically, it contributes to the look of younger, more vital skin. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Crème.
Vitamin B12 — A B vitamin involved in cellular energy and renewal. Topically, it supports overall skin resilience and a calmer complexion. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Hydragel.
Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glycoside, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) — A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and supports collagen production. Three stable forms appear in RATIONALE formulations: Ascorbyl Glycoside (water-soluble, gentle), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (oil-soluble, deep-penetrating), and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (calming, suits congestion-prone skin). Each is converted into active Vitamin C inside skin (Pinnell et al., 2001). Appears across The Brightening Collection.
Vitamin E (Tocopherols, Tocotrienols) — A fat-soluble antioxidant family that protects skin lipids from oxidative damage. Tocotrienols are the less common but more biologically active members of the family, working faster and more efficiently than the more familiar Tocopherols. Appears in #2 The Brightening Light Crème, #4 The Nourishing PreCleanse Balm, #4 The Nourishing Balm and The Décolletage Crème.
Voandzeia Subterranea Seed Extract — An African botanical (also known as Bambara groundnut) that supports skin's natural defence against environmental ageing. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
Zinc — An essential mineral with calming and skin-balancing properties. It supports comfort and the look of clearer skin. Appears in #1 The Strengthening Mask.
Zinc Oxide — A mineral sunscreen that physically reflects UV light away from skin. One of the broadest-spectrum, most reliably tolerated sunscreen actives available. Appears in #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+, #3 The Brilliance Enriched Crème, Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30 and The Beautiful Balms Collection.
Zinc PCA — A form of Zinc bound to a humectant molecule that supports oil regulation and surface hydration simultaneously. Appears in #5 The Refining Milk Concentrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Active ingredients are the components that produce a visible change in skin. Inactive ingredients such as emulsifiers, preservatives, texture agents, are everything else: the components that allow the actives to apply evenly, remain stable, and feel pleasant on skin. Both matter, because a well-chosen active in a poorly designed formulation will underperform.
Yes, andmost considered skincare rituals do. RATIONALE formulations are designed to be layered together, with the chemistry already reconciled inside each finished formulation. As a general principle, apply water-based formulations before oil-based ones, and active-led formulations (Vitamin C in the morning, Vitamin A in the evening) before nourishing layers.
The most reliably tolerated actives for sensitive skin are Niacinamide, Allantoin, Alpha Bisabolol, Aloe Vera, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Ceramides, and Oat Amino Acids. Bakuchiol is a useful alternative to Retinol for sensitive skin pursuing renewal benefits. Whatever the active, the formulation around it matters–a calming Niacinamide in a lipid-rich base will be tolerated where the same Niacinamide in a stripping vehicle will not.
Stable, derivative forms suit most skin best–particularly Ascorbyl Glycoside (gentle, water-soluble), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (oil-soluble, deep-penetrating), and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (water-soluble, calming). Each is converted into active Vitamin C inside skin, avoiding the instability of pure L-Ascorbic Acid. The Brightening Collection uses multiple forms together so different layers of skin receive antioxidant defence simultaneously.
DNA Repair Enzymes are naturally occurring enzymes that recognise specific forms of UV-induced damage and support its repair. Three forms—Plankton Extract (Photolyase), Micrococcus Lysate, and Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract—each address different damage pathways. They are corrective rather than preventive, complementing sunscreen rather than replacing it, and have a strong safety record in formulation.
Use the Glossary as a Reference
Return to this glossary whenever you encounter an unfamiliar ingredient – on a label, in a journal article, or in conversation with a RATIONALE Educator. The science behind any active is rarely as opaque as it first appears, and knowing what a molecule actually does is the most quietly empowering thing to bring to your Ritual.
For guidance on which actives suit your skin specifically, the RATIONALE Expert Guide offers a personalised Ritual recommendation, or a complimentary consultation at a RATIONALE Flagship can guide you through the full Essential Six Collection.
References
Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. "Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance." Dermatologic Surgery, 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860–865. PMID: 16029679. 2. Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, et al. "Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facialphotoageing." British Journal of Dermatology, 2019;180(2):289–296. DOI: 10.1111/bjd.16918. 3. Pickart L,MargolinaA. "Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018;19(7):1987. DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987. 4. Mukherjee S, Date A,PatravaleV, et al. "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety." Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2006;1(4):327–348. PMID: 18046911. 5. Pinnell SR, Yang H, Omar M, et al. "Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies." Dermatologic Surgery, 2001;27(2):137–142. PMID: 11207686. 6. RATIONALE Research Paper 02:AganahiA, Parker R, Tanaka Y. "In Vivo Improvements in Facial Appearance and In Vitro Changes in Gene Expression Using a Topical Formulation Designed to Repair Environmentally Induced DNA Damage." Word Count: ~2,500 Image Suggestions: - Hero image: lab-aesthetic glassware or molecular structure imagery — sophisticated, light-filled, no human subjects - Section 2 (Find Actives by Skin Goal): consider a visual summary table styled in Storm/Silver palette - Section 3 (How Active Ingredients Work): consider a diagram of the eight biological functions - Section 4 (Glossary): no per-entry images — page is text-dense by design - Formulation product imagery in Section 3 where referenced (#1, #3, #6) - Australian botanical macro photography for Lime Caviar, Wild Rosella, Black Wattle (flag for design team) -->