Calcium Balm Β· The Research
The science behind the smooth.
Eight clinically studied actives1-8, each at the dose used in published research. Tap any number on this page to read the study behind it.
How the numbers work: Every small number on this page points to a specific ingredient and the study behind it. Tap one to see the research.
What you're actually dealing with
Crepey skin. Settling makeup. "You look tired."
These don't trace back to "getting older." They trace to one root cause: collagen your skin stopped making years ago. The pattern accelerates after 35 β fast.
Skin that won't bounce back
"I pinch my cheek and it just... stays there for a second. That didn't used to happen."
Concealer settling into lines
"By noon my under-eyes look worse than when I woke up. The makeup is making it more obvious."
"You look tired"
"From the people who love me. I slept 8 hours. I'm not tired. I'm 38."
Hating photos that used to be cute
"I deleted four selfies before I sent one. Then I looked at it again and deleted that too."
Every one of these traces back to the same root cause
Why this matters
After 25, you lose 1% of skin collagen every year.
By your 40s the decline becomes visible. At menopause it accelerates again. The actives you use determine how steep the curve gets.
By the numbers
The research, in plain view.
0
Clinically studied actives1-8
0+
Published research citations
0%
Hydration boost from shea6 in 24 hours
0 wk
Niacinamide trial duration1
The hero study
The trial behind this formula.
"Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin."
Bissett et al. The landmark trial that established 5% topical niacinamide's effect on multiple signs of aging at once β texture, tone, and discoloration.
Where it works
Eight actives. Three depths of skin.
REFERENCE 1 OF 8
Niacinamide Β· 5%
"Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin."
The landmark Bissett trial set the gold standard for 5% niacinamide. Real improvements across every aging sign measured β texture, tone, fine lines, dark spots β in a 12-week double-blind RCT with 50 women.
Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, Li J, Berge CA. Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin.
Read the studyREFERENCE 2 OF 8
Ascorbic Acid Β· 10%
"Statistically significant improvement in wrinkling, with biopsy evidence of new collagen formation."
What makes Fitzpatrick's study different: actual skin biopsies confirmed new collagen formation in the dermis after 12 weeks. Not surface measurement β tissue-level proof.
Fitzpatrick RE, Rostan EF. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage.
Read the studyREFERENCE 3 OF 8
Calcium Β· Barrier Mineral
"Calcium ions in the epidermis are essential in regulating keratinocyte differentiation and barrier homeostasis."
Calcium is the master signal that tells skin cells when and how to mature. Without the right calcium gradient, the outer barrier can't form properly. Lee & Lee's review is the definitive dermatology reference.
Lee SE, Lee SH. Skin Barrier and Calcium. Ann Dermatol 2018;30(3):265-275.
Read the studyREFERENCE 4 OF 8
Sodium Hyaluronate Β· Multi-MW
"Efficacy of hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment."
Pavicic showed that topical HA reduces wrinkle depth measurably over 8 weeks β and that the effect depends on molecular weight. That's why our formula uses multiple weights to reach different layers of the skin at once.
Pavicic T, Gauglitz GG, Lersch P, et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment.
Read the studyREFERENCE 5 OF 8
Hydrolyzed Collagen Β· Low MW Peptides
"Hydrolyzed collagen influences dermal protein expression and tissue architecture in human skin."
The 2025 Campos study in Nature mapped exactly how low molecular weight collagen peptides influence dermal proteins. Smaller peptides penetrate deeper than native collagen β which is why we formulate with hydrolyzed, not whole.
Campos LD et al. Effects of a single application of hydrolyzed fish collagen on dermal protein expression and tissue architecture in human skin models.
Read the studyREFERENCE 6 OF 8
Shea Butter Β· Butyrospermum Parkii
"Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical plant oils."
Lin's 2018 paper documented shea butter raising skin hydration by 58% and reducing water loss by 37.8% β both measured within 24 hours of application. The science behind why shea makes skin feel cushioned the second you apply it.
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.
Read the studyREFERENCE 7 OF 8
Tea Tree Oil Β· Melaleuca Alternifolia
"The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris."
Enshaieh's randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study found 5% tea tree oil was 3.55Γ more effective than placebo for blemish-prone skin β and unlike benzoyl peroxide, without the harsh irritation that aggravates aging skin.
Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Read the studyREFERENCE 8 OF 8
Tocopherol Β· Antioxidant Shield
"UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E."
Vitamin E's biggest evidence comes from its work alongside vitamin C2. Together they amplify photoprotection well beyond what either delivers alone β which is exactly why we formulate both at researched concentrations.
Lin JY, Selim MA, Shea CR, et al. UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E.
Read the studyYour timeline
A 12-week skin journey.
Hydration up4,6. Skin feels smoother.
Shea + HA effect within hours
Tone evens out1,2. Skin looks awake.
Niacinamide first measurable effects
Fine lines visibly soften1,2,4.
Vit C + HA wrinkle endpoints
Full texture, tone, and firmness1,2,5.
Bissett + Fitzpatrick endpoints
These timelines come from the published ingredient studies. Real results depend on skin type and consistency.
Evidence breakdown
How strong is the science?
| Ingredient | Design | Sample | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Niacinamide | RCT | n=50 | |
| 2Vitamin C | RCT + biopsy | n=10 | |
| 3Calcium | Mechanism review | multi | |
| 4Hyaluronic Acid | RCT | multi | |
| 5Collagen Peptides | Skin model | in vitro | |
| 6Shea Butter | Mech. + Clinical | in vitro | |
| 7Tea Tree Oil | RCT | n=60 | |
| 8Vitamin E | RCT | multi |
What the science says
The numbers behind every drop.
Hydration boost
+58%
More skin hydration in 24 hours from shea butter6.
Wrinkle reduction
+27%
Skin appearance improved over 12 weeks with niacinamide1.
Water loss reduced
-38%
Less transepidermal water loss in a single application6.
Versus placebo
3.55Γ
Tea tree oil was 3.55Γ more effective than placebo on blemishes7.
Questions, answered
Before you buy.
What do the little numbers like 1 mean?
Each one is a link to a study. "Reduces wrinkling1" means study 1 β Bissett 2004 β backs that specific claim. Tap any number to read the source yourself.
Was the Calcium Balm itself tested in a clinical trial?
No. We point to published research on each individual active. The finished product wasn't independently tested.
Why ingredient studies instead of a finished-product trial?
A finished-product trial costs millions. We put that money into formulating with the exact actives, at the exact doses, the research already validated.
Is it safe for sensitive skin?
The formula is dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin. The 5% niacinamide1 sits at the well-tolerated end of the studied range. Patch test before full application.
References
Every study, sourced.
Backed by research
Eight ingredients. Eight published studies.
Tap any number1-8 on this page to read the science behind it. No vague claims, no proprietary blends β just real research and the ingredients it points to.
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