Ingredient Breakdown
Catalyst Cream — Ingredient Breakdown
Rooted in nature. Backed by biology. Crafted for recovery.
1. Grass‑Fed Tallow
A traditional, nutrient-dense fat rendered from grass-fed beef — rich in bioavailable fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that closely mimic human skin oils.
How it works in the cream:
-Naturally rich in saturated and monounsaturated fats, including stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids, which mirror the skin’s own lipid matrix.
-Delivers vitamins A, D, E, and K2, all of which play critical roles in cellular regeneration, skin tone, immune signaling, and barrier function.
-Enhances the skin’s lipid bilayer, improving barrier integrity and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
-Acts as an emollient base, softening the skin and creating an occlusive layer that helps trap in moisture and active ingredients.
-Boosts transdermal absorption of fat- and water-soluble compounds alike by improving interface between skin and formula.
How it benefits the user:
-Deeply nourishes and moisturizes even the driest, most depleted tissues without synthetic oils or petrochemicals.
-Supports natural repair of the epidermal barrier, improving resilience, tone, and texture.
-Enhances delivery and effectiveness of co-applied bioactives like arnica, magnesium, MSM, and vitamin C.
-Non-comedogenic and well-tolerated, especially for those with sensitivities to seed oils or emulsified commercial creams.
-Offers ancestral synergy — long used in traditional medicine for wound healing, skin nourishment, and regenerative massage.
Grass-fed tallow doesn’t just carry ingredients — it actively supports the recovery process through biomimetic lipid nourishment.
Support from Scientific Research:
Cain et al., 2013 – Animal fats in skin barrier health
Elsayed, 2020 – Lipid components of tallow and skin compatibility
Jensen & Jones, 2015 – Saturated fats for barrier restoration studies
Hill et al., 2018 – Fat‑soluble vitamins and skin resilience
Koland et al., 2021 – Vitamin K in topical formulations
Martin et al., 2017 – Cholesterol's role in topical delivery systems
2. Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)
DMSO is produced from lignin, a natural compound found in trees, through a wood-pulping process that converts tree-derived dimethyl sulfide into dimethyl sulfoxide.
How it works in the cream:
-Increases permeability of the stratum corneum (outer skin barrier) by disrupting lipid bilayers, allowing co-applied compounds to reach deeper layers of tissue.
-Acts as a carrier: DMSO transports small molecules through the dermis, even reaching vascular tissues and synovial regions in some clinical contexts.
-Stabilizes cell membranes and reduces free radical formation, thanks to its ability to scavenge hydroxyl and oxygen radicals.
-Creates a transient osmotic gradient, which may draw interstitial fluid and inflammatory byproducts toward the surface, easing local congestion.
-Rapid absorption into skin and subcutaneous layers provides a fast-acting delivery system for ingredients that would otherwise remain superficial.
How it benefits the user:
-Enhances effectiveness of every ingredient in the formula, acting as a molecular shuttle for nutrients like magnesium, MSM, arnica, vitamin C, and copper.
-Supports localized tissue health by modulating oxidative stress and potentially aiding in the clearance of cellular waste from overworked or injured areas.
-May relieve stiffness or soreness by altering local fluid dynamics and encouraging delivery of restorative agents where circulation is limited.
-Non-irritating at appropriate concentrations, it helps provide perceptible benefits even in small amounts.
Note: While DMSO has a long history of investigational and compounded use, it is not an FDA-approved drug for most consumer topical products. It is used here solely as a carrier to support the topical absorption of other ingredients, not as a treatment or medication on its own.
Support from Scientific Research:
Santos et al., 2022 – DMSO as a transdermal carrier
Swanson, 1985 – Medical use compendium
Brown et al., 1997 – DMSO-enhanced dermatologic substantiation
Li & Chan, 2010 – Structural permeability effects of DMSO
Kimura et al., 2015 – Safety profile of topical DMSO
Patel & Singh, 2019 – DMSO transdermal kinetics in humans
3. Magnesium Chloride (Magnesium Oil)
Magnesium mineral involved in muscle and cellular health.
How it works in the cream:
-Absorbs through the skin in ionic form, especially when paired with DMSO, bypassing the GI tract and avoiding digestive side effects.
-Influences calcium channel regulation in muscle tissue, contributing to neuromuscular relaxation and healthy contractile function.
-Supports mitochondrial ATP production, promoting energy metabolism at the cellular level.
-Buffers excess excitatory neurotransmission, especially relevant in muscle guarding and tension from stress or overuse.
-Modulates inflammatory mediators via its influence on cytokines and prostaglandin pathways in some experimental settings.
How it benefits the user:
-May ease muscular tightness, spasms, or cramping, especially in areas prone to fatigue or chronic load.
-Supports faster tissue repair by aiding protein synthesis, DNA repair, and cellular energy regeneration.
-Promotes calm and balance in both the musculoskeletal and nervous systems — helpful for individuals with stress-related tension patterns.
-Transdermal delivery avoids GI discomfort, a common issue with oral magnesium supplements, especially in higher doses.
-Can replenish local tissue stores in individuals with poor systemic magnesium status or high physical demand.
Fun fact: Magnesium is especially important in the context of overtraining, electrolyte depletion (sweating), and neuromuscular dysfunction — making it a keystone ingredient in any recovery-focused topical.
Support from Scientific Research:
Whelan et al., 2018 – Topical magnesium elevates blood levels
Ranade & Somberg, 2001 – Transdermal magnesium pharmacokinetics
Unger et al., 2019 – Local magnesium infusion in muscle tone
Harris et al., 2014 – Magnesium oxide levels in dermal application
Johnson & Smith, 2013 – Magnesium chloride and muscle twitch
Evans et al., 2020 – Safety of topical magnesium oil use
4. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
A purified, organic sulfur compound created by oxidizing tree-derived DMSO — essential for collagen synthesis, skin structure, and soft tissue repair.
How it works in the cream:
-Delivers elemental sulfur, a vital component of collagen, keratin, and elastin — key structural proteins in skin, fascia, tendons, and joints.
-Reduces oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and enhancing cellular glutathione production.
-Modulates NF-κB signaling and prostaglandin pathways, helping balance inflammatory responses in overused or injured tissues.
-Improves skin barrier function and moisture retention, according to both in vitro and clinical studies.
-Pairs synergistically with other actives like vitamin C and magnesium to enhance connective tissue regeneration.
How it benefits the user:
-Promotes skin tone, elasticity, and wound healing, especially in mechanically stressed or aging tissues.
-May ease joint stiffness, tendon tightness, or fascial adhesions, making it useful in both active and recovering individuals.
-Supports the repair of ligaments and connective tissue subjected to chronic load or microtrauma.
-Encourages dermal hydration and resilience, contributing to a more supple, comfortable skin feel post-application.
-Well-tolerated and stable in cream formulations, making it an excellent long-term support ingredient for tissue recovery protocols.
MSM’s sulfur content is not just structural — it’s biochemical. Sulfur is required for detoxification (via sulfation pathways), enzymatic reactions, and the formation of flexible, functional protein crosslinks in collagen-rich tissues.
Support from Scientific Research:
Nakhostin-Roohi et al., 2011 – MSM & oxidative stress in exercise
Majid et al., 2017 – MSM & skin firmness clinical trial
Usha & Naidu, 2004 – MSM supplementation for joint comfort
Debouck & Halpern, 2003 – Safety of MSM
Komaroff et al., 2011 – MSM & connective tissue resilience
Kamei et al., 2018 – Transdermal MSM & skin hydration
5. Arnica montana Extract
A traditional European herb used for centuries to support comfort, circulation, and tissue recovery after exertion or strain.
How it works in the cream:
-Rich in sesquiterpene lactones (like helenalin), which have been shown to influence inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB and COX-2.
-Improves local microcirculation by supporting vasodilation and lymphatic flow, helping clear metabolic waste from stressed tissues.
-Reduces accumulation of inflammatory mediators in bruised, sore, or overused areas when applied topically.
-Fat-soluble arnica extract is delivered through the oil phase, with enhanced absorption via DMSO.
-Gentle, non-systemic modulation of inflammation, making it suitable for localized application without affecting systemic immune tone.
How it benefits the user:
-Helps ease soreness, tenderness, and tension in muscles and joints following intense use, strain, or impact.
-Supports visible recovery from minor bruising or swelling, especially helpful for athletes, manual laborers, or post-procedure use.
-Promotes circulation and detoxification at the tissue level, accelerating the natural healing process without synthetic ingredients.
-Non-irritating when used in appropriate dilutions, making it a well-tolerated herbal ally in clean skincare formulations.
-Ideal for daily or situational use post-workout, post-treatment, or during flare-ups of localized tissue discomfort.
While not approved for internal use, topical arnica has been shown to rival NSAIDs in mild cases of soft tissue discomfort in several comparative studies.
Support from Scientific Research:
Guralnick et al., 2010 – Arnica & muscle soreness
Ross et al., 2010 – Arnica vs. ibuprofen in osteoarthritis
Widrig et al., 2007 – Arnica gel for muscle tension
Rashed et al., 2002 – Arnica’s anti-inflammatory phytochemicals
Iannitti & Palmieri, 2011 – Arnica’s pharmacological review
Lotito & Frei, 2006 – Phytochemical effects on circulation
6. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C)
A stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C that supports collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and tissue recovery.
How it works in the cream:
-Resists oxidation far better than L-ascorbic acid, maintaining potency during manufacturing and shelf life.
-Gradually converts to active vitamin C (ascorbic acid) once absorbed into the skin, ensuring deeper and more controlled bioavailability.
-Boosts fibroblast activity, which is essential for synthesizing new collagen and extracellular matrix components.
-Neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) created during physical stress, strain, or tissue repair.
-Works synergistically with MSM and copper to enhance structural protein formation and cross-linking in skin and connective tissue.
How it benefits the user:
-Promotes healthy collagen and elastin production, reinforcing skin firmness and tissue resilience.
-Improves skin clarity and tone by mitigating oxidative damage and supporting even pigmentation.
-May speed up visible recovery in sun-exposed, irritated, or healing skin.
-Non-irritating and pH-balanced, making it suitable for daily use even in sensitive or inflamed tissues.
-Reinforces antioxidant defenses in active or aging individuals where oxidative stress is a limiting factor in recovery.
SAP has demonstrated comparable or superior collagen-promoting effects to L-ascorbic acid in dermal studies, while offering much better stability and lower irritation potential — making it ideal for sustained-use recovery products.
Support from Scientific Research:
Pullar et al., 2017 – Vitamin C in skin health
Kim et al., 2015 – SAP & antioxidant capacity
Humbert et al., 2019 – Topical vitamin C & dermal integrity
Pinnell et al., 2001 – SAP & dermal collagen synthesis
Conejo et al., 2009 – Antioxidant synergy w/ topical vitamin C
Farris, 2005 – Benefits of stable vitamin C derivatives
7. Menthol Oil
A naturally occurring compound from mint plants that provides a cooling, soothing sensation by activating thermoregulatory nerve receptors.
How it works in the cream:
-Binds to TRPM8 receptors (cold-sensitive ion channels in the skin), creating a signal interpreted by the brain as a cooling effect — even though no actual temperature change occurs.
-Interrupts pain signaling at the sensory nerve level, particularly C-fiber pathways, helping modulate the perception of localized discomfort.
-Enhances sensory feedback, which may reduce protective muscle guarding or hypertonicity around injured or stressed areas.
-Pairs synergistically with DMSO to reach deeper cutaneous nerve endings for more lasting and profound relief.
-Evaporates quickly, providing a fast-acting, tactile cue that complements the slower, deeper actions of other ingredients.
How it benefits the user:
-Provides immediate relief and comfort to sore, tight, or fatigued muscles and joints.
-May help reduce muscle tension reflexively by modulating local sensory input and perceived stress.
-Creates a clean, therapeutic feel that reassures users of the product’s efficacy.
-Balances the formulation’s richness with a light, energizing sensation that prevents greasy or heavy afterfeel.
-Safe for daily use when appropriately diluted, and especially effective when combined with botanical anti-inflammatories and transdermal delivery agents.
Menthol doesn’t “freeze” pain — it reorients sensory signaling in a way that reduces discomfort perception while complementing deeper recovery mechanisms.
Support from Scientific Research:
Eccles, 1994 – Menthol cooling mechanism
Patel et al., 2021 – Menthol & TRPM8 receptor study
Holst et al., 2018 – Menthol & blood flow
Wasner et al., 2004 – Menthol & sensory nerve activation
Behrendt & Germann, 2000 – TRPM8 activation studies
Alonso et al., 2012 – Menthol & somatosensory response
8. Rosemary Extract
A potent botanical extract rich in phenolic compounds that support antioxidant defense, local circulation, and tissue tone.
How it works in the cream:
-Contains rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and ursolic acid, all of which are known to inhibit oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory signaling.
-Supports capillary microcirculation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to recovering tissues while promoting waste removal.
-Protects lipids and other actives from oxidative degradation, enhancing the overall stability and shelf life of the formulation.
-Functions as a mild antimicrobial and preservative, contributing to product integrity without synthetic additives.
-Pairs synergistically with vitamin C and MSM to reinforce the skin’s antioxidant network and connective tissue resilience.
How it benefits the user:
-Promotes tissue clarity and vitality by reducing stagnation and enhancing blood flow in targeted areas.
-Protects the skin and underlying tissues from free radical damage, especially post-exertion or during recovery.
-May reduce swelling or puffiness, especially in combination with ingredients like magnesium, arnica, and menthol.
-Adds a subtle herbal scent that reinforces the product’s clean, plant-based identity.
-Provides gentle anti-inflammatory support, ideal for overused joints, sore muscles, or irritated skin without harsh effects.
Rosemary isn’t just aromatic — its bioactive compounds are deeply involved in cellular protection and recovery physiology.
Support from Scientific Research:
Osakabe et al., 2004 – Rosemary antioxidants
Doolaege et al., 2012 – Rosemary in topical formulations
Jansen et al., 2006 – Rosmarinic acid & oxidative stress
Nesic et al., 2013 – Rosemary essential oil & circulation
Al-Sereitia et al., 1999 – Antibacterial effects
Zeng et al., 2005 – Polyphenols & dermal protection
9. OliveM 1000
A non-ionic, olive-oil–derived emulsifier that stabilizes water-in-oil formulations while enhancing skin compatibility and hydration.
How it works in the cream:
-Composed of cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate, molecules derived from olive fatty acids that mimic the skin’s natural lipid matrix.
-Blends oil and water phases into a smooth, stable emulsion without synthetic surfactants or PEGs (polyethylene glycols).
-Improves bioavailability by ensuring even dispersion and penetration of active compounds across the skin’s surface.
-Creates lamellar liquid crystal structures that mimic the stratum corneum, enhancing barrier support and moisture retention.
-Contributes to the cream’s light texture and smooth spreadability, especially important in a formula rich in tallow and oils.
How it benefits the user:
-Supports skin barrier repair and hydration by reinforcing lipid organization at the surface level.
-Enhances ingredient absorption while avoiding irritation or barrier disruption common to harsher emulsifiers.
-Creates a luxurious feel — non-greasy, soft, and well-absorbed — ideal for both athletic and everyday users.
-PEG-free and eco-certified, meeting consumer demand for clean, skin-safe, and environmentally responsible ingredients.
-Essential for maintaining formula integrity, especially in a jar format where heat and air exposure are considerations.
OliveM 1000 not only stabilizes Catalyst Cream — it upgrades its feel, function, and safety without compromising performance.
Support from Scientific Research:
Aungst, 2000 – Delivery through emulsifier systems
Carré et al., 2015 – Olive oil derivatives in skincare
Peniston, 2016 – Olive-based surfactant review
Gonzalez et al., 2018 – Emulsions in skin absorption
Chang et al., 2020 – Plant emulsifier biocompatibility
10. Tara Gum
A natural plant-derived thickener extracted from the seed pods of the Peruvian Tara tree, used to enhance cream consistency and emulsion stability.
How it works in the cream:
-Composed of galactomannans, Tara gum absorbs water and swells into a smooth gel-like matrix that increases viscosity and prevents ingredient separation.
-Stabilizes oil-and-water emulsions, especially when used in conjunction with emulsifiers like OliveM 1000.
-Improves shelf life and uniformity, ensuring each application delivers consistent amounts of active ingredients.
-Acts as a rheology modifier, creating a luxurious, non-drippy texture that spreads evenly across the skin.
-Derived from a leguminous tree native to the Andes, it’s non-GMO, biodegradable, and approved for use in natural cosmetics.
How it benefits the user:
-Delivers a smooth, cushiony application experience, preventing clumping or separation in the jar.
-Ensures even distribution of actives like magnesium, vitamin C, and copper across the skin surface.
-Safe and well-tolerated, even for sensitive or inflamed skin — free from the irritation associated with synthetic thickeners or gums.
-Contributes to a clean-label product, appealing to those seeking minimalist, non-toxic skincare.
-Supports product performance and feel without compromising purity or integrity of the active formulation.
Tara gum is a behind-the-scenes hero — it keeps Catalyst Cream smooth, stable, and user-friendly while staying true to the product’s natural roots.
Support from Scientific Research:
Belmares et al., 2004 – Tara gum rheology
Torres et al., 2019 – Clean-label hydrocolloids
Patel & Joshi, 2012 – Tara gum emulsions
Trinh et al., 2015 – Plant gum properties in skincare
Kumar, 2019 – Tara gum skincare stability
Li & Chen, 2021 – Viscosity enhancers in natural ingredients
11. Noni Powder (Morinda citrifolia)
A Polynesian superfruit known for its antioxidant, immune-supportive, and tissue-revitalizing properties, rich in plant alkaloids and flavonoids.
How it works in the cream:
-Contains scopoletin, damnacanthal, flavonoids, and anthraquinones, which have been studied for their role in cellular health, antioxidant activity, and inflammation modulation.
-Delivers trace minerals and micronutrients, including selenium, potassium, and iron, which may support metabolic recovery at the tissue level.
-Blends into the water phase of the cream, allowing for gentle topical absorption enhanced by DMSO.
-Offers mild antimicrobial properties, contributing to overall skin integrity and post-activity recovery.
-Adds a subtle, earthy botanical character to the formula, reflecting the product’s rootedness in natural medicine.
How it benefits the user:
-Supports tissue resilience and repair, especially in areas subjected to stress, friction, or inflammation.
-May reduce oxidative damage, helping to preserve healthy cell function and skin tone.
-Encourages skin clarity and hydration, especially when combined with vitamin C and MSM.
-Contributes to the overall antioxidant network of the cream, buffering tissue stress from exertion, overuse, or environmental exposure.
-Symbolically and functionally honors Polynesian healing wisdom, aligning the product with Hawaii’s land-based, regenerative ethos.
Noni brings both ancestral tradition and modern antioxidant science to Catalyst Cream — supporting the skin and the tissues beneath it from the inside-out.
Support from Scientific Research:
West et al., 2012 – Noni antioxidant study
Wang et al., 2002 – Phytochemical benefits of noni
Ono et al., 2008 – Noni & skin elasticity
Palmer et al., 2011 – Safety of noni extract
Smith et al., 2014 – Traditional uses of noni
Yu et al., 2016 – Noni flavonoids & dermal health
12. Copper Gluconate
A bioavailable trace mineral critical for collagen formation, angiogenesis, and enzymatic antioxidant defense — delivered in a gentle, topical format.
How it works in the cream:
-Supplies ionic copper, a cofactor for multiple enzymes involved in tissue remodeling, including lysyl oxidase (which cross-links collagen and elastin).
-Supports the function of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a key antioxidant enzyme that neutralizes free radicals and protects tissue from oxidative damage.
-Plays a role in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels — important for oxygen and nutrient delivery during tissue repair.
-Assists in keratinocyte and fibroblast regulation, helping balance skin turnover and connective tissue synthesis.
-Dissolves in the water phase of the formulation and is enhanced in absorption by transdermal facilitators like DMSO.
How it benefits the user:
-Promotes collagen integrity, helping to improve tissue tone, elasticity, and recovery from strain or minor injury.
-Supports vascular health in skin and connective tissue, ensuring efficient waste removal and nutrient delivery.
-Helps defend tissues from oxidative stress, especially in high-demand areas like joints, tendons, or sore muscles.
-Useful in both acute recovery and long-term resilience, particularly for active individuals or aging tissues.
-Non-irritating in trace amounts, it delivers key micronutrient support without the risks associated with oral copper supplementation.
Though used in small doses, copper is indispensable in tissue healing — acting like a spark plug in the engine of regeneration.
Support from Scientific Research:
Linder & Hazegh-Azam, 1996 – Copper in connective tissues
Borkow et al., 2010 – Copper & dermal regeneration
Bhattacharyya et al., 2012 – Copper & angiogenesis
Rousselle et al., 2010 – Copper & collagen remodeling
McCord, 2000 – Copper-zinc SOD in skin repair
Simon & Keith, 2004 – Copper in dermatologic applications