The Radiance Set

Chosen, one ingredient at a time.

Nothing in either formula is here by accident. Every ingredient in The Radiance Set was chosen for a reason. Some support the skin. Others help keep each formula stable, effective, and elegant to use. Many of our botanicals come from organic agriculture, and many of our oils are cold-pressed to preserve what nature created. Explore key ingredients below, why each is included, and the role it plays.

7Roles in the Brilliance Oil Concentrate
8Roles in the Superior Refining Serum
7Roles at work in both formulas
0Synthetic fragrance, parabens or silicones
In the Brilliance Oil Concentrate In the Superior Refining Serum In both

How these formulas were built

Formulated with intention.

Oil first

The routine begins with oil. The Brilliance Oil Concentrate was designed to be applied first, preparing the skin for the serum that follows.

Skin barrier support

The Brilliance Oil Concentrate and Superior Refining Serum were formulated to support the skin barrier with botanical oils, humectants, prebiotics, and skin-conditioning ingredients selected for daily use.

Physician formulated

Developed by a board-certified internist who wanted skincare to feel as good to use as it looks on the skin.

Ingredient library

Explore our ingredients.

Filter by formula, by role, or search by ingredient.

Every ingredient appears for a reason. Some nourish. Some hydrate. Some protect the formula itself. Explore each role to see how the formulas are built.

Ingredient spotlight

Why we chose bakuchiol.

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound found in the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia (babchi). It has been studied for its effects on the appearance of fine lines, elasticity, and uneven tone, including in research comparing it with retinol.1

We include bakuchiol in both the Brilliance Oil Concentrate and the Superior Refining Serum as part of a broader botanical formulation, not as a stand-alone hero. That was deliberate.

1. Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology. 2019;180(2):289-296.

For educational purposes. Dr. Hopiola products are cosmetic formulations; individual results may vary.

Bakuchiol vs retinol

BakuchiolRetinol
Where it comes from Plant-derived compound associated with the babchi plant. A form of vitamin A used in cosmetic skincare.
How it is usually tolerated Studies suggest it may be better tolerated than retinol, though individual responses vary. Can cause dryness, flaking and irritation, particularly when first introduced.

Bakuchiol is not retinol. The comparison comes from research examining some of the same visible skin concerns, not because the two ingredients are chemically equivalent.

What we leave out

Just as considered as what we put in.

Our formulas are defined by deliberate choices: what we use, and what we choose not to.

Synthetic fragranceEvery scent in both formulas comes from a named botanical you can find in the list above.
ParabensOur formulas are preserved without parabens.
PhenoxyethanolOur preservation system was formulated without phenoxyethanol.
SiliconesWe formulate without silicones, relying instead on botanical oils and other emollients for slip and finish.
Mineral oilWe use botanical oils as the lipid foundation of our formulas.
Synthetic dyesNo synthetic colorants. The natural color of each formula comes from the ingredients themselves.
Alcohol denat.Formulated without alcohol denat. or SD alcohol.

A note on vegan formulationThe Superior Refining Serum contains bee-derived propolis and is therefore vegetarian, not vegan. The Brilliance Oil Concentrate contains no animal-derived ingredients.

A question we get often

Without parabens, what keeps it fresh?

Any formula containing water requires a preservation system. The Superior Refining Serum uses a combination of ingredients that work together to help protect the formula.

Preservation systemDehydroacetic acid · Benzyl alcohol · Sodium benzoatePreservative ingredients used at low concentrations to help protect the water-based serum from microbial contamination.
Fermentation derivedLeuconostoc ferment filtrateA fermentation-derived ingredient used in cosmetic formulations and included as part of the serum’s broader protective system.

A note on benzyl alcoholDespite its name, benzyl alcohol is not the same type of alcohol as alcohol denat. or SD alcohol. Here, it functions as part of the serum’s preservation system.

The Brilliance Oil Concentrate is anhydrous, meaning it contains no water. Unlike a water-based formula, it does not require the same type of antimicrobial preservation system. Tocopherol and rosemary extract provide antioxidant support, helping protect the botanical oils from oxidation over time.

Start from your skin

What is your skin asking for?

Explore the ingredients chosen with these concerns in mind.

Individual results may vary. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Full disclosure

The complete lists, in order.

Exactly as they appear on the carton, in descending order of concentration.

Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, Rosa moschata/Rosa rubiginosa (rosehip) seed oil*, Adansonia digitata (baobab) seed oil*, Argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil*, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, Macadamia integrifolia (macadamia) nut oil*, Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil*, Rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil, Borago officinalis (borage) seed oil*, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) seed oil*, Brassica campestris (rapeseed) seed oil*, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu) seed oil*, Punica granatum (pomegranate) seed extract*, Salvia hispanica (chia) seed extract*, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) fruit extract*, tocopherol, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract*, Vanilla planifolia (vanilla) fruit extract*, bakuchiol, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil*, Citrus paradisi (pink grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus aurantium (neroli) oil, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Epilobium angustifolium flower/leaf/stem extract*, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract*, Cistus monspeliensis extract*, Stevia rebaudiana extract, Althaea officinalis root extract*, Oryza sativa (rice) bran extract.

*Ingredients from organic agriculture.

100% natural origin66.04% organic

Water/aqua/eau, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice*, Rosa damascena (rose) flower water*, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, Rosa moschata/Rosa rubiginosa (rosehip) seed oil*, polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Oryza sativa (rice) extract, glycerin, Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil*, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, magnesium sulfate, inulin, tocopherol, propanediol, squalane, Punica granatum (pomegranate) seed extract*, Centella asiatica (gotu kola) extract, polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate, Brassica campestris (rapeseed) seed oil*, bakuchiol, propolis extract, Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, Tremella fuciformis (mushroom) extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil*, Citrus paradisi (pink grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus aurantium (neroli) flower oil*, Vanilla planifolia (vanilla) fruit extract*, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract*, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Althaea officinalis root extract*, Oryza sativa (rice) bran extract, sodium phytate, dehydroacetic acid, benzyl alcohol, leuconostoc ferment filtrate, superoxide dismutase, soybean peroxidase, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate.

*Ingredients from organic farming.

99.22% natural origin52.60% organic

Both formulas are scented with botanical oils rather than synthetic fragrance: sweet orange peel, pink grapefruit peel, and neroli. As with any fragrant botanical, these ingredients may not suit every skin.

If your skin is sensitive or currently reactive, patch test on the inner forearm before applying to the face.

A note on skin sensitivity

Every skin is different. If your skin is particularly reactive or you are introducing a new product, patch testing before first use is always a thoughtful practice.

Two products. One routine.

Now you know what’s behind the formulas.

Two complementary formulas, one simple routine. Oil first. Serum second.

Brilliance Oil Concentrate
Brilliance Oil ConcentrateStep one
Superior Refining Serum
Superior Refining SerumStep two
Shop the Radiance Set

The Radiance Set, $245

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