Nature, fine-tuned by science.
AURA is built around CBDAe, our stabilised form of a compound the hemp plant makes naturally. Here's what it is, why we created it, and what makes it different.
CBD isn't where the story begins.
CBD is derived from CBDA. Although CBD is widely recognised, it is not the form originally produced by the living hemp plant.
The hemp plant naturally produces cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), the acidic precursor to CBD. The "A" stands for acid.
CBDA is inherently less stable, and can gradually convert into CBD during storage and over time, a process known as decarboxylation. Heat and exposure to light can accelerate this conversion, including during drying, extraction and processing.
That instability makes CBDA difficult to formulate into products that stay consistent through manufacturing, storage and their intended shelf life.
Mother Nature produces CBDA. CBD comes from CBDA.
They come from the same natural source, but CBDA and CBD are chemically distinct compounds.
From CBDA, two different paths
Think of CBDA as a fresh apple growing on a tree: the original, delicate form produced by nature.
CBDA
What nature produces
CBD
The changed form
CBDAe
A distinct, stabilised derivative
Once the apple is picked, it begins to change. Processing it, by slicing and drying for example, speeds that change up. But even if it isn't processed, it will still change gradually in storage over time. It comes from the same natural source, but it is no longer in its original, freshly picked form.
CBD can be understood in a similar way. It originates from CBDA, but forms as the original molecule changes naturally in storage, or through drying, extraction and processing.
CBDAe is different.
Rather than letting CBDA follow its usual path and convert into CBD, we use our patented esterification process to stabilise it, creating a distinct derivative designed for modern topical and wearable formulations.
One patented step makes the difference.
CBDAe is CLEIR's name for cannabidiolic acid methyl ester: a stabilised derivative of CBDA, created using our own patented esterification technology.
Plant-derived, but delicate
In its natural form, heat, light and time change it, gradually turning it into CBD.
Our patented process
We convert the vulnerable acidic part of the CBDA molecule into an ester, blocking its usual decarboxylation pathway. Esterification is a well-established chemical method used to modify and protect carboxylic acid groups.
Stable, pack after pack
A distinct derivative of CBDA with improved stability, made with a process that is exclusive to CLEIR.
Why create a stabilised ester?
Esters are widely used in skincare, cosmetic and topical formulations. Depending on the individual ester, they can improve properties such as stability, compatibility and spreadability.
Our principal reason for creating CBDAe was to stabilise CBDA, making CBDA-derived chemistry suitable for consistent use in modern cosmetic formulations.
Consistent from the start
Greater consistency during formulation and manufacturing.
Built into the format
Reliable incorporation into both patches and gels.
Steady on the shelf
Better control during storage and throughout the intended shelf life.
Accurate every time
Accurate, repeatable levels of CBDAe in the finished formulation.
What sets AURA apart.
Patch Standard
CBD AURACBDAe
Developed from 60+ years of combined pharmaceutical R&D, and made with our own patented esterification process.
Cannabidiolic Acid
Methyl Ester
What this means for AURA
Comforting warmth, whenever and wherever you need it. Because it's stable, CBDAe can be incorporated consistently into each AURA format, starting with the Self-Warming Patch.
AURA Self-Warming Patch
A discreet, wafer-thin self-warming patch designed for targeted warmth.
Where the CBDAe goes: distributed throughout the flexible adhesive matrix.
AURA Warming Gel
A fast-absorbing warming gel, applied directly to the desired area.
Where the CBDAe goes: evenly incorporated alongside carefully selected warming and botanical ingredients.
The patch is available now, with a complementary warming gel on the way.
Good to know: CBDAe is listed in our ingredients as cannabidiolic acid methyl ester. It is a distinct, non-intoxicating compound, and is not CBDA, CBD or THC.
Sixty years of pharmaceutical R&D. One patented breakthrough.
CLEIR was founded by Dr Lee Proctor and Colin Leece, who bring decades of combined experience in pharmaceutical science, research and process development.
Their work has always sat where chemistry, process design and scalable manufacturing meet. That expertise is what made CBDAe possible: a patented esterification process built specifically to stabilise CBDA for skin-contact formulation.
Read our story →60+
Years of combined pharmaceutical R&D
1
Patented esterification process
Dr Lee Proctor
Co-Founder · Organic Chemistry
Colin Leece
Co-Founder · Formulation & Manufacturing
Science you can feel good about.
See every ingredient in the AURA Self-Warming Patch and why it's there, or discover the patch for yourself.
The AURA Self-Warming Patch has completed its UK cosmetic safety assessment and is non-medicated. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.