Trends · 8min read

Trend Watch: Turmeric, Cocoa Butter and Baobab in Skincare

Understand how these superfoods are being utilised as ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.

With the demand for superfoods in cosmetics on the rise, we set out to explore how three trending ingredients, turmeric, cocoa butter, and baobab, are being utilised in skincare products.

Turmeric is Prized for Its Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties

This golden-coloured spice is rich in the active ingredient curcumin, which is derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant. While turmeric powder has only found its way into Western cuisines and cosmetics in recent decades, it has been prized in Eastern cultures for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties for centuries. According to healthline, studies have proven that the chemical compound curcumin possesses the ability to help heal wounds and reduce scarring. It has also been found to be capable of fighting a range of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Cosmetics manufacturers also claim its effectiveness in brightening up dark circles under the eyes and bringing out the skin’s natural glow. Recognised dermatologists further attest to turmeric’s ability to reduce collagen breakdown and prevent hair loss. 

Clarins Double Serum is an anti-ageing treatment containing 21 plant extracts that firm the skin, smooth out wrinkles, restore the complexion, and diminish pores. The prestigious skincare brand highlights turmeric as the key ingredient in their formula to actively target ageing skin. Yellow Beauty, on the other hand, is a young skincare brand that developed its entire range of products around turmeric. Their hydrating facial oil, detoxifying mask, and soothing exfoliator naturally nourish skin in transparent and holistic ways.

Cocoa Butter Hydrates and Protects the Skin

Theobroma cacao seed butter, more commonly referred to as 'cocoa butter’, is the natural fat extracted from cocoa seeds. It is a byproduct of the production of cocoa powder. Cocoa butter is made of 34-36% stearic acid, 30-40% oleic acid, and 24-29% palmitic acid. As a result, cosmetics manufacturers utilise it as an ingredient for its fatty acids’ hydrating properties. Raw (unrefined) cocoa butter is creamy yellow in colour and has a distinctly ‘chocolatey’ aroma. While this is a delightful scent, some manufacturers prefer to use refined cocoa butter in their formulas, so as not to overpower other fragrances present in their products. Refined cocoa butter is white in colour and scent-free.

Kiehl’s Crème de Corps is one of the most renowned products utilising cocoa butter as a key ingredient in the industry. This rich and nourishing moisturiser has been on the market since the 1980’s, making it a classic on cosmetics shelves. Further ingredients in their cherished formula include beta carotene, sesame oil, and squalane. Some brands, on the other hand, such as Sky Organics and Now Solutions, opt to steer away from developing new formulas and instead go the route of sourcing and packaging raw cacao butter in its pure form.

Baobab Seed Oil Is Moisturising and Restorative

Baobab is a genus of deciduous trees native to Africa and Australia. It is often referred to as the ‘tree of life’—this name was given to it by native communities who traditionally utilised it in the preparation of a variety of foods and medicines. The fruit is classified as a superfood for its high vitamin C, fibre, and mineral content as well as its antioxidant properties. In the food industry, manufacturers use baobab fruit powder to add nutrients and flavour to cereals, nutrition bars, and smoothies. The cosmetics industry, on the other hand, favours baobab seed oil as an ingredient in products. The oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit. It is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, which are said to soften, restore, and moisturise the skin. Though baobab exports to the European market are increasing, this superfood has yet to gain a strong foothold with manufacturers and consumers. In the Japanese and North American cosmetics industries, however, baobab is already proving to be a rising trend. 

Burt's Bees launched an ultra-hydrating baobab oil-based shampoo and conditioner that restores moisture to hair with the help of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. In some markets, customers can also purchase Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Body Lotion, which promises similar benefits, but for the skin. Pure Skin Food recently developed a face mask and exfoliant using a powerful mix of superfood powders, including baobab powder, maca root powder, and lucuma fruit powder. The natural and organic skin food producer highlights the product’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cleansing properties alongside its ability to repair blemished skin.

If you are interested in sourcing 100% organic ingredients for your cosmetics or personal care products, please get in touch with our Sales Team to inquire about variants, uses, and pricing.

Imagery courtesy of unsplash.com and foodcircle.com