Mulateiro (Calycophyllum spruceanum) is a canopy tree in the Amazon and has been used for a long time as a source of good, high-density lumber. Benefits of using Mulateiro: Mulateiro bark contains high amounts of tannin chemicals which give it an astringent effect. The plant also contains high amounts of organic acids and phenols which have demonstrated antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activity. The phenols also demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, which may explain their traditional use to stop the aging process of the skin Another substance called acetylenic acid in mulateiro proved to be the first antibiotic to be tested against fungi and bacteria. Mulateiro helps to reduce fine lines and…

Tacuma butter or Astrocaryum tucuma is a palm tree native to the Amazon Rainforest. It is very similar to palm kernel butter in consistency, appearance, and property but with a higher and more favorable melting point. It consists mainly of lauric acid and myristic acid which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Benefits of using Tacuma butter: Can be used as a moisturizer: Tacuma butter forms a transparent protective film on the skin, without clogging the pores thereby moisturizing and restoring the elasticity of the skin. It is an excellent choice to use for all hair types: Tucuma butter is great to use for dry hair with split ends. It helps…

Ucuuba butter also known as Virola surinamensis is obtained from the seeds of the Virola sebifera tree. It contains high concentrations of myristic, lauric, and palmitic acids, as well as vitamins A and C. It also contains 70% of trimyristin, a triglyceride of myristic acid that is an aromatic essential oil largely used by the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Benefits of using Ucuuba butter: It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties: this is because it contains high concentrations of myristic and lauric acid. It has healing properties: ucuuba butter has healing properties that may help with wounds or burns. It can be used as a moisturizer: This butter may also…

Lactobionic acid is a PHA and is the sister of gluconolactone. Lactobionic acid is more hydrating, a strong antioxidant, a better barrier repairer, and a more gentle acid than gluconolactone. Benefits of using Lactobionic acid: Cons of Lactobionic acid: Who all can use Lactobionic acid? Lactobionic acid is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of colour. How to choose the best lactobionic acid product? Choose a product that contains lactobionic acid along with other AHA’s (glycolic acid or mandelic acid) and BHA’s (salicylic acid) if it is too strong, then it’s better to go for only lactobionic acid. How to add Lactobionic acid to my skincare…

Basil or Ocimum basilicum is a herb that has a lot of powerful antioxidants. It contains mostly methyl chavicol(estragole), eugenol, and linalool. Basil is an important component and is used in many industries, ranging from food to cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. Benefits of using Basil extract: Anti-inflammatory: the anti-inflammatory activity of basil is mainly due to the presence of eugenol, which can block the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). Basil extracts stop the inflammation by stopping the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Anti-aging: the urosolic acid in basil can help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and, return skin elasticity. It can also moisturize the skin reducing transepidermal water loss.…

Betaine is a natural ingredient that is derived from the sugar beet. Benefits of using Betaine: Anti-aging: betaine can help with fine lines and wrinkles by tightening the skin and reducing the loss of water. It is used as a skin-lightening agent: there are studies showing that betaine is a potential skin-lightening agent. It has been able to reduce the melanin content in the skin, but furthur research is needed. Anti-inflammatory: there are studies showing that betaine has some anti-inflammatory effects and is shown to have beneficial effects in human diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, but not more research is needed to prove this. It helps…

Grapeseeds contain a lot of polyphenolic substances. These Phenolic compounds are divided into flavonoids (anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins (procyanidins and prodelphinidins), and flavan-3-ols) and non-flavonoids (aftaric acid and coutaric acid). They have a lot of health benefits and they should be added to one’s diet and skincare. Benefits of Grapeseed extract: Anti-diabetic: it has the ability to prevent or control diabetes. Antioxidant: grapeseed extract is also an antioxidant that can protect the skin from free radicals and UV damage. It also contains flavonoids and non-flavonoids (different types of antioxidants that are useful for the skin). It may improve blood flow: grapeseed extract may act as a blood thinner, and thus improving the…

Glycerin or glycerol is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. It is one of the most effective humectants out there. Benefits of using Glycerin: Cons of using Glycerin: It can be sticky when used in higher concentrations. Who can use Glycerin? Glycerin just like hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types including eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin, and skin of colour. What skincare ingredients can I mix with Glycerin? Studies show that glycerin mixed with hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica gave 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects. How to use Glycerin products in my skincare routine? Frequently asked questions: Can glycerin cause purging? No, glycerin…

Polyglutamic acid is a humectant that can draw moisture from the air into your skin. It is said to be 5 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. Polyglutamic acid is also biodegradable, edible, water-soluble, and non-toxic to humans and the environment. Benefits of using Polyglutamic acid: Who all can use Polyglutamic acid? Polyglutamic acid is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of colour. Make sure to conduct a patch test and check if you have any allergies to this ingredient. What other skincare ingredients can I use with polyglutamic acid? How to use polyglutamic acid? Polyglutamic acid is available in the form of serums, creams, gels,…

L-Cysteamine is an antioxidant that is produced by the degradation of coenzyme A Benefits of using Cysteamine: Anti-melanoma: cysteamine is a skin-lightening agent that can be used for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma. Anti-mutagenic: it can help to reduce the rate of mutation Anti-carcinogenic: It can reduce the development of cancer. Anti-tumour: it can prevent tumours. Who all can use Cysteamine? Cysteamine is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of colour because it does irritate or cause damage to the skin. Use of Cysteamine in clinical trials: 58% MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index) score in melasma patients. 67% melanin reduction in melasma lesions. 90% of…