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White wavy lines texture on a surfaceProfile: Turmeric Powder

Profile: Turmeric Powder

Commonly known as: Curcuma Longa Rhizome Powder (INCI), Indian Saffron, Terra Merita
Botanical name: Curcuma longa.
Extraction process: Grinding of dried turmeric roots sourced from organic farming.
Family: Zingiberaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Roots.
Location: Originally from Southeast Asia; today it is cultivated in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Madagascar.
Flowering: From June to September.
Provenance, origin: Madagascar / India.
Phytochemical composition: Curcuminoids (curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, bisdesmethoxycurcumin, dihydrocurcumin), carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose, ukonan A), steroids (cholesterol, stigmasterol, campesterol), polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc), terpenes (curcumenone, curcumene, caryophyllene, bisacurone, camphene), vitamins (C, B1, B2, B3, B9, E).
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Fine powder; Colour: Yellow - orange; Odour: Characteristic, spicy.
Physical characteristics: Water content ≤ 12%; Soluble in water and ethanol; Suggested usage level: 0.5 - 2%.
Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, colouring, complexion-enhancing, protective, healing, brightening, depigmenting.
Concerns: All skin types, particularly dull skin, hyperpigmented skin, skin lacking vitality, sensitive skin and those prone to blemishes; All hair types, especially dull hair; Recommended for bluish dark circles.

Details

Properties

  • Antibacterial: Restricting the growth and proliferation of certain strains of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, etc.) by inhibiting bacterial cytokinesis through curcumin, thus reducing the occurrence of blemishes;

  • Anti-inflammatory: Alleviating itchiness and redness through the inhibition of COX-2 induction by curcumin, an inflammatory membrane protein that releases prostaglandins with a pathological role, in addition to blocking the synthesis of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines through the action of campesterol;

  • Antioxidant: Shielding skin cells from the assault of certain free radicals through the double bonds found in the chemical structure of curcumin by donating an electron, thus safeguarding the skin from premature ageing;

  • Healing: Accelerating epithelialisation and angiogenesis by increasing the expression of the growth factor TGF-β1 through curcumin;

  • Brightening: Inhibiting the production of melanin at various stages of melanogenesis, helping to prevent the appearance of brown spots or to fade their appearance;

  • Glowing Skin Effect: Brightening and reviving the complexion through the stimulation of microcirculation of blood, facilitated by the action of curcumin;

  • Protector: Blocking the action of elastase by stimulating the activity of the inhibitor α1-antitrypsin, an enzyme catalysing the hydrolysis of elastin, but also the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) thanks to curcumin.

Applications

  • Facial Care(moisturising creams, masks, mists, exfoliating creams, cleansers, sun protection products, serums);

  • Body Care (lotions, solid soaps, shower gels);

  • Hair Care (dyes, hair masks, lotions, gels, balms, shampoos, conditioners);

  • Makeups (tinted powders, eyeshadows).

Method of Preservation

Keep protected from moisture, light, and heat.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

The topical application of a treatment containing this ingredient is safe. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, young children... there are no contraindications to the cosmetic use of turmeric powder. However, when used alone, turmeric powder can be slightly drying. Finally, it is recommended for people with a food allergy to turmeric to be cautious if they wish to use a cosmetic containing it. Indeed, although a food allergy does not necessarily lead to a cosmetic allergy, it is better to apply a precautionary principle.

Find out more

Turmeric originates from Southern Asia. It has been cultivated since ancient times in India, where it is suggested that a massage with turmeric powder can help treat heart discomfort. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word "kunkuma", which means "that which gives colour". In the 18th century, turmeric was imported into Europe by the major naval powers (Holland, United Kingdom, Portugal, and France). Indeed, it was only from the 17th century that its uses were discovered in the West. In phytotherapy, the plant can be infused in water to improve digestion.