Native to the Asian continent, bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the flora. The extract of this plant has long been used to treat rheumatism and regenerate cartilage. The bamboo liquid secreted in the stems is particularly rich in silicon oxide, a compound that is essential to support the skin's tissues.
In skin and hair care, bamboo extract is generally derived from the species Phyllostachys pubescens. It is referenced under the I.N.C.I. name "Phyllostachys Bambusoides Extract". In addition to silica, bamboo extract is rich in flavones, glycosides, phenolic acids and amino acids. It is known for its antioxidant, soothing and astringent properties.
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What is Bamboo Extract?
Summary
- What is Bamboo Extract?
- The Cosmetic Benefits of Bamboo Extract
- In Which Care Products Can I Find Bamboo Extract?
- Sources
Published September 22, 2023,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
7 min read
What is Bamboo Extract?
Native to the Asian continent, bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the flora. The extract of this plant has long been used to treat rheumatism and regenerate cartilage. The bamboo liquid secreted in the stems is particularly rich in silicon oxide, a compound that is essential to support the skin's tissues.
In skin and hair care, bamboo extract is generally derived from the species Phyllostachys pubescens. It is referenced under the I.N.C.I. name "Phyllostachys Bambusoides Extract". In addition to silica, bamboo extract is rich in flavones, glycosides, phenolic acids and amino acids. It is known for its antioxidant, soothing and astringent properties.
The Cosmetic Benefits of Bamboo Extract.
When applied to the skin, bamboo extract has several benefits:
Limiting skin aging by neutralizing free radicals.
The antioxidant activity of bamboo extract is due to the presence of flavones that fight against oxidative stress. As a reminder, this phenomenon is characterized by an overproduction of reactive oxygen molecules, also known as free radicals. When cells are confronted with stress, free radicals are produced. There are many sources of stress. The main ones are exposure to UV rays, pollution, smoking and a diet rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules because of their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and then cause damage to cells, DNA and body proteins such as collagen and elastin. In particular, they are involved in lipid peroxidation, a degradation reaction of the constituents of cell membranes. Aging is therefore accelerated and wrinkles appear on the surface of the skin. The flavones present in bamboo extract give up electrons to stabilize free radicals. Bamboo extract is therefore a choice ally in preventing skin aging and fighting the appearance and/or accentuation of wrinkles.
Absorb sebum to matify oily skin.
Bamboo naturally contains porous particles that absorb excess sebum from the skin. This great capacity of absorption takes part in decreasing the shininess of the skin. This compound is especially recommended for mixed to oily skin.
Alleviate irritations and rednesses.
The extract of bamboo is an ally of dry and sensitive skin. Moreover, thanks to the presence of silica, it brings a soft and silky touch towards it.
Note: Bamboo extract can also be used on the hair. Remineralizing and regenerating, it repairs, tones and brings flexibility to thin and damaged hair.
In Which Care Products Can I Find Bamboo Extract?
Because of its purifying properties, bamboo extract is often found in products for oily skin such as cleansing gels, serums and creams. Its soothing action also makes it an ingredient of choice for after-sun and post-waxing/shaving care. To revitalize hair, it can also be found in hair masks, lotions and sprays.
Typology has developed several formulas containing aqueous bamboo extract:
Concentrated with purifying active ingredients such as zinc PCA, this cleansing gel purifies the skin, regulates sebum production and limits the development of imperfections.
Highly concentrated in azelaic acid, this serum helps regulate sebum production for matte-looking skin.
Enriched with sebum-regulating and antibacterial active ingredients such as zinc PCA, this cream purifies the skin and fights skin imperfections.
Note: The aqueous extract of bamboo should not present any side effects. It can be used by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women as well as children. Avoid contact with the eyes.
Sources :
WANG J. & al. TLC screening for antioxidant activity of extracts from fifteen bamboo species and identification of antioxidant flavone glycosides from leaves of Bambusa. textilis McClure. Molecules (2012).
TANAKA A. & al. Biological activities and phytochemical profiles of extracts from different parts of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens). Molecules (2014).
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