Tumeric's Therapeutic Benefit in Cosmetics

Posted: September 23, 2008

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In Japan, Clinique introduced Derma White Protect & Brighten Eye System. This two-step eye treatment contains separate day and night creams for the eye area. The brightening (night) cream claims to hydrate and lighten the appearance of dark spots over time. The protective (day) cream contains SPF 15/PA++ and helps seal in brightening benefits and prevent new darkening. Both products are allergy tested, 100% fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested and formulated for Asian skin.

Several Estée Lauder-owned brands feature turmeric. Earlier this year, Origins introduced Conditioning Lip Balm With Turmeric. This lip treatment highlights turmeric’s rejuvenating characteristics. The company's Cyber White EX range uses concentrated turmeric extract  to help reduce the appearance of "barely visible dark spots just beneath the skin's surface.”

More recently, Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins introduced Mega-Mushroom Skin-Calming Face Mask. It contains a blend of mushroom extracts with ginger, holy basil and turmeric. The mask is designed to reduce redness and is recommended for use after exposure to stresses such as excessive sun, windburn and waxing in order to quickly calm dry and damaged skin. It also claims to revitalize and restore radiance to stressed skin and rebuild a protective barrier against future irritation.

Turmeric leaf oil and extract are also used in sunscreens as evidenced by these European launches:

Liérac’s sun care range contains turmeric for its antioxidant benefits. The Solaire Anti-Wrinkle Eye Contour Sun Cream features SPF 30 sunscreen to protect the eye area and prevent wrinkles from appearing. The formula also contains mineral sun filters, sweet almond extract and prickly pear.