Benefits of Kitchen Ingredients

Caffeine

This plant alkaloid is found in coffee, tea, mate, and guarana. Known for its ability to dilate blood vessels and purge water from the body, caffeine is widely used in cellulite treatments and eye creams that may reduce puffiness. Recent studies found that caffeine can help protect you from skin cancer. In 2008, scientists of the State University of New Jersey found that topical application of caffeine inhibited the development of sunlight-induced skin cancer in animals, especially when combined with the consumption of green tea or caffeine. Even after intensive UV irradiation for several months, caffeine significantly reduced the formation of skin cancer and slowed cell mutations (Con-ney et al. 2008). Now, that’s a good reason to keep the java flowing!

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

This plant, also known as marigold, is a traditional herbal remedy praised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula extract is rich in beta-carotene, stearin, triterpinoids, flavonoids, and coumarin, as well as microelements. For this reason, calendula is frequently used in soothing and calming preparations, such as baby baths and creams, and after-sun products.

Camphor

This alkaloid, derived from the leaves of the camphor plant, is believed to have an antimicrobial action, which justifies its cosmetic use in topical acne treatments. In large quantities, camphor is poisonous when ingested and can cause seizures, confusion, and mood disorders (Agarwal, Malhotra 2008). According to current regulations, camphor can be used in concentrations of up to 11 percent in cosmetic products.

Carrot (Daucus carota)

Carrot seed oil contains plant antioxidant carotenoids, particularly carotene and luteolin, as well as vitamin E. When applied topically in cosmetic products, carrot seed essential oil has shown to improve sebum production in dry skin, while the antioxidant properties of carotene help it protect skin from UV-induced damage.

Castor Oil

This plant seed oil is derived from castor beans (Ricinus communis). It is rich in ricinoleic, oleic, and linoleic acids. According to Cosmetic Ingredient Review, castor oil can absorb UV light and enhance penetration of other ingredients (CIR Expert Panel 2007). In cosmetics, castor oil is used as an emollient and surfactant in lipsticks, moisturizers, and soaps. Castor oil is also used to make antifungal and antibacterial ointments. Russian scientists reported that castor oil ointment “accelerates the healing and cleaning of infected skin wounds, and produces bacteriostatic action” (Spasov et al. 2007).

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

This plant, also spelled as camomile, has been used for hundreds of years in cosmetics for its skin healing properties. Essential oil from German chamomile is rich in terpene alcohol, also known as bisabolol, which is well-studied for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. During an experimental study in 2008, scientists found that “chamomile extract in the form of rubbing oil had a good potential for acceleration of burn wound healing” (Jarrahi 2008). Please note, however, that chamomile in the form of tinctures, distillates, or essential oils is known to cause contact dermatitis, so if you have a family history of allergies, perform a patch test before adding chamomile to your do-it-yourself beauty products.

Chrysin

This natural flavonoid is derived from passionflower (Passiflora incarnate). In addition to its proven antioxidant abilities, chrysin demonstrated potential as a cancer preventive. In recent studies, chrysin even minimized metastatic spread of cancer after surgery (Beaumont et al. 2008). In green beauty preparations, chrysin appears to protect skin against UV-induced photodamage (Steerenberg et al. 1998). As an active ingredient in Hylexin and many other eye creams that claim to diminish under eye circles, chrysin seems to activate the enzyme that dissolves the buildup of debris in the delicate eye area (Walle, Walle 2002).

Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut oil is extracted as a fully organic product from fresh coconut flesh, and it is used as a highly effective emollient in face and body moisturizers, shampoos, and massage oils. Coconut butter, derived from copra, is one of the most stable butters used in cosmetics. Extra virgin coconut oil has been found to be as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a barrier cream (Frosch et al. 2003).

Coenzyme Q10

This enzyme is a crucial molecule in the respiration of all living cells. Naturally present in human skin, this enzyme helps maintain healthy energy levels in skin cells, which may help improve the skin’s texture and elasticity, improve collagen production, and ward off free radicals. When taken internally, coenzyme Q10 can help prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, age-related deterioration of brain function and vision, immune problems, as well as other age-related health problems (Janson 2006). It is known that levels of coenzyme Q10 diminish with age.
Coenzyme Q10 is a popular cosmetic ingredient, but many antiaging products contain too little of this chemical to make any difference on a cellular level. You may purchase pure synthetic coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone, as capsules or loose powder and use it to create potent yet gentle moisturizers and serums in the following proportion: 300 mg ubiquinone to 1 ounce of a base product. You can add ubiquinone to your sunscreens and moisturizers because it mixes better with oil-based cosmetic products. Coenzyme Q10 appears to synergize well with vitamin E. You may add up to 300 mg vitamin E to each ounce of your DIY preparation to boost effectiveness of coenzyme Q10.

Collagen

Moisturizers containing collagen and other proteins, such as keratin and elastin, claim to rejuvenate the skin by replenishing its essential proteins that diminish with age. However, the protein molecules are too large to penetrate the skin cells. Collagen may provide temporary relief from dry skin by working as an emollient. When proteins dry, they shrink slightly, stretching out some of the fine wrinkles and providing a temporary lift effect.

Corn (Zea mays)

Corn Starch is used as a thickener in cosmetic products, and more recently as a replacement for talc in natural baby powders. Cornmeal, or corn flour, is a cheap facial exfoliator that can be safely used in homemade cosmetic preparations.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Cultivated for at least three thousand years in western Asia, cucumber is widely used in cosmetics thanks to the high presence of vitamin A, vitamin B6, thiamin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese, and may have soothing and mild bleaching agents. A small study found that cucumber is rich in phytonutrients and naturally occurring vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that may protect the skin from chemically induced skin cancers (Villasenor et al. 2002).

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