Regenerating Ingredients for Gen 'S' (part 1/4 - Essential Oils)
Well-Aging is the new Anti-Aging. This is the 1st of a 4 part series featuring the best cosmetic ingredients for age-supporting skin + hair care products.
Although the one proverbial constant in life may be change; the one thing that has gone unchanged for generations in skincare is the desire for smooth, healthy, young-looking skin.1 For centuries, personal care products’ primary purpose has served to promote a youthful appearance, making ‘Anti-Aging’ more than a category in the cosmetics industry, but the main objective.
As conscious consumers become wise to the lies of some alleged time-reversing miracles and/or lost trust in toxic treatments, the concept of skin care is evolving, along with the definition of “beauty,” shifting from age-defying to aging-well (wrinkles and all). With “plant-derived extracts … among the main constituents of the cosmetic formulations containing natural ingredients,”2 our ‘pro-aging’ products (essential oils, carrier oils, butters and Cellular Extracts by NATIVE EXTRACTS) contain key compounds and characteristics to help us mature with grace.
September is Healthy Aging® Month, and over this month we are highlighting the positive aspects of growing older and featuring a list of well-aging ingredients from the following categories. Now in its second decade, the founder of this declaration, Carol Worthington, says this month “provides inspiration and practical ideas for adults, ages 50-plus, to improve their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being.” Follow us along social media channels for more well-aging skincare tips (links in footer)!
Sept 1 Well-Aging Essential Oils
Sept 8 Well-Aging Carrier + Seed Oils
Sept 15 Well-Aging Butters
Sept 22 Well-Aging Cellular Extracts
GENERATION WHO?
The cohort embracing health span over life span is largely led by the over-50’s, the so-called “Gen S” (S as in ‘silver’, ‘sexy’, and more importantly ‘spenders,’ with baby Boomers holding 70% of disposable income in the U.S.)3, who are ever-more important with inclusion, diversity and equality rising in company values. A 2018 study showed that the majority of this audience feels ignored by brand messaging – more precisely, 78% feel under-represented or misrepresented by advertising; however, 69% would be more receptive to brands if they represented over-50s more accurately.4
So, we’ve specifically selected the following species to complement the skin and hair concerns of Gen S, from sun-damage, skin thinning and fine lines to hair loss or graying, so that you can narrow your formulations for unique lifestyles rather than generic “aging.” After all, each buyer contributing to the chart-topping global sales (Table 1) of anti-aging products has a unique set of needs – and luckily there is a species for just about each of those.
Table 1: Retail Value Sales of Cosmetic Categories
Request an Innovation Map for Customized Well-Aging Ingredient Recommendations Based on Your Objectives
ESSENTIAL OILS
ESSENTIAL OILS |
WELL-AGING BENEFITS |
| Carrot Oil Daucus carota |
Providing a combination of vitamin A, C and E, this oil helps smooth fine lines and repair any damage caused by sun (i.e. melasma). A large portion of this oil is made up of carotenoids, which is a stellar antioxidant easily absorbed by the epidermis |
| Clary Sage Oil Salvia sclarea |
Research has shown that its antioxidant content may help prevent DNA and protein damage that affects skin cells. The oil also has antimicrobial properties. |
| Frankincense Oil Boswellia carterii (and frereana & serrata varieties) |
Showing cytophylactic properties, these three species of Franinsense helps body to product new cells, maintain elasticity Frankincense essential oil is used in a variety of cosmetic products, but there’s no evidence to suggest that it’s an effective remedy for wrinkles. Some studies, however, have indicated that it may effectively help with stretch marks and scars. Mikhaeil, B., Maatooq, G., Badria, F., et al. (2014). Chemistry and Immunomodulatory Activity of Frankincense Oil. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C, 58(3-4), pp. 230-238. Retrieved 20 Mar. 2020, from doi: 10.1515/znc-2003-3-416 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12710734/ |
| Geranium Oil Pelargonium graveolens |
As a known anti-inflammatory, Geranium is of potential use in products for “Inflammaging,” chronic low-grade inflammation that accelerate the process of biological aging. |
|
Helichrysum Oil |
Shown to inhibit both collagenase and elastase activities – dermis enzymes involved in the visible signs of aging (wrinkles/sagging). Ascrizzi, Roberta & Flamini, Guido. (2017). The antiaging properties of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don essential oil: collagenase and elastase inhibition activities. |
| Lavender Oil Lavandula angustifolia |
Lavender may work on preventing signs of aging on emotional and physical levels, by reducing stress levels that lead to aging. As an oil, evidence has shown that “Sub-acute inhalational exposure significantly augments the level of immune system antioxidant enzymes”. Ayaz M, Sadiq A, Junaid M, Ullah F, Subhan F, Ahmed J. Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants. Front Aging Neurosci. 2017;9:168. Published 2017 May 30. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2017.00168 |
| Lemon Oil Citrus limonum |
Its high concentration of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), “has shown to treat and prevent changes associated with photoaging”. Ichi, I., & Kojo, S. (2010). Antioxidants as Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress. Biomarkers for Antioxidant Defense and Oxidative Damage: Principles and Practical Applications, 35–49. doi: 10.1002/9780813814438.ch3 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9780813814438.ch3 Telang P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian dermatology online journal, 4(2), 143–146. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.110593 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23741676/ |
| Myrrh Oil Commiphora myrrha |
Egyptians used myrrh oil as a rejuvenating facial treatment. Known to be full of antioxidants, it is commonly used in skincare products. |
| Neroli Oil Citrus aurantium amara |
Neroli may increase skin elasticity and reduce the depth of wrinkles, potentially improving the appearance of scars on the surface of the dermis. https://www.healthline.com/health/neroli-oil |
|
Palmarosa Oil |
This oil is antimicrobial aiding in reducing bacteria. It has shown to be conditioning, keeping skin supple, and acting as a tonic to bring the skin’s sebum level into balance. https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/cymbopogon-martini-oil |
| Patchouli Oil Pogostemon cablin |
A known anti-inflammatory, it is also firming for skin and may help fight photo-aging Lin RF, Feng XX, Li CW, Zhang XJ, Yu XT, Zhou JY, Zhang X, Xie YL, Su ZR, Zhan JY. Prevention of UV radiation-induced cutaneous photoaging in mice by topical administration of patchouli oil. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Jun 11;154(2):408-18. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.04.020. Epub 2014 Apr 18. PMID: 24747030. |
| Rose Oil Rosa damascena |
High in antioxidant properties that may show anti-aging effects Boskabady MH, Shafei MN, Saberi Z, Amini S. Pharmacological effects of rosa damascena. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2011;14(4):295-307. |
| Sandalwood Oil Santalum spicatum |
The fatty acids and molecular composition of Sandalwood Seed Oil, makes it a very attractive ingredient for use in both skin and hair products. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and the presence of active Ximenynic acid has been shown to prevent degradation of hyaluronic acid and collagen and leads to an overall strengthening of the extracellular matrix, which in turn leads to an improvement in skin elasticity and tighter looking skin. |
| Ylang Ylang Oil Cananga odorata |
It has very good nourishing properties and is anti-inflammatory – making it useful in reducing skin inflammation and used in skin products aimed at eczema. Ylang Ylang has a balancing effect on sebum production making it great for both oily and dry skin. |
Have a specific well-aging project in mind or already know what you are looking for?
CONTACT our ingredient experts for data sheets, samples or recommendations on how to achieve your objectives naturally!
SAFETY FIRST
Essentials oils can be 50-100x more concentrated than natural levels in the plant. Take caution and always mind best practices when using oils. If applying topically, they should be diluted into a carrier oil and ONLY IF they are recommended for ingestion or inhalation, be sure to follow recommended dosage.
EXTERNAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Essential oil: Several drops rubbed into the skin. (This may be diluted at 30 ml essential oil to 500 ml of a suitable carrier such as vegetable oil.)
Ointment: Semi-solid preparation containing 5-20% essential oil (in carrier oils, creams, or lotions) for local application. (Salve)
Tincture: Aqueous-alcoholic preparation containing 5-10% essential oil for local application.
Inhalant: Add a few (2-5) drops of essential oil to hot water or to a vaporizer; deeply inhale the steam vapor.
Cited Sources across Series:
1. https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/health-hygiene-and-beauty/skin-care
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211926421000928
3. https://www.buxtonco.com/blog/the-lost-generation-baby-boomers
4. https://www.marketingweek.com/2018/10/15/brands-stop-age-defining-feature-over-50s/
5. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-overview-skin#1
6. https://www.scientificamerican.com/custom-media/estee-lauder-turning-back-the-clock-on-aging-skin/
7. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2020.577723/full
8. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/05/the-pseudoscience-of-beauty-products/392201/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
10. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/12/3584
Additional Sources:
11. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/sci/2019/6789823/#abstract
12. https://hsci.harvard.edu/skin-regeneration-and-rejuvenation
13. Neurocosmetics in Skincare—The Fascinating World of Skin–Brain Connection: A Review to Explore Ingredients, Commercial Products for Skin Aging, and Cosmetic Regulation https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/3/66/htm
14. https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/category/haircare/Evoking-Emotion-The-Impact-of-Hair-567399931.html?utm_source=newsletter-html&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CT+E-Newsletter+02-04-2020&absrc=rdm
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836174/
Cited Sources across Series:
1. https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object-groups/health-hygiene-and-beauty/skin-care
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211926421000928
3. https://www.buxtonco.com/blog/the-lost-generation-baby-boomers
4. https://www.marketingweek.com/2018/10/15/brands-stop-age-defining-feature-over-50s/
5. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-overview-skin#1
6. https://www.scientificamerican.com/custom-media/estee-lauder-turning-back-the-clock-on-aging-skin/
7. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2020.577723/full
8. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/05/the-pseudoscience-of-beauty-products/392201/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
10. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/12/3584
Additional Sources:
11. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/sci/2019/6789823/#abstract
12. https://hsci.harvard.edu/skin-regeneration-and-rejuvenation
13. Neurocosmetics in Skincare—The Fascinating World of Skin–Brain Connection: A Review to Explore Ingredients, Commercial Products for Skin Aging, and Cosmetic Regulation https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/3/66/htm
14. https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/category/haircare/Evoking-Emotion-The-Impact-of-Hair-567399931.html?utm_source=newsletter-html&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CT+E-Newsletter+02-04-2020&absrc=rdm
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836174/