A Closer Look At Astringents
Astringent have long been a staple in skin care routines, particularly for those with oily and acne-prone skin. These products work by temporarily shrinking the appearance of pores and reducing sebum production.
Formulating astringent
Traditional astringents often relied on ingredients like alcohol. Alcohol has been a common ingredient in astringents due to its ability to quickly dry out the skin and therefore reduce oiliness. Yes, at the end of the day, it depends on the overall formula. However, excessive use of alcohol-based astringents can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even increased oil production.
Today's approach with natural alternative
Fortunately, the skin care industry has evolved. Modern formulations nowadays offer gentler and more effective alternatives.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is derived from Hamamelis virginiana plant. It has been used in skin care for centuries due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, witch hazel can help tighten pores, hence reduce the oil production. Not only that, it can also reduce the redness caused by acne breakouts.
Tea tree oil
As someone with acne-prone skin, I have used a share amount of products containing tea tree oil in the past. Similar to witch hazel, this plant oil is known as the natural remedy for combating acne. However, for people with sensitive skin, using tea tree oil can be tricky. Since it is an essential oil, it contains several allergens which might not be well-tolerated by some people. Therefore, it is important for formulator to counter this issue by creating gentle formulation.
Green tea
Green tea extract or Camilia sinensis extract is often used especially in K-beauty products. It is rich in antioxidants, particulary catechins, which help protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Mushroom
Another natural astringent is mushroom extract, particularly belonging to the Basidiomycota phylum. These mushrooms have natural astringent properties thanks to agaric acid contained in the extract, which can help to tighten pores, reduce oil production, and soothe inflammation without causing irritation.
By incorporating this ingredient, we've developed Clarifying Cleansing Mousse that can help all skin types achieve a healthy and balanced complexion. Our formula is designed to gently cleanse the skin without stripping away essential moisture.