How our cosmetics are made?
We look up to nature. It gives us plenty of ready-made cosmetic solutions.
Oils, butters, herbs, clays and other natural ingredients are extremely graceful materials to work with. Unfortunately, they are often less stable than their chemical counterparts, which is why we use the expertise of technologists in developing our formulas.
As a result, we offer a unique product with a high content of extract from our organic haskap berry (Lonicera caerulea), as much as 10%, and a rich composition of active substances.
fruit of Far North
In the language of the Ainu peoples who inhabited Japan, the name haskap means „blue treasure at the end of a branch,” and the fruit was considered an elixir of life and youth. The haskap berry has been known on the island of Hokkaido for centuries and is highly valued for its health-promoting properties.
Ainu women used haskap juice to make distinctive tattoos around their mouths, and they also made the beautifully ornate fabrics that inspired our logo. You can read more about the Ainu and, interestingly, the Polish contribution to saving their culture here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ainu_people
From Hasukapu, as it is pronounced in Japanese, the fruit’s international name was adopted.
HASKAP IS A WEALTH OF ANTIOXIDANTS KNOWN FOR CENTURIES
Haskap fruits have been used for hundreds of years in folk medicine to reduce the risk of hypertension, glaucoma, heart attack, anemia, osteoporosis and gastrointestinal diseases and even malaria.
These properties are primarily related to the phytonutrients contained in these fruits.
Haskap berry is one of the richer sources of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants. Due to their chemical structure, they act few times more potent than vitamin C, or other well-known antioxidants vitamin A and E (Lila M.A 2004, Miguel MG 2011).
Haskap berries are also a rich source of phenolic acids. The main phenolic acid in haskap is chlorogenic acid, the same one found in green tea, for example.
Haskap fruits are also a source of other beneficial flavonoids, including quercetin and its glycosides, catechins and proanthocyanidins.
HASKAP PROTECTS CELLS STRUCTURE
Due to the action of free radicals, oxidative damage to DNA structures occurs. This process occurs thousands of times a day within each cell of the body. Researchers believe that this is one of the reasons for aging. Errors and inefficiencies in the repair of genetic material is the cause of cell degeneration and its entry into the cancer pathway.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radical anion, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide at low concentrations are essential in cells, as they are involved in signaling processes and physiological homeostasis. However, when these reactive oxygen species reach high concentrations they cause damage to genetic material. An excess of these compounds promotes cellular aging and cancerous processes.
Antioxidants protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals and unstable molecules. Haskap berries are considered one of the richest sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants present in haskap can reduce cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species and thus prevent cancerous processes and slow down the aging process.
The antioxidant capacity of haskap assessed using a number of indicators (ORAC, DPPH, CAA, FCR) is considered one of the highest among other berries (blueberries, black raspberries, chokeberries). A reduction in free radicals of 35% to 90% was achieved in the study investigating different cultivars of the haskap berry. (Sharma A 2021).
The Haskap berry bio extract used in the production of the BioHASKAP mask achieved an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of 28,950 μmol/100g, while in comparison, the antioxidant potential of fresh blueberries is 6500 μmol/100g.
Numerous in vitro tests have confirmed that haskap berries as well as their extracts have a strong antioxidant effect and protect cells from oxidative stress.
HASKAP IS A WEALTH OF ANTIOXIDANTS KNOWN FOR CENTURIES
Haskap fruits have been used for hundreds of years in folk medicine to reduce the risk of hypertension, glaucoma, heart attack, anemia, osteoporosis and gastrointestinal diseases and even malaria.
These properties are primarily related to the phytonutrients contained in these fruits.
Haskap berry is one of the richer sources of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants. Due to their chemical structure, they act few times more potent than vitamin C, or other well-known antioxidants vitamin A and E (Lila M.A 2004, Miguel MG 2011).
Haskap berries are also a rich source of phenolic acids. The main phenolic acid in haskap is chlorogenic acid, the same one found in green tea, for example.
Haskap fruits are also a source of other beneficial flavonoids, including quercetin and its glycosides, catechins and proanthocyanidins.
Solar UV protection
Solar UV radiation at the earth’s surface comprises approximately 90–99% UVA and 1–10% UVB. Middle-wave UVB light is largely absorbed (95%) in the protective ozone layer. This aside, UVB is the most active part of the coming UV light. UVB is more genotoxic and about 1000 times more capable of causing sunburn than UVA.
Czech scientists at Palacky University have observed that haskap berry protects against UV radiation. Haskap berry was shown to markedly reduce lipid oxidation and prevent DNA damage in keratinocytes exposed to UVB. ( Svobodova A 2009, Journal of Dermatological Science). Those cells play an important function in the process of „sealing” the skin. In conjunction with the intercellular cement, they form a barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering the skin and prevent water loss from the body. Keratinocytes are responsible for the living layer of the epidermis, and produce many valuable substances such as type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin, together forming the basement membrane, and are located between the epidermis and dermis.
A study conducted on hairless mice that were fed with haskap berry extract showed a protective effect against radiation and a reduction in changes in the cell nuclei of the basal layer of the skin exposed to UVA (Vostalova J 2013).
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense response against infectious agents or tissue damage. Inflammation is most often accompanied by redness, swelling of tissues, pain, burning, itching and, consequently, deterioration of function at the site of inflammation.
Recently, iridoids, compounds with anti-inflammatory effects that are very rare in the fruit, were discovered in the haskap berry. Loganic acid, which is most abundant in it, shows properties that inhibit the inflammatory process. (Karlowicz-Bodalska 2017).
High content of iridoids in haskap berries can complement antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins.
Haskap in cosmetology
Anthocyanins, in which haskap berry is rich, are a group of flavonoids that stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis. In addition, these compounds are known for their ability to increase the resistance of blood vessels and reduce their permeability, as well as exerting an anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition to polyphenols, haskap contains large amounts of vitamin C, which has been used in cosmetics for many years, for example in skin brightening products to control melanin production. Vitamin C is known for its many health benefits. For example, it accelerates the production of hyaluronic acid and promotes collagen synthesis. It is used in cosmetics for mature skin, promotes skin protection against photoaging, strengthens the skin and makes it more elastic.
Haskap contains other vitamins also, special attention should be paid to nicotinamide, a potent antioxidant which reduces wrinkles, protects the skin barrier, and in addition improves the structure and color of the skin. Vitamin H, also found in haskap has anti-ageing properties, and slows down the production of sebum. Yet another ingredient, pantothenic acid, stimulates cell growth and regeneration, and accelerates the synthesis of proteins and lipids (Klimaszewska E 2021).
In addition, extracts of haskap berry show antimicrobial activity (Kula 2013).
HASKAP MASK IMPROVES SKIN CONDITION
Inadequate skin hydration can have serious health consequences. In people with dry skin, even minimal exposure to irritants can lead to skin irritation. In most cases, such individuals develop red, rough skin or small blisters filled with serous fluid. Such skin symptoms usually cause itching, burning, and in some cases pain. Therefore, proper hydration of the skin is extremely important.
The effect of haskap extract on skin hydration levels was studied. The study on 50 women aged 35-40 was performed by applying a mask to the skin for 10 minutes. Then, after rinsing it off, the skin’s hydration was assessed after two hours and it increased by 30% in the mask containing 0.9% extract. The results of the tests confirmed that the more haskap berry extract there was in the cosmetic mask, the greater the degree of skin hydration obtained (Klimaszewska E 2021)
BioHaskap mask containing 10% haskap berry extract was tested on 20 women. Application tests showed increased elasticity, brightening effect, moisturizing effect and soothing effect ( Nutracevit research).
Since haskap is a new ingredient in cosmetology, patch dermatological tests were also conducted with 30 probands. None of the 30 test subjects showed positive reactions after application of the product. The tested product does not show any irritating or sensitizing effects in contact with the skin. (Nutracevit research).
It is with great pride that we present to you our first cosmetological product, the result of 3 years of work, which started practically from scratch, because it is a raw material unknown in cosmetology, required a lot of research, testing and, above all, perseverance on our part. And here it is:
Peeling Mask with haskap berry
Soothing evening peeling mask, designed for all skin types, especially tired skin, lacking elasticity and firmness.
Rich in natural plant ingredients – of which 10% is haskap berry (Lonicea Caerulea ) extract with antioxidant effect thanks to the anthocyanins it contains. Regular use of a gentle scrub combined with a facial massage performed 20 minutes after application of the mask will soothe the skin, moisturize it, improve its elasticity and give a brightening effect. After each application, the soothing scent of cardamom, patchouli and tangerine will accompany you for the rest of the evening.
How to use: Apply the mask to a cleansed face. After 20 min, using hands moistened with water, gently massage the skin until a powdery pink emulsion is formed. Rinse the product with lukewarm water. Apply the mask 2-3 times a week.
