Ginger: Ingredient combinations with benefits?

Originating from Asia, the ginseng is a perennial plant renowned for its invigorating effects and positive impact on the immune system. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, it is also found in certain cosmetic treatments intended to brighten the complexion or reduce hyperpigmentation marks. The properties of ginseng can be enhanced when it is combined with certain ingredients, including ginger.

Skincare products formulated with these two ingredients offer various benefits. They often have a preventive effect on skin aging. Indeed, both ginger and ginseng work to neutralize free radicals, reactive species that are partly responsible for the degradation of cellular constituents. Finally, this combination of ingredients can also help skin prone to blemishes or with a tendency towards eczema due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Derived from the clove tree, native to the Moluccas islands in Indonesia, clove is a relatively unknown cosmetic ingredient, yet it possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is capable of stimulating hair growth. These various effects are due to its content of eugenol, an aromatic compound. In hair care, it is not uncommon for clove to be paired with ginger, which is also believed to accelerate hair growth.

While the hair growth stimulating properties of clove have been proven, to date there is no scientific evidence ginger possesses the same ability.

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a star ingredient in cosmetics. Among its many virtues, it has antioxidant properties and photoprotective action: by neutralizing free radicals generated by exposure to the sun, pollution, or tobacco, vitamin C strengthens the skin barrier and protects the epidermis. Additionally, it regulates melanin production for a brighter complexion and stimulates the activity of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin.

Vitamin C and ginger each bring numerous benefits to the skin and hair, so it may seem wise to combine them. However, according to a recent study, the interaction of their combination has a antagonistic effect and negatively influences the antioxidant index. Although the mechanisms behind this antagonistic effect have not been formally identified, researchers have concluded that the antioxidant powers of ginger and vitamin C are more significant when used separately.