Combinaison ingrédients gingembre

Ginger: Ingredient combinations with benefits?

Renowned for its culinary qualities, ginger is also a natural ingredient found in many cosmetic products where it is used in synergy with other active ingredients. Which ones? Discover the interesting combinations of active ingredients with ginger.

Summary
Published January 25, 2024, updated on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication — 5 min read

Combination No.1: Ginger and Turmeric.

The turmeric is a coveted ingredient in cosmetics, due to the numerous benefits it provides to the skin. Used for several centuries by traditional Chinese and Indian medicines, this natural ingredient is best known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties. Thus, turmeric is often found in treatments intended to aid the healing of damaged or acne-prone skin. Indeed, inflammatory acne pimples often leave a mark on the face that struggles to fade. The application of turmeric can help, especially if this ingredient is paired with ginger.

A study has particularly focused on this ingredient combination and its healing effect on rats. Indeed, for 21 days, a cream containing 10% turmeric and 3% ginger was applied daily to half of a cohort of rats. A corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory drug, was then applied to all the rats for 15 days. After which, a superficial cut was induced on the treated area. The scientists then measured the healing time and observed that it was significantly faster for the cohort of rats pre-treated with the turmeric-ginger combination.

Furthermore, the researchers observed a boost in collagen synthesis in the epidermis of pre-treated rats, as well as a decrease in the production of matrix metalloproteinase-9, a complex involved in the degradation of elastin. Collagen and elastin are two proteins essential for proper epithelialization of tissues and effective skin healing. Therefore, combining ginger and turmeric in cosmetics appears to be a relevant combination.

Association No. 2: Ginger and Ginseng.

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.

Association No. 3: Ginger and Clove.

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.

Association No. 4: Ginger and Vitamin C.

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.

Sources

  • JOHNSON K. J. & al. A combination of curcumin and ginger extract improves abrasion wound healing in corticosteroid-impaired hairless rat skin. Wound Repair and Regeneration (2009).

  • HU Z. & al. 6-Gingerol inhibits hair shaft growth in cultured human hair follicles and modulates hair growth in mice. PloS One (2013).

  • SAFAEIAN L. & al. Preparation and evaluation of clove oil in emu oil self-emulsion for hair conditioning and hair loss prevention. Journal of HerbMed Pharmacology (2016).

  • KHUNKITTI W. & al. The interaction effect of ginger extract and ascorbic acid on antioxidant activity. Journal of Scientific Technology (2020).

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