Turmeric
Zuplex's Turmeric extract is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening agent, making it a popular ingredient in skincare formulations targeting radiance, even skin-tone and overall skin health.
INCI NAME
Curcuma longa root extract, propanediol, water
CHARACTERISTICS
Appearance: Yellow liquid
Solubility: Water-soluble
pH range: 4.0 - 6.0
- Non-irritant
- Derived from nature
- China compliant
- Halaal
- Traditionally used
- Safe
- Vegan
- GMO free
- Gluten free
- Not animal tested
USAGE
Use level: 1–5%
Shelf-life: 24 months
EFFICACY
- Anti-ageing
- De-pigmenting & brightening
- Photo-protectant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Wound healing
- Anti-microbial
- Antiseptic
- Soothing
SOURCE
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is a flowering plant native to South Asia, particularly India and Indonesia, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates with well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil. It is distinguished by its broad green leaves and bright yellow-orange rhizomes, which are the primary source of its bioactive compounds.
Zuplex's turmeric is organically grown without any pesticides or chemical fertilisers by a partner farmer in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. After harvesting it is sliced and sun-dried before extraction.
TRADITIONAL USES
The brightly coloured rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant are traditionally dried and ground into a fine powder used in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications. Revered in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, turmeric has long been utilised for its therapeutic properties. This includes its ability to support digestion, skin health, reduce inflammation and therefore alleviate inflammatory ailments such as arthritis and joint pain, and promote wound healing. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a "Varnya" herb, meaning it enhances skin radiance and complexion, and as a "Rakta Shodhaka", known for its blood-purifying properties.
ACTIVE COMPONENTS
Turmeric is rich in bioactive compounds, with curcuminoids being most notable. The primary curcuminoid, curcumin, is responsible for turmeric’s vibrant yellow colour and is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Other curcuminoids, including demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, contribute to its broad-spectrum biological activity. Additionally, turmeric contains oils such as tumerone, ar-turmerone, and zingiberene, which enhance its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The presence of polysaccharides, flavonoids, and tannins further support its antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits. These bioactive compounds work synergistically to protect against oxidative damage, modulate inflammation, and promote skin and scalp health, making turmeric a highly valued ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
CLAIMS AND ACTIVITY
An important randomised, double-blind study compared the efficacy of a 0.25% tetrahydrocurcumin cream to a 4% hydroquinone cream in treating melasma. This placebo-controlled trial found that the turmeric -based cream significantly brightened skin colour, yielding results comparable to those of the hydroquinone treatment but without adverse side effects.*
In vitro testing has also revealed that Curcumin inhibits tyrosinase activity and decreases melanin content without influencing melanocyte viability hence its effectiveness as a skin brightening agent.**
Furthermore, turmeric’s natural antibacterial qualities may help address acne by reducing pore-clogging bacteria and managing excess oil.
References:
*Majeed, M., Trinidad, R., Pineda, V., Chan, G., Prakash, L., & Dayrit, J. (2010). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparative study: The safety and efficacy of 0.25% tetrahydrocurcumin (turmeric) cream as depigment agent against 4% hydroquinone cream.
**Tu CX, Lin M, Lu SS, Qi XY, Zhang RX, Zhang YY. Curcumin inhibits melanogenesis in human melanocytes. Phytother Res. 2012 Feb;26(2):174-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3517. Epub 2011 May 17. PMID: 21584871.