5 unusual skincare ingredients from across the globe that you need to try in 2022

In the last few years, we have seen an incredible jump in popularity for the most weird and wonderful ingredients in our skincare. Snail slime, Algae, Mushroom you name it. The beauty community just can't get enough of these wildly beneficial gifts from mother nature. With skincare companies searching far and wide for the next holistic hype, we're here to share some of the worlds most precious beauty secrets which you may not have heard of before. Used by cultures from the across the world for generations, these are definitely ingredients worth exploring.

Here are our picks for 5 unusual (but highly effective) skincare ingredients from across the globe:

• Ashwaganda Herb - India

• Thanaka Powder - Myanmar

• Chaga Mushrooms - Norway

• Rhassoul Clay - Morocco

• Baobab Oil - Madagascar

1. Ashwagandha Herb - India

Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda medicine. Other names include 'Indian Ginseng' or 'Indian Winter Cherry'. Culturally, Ashwagandhas main use has been in 'Rasayanas'; a herbal tonic prepared and consumed to promote longevity and provide a more youthful appearance.

The Benefits of Ashwagandha for skin include:

• Maintains a healthy skin barrier

• Anti-inflammatory properties help to treat irritated and red skin

• Antioxidant potency protects against cellular damage caused by free radicals

• Controls excessive sebum production in the skin

• Fights hyperpigmentation in the skin

One popular beauty brand that has a surprisingly wide range of Ashwagandha products is youth to the people. Look out for their 'adaptogen deep' or 'adaptogen soothe' products like this Ashwagandha face cream:

Priced at £47, this adaptogen deep moisture cream is a great way to familiarise yourself with Ashwagandha before you consider getting fulling immersed in the Ayurvedic practices.

2. Thanaka Powder - Myanmar

Thanaka powder (pronounced ta – na – KAH powder) is an all-natural skincare ingredient originating from Myanmar. Thanaka powder is produced by grinding down the bark of Thanaka trees which are often found in the Himalayan mountain ranges of Myanmar. This golden yellow powder has been used for almost 2,000 years and it's no surprise as it possesses many traits of an ideal skincare ingredient; rich in antioxidants and possessing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, Thanaka powder is a natural way to help brighten, protect and calm the skin. It's use was allegedly popularized by the legendary queen Beikthano; a goddess of the Burmese deep forest Mahar Myaing. Today, it is considered to be a unisex product with Burmese men, women and children using Thanaka paste on their faces to protect themselves from the harsh UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Being somewhat undiscovered by the global skincare community, this ancient beauty secret has the power to solve a plethora of modern day skin issues.

The Benefits of Thanaka Powder for skin include:

• Natural method to block UVA and UVB rays from the sun

• Fights pollutants and protects against cellular damage caused by free radicals

• Treats hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin

• Antimicrobial properties help to treat acne

• Fights premature aging and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles

• Reduces Inflammation and redness

• Soothes the skin

So you might be wondering... Why haven't I heard about Thanaka Powder before?

Well the military dictatorship in Myanmar has caused huge waves of economic and political upset throughout the countries history. This has made it hard for the people of the country to trade globally and share their culture to the rest of the world.

Our brand, Tanaka Skin, is on a mission to globalize Thanaka Powder in the skincare industry. We recently announced our first product, the city cleanse face mask; a Thanaka Powder infused face mask formulated with Spirulina, vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid.

Being anti-oxidant rich formulated, this gen z green face mask brightens and refreshes the skin and is an ideal treatment after a long day of work and commuting as it helps to combat the effects of pollution. Selling at under £20 with free delivery and a chance for 10% off, this is a product you just can't miss. Plus 5% of profits are donated to help support the most vulnerable lives in the Burmese community. SHOP NOW

3. Chaga Mushrooms - Norway

The Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is by far one of the most interesting, effective and unique skincare ingredients out there with an impressive range of benefits for the body. The name Chaga originates from the Russian word for mushroom (czaga) which is derived from the word for fungus. In Norway Chaga (kreftkjuke') translates to "cancer polypore" in reference to its fungal appearance and alleged medicinal properties. Others donate a sort of divinity to the mushroom with names such as the "Gift from God" or the "King of Herbs,". Evidently, this fungus has been highly respected and valued for thousands of years throughout many parts of the world including: Russia, Korea, Eastern and Northern Europe, Northern United States, North Carolina and Canada.

Chaga grows on living trunks of mature birch trees in cold climates and unlike other mushrooms, is very hard to be cultivated outside of its natural growing conditions. Rich in essential nutrients like vitamin d, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium, its use in promoting health is backed by a long list of peer-reviewed scientific research.

The Benefits of Chaga Mushroom for the skin include:

• Helps to ease skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea and eczema.

• Heals acne

• Can treat skin after an allergic reaction

• Soothing

Given the increased rise of interest in mushroom skincare, we believe the Chaga mushroom will be loved by skincare consumers, especially those of you with psoriasis who often find mainstream skincare to be highly irritating to your delicate skin. Perhaps this divine fungus is the solution you've been waiting for?

Check out this deeply hydrating serum from SERUMKIND infused with Siberian Chaga mushroom extract.

4. Rhassoul Clay - Morocco

Almost as ancient as Thanaka Powder, Rhassoul clay has been around for over 1400 years. Rhassoul Clay goes by many names: Rhassoul Clay, Ghassoul clay and red Moroccan clay. The term “Rhassoul” comes from the Arabic word “rhassala,” which roughly translates to "the mountain of the washer" in Arabic.

Made from grinding down the sedimentary rock formations found in the Atlas mountains of Morocco, it was commonly used in soaps or shampoos for centuries with many women prizing the ingredient for its protective, regenerative and healing properties. The clay has also been historically recorded by Greek, Roman and Egyptian scholars who reported its use as a cleanser that brightened the skin.

Rhassoul clay plays a critical role in Hammam rituals; a bathing ritual practised weekly either at public baths, spas or at home. The Hammam ritual is an act with religious elements as it is claimed by the Arab Muslim community to cleanse both the body and spirit.

The Benefits of Rhassoul Clay for skin include:

• Improved skin texture (can be used for rough knees, elbows or to get rid of tiny bumps on face)

• High Magnesium content helps to fight acne and improve elasticity in the skin

• Regulates Sebum production in the skin

Check out this face mask by British brand clockface. Formulated with Rhassoul clay and vetiver, this face mask promises to cleanse, soften and gently exfoliate the skin.

Today, Rhassoul clay can greatly help those living in high pollution environmental areas or those with congested skin. The skincare community is well aware of the powers of clay for reducing pore size, controlling oily skin and treating acne so this is certainly an ingredient worth trying out.

5. Baobab Oil - Madagascar

With a lifespan that can be up to 500 years, it is no surprise that the African native baobab tree is often referred to as the “tree of life”. The baobab oil is extracted from the pulp of pods found in the Baobab fruit and is one of the most ideal oils found in nature for modern day skincare products. With its highly hydrating abilities that leaves your skin feeling non-greasy and a shelf life much longer than other oils, the oil is appropriate for many formulations today.

The benefits of Baobab Oil for skin include:

• Hydrating

• Soothing

• Brightening due to its high contents of Vitamin B, C and Omega 3s

• Prevents water loss from the skin

• Fights free radicals and prevents aging due to high antioxidant rich contents

• Increases rate of collagen production in the skin

Check out YENDY; a brand focused on providing skincare that combines African botanicals with modern day skincare science. They have a wide range of Baobab Oil infused products including this gorgeous Antioxidant power serum.

Why is it important to use these ingredients?

There is no doubt that in the current skincare community, there is a demand for more natural formulations with the rise in the 'clean beauty' movement. And with so many of us looking for more holistic methods to solve our skincare issues, the utilisation of these ingredients at the same time can keep the cultures of many across the globe alive through making more conscious choices that positively impact our skin too.

To learn more about our #EmbraceBeautyCultures campaign or our mission to globalise thanaka powder in the skincare industry, check out our 'Tanaka Talks' page or follow us on Instagram @tanakaskin