Why Hawaiian Botanicals Are The Hottest Skincare Ingredients
The Magic of Traditional Hawaiian Healing Botanicals
Native Hawaiian healers have a long history of using indigenous or native plants for medicinal purposes. These traditional healing botanicals ( “lā’au”) and methodologies serve as our inspiration for Honua Hawaiian Skincare products. We take the benefits of Hawaiian plants and combine them with modern skincare technology to effectively treat conditions without using lab created chemicals. Our products are packed with magical healing botanicals, but here is a list that includes our top 10 healing superstars.
Top 10 Hawaiian Ingredients Used In Honua Skincare
Aloalo (hibiscus): More than just a beautiful flower, hibiscus is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and help exfoliate skin, control breakouts, and speed up cell turnover. In addition to AHAs, hibiscus contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as mucilage, which aids in the plumping of the skin. The antioxidants help protect the skin from free radical damage and at the same time, soothe conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Aloalo is found in:
'Ōlena (Hawaiian turmeric): 'Ōlena is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse that treats sun damage and pigmentation, acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. It also brightens the skin and is one of the ingredients responsible for our signature “Honua Glow”.
'Ōlena is found in:
- 'Ōlena Oil (Turmeric Beauty Oil)
- Aloha Youth Serum
- Moana Mask
- ‘Aina Mask
- Na Kane Mens All in One Facial Care
- The Honua Ritual Facial Set
Noni: The Noni plant is native to Australia, Asia and the islands of Polynesia. It is one of the most highly regarded of traditional Hawaiian medicinal herbs. The plant is high in Vitamin C and selenium (a mineral found in the soil with antioxidant properties) making it a perfect for fighting off skin damaging free-radicals. We use Noni is so many of our products thanks to its fantastic properties. Here are a few of our favorite places to find Noni.
Noni is found in:
- 'Ōlena Oil (Turmeric Beauty Oil)
- Aloha Youth Serum
- Na Kane Mens All in One Facial Care
- MALU Protecting Day Cream
- The Honua Facial Ritual Set
Kalo (Taro): Kalo is closely linked to indigenous people of Hawai’i and is also known as the taro plant. The plant is rich in phyto-nutrients and minerals such as Beta-Carotene. Vitamins A, C and E help protect the skin and work to eliminate skin conditions, and boost cellular health which assists in healing and a healthy glow. You can find Kalo in our ‘Aini Mask - for the land lovers
Ni'oi (Hawaiian pepper): This chili pepper helps to stimulate blood flow, clearing stagnant blood and bringing fresh blood to the surface for healthy glowing skin. It is also a rich source of vitamins C and A, and is used in many Hawaiian healing tinctures and treatments. You can find ni'oi in our ‘Aini Mask - for the land lovers
Kamani Nut Oil: Kamani (also known as Tamanu) oil comes from the fruit kernel of the Tamanu tree. This nutrient rich oil helps regenerate skin, reduce skin blemishes and inflammation, and heal skin tissue. You can find kamani nut oil throughout our products, including 'Āina Mask, Moana Mask, Aloha Youth Serum, 'Ōlena Oil and Nā Kāne.
Kukui (Macadamia) Nut Oil: Derived from the kukui nut tree, this oil has a long list of benefits attributed to it’s high level of poly and monounsaturated fats and vitamins C, D and E. The oil helps hydrate and moisturize the skin and promotes the production of collagen and elastin. Kukui nut oil is found in our 'Ōlena Oil (Turmeric Beauty Oil), Na Kane, and of course, Aloha Youth Serum
Limu (Seaweed Extract): Limu is rich in antioxidants, which helps slow down or stop the processes that damage your bodies cells. It also contains Fucoidan which assists in helping your cells regenerate naturally. Furthermore, it relieves irritation caused by the environment and promotes skin hydration.
Limu is found in our Moana Mask and our Pa’akai Cleansing Cream
Laukahi: Several species of this plant exist in Hawaii and the indigenous populations have used it for centuries in traditional medicine. It’s a potent healer of skin ailments including rashes, abrasions, cysts, infections and burns.
Laukahi is used in both of our Ocean Lover's Collection products...the MALU Protecting Day Cream and Moana Mask.
'Awa: ‘Awa is a member of the pepper family, and was one of the plants brought to Hawaii by the earliest Polynesian voyagers. The leaves, bark and root can be used for medicinal purposes, but the traditionally extracted rhizome is what is used in Honua’s product to help firm and tighten the skin.
You can find Awa in the Aloha Youth Serum and Na Kane Mens All in One Facial Care
This is just a taste of some of our Hawaiian botanicals. Many more magical ingredients exist and we will be sharing them with you in the future!