A time-tested skincare product that everyone recently is swearing by is POWDER CLEANSERS. These granular concoctions originally became popular amongst new-age users and they’re beauty game-changers. Cleansing powders are concentrated versions of liquid cleansers that form a paste or foam when activated with water. Most Indian facial cleansers contain naturally derived ingredients like gram flour, turmeric, or clay but in the west too people have started using matcha powder or ground coffee to give the products gently, non-abrasive exfoliating properties, making this product perfect for those with sensitive skin.
DIY powder facial cleanser for all skin types.
Herbal powdered face cleanser.
A powder cleanser will give a better, deeper cleanse and light exfoliation to gently resurface the skin every day. More potent than a liquid cleanser and without the need for harsh chemicals or preservatives, a powder cleanser is infinitely kinder to the skin than its foam and liquid counterparts. They are all gentle enough to use on any skin type, even easily irritated or acne-prone complexions. Powder cleansers minimize pores, moisturize skin, and clear the complexion of imperfections. There really isn’t much a powder cleanser won’t be able to fix and that to instantly.
No water in formulas also means smaller packaging made of significantly fewer materials,” Lighter, smaller packaging reduces shipping weight and space consequently reducing the overall carbon footprint, which makes it a sustainable eco-friendly choice. Moreover, because they are typically more concentrated and more potent, waterless cosmetic and skincare essentials also tend to last longer as you can get away with using less.
Cleansing powders don’t just remove grime, but also have nourishing and healing properties, depending on the ingredients used. Hence, experts suggest taking a close look at the ingredients. It’s very important to scan the ingredients of powder cleansers since they consist of fine particles that can clog and irritate the skin. Active molecules can help control acne, smooth wrinkles, rejuvenate, hydrate, protect and nourish your cells. Some great ingredients to look out for in cleansers are sandalwood, amala, neem, fruit powders, turmeric, coffee, and green tea.
Technically, Indians have been using powder cleansers, or what we call ubtan, for ages. What differentiates ubtan from commercial powder cleansers is the addition of surfactants, which makes the latter foam when in contact with water. If you are reluctant to add the extra element of exfoliating scrubs to your routine, powder cleansers could change your mind. They even allow you to decide the exfoliation level by using less or more water. Remember, though, that a bad product could be abrasive and leave scars.
How to Choose Ingredients for DIY Powder Cleanser?
1. The Base
The base ingredient for the cleanser should have cleansing properties. Shikakai for hair and turmeric for skin is the most popular ingredient used in almost all powder cleansers on the market.
It soothes the skin and has natural saponins that cleanse the skin without causing any dryness or irritation. Other options one can pair these for skin are gram flour, neem powder, or vetiver and for hair, you can also incorporate soapberries, amla, fenugreek, etc
2. A Mild Exfoliator
Products with organic sandalwood work amazingly well to scrub dead skin cells and make the skin brighter due to their cooling effect.
3. Herbal Powders
Keep in mind your skin type and any specific problems you want to target. Here are some suggestions for ingredients you can use based upon your skin type.
For all skin types– liquorice root, vetiver, rose, turmeric,
For dry skin– hibiscus, rose, chirongi
For oily skin– tulsi, neem, clay, mint
For sensitive skin– cinnamon, mint, majishta
For detox– camphor, red sandalwood, and marigold
Brands whose core inspiration lies in using the ancient science of healing that is Ayurveda has an entire range of products is either in powder form that making it not only free of preservatives or harsh chemicals or in the form of cold-pressed oils which ensures chemical-free formulas that are potent and Nutrient dense.
The Author is Founder & CEO, The Tribe Concepts