In my last post, I wrote in detail about Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids! Before going further, I would recommend you to read that post first to get a basic idea – Visit Here – Chemical Exfoliation – AHAs and BHAs.
In that, I mentioned formulating products using Natural Sources of AHAs and BHAS and the wait is over!
Salicylic Acid, the most used Beta Hydroxy Acid is a derivative of Benzoic acid, a phenolic acid compound, from the polyphenol family of phytochemicals.
Salicylic Acid and Benzoic Acid are used as exfoliators in the cosmetic industry. However, these acids are extracted individually from their plant origins and we use them as a stand-alone ingredient.
Salicylic Acid is found highly in Willow Bark Tree. Willow Bark Tree has been one of the leading sources of Salicylic acid and in Herbalism it is used for fevers, cold, anti-inflammatory. The salicylic acid taken from willow bark is also one of the key components of Asprin that you pop during headaches.
The other sources where you can extract salicylic acids are –
Blue Berries, Strawberries, Grapes, Cucumber, Tomatoes
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are of different types and are found in different families of phytochemicals some of which includes, Glycosides, Acids etc.
Following are the type of AHAs and their Natural Sources –
Glycolic Acid – Sugarcane, Sugar Beets, Unripe Grapes, Pineapple
Lactic Acid – Sour Milk, Buttermilk, Curd, Soy Sauce, Fermented Tea, Fermented Coffee
Malic Acid – Apples – 94-98 % Malic Acid, Watermelon – 84-90 % Malic Acid, Pears, Bananas, Apricots
Mandelic Acid – Bitter Almonds
Tartaric Acid – Wine, Tamarind, Grapes, Bananas
Citric Acid – Lemon, Lime, Oranges, Grapefruit, Tomatoes, Pineapple
So these are your AHAs and BHAs and their natural sources. However, you cannot use them directly. You can but it won’t be that effective!
These chemicals need to undergo enzymatic reactions for them to work effectively in our bodies. When we consume them, our body enzymes break down these fruits and these chemicals are released and heal us internally.