5 weird new beauty ingredients

Check out these 5 weird new beauty ingredients, including dragon’s blood, snail mucus and sheep grease. It may sound like the necessities for Dumbledore’s favourite spell, but in fact, these are just a few of the many weird and wonderful ingredients that are being incorporated in our beauty products today.

Dragons blood sap

Do dragons even exist? I hear you ask. Fear not, it’s just mythically-named ‘Sangre Del Drago’ (dragon’s blood) from the tree it is extracted from, and is recognised as one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world – with more than double the antioxidant powers of green tea. Used for centuries by Amazonian tribes for its regenerative benefits, this clinically-tested sap is the key ingredient in organic, anti-ageing skincare brand, EKIA – the first to formulate dragon’s blood sap within a cosmetic range. Praised by A-Listers like Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie and Blake Lively, dragon’s blood sap is a must-have for effective anti-ageing formulations.

Snail mucus
Pretty gross right? Thought to have been discovered back in Ancient Greek times, snail mucus is rich in hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, and antimicrobial and copper peptides, which have a strong capacity to hold water – giving soft and hydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin and is the molecule that holds water, therefore the more of this you have, the more water absorption your skin will have – resulting in a healthier complexion.

Bee venom
Have you heard the latest buzz? Bee venom is the one of the new weird and wonderful ingredients said to help prevent signs of ageing. It works by tricking the skin into thinking it has been lightly stung with the toxin melittin, which causes blood to flow towards the area and stimulate the activity of the naturally-occurring chemicals, collagen and elastin. We know that collagen strengthens body tissue, giving a smooth surface on the skin, while elastin is the protein that helps the skin to remain taut and bounce back into shape after being pressed or pinched. Even though the thought of rubbing bee venom all over your face sounds rather medieval, it sure seems to do the trick.

Algae

Yes, that green, slimy gunk may well be the key for flawless, glowing skin! More and more skincare products are jumping on the algae bandwagon and using the gooey stuff for its amazing beauty benefits. Studies have even suggested that algae can stabilise the minerals that support skin moisturising enhancement, as well as providing anti-acne properties thanks to the high antioxidant, vitamin and mineral levels.

Hot pepper oil

Capsicum is an ultra-spicy pepper that is now a favourite ingredient to include in lipstick. Hot pepper oil has the clever ability to vamp up your lips’ colour and plumpness – so expect a little tingle when the oil is stimulating the surface of your pout. It’s literally the hottest new thing to add to your cosmetics list.