Podcast 248: How ancient beauty rituals are inspiring modern-day skincare

Have you ever paused to consider the origins of the ingredients in your skincare products? Beyond the glossy packaging and marketing, many beauty rituals have roots in centuries-old traditions.

From West African shea butter to the rejuvenating Japanese onsen baths and mineral-rich Irish seaweed rituals, these ancestral beauty rituals remind us of the enduring wisdom found in nature.

In last week’s episode of Green Beauty Conversations, Lorraine Dallmeier – Chartered Environmentalist, Biologist, and CEO of Formula Botanica – chatted with Evelyn Akande, founder of Kanda Naturals, who champions locally sourced shea butter and its rich cultural heritage.

And this week, Lorraine explores how ancient beauty rituals are shaping modern skincare. Tune in now so you don’t miss out on this episode.

 

“Beauty is about connection, care, and respect for the world around us.”– Lorraine Dallmeier

Key takeaways:

• The legacy of shea butter in West Africa: This luxurious ingredient has been used for centuries in skincare, haircare, and even cooking. It highlights the holistic nature of traditional beauty practices. Brands like Kanda Naturals honour shea’s cultural heritage through sustainable, local sourcing.
• The rejuvenating power of Japanese onsen baths: These mineral-rich hot springs offer both physical and spiritual benefits. They inspire Japanese skincare practices that focus on mindfulness and the healing properties of sulphur, magnesium, and calcium.
• The restorative properties of Irish seaweed baths: Seaweed bathing is a cherished tradition along Ireland’s coastline and is believed to hydrate, detoxify, and rejuvenate the skin. This practice showcases the harmony between natural resources and skincare innovation.
• The importance of cultural sensitivity: As the beauty industry draws from ancient beauty rituals, it must avoid cultural appropriation. Respecting the origins and communities behind these rituals ensures ethical and meaningful integration into formulations.
• A challenge to beauty entrepreneurs: Lorraine invites formulators and beauty entrepreneurs to explore the stories behind their ingredients. How can your brand celebrate cultural heritage while promoting diversity and integrity?

Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Lorraine Dallmeier

Lorraine Dallmeier is a Biologist, Chartered Environmentalist and the CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetic science school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica Team.