According to Euromonitor International, a leading market research company, the global cosmetics industry had a total value of $617.2 billion in 2023. For 2024, the figure was projected to be around $670.8 billion.
Spurred on by this growth, major cosmetics companies have scoured the planet, from Australia to Zanzibar, to find unique and native ingredients on which they can base new and exciting products.
With over 195 countries on Earth, the net has been cast far and wide, and they’ve been able to find some pretty incredible constituents – some of which you might not have heard of before.
For this reason, we’ve put together this list of eight unusual beauty secrets from around the world, which now feature in various treatments and cosmetics.
We are not saying they work, but they have all been included in products that are available on the market. So, you might want to add them to your overall collection.
1. Safflower oil – (Australia)
Safflower oil is native to Wiradjuri land in New South Wales, Australia, and it comes from the seeds of the safflower plant.
Used in the making of soaps, hair care products, and candles, some companies have also incorporated it into fragrances – you can discover Maison Louis Marie at Maplestore as one example.
Safflower oil is rich in vitamin E, which has long been an integral component of dermatological products.
Evidence even suggests it can protect the skin from free radicals that can damage cells within the body and the harmful effects of UV rays.
2. Black Castor Oil – (Haiti)
Haitian Black Castor Oil (also known as l’huile de ricin, palma chrisiti, or lwil maskriti) derives from castor seeds. It has been used for medicinal and beauty purposes in Haitian culture for many centuries.
As it is full of Omega fatty acids, it is renowned for its ability to moisturise and regrow hair. For this reason, it is used in a number of shampoos and conditioners, most notably Kreyol Essence Let it Grow Shampoo.
3. Acai berries – (Brazil)
Over in Brazil, Acai berries are a staple in the beauty industry. They are rich in multiple vitamins, including A, B, C, and E and are recognised for their anti-ageing properties.
Many people eat them along with other foods that are good for clear skin, as they contain more antioxidants than most other superfoods. However, they are also now used in skincare and makeup products, such as those offered by Raww Cosmetics.
4. Aloe Vera – (Peru)
Aloe vera is very popular in the beauty industry thanks to its ability to ease sunburn and treat dry hair, scalp, and skin issues. It grows from long, green leaves that emit a sticky yellow residue when broken.
While it is sourced from around the world, the Body Shop has an excellent range that incorporates aloe vera from the Peruvian jungle.
5. Rhassoul Clay – (Morocco)
Locals in Morocco swear by rhassoul clay to detoxify the skin and remove impurities.
Mixing the clay with water, they form a paste that, in conjunction with steam from a bath, purifies the body.
Be Genki is one of many brands that use rhassoul clay in skin care, hair and beauty products.
6. Agave – (Mexico)
Agave is a unique and attractive succulent plant that is native to North and South America but is particularly prevalent in Mexico.
It has been used for many things throughout Mesoamerican history, including making rope, clothing, musical instruments, food, and a fermented drink called pulque.
Some people in Mexico also mix cooked rice or oatmeal with nectar derived from the Agave plant to form a facial scrub that they believe can help to heal wounds and prevent ageing.
The beetroot cheek and lip tint offered by Ere Perez is one product that uses it.
7. Snail Serum – (South Korea)
If you are a bit squeamish, you might want to skip to the next country on this list.
However, if you are open to using something that not only moisturises your skin but also heals and regenerates it while also promoting the production of collagen, then you might want to try snail mucin.
Popular in Korea, where it has been used as an indigenous beauty treatment for many years, snail serum is now widely used in the healthcare industry. SeoulCeuticals is one company that uses it.
8. Seaweed – (Zanzibar)
Located off the East African mainland, Zanzibar is an archipelago in Tanzania which embraces seaweed as a way to purify and moisturise your skin.
As it is packed with vitamins A and B12, as well as zinc and iron, locals traditionally used it to make a block of soap.
The Complete Mwani Zanzibar Collection is one of several brands of skincare products that incorporate seaweed sourced from the country.
