Meet Our Ingredients: Organic Hibiscus Flower Extract

Welcome to the 14th edition of "Meet Our Ingredients". Each month we will showcase the ingredients we use in our products to keep you informed of what you are putting on your body, why it is so powerful, and how it works to give you the undeniable, radiant skin you desire.

Hawaiian Healing Skin Care prides itself on using only natural and organic ingredients in each of our products. We don't include any harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients – only ones derived directly from nature. We like to say nature knows what you need, so we are giving it to you in each amazing Hawaiian Healing Skin Care product.

This week’s showcased ingredient: Organic Hibiscus Flower Extract

When we think Hawai’i, most of us picture palm trees, beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and… you got it, hibiscus. Even if you don’t already know its name, you’d recognize these flowers by their vibrant hues of reds, oranges, purples, and more, with flower sizes reaching up to 6 inches wide. In fact, the native yellow hibiscus is Hawaii’s official state flower.

Ma’o Hau Hele/Pua Aloalo/Hawaiian Hibiscus
Hibiscus brackenridgei

Hawaiian Hibiscus flowers are voluptuous, bright yellow (generally with a maroon center), form either singularly or in small clusters at the ends of the branches, and have a prominent yellow staminal tube. The larger Hawaiian hibiscus flowers are 4 - 6 inches in diameter and typically open between 2 and 4 p.m., closing between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. But, just like you and I, there is so much more to this flower than its outside appearance.

More Than “Pretty”

Centuries ago, Egyptians found that, when used in tea form the flower’s calyces (the cup-like structures formed by the sepals) known as karkade, hibiscus is helpful for lowering body temperature, treating cardiac and nerve diseases, and to also stimulate the production of urine. In a Mexican trial, the more traditional use of hibiscus for its blood pressure-lowering effect had been clinically researched and shown effective in lowering BP in hypertensive humans. In Africa, the calyx preparations are used to treat cough, sore throat, and genital problems, and the emollient leaf pulp is used for treating external wounds and abscesses. The stalks themselves are also used in making rope, and the seeds are pressed for the oil.

Specific to Hawai'i: Both the native red and white hibiscuses were grown near houses for their flowers- for decoration as well as to fashion the beautiful flowers into striking lei’s. Kokiʻo (the more compact shrubs) were pounded with other plants, juice strained, and taken to purify the blood. The leaves were chewed and swallowed as a laxative, or mothers would chew buds to give to infants and children as a laxative. Mothers would also chew the buds and give to children or children would eat the seeds to strengthen a weak child. Additionally, the wood was used by early Hawaiians to make fine charcoal.

Organic Hawaiian Hibiscus Skin Care Benefits

Hibiscuses have been found to have incredible antioxidant and cancer-prevention properties, according to a study by the Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology. “The ornithine decarboxylase activity and thymidine incorporation in DNA were also reduced dose-dependently […] by the plant extract. Therefore, we propose that [Hibiscus] extract exerts a protective effect against the tumor promotion stage of cancer development”. Studies also show how the gentisic acid accumulation of hibiscus can prevent tumor formation, thanks to the plant’s powerful skin-repairing action.

As it is extremely rich in antioxidants (also known as anthocyanocides), it also helps reduce damage caused by:

UV rays
dust
pollutants
free-radicals
diseases

Saponins, the natural surfactants of hibiscus, cleanses the skin naturally. The sapopins, in combination with the organic acid, promote and aid in:

cleansing
exfoliation
unclogging pores
tightening fine lines and wrinkles

But, beyond all that, it appears that the AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids) are the magical source that brings upon the best of this plants benefits for skincare. Alpha-hydroxy acids are a group of natural (and, unfortunately, often synthetic) ingredients that, when properly formulated, can exfoliate the uppermost layers of skin and stand along with the most-researched beauty care products because of their strong effects.

Hibiscus AHA’s help:

promote blood flow
increase collagen production
prevent breakouts
improve the appearance of surface lines/wrinkles
brighten your complexion
correct discoloration from scars/age spots
increase product absorption

Because of these sensational benefits, hibiscus is often used in all-natural skincare products. In addition to the flower extract, hibiscus hydrosol has proven to be a magnificent addition to our other products, like the Garden Hou Alo Face Toner.

Organic Hawaiian Hibiscus Flower Extracts are used in our most popular product, the Pure Revitalizing Cream, along with 18 additional powerhouse natural ingredients to help skin appear more supple, hydrated and youthful. Its many healing properties are most commonly used to help heal and protect the skin’s surface but are undoubtedly accommodating in repairing the most stubborn, and most times unsightly, fine lines and wrinkles.

The Hawaiian hibiscus has become endangered in its natural habitat. Click here to learn how you can help support Hawaii’s National Tropical Botanical Garden in their conservation efforts around the islands.

Hawaiian Healing Skin Care products are FILLED with the finest natural and organic ingredients. Our glass and bamboo packaging help to support sustainability and are eco-friendly. By having some of the most luxurious ingredients sourced directly from the islands of Hawai’i, and all over the globe, Hawaiian Healing Skin Care is able to provide your skin with the best all-natural and organic skincare products available.