Sasa kurilensis leaf/stem extract is a product obtained from the plant of the same name belonging to the Poaceae family.

What it is used for and where

Food

Sasa kurilensis is a species of small invasive bamboo that forms dense forests and inhabits some areas bordering the Sea of Japan. It is very popular, is harvested annually and has edible characteristics as it is traditionally eaten after boiling.

Cosmetics

Antimicrobial agent. This ingredient is able to suppress or inhibit the growth and replication of a broad spectrum of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by making the stratum corneum temporarily bactericidal and fungicidal.

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis.  The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.