When we think of food that enhances beauty, we tend to think of rare and exotic plants, surrounded by marketing hype and mystery, and we forget what we already have in our hands. 

In this blog we are going to talk about an ingredient that we all have in our refrigerator, carrots. Carrots contain: Vitamin A (beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and chlorogenic acid.

What are the origins of carrot extract?

Scientific name: Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract.

Plant family: Carrots (Daucus Carota L.), one of the most important root vegetables in the Apiaceae family, are cultivated worldwide. The storage root is widely used because it is rich in carotenoids, anthocyanins, fiber, vitamins and other nutrients.

Native region: According to Vavilov, Asia Minor and Inner Asia were the original centers of carrot cultivation. In addition, the basic centers of carrot cultivation in Asia were regions such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan was considered the first center of carrot diversity and Turkey was the second in the Stolarczyk and Janickan report.

For what purposes is carrot extract used? (not only cosmetics)

Health: Carrots contain carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals that have numerous nutritional and health benefits.

In addition to the old saying that carrots are good for your eyes, the carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins in carrots act as antioxidants, anticarcinogens, and immunostimulants.

Carrots have also been reported to have antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, and wound-healing properties.

Carrot seed extracts are also noted for their cardioprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.

Beauty:  Carrots contain all three essential vitamins: A, B and C, which are known to boost the skin's immunity. Vitamin B helps treat inflammation, redness and uneven skin tone, while vitamin A supports cell renewal, collagen synthesis and skin repair. Vitamin C strengthens your skin against free radical damage and prevents hyperpigmentation.

What are the benefits of carrot extract in cosmetics?

Carrots for radiant skin

Carrots are rich in carotenoids, especially β-carotene and lycopene, which have powerful antioxidant properties. They're also responsible for the bright red and orange colors. They help fight skin damage, reduce dark spots, and improve the overall health of your skin. Both consumption and topical application of carrots can be helpful in the prevention of dullness and the enhancement of your skin's glow.

Carrots have anti-aging properties

Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties. It fights free radicals to help prevent wrinkles, discoloration and uneven skin tone, all of which are symptoms of aging.

Carrots and sun protection

Carrots contain beta-carotene, a skin-friendly ingredient. It is converted to vitamin A in the body. It helps regenerate skin tissue & helps protect against harmful sun rays. Antioxidants & Carotenoids protect & nourish the skin. They increase the skin's resistance to the sun & help heal sunburns. During the summer, carrot juice acts as a natural sunscreen, but that doesn’t mean that you should stop applying sunscreen!

Carrots treats skin blemishes

Excessive sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and inflammatory conditions can cause your skin to overproduce melanin, resulting in dark spots and blemishes. Carrots are prized for their high content of phenolic compounds. The main one is chlorogenic acid.

A research on the effect of chlorogenic acid on melanogenesis of B16 melanoma cells showed that chlorogenic acid inhibits tyrosinase activity and effectively suppresses melanin production.

In which helwé products is carrot extract present?

Sérum Radieux

The combination of two types of vitamin C—the L-ascorbic acid vitamin C (which is pure vitamin C) and ascorbyl palmitate (which is liposoluble, is very similar to the skin’s sebum and penetrates the skin very well)—optimizes the serum’s antioxidant and skin brightening effects, neutralizes the harmful effect of free radicals and protects the skin against oxidative stress. Vitamine E, ferulic acid and the common sea buckthorn extract optimize the serum’s antioxidant and anti-aging effect.

Carrot hydrosol and aloe vera will also help to give more radiance to your complexion.

Sérum Éclat

The Radiance Serum contains a liposoluble vitamin C that is more efficient, penetrates better and is better tolerated by the skin than hydrosoluble vitamin C. Even though this serum is very concentrated (10% of vitamin C liposoluble), its pH was balanced to suit all skin types.

This serum’s brightening and antioxidant effect is optimized by vitamin E, tomato lycopene and sea buckthorn and carrot extracts, which allows people to have a brighter and younger complexion without suffering any irritation.

Booster d'Énergie

This Energy Booster serum is a shot of hydration, energy and antioxidants. It re-energizes the epidermis thanks to its Mediterranean antioxidants.

It reduces skin hyperpigmentation and is ideal for preventing and repairing skin damage caused by pollution and sunray (liver spots, wrinkles, skin slackening).

Sérum Longévité

This serum combines three very powerful natural antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenol resveratrol (grape seed extract, polygonum cuspidatum extract) and pomegranate CO2 extracts.

The properties of antioxidants enable the serum to combat the harmful effects of oxidative stress, which is responsible for premature aging (notably linked to sun exposure, pollution, tobacco etc.).

The serum also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin for better hydration, guaranteeing an anti-wrinkle and repairing effect.

Resveratrol is also anti-stain and lightening: it helps reduce pigment spots and slow their formation, by reducing the production of melanin. This effect is optimized by the carrot extract.

Masque Radieux

The Radiant Mask contains three of the most skin lightening active ingredients: vitamin C, resveratrol and tomato lycopene.

This strong antioxidant effect is optimized by vitamin E and olive extract, which makes the Radiant Mask a perfect cure for preventing skin aging, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and making the complexion bright again.

Gel Énergie Corps

Body Energy Gel is a revitalizing anti-aging skin product that works on keeping skin youthful. With coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, as well as pomegranate and carrot extracts, this gel has a powerful antioxidant complex that will block free radicals, restore radiance to your skin, and help protect against external factors. Your skin will recapture its radiance, and pigmentation will be controlled. This gel is also very efficient as a before and after sun care. It will better prepare your skin for sun exposures, and also has restorative and hydrating after sun benefits.

Huile des Sens

The Sensual Oil is an integral care oil.

This oil is much more than an embellishing oil. It is a nutritious hydrating and anti-aging skin-care product the strength of which lies in the combination of its active ingredients.

The benefits of cold-pressed argan, macadamia, jojoba, sweet almond and organic apricot oils add up to those of the macerated carrots, which are vitamin E-rich and have anti-aging and antioxidant properties, and which also prepare your skin for the sun and even extend the lifespan of your skin tan. 

Booster Jeunesse Corps

The Body Youth Booster is a powerful treatment that will help fight the advanced signs of aging. With its combination of Retinol, Bakuchiol and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, Sea Buckthorn extract and tomato lycopene, it will reduce UV damage, fine lines and wrinkles as well as spots, and it will tighten the skin.

You will notice significant improvement in elasticity and skin texture. Your skin will look younger and more beautiful!!

PS: It is advisable to mix a few drops of the product to the Sensual Oil for an optimal boosting effect.