Oyster-based cosmetics? The idea may seem far-fetched, even if the cosmetics industry already use a bunch of unusual ingredients. Indeed, much like broccoli or onions, oysters offer many interesting benefits for the skin.
Brands interested in oysters use absolutely every part of it, from the flesh to the shell, claiming varied and diverse benefits, including anti-aging, purifying, remineralizing and cleansing for skin, hair and even dental health.
In powdered formulas
Natural cosmetics brand Perlucine (created by the Aquatonale Group) is one of the brands that has been embracing the virtues of the oyster, more precisely the shell of the white oyster. Harvested by hand on the beaches of Brittany, France, oyster shells are carefully cleaned before being made into powder to enrich the formulas of different products, from facial cleansing powder to body scrubs, artisanal soaps, shampoo powder and even powdered toothpaste. The range is Ecocert Cosmos certified.
Oyster extract
Meanwhile French brand Edulis has recently released a range of cosmetics formulated with the extracts of patented oyster oils encapsulated in clay, in order to take advantage of the mollusk’s unique properties all day long. Created at Cap Ferret, this innovative line is more interested in the properties of the European flat oyster from the Arcachon Basin, called Ostrea Edulis.
"We have extracted natural active elements that are nourishing and stimulating, for a firmer, fresher feel and an immediate tightening effect that’s safe for skin," explains the brand.
Currently Edulis has three products on offer — a serum, a day cream and a night cream — combining all the benefits of oyster extracts with those of ulva lactuca seaweed from Brittany, desert date palm oil, kokum butter and frankincense resin, all natural ingredients.
A champion in the world of upcycling
Not content with only attracting attention in the cosmetics industry, oysters can also be transformed into a number of materials in order to reduce waste — and to also take advantage of its numerous benefits. Through upcycling, they can be transformed into natural fertilizer and even descaling material for household appliances. The calcium carbonate from the shells can also be used as a basis for creating alternative sustainable materials.
