Onions, green tea, tofu… Japan turning locally sourced food into sustainable beauty products

Recently, everyday Japanese foods have undergone a transformation into sustainable beauty products in Japan. Discover the innovative intersection of traditional ingredients and modern skincare, unlocking the secrets of how these natural elements are harnessed to enhance beauty, well-being and social good.

Organic green tea inspires innovation of SAICHA facial oil

P.S. International, the company behind sustainable beauty bar brand Ethique, has launched a new brand called SAICHA. Specifically designed for those concerned about aging signs, SAICHA offers a facial oil made from pesticide-free tea seeds sourced in Shizuoka, using 100% of the luxurious “tea seed oil.”

With a commitment to keeping it pure and unadulterated, the freshly pressed oil is bottled directly for a natural finish. Its appeal lies in being suitable for all skin types, ages and genders.

In addition to consumer tea fatigue and price slumps, there is an increasing trend of abandoned farmland nationwide due to factors such as aging and a shortage of successors. Shizuoka, Japan’s leading tea-producing region, is no exception.

The tea seed oil was developed with a strong commitment to preserving the scenic beauty of tea fields, stemming from the heartfelt desire of a long-established tea merchant who is also a raw material manufacturer. To protect the content components, a green light-shielding bottle is employed, preventing oil oxidation and maintaining a fresh state. Moreover, the glass container is reusable as a resource.

Harvesting tea seeds from abandoned fields not only provides income to farmers but also creates employment opportunities by outsourcing the sorting of harvested tea seeds to welfare facilities. Furthermore, by developing cosmetics, it introduces variation to the Japanese tea industry.

NIONE’s skincare products made from disposed Awaji Island onions

Tilleul, specializing in the research, development, manufacturing and sales of cosmetics and health foods to promote the primary industry of the local Awaji Island, has initiated the project for the onion-based beauty cosmetic brand “NIONE.”

While it’s well-known that onions, when consumed, contribute to smoother blood circulation, the power of the famous component is not limited to health benefits. Quercetin, a type of polyphenol found in onions, is considered beneficial for the skin. By using the carefully selected “Kerutama,” an Awaji Island onion that contains 1.5 times more quercetin than regular onions, NIONE is created. This skincare product aims to balance the skin, offering expectations for addressing skin roughness and protection.

Amidst discussions with various producers, the stark reality emerged that local industries were facing challenges in sustaining themselves, including a decline in workforce due to aging, an increase in abandoned farmland and rising costs of food waste and disposal.

Contemplating ways to alleviate the burden on producers and offer consumers better products, the idea of harnessing the power of the onion’s component quercetin arose. Not surprisingly, this component is present even in onions destined for disposal. Motivated by this, the brand delved into the development of cosmetics as a beauty ingredient.

Cream shampoo “Vegan Protein” infused with hand-crafted tofu for silky hair

The cream shampoo Vegan Protein, released by LUSH, contains approximately 20% handmade firm tofu produced in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture. The tofu, crafted with mineral-rich spring water nurtured by majestic mountains, achieves a creamy and smooth shampoo texture. It gently cleanses various hair types, preventing split ends and breakage while imparting a natural shine to the hair.

LUSH sources ingredients from Minakami Town, where they engage in regenerative activities. In collaboration with the Japan Nature Conservation Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the habitat of eagles in the Akadani Forest of Minakami, the town developed “Inuwashi Paper” to restore biodiversity and support sustainable community development. LUSH utilizes this Inuwashi Paper for wrapping gift items. It’s also worth noting that the firm tofu used in the newly launched Vegan Protein is made from the spring water of Akadani Forest.

With the fusion of superfoods and sustainable beauty in Japan, we’ve witnessed the alchemy that turns humble ingredients into potent elixirs for skin and hair nourishment. Embracing both tradition and innovation, these brands continue to redefine beauty rituals, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the harmony between nature and self-care. The journey of transforming these locally sourced foods into sustainable beauty products is a testament to their commitment to holistic well-being and environmental and social consciousness.