The Magic And Science Of Pearl Powder

Written by Jena Scaccetti

I swear by pearl powder and so does Asian culture. It’s one of the greatest ancient beauty secrets for promoting inner cellular and outer radiant health. The science behind this beautiful superfood helps to understand why it is worshiped by ancient cultures as an antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and even anti-radioactive beauty supplement.

So, what makes pearl powder so special and why did I use it in holi (mane) and holi (water)? Its extraordinary ability to nurture healthy, radiant, glowing, and younger-looking skin. It is the ultimate beautifying skin support, and pearl powder’s nutritional profile doesn’t disappoint.

Pearl powder is rich in bioavailable amino acids that support hair, skin, and nail cell growth. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein which are the basis of nearly every physiological process in the body and amino acids have been connected to plumper, smoother, and softer skin. This is because a well-balanced amino acid profile in the body helps support cellular repair and skin cell turnover. Amino acids also help to hydrate the skin, increase water retention, protect the skin via antioxidants, build collagen, and reduce inflammation.

Pearl powder is also extremely rich in ‘beauty minerals,' and contains over 30 trace minerals and elements like calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, silica, and calcium phosphate. An effective and balanced nutritional status supports the structural integrity and function of the skin so these minerals play a really important role in maintaining skin health and a good level of skin glow. Silica and selenium have been particularly tied to hair health too. The most abundant mineral in pearl powder is calcium carbonate. Pearl powder is the richest source of calcium on the planet (up to 80% by weight) and is absorbed twice as efficiently as conventional calcium supplements. It also supports proper thyroid function within the body.

This highly compatible trace mineral also stimulates new bone growth, increases mineralization, and increases overall bone density in the body. Calcium has beautifying properties too - supporting skin regeneration, moisture levels, and regulation of sebum production as well as supporting normal skin turnover. Pearl powder also has other skin beautifying benefits and studies have shown that when topically applied, pearl powder can also temporarily reduce pore size, skin redness, and skin texture.

In addition to having a hydrating and moisturizing effect on our skin barrier, pearl powder is protective. Studies have shown that it can prevent the development of melanin which in turn can slow and stop the development of freckles, dark patches, and dark spots (also known as age spots). A 2022 study also showed that pearl powder has an anti-photoaging effect, concluding that the amino acids in the pearl extract could inhibit UV-irritation, slow photoaging, inhibit skin wrinkles, laxity, thickness, and dry skin. This study also found that, in high doses, topical application of pearl powder extract was superior to the application of Vitamin E. For me, I love the power it holds to help with sunspots and dark spots.

To that end, pearl powder can be restorative and help nourish the bright, plump, and firm looking-skin that we are all searching for. The anti-aging power of pearl extract has been studied in terms of how it can help the body rebuild collagen. Pearl powder contains a compound called nacre which can stimulate skin cells. Pearl has shown in studies to increase the stimulation of fibroblasts, which helps build collagen and support the production of elastin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So, with regular use of pearl powder, either applied topically through a product like holi (water) or through ingesting holi (mane) in your morning coffee, it can help turn back the clock and skin look younger than ever.

The benefits don’t end there. Antioxidants are crucial for anti-aging and skin health. Pearl powder, too, can boost important antioxidants in the body including glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is an especially powerful antioxidant. It combines with other nutrients in pearl powder to discourage a process called peroxidation, one of the most damaging types of aging in the body. SOD also aids in preventing the development of melanin, which is what creates freckles, sun spots, age spots, and other skin discolorations.

It’s not just skin health that pearl powder helps to beautify and nourish. The amino acid and mineral content of pearl powder also helps to nourish hair and nails too, thanks to conchiolin, the beautiful ingredient that gives pearls their luminescence. It is believed to have similar effects to keratin – (another protein found in your skin and hair) and helps to increase circulation and repair damaged cells. I believe that your hair will never look longer, glossier, or thicker than after a sustained period of taking holi (mane) and I’ve seen it work wonders on my own hair.