Hibiscus Is The Powerhouse Ingredient You Should Be Using

via Giphy

Chances are you’ve been introduced to hibiscus tea and are familiar with the gorgeous flower, but hibiscus skincare? Maybe not so much. “Hibiscus is a potent ingredient with delicious benefits that all skin types can take advantage of,” explains Odacité Founder Valerie Grandury, who developed one of her line’s signature products around the advantageous flower. “When added to formulations, it works to boost the youthfulness of skin and help shield skin from environmental damage.”

And it’s been hiding in more skin — and hair — care labels than you’d expect, but not anymore. Everyone from global hair brands to indie skincare start-ups have their eyes set on hibiscus, which is why it’s becoming one of the hottest ingredients to watch in 2022. But what exactly does it do? Let’s delve deeper.

Source: Shutterstock | Cadurn

How does Hibiscus Flower Function in Skincare?

“Hibiscus flower is a beautifully vibrant plant that offers us some of the best nutrients in the world for nurturing skin from the inside out,” boasts Grandury. “It’s high in vitamin C and packed with antioxidants to help protect you from the effects of free radicals, and has age-defying star potential.”

Grandury is also quick to point out that it’s a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which combine with antioxidants to provide gentle exfoliation. That’s why you’ll see it in many skin resurfacing scrubs, oils, and masks. “It even promotes the appearance of firmness and resiliency,” she adds.

Is there anything this tropical flowering plant can’t do? Not really, so behold 11 of our favorite hibiscus-based beauty products below!

Best Hibiscus Beauty Products

1. 54 Thrones African Beauty Butter, $24

Source: 54 Thrones

54 Thrones is all over our radar these days, especially for their beauty butters. Our fave RN? Kenyan Hibiscus and Moroccan Rose-infused hand and body butter. Dry, cracked mitts don’t stand a chance once they come in contact with this mighty healer.

2. Dae Hair Shampoo, $24

Source: Dae Hair

Not only is hibiscus skin-friendly, but it’s beneficial for your locks. Hibiscus flower extract is overflowing with amino acids that strengthen roots, prevent breakage and stimulate hair regrowth, so consider this detoxifying, color-protecting shampoo your BFF.

3. Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask, $54

Source: Kiehl’s

Our favorite lazy girl hack for flawless skin? Overnight masks. They do all the work while you catch Zzzzz’s. Kiehl’s mask also helps skin firm up by morning, thanks to ginger leaf and hibiscus, whose flowers close and preserve its nectar overnight.

4. Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-powder Très Invisible Dry Shampoo, $29

Source: Bumble and bumble

2nd (3rd, or 4th) day hair never looked so good after a dusting of Bb.’s hibiscus flecked dry shampoo. This invisible style extender cleanses roots while nurturing ends and has UV protection to boot.

5. Volition Beauty Hibiscus Unspottable Correcting Oil, $49

Source: Volition Beauty

Volition Beauty’s treatment oil relies on hibiscus flower and licorice root to minimize dark spots and discoloration while reducing red patches — and it’s safe for daily use. Sea buckthorn oil also defends against fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Mist, $34

Source: Herbivore Botanicals

Skin feeling tired and sluggish? Wake it up with a mist of Herbivore Botanicals’ rose-hibiscus blend. Hydrating hyaluronic acid and coconut water join forces to lock in moisture, while rosewater calms inflammation.

7. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, $14

Source: SheaMoisture

Tame unwanted frizz or unruly curls with a nutrient-rich concoction of vegetable butters that condition, impart mega shine, and feel delicious to the touch.

8. Odacité Skincare All–Embracing Hydrating Serum, $98

Source: Odacité Skincare

Grandury’s lightweight, velvety oil serum is quick-absorbing, non-greasy, and mega glow-inducing, given its botanical active base of watermelon, oatmeal, and hibiscus. For anyone with lackluster skin — this one’s for you.

9. TULA Skincare So Poreless Deep Exfoliating Blackhead Scrub, $32

Source: TULA Skincare

Buh-bye blackheads! TULA Skincare’s pore-refining scrub does it all, via probiotic extracts (to resurface), volcanic sand (to exfoliate), and hibiscus flower acid (to dissolve dirt and unclog pores).

10. Chantecaille Hibiscus Smoothing Mask, $90

Source: Chantecaille

Re-texture scaly skin with Chantecaille’s mask that’s formulated with papaya and grapefruit extract, along with revitalizing hibiscus to slough off dead cells. You even get an aromatherapy boost from rose, to uplift your spirits.

11. BESOMA Beauty GG Original Serum, $49

Source: BESOMA Beauty

Not familiar with BESOMA Beauty? The Cambodian skincare start-up gained cult recognition for their GG hibiscus serum in Asia and was under their chemists’ hands for two years before being brought stateside. But the hype is real: dryness, large pores, dark spots, and dullness are all targeted so your visage has that baby soft glow!

For more expert advice, check out the essential skincare rules derms want you to know.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.