Butterfly pea flower, formally known as Clitoria ternatea, is not only visually appealing with its bright blue hue, but it also contains several skincare advantages that have been used for generations in traditional medicine practices throughout Asia. This blog provides a glimpse into its mysterious skincare properties.

Butterfly pea blossom has a rich history in beauty, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition, culture, and current innovation, making it a prized ingredient in the pursuit of bright skin.

What is Butterfly Pea Flower? 

Butterfly Pea Flower is an ancient plant found in Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries for its healing powers. It’s a staple of Ayurvedic medicine and it’s used to treat several different diseases. Some of them include skin diseases, migraines, diabetes, inflammation, and more. ¹

In Southeast Asia it’s widely used to make drinks, as medicine, to cook, and as a natural dye. The bright blue color of Butterfly Pea Flower gives it its nutritional power. It’s loaded with polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other health-boosting nutrients. ²

Understanding The Science Behind ​​​​​​​butterfly Pea Flowers

The butterfly pea flower's striking blue color is not simply for display; it is the consequence of interesting chemistry at work. Here's an overview of the science underlying the bloom:

• Anthocyanins are the key components that give the butterfly pea bloom its bright blue color. These water-soluble pigments, known as flavonoids, can be found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Anthocyanins are pH-sensitive, which means they change color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of their surroundings.

• Anthocyanins have a complicated chemical structure with alternating single and double carbon-carbon bonds. This structure enables them to absorb light in the visible spectrum at distinct wavelengths corresponding to different colors. The anthocyanins in butterfly pea blooms absorb largely in the blue-violet range, giving them their distinctive blue color.

• The color of butterfly pea flower extracts varies according to the pH of the solution. Anthocyanins look reddish-purple in acidic conditions, but bright blue in alkaline settings. This pH-dependent color change is caused by the reversible conversion of anthocyanins into distinct chemical forms known as flavylium cations (acidic pH) and quinoidal bases (alkaline pH).

• Temperature, light exposure, and the presence of metal ions can all affect the stability of anthocyanin pigments. Proper processing and storage processes are required to maintain the color intensity and quality of butterfly pea flower extracts in cosmetics compositions.

• Beyond their visual attractiveness, anthocyanins have antioxidant qualities that serve to protect the flower from oxidative stress. In skincare, antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and minimize oxidative damage to the skin, thereby improving its general health and vitality.

7 Skincare Secrets of Butterfly Pea Flower

1. Packed with antioxidants

Butterfly pea flower contains many antioxidants such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. Your skin needs antioxidants to improve general health and elasticity. Since you encounter oxidants daily through sweat, pollution, makeup, and grime, antioxidants are necessary to counteract this effect. Plus, antioxidants help minimize fine lines and improve your skin’s overall appearance. 

 

2. Soothes minor skin irritation

A 2018 study of butterfly pea flower in face mask development found that the addition of it helped calm itching and general irritations. The plant’s vibrant blue color is a testament to this since, in traditional practices, blue is a signal for cooling. Another study conducted in 2012 supported the performance of butterfly pea flower for use in rejuvenating the skin.

 

3. Reduces redness

Because of butterfly pea flower’s ability to soothe irritated skin, it also minimizes redness caused by acne, dryness, and general irritation. These nourishing properties are further enhanced when combined with other nutrients that benefit skin health. 

4. Improves moisture retention

The same study that noted butterfly pea flower’s ability to minimize discomfort also found it to promote moisture retention. This is important because daily moisture helps increase skin turnover to naturally restore itself. Plus, moisture retention helps stop dryness and promote lipid balance. Hydrated, moisturized skin is more likely to stay plump, radiant, and have a youthful appearance. 

5. Supports collagen structure

Collagen is the “scaffolding of your skin” and naturally declines with age. In some studies, butterfly pea flower extract has been found to assist with collagen support. 

 

6. Improves the skin barrier

Because butterfly pea flower contains plant-based antioxidants and antioxidant vitamins such as  Vitamins A, C and E, it helps improve the skin’s natural barrier. This is the top layer of your skin called the stratum corneum, and its purpose is to protect your body from irritants, including allergens and bacteria. When the skin barrier is compromised, its strength is weakened. Topical antioxidants help improve the skin barrier.

7. Suitable for all skin types

Butterfly pea flower is a hidden skincare rockstar. It is gentle enough for use on all skin types, no matter what time of year it is. 

Harnessing Butterfly Pea Flower for Radiant Skin

Embracing the beauty and benefits of butterfly pea flowers for bright skin entails implementing it into numerous skincare regimens. Here's how you can accomplish it:

1. Cleansing: Begin your skincare routine with a mild cleanser infused with butterfly pea flower extract. This helps to remove pollutants, excess oil, and makeup without depleting the skin's natural hydration. Look for cleansers that have calming characteristics to make your skin feel clean and revitalized.

2. Toning: To help balance the pH of the skin and tighten pores, apply a toner containing butterfly pea flower extract. This step helps the skin absorb subsequent skincare products by providing moisture and antioxidant protection.

3. Serums: Incorporate a serum with butterfly pea flower extract into your skincare regimen. Serums are lightweight and easily absorbed, providing concentrated amounts of active substances deep into the skin. Look for serums that address specific skin concerns like hydration, brightening, or anti-aging, and use the antioxidant benefits of butterfly pea flowers to produce a glowing complexion.

4. Moisturizing: Hydration is essential for retaining glowing skin, so choose a moisturizer that contains butterfly pea flower extract as a prominent ingredient. Moisturizers replace moisture levels, nourish the skin, and provide a protective layer against environmental irritants. Choose a formula that is appropriate for your skin type and preferences, whether it is a lightweight gel, creamy lotion, or rich cream.

5. Masks: Give your skin a weekly mask packed with butterfly pea flower extract for an extra burst of hydration, brightness, and rejuvenation. Masks may deeply nourish the skin, increase circulation, and improve skin tone and texture. Look for masks that have additional therapeutic elements like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or botanical extracts to boost treatment efficacy.

Integrating Butterfly Pea Flower into Your Skincare 

Integrating butterfly pea flowers into your skincare routine can deliver a variety of benefits, including antioxidant protection and soothing hydration. Here are a few ways you may integrate this lovely herb into your beauty regimen:

1. Cleansing: Begin your skincare routine with a mild cleanser formulated with butterfly pea flower extract. This can help remove pollutants and makeup while also using the flower's antioxidant capabilities to protect your skin from environmental stressors.

2. Toning: After cleansing, use a toner containing butterfly pea flower extract to adjust your skin's pH and prepare it for the next steps in skincare. The flower's calming qualities can help reduce redness and irritation while moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin.

3. Serums: Incorporate a serum with butterfly pea flower extract into your daily routine to provide powerful antioxidants deep into the skin. This can help guard against free radicals, stimulate collagen formation, and brighten the skin for a healthy shine.

4. Moisturizing: Choose a moisturizer with butterfly pea flower extract as a crucial ingredient for long-term hydration and nourishment. The flower's moisturizing characteristics can plump and soften the skin, increasing its texture and suppleness.

5. Masks: A weekly mask filled with butterfly pea flower extract will renew and refresh your skin. This can help to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and promote a more even skin tone, leaving your complexion glowing and revitalized.

6. Eye Care: Look for eye creams or gels with butterfly pea flower extract to moisturize and brighten the sensitive skin around your eyes. This can help minimize the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine wrinkles, leaving you looking more youthful and rejuvenated.

7. Sun Protection: While butterfly pea flower extract can give antioxidant protection, it's important to pair it with sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. To keep your skin healthy and youthful-looking, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.

Conclusion

The future of butterfly pea flower skincare is bright, with advances in technology, sustainability, and scientific research opening the way for new formulations and transformative skincare experiences. As consumer knowledge and demand for natural and effective skincare treatments grows, the butterfly pea blossom is prepared to bloom gloriously in the ever-changing beauty and wellness scene. 

Add this branded ingredient to your final product. Email: info@yanggebiotech.com

 

References:

1. Oguis, G. K., Gilding, E. K., Jackson, M. A., & Craik, D. J. (2019). Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea), a Cyclotide-Bearing Plant With Applications in Agriculture and Medicine. Frontiers in plant science, 10, 645. 
2. Nair, V., Bang, W. Y., Schreckinger, E., Andarwulan, N., & Cisneros-Zevallos, L. (2015). Protective Role of Ternatin Anthocyanins and Quercetin Glycosides from Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea Leguminosae) Blue Flower Petals against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Inflammation in Macrophage Cells. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 63(28), 6355–6365.
3. https://www.mybluetea.com.au/post/the-benefits-of-anthocyanins-in-butterfly-pea
4. Lijon, Md. (2017). Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Clitoria ternatea. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences. 4. 01-10. 
5. Pageon H., Zucchi H., Pennacchi P.C., Asselineau D. (2017) Glycation and Skin Aging. In: Farage M., Miller K., Maibach H. (eds) Textbook of Aging Skin. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
6. https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/ways-to-preserve-and-boost-collagen-in-your-face/
7. https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/dining-in/ingredients-butterfly-pea-flower
8. Chen LH, Chen IC, Chen PY, Huang PH. Application of Butterfly Pea Flower Extract in Mask Development. Scientia Pharmaceutica. 2018; 86(4):53.
9. Maity, N., Nema, N. K., Sarkar, B. K., & Mukherjee, P. K. (2012). Standardized Clitoria ternatea leaf extract as hyaluronidase, elastase and matrix-metalloproteinase-1 inhibitor. Indian journal of pharmacology, 44(5), 584–587.
10. Pulok K. Mukherjee, Venkatesan Kumar, N. Satheesh Kumar, Micheal Heinrich, The Ayurvedic Medicine Clitoria ternatea—From Traditional Use to Scientific Assessment, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 120, Issue 3, 2008. Pages 291-301, ISSN 0378-8741. 
11. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-0532/86/4/53/htm
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480789/