Zingiber Zerumbet

Best

Plant extracts

Zingiber Zerumbet at a glance

  • Used in haircare products
  • Rich source of antioxidant zerumbone
  • Can fight dark circles
  • Improves the look of uneven patches of skin
  • Also known as awapuhi

Zingiber Zerumbet description

_Zingiber zerumbet_ is a plant in the ginger family sometimes referred to as bitter ginger, “shampoo ginger”, or by the native Hawaiian name, awapuhi. Various parts of bitter ginger have been used since antiquity for numerous ailments, including stomach issues, headaches, and skin problems. For decades, it has also been added to shampoos due to its purported scalp and hair benefits. Research finds this type of ginger has value in topical skin products as well. Awapuhi exerts strong antioxidant properties, primarily thanks to its concentration of a compound called zerumbone. In addition to its antioxidant benefits, zerumbone helps visibly improve the look of certain types of dark circles and also soothes skin. Studies also find _Zingiber zerumbet_ has compounds that can inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme whose overproduction can lead to uneven patches of skin and dark spots. Various parts of _Zingiber zerumbet_ are now in use in skincare products thanks to these discoveries. One important note: the pure oil from _Zingiber zerumbet_ can cause skin irritation because of its fragrant components, so it is not recommended for topical use.

Zingiber Zerumbet references

  • Research Journal of Biotechnology, March 2025, pages 92-99
  • Planta Medica, March 2024, pages 204-218
  • Food Science and Nutrition, August 2023, pages 4,853-4,850
  • International Journal of Pharmacosnosy, June 2023, pages 299-314
  • Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, June 2023, ePublication
  • Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, March 2023, pages 168-174
  • Molecules, January 2023, pages 1-12
  • Pharmaceutics, December 2022, pages 1-12

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.