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ALL ABOUT LOOFAH – A NATURAL EXFOLIANT

Cosmetic Raw Materials, Products /

Content
 

 

WHAT IS LOOFAH?

Loofah, also spelled luff, luffa, luffah, and loufa, is the fruit of the botanicals Luffa aegyptiaca (aka Luffa cylindrica) and Luffa acutangula, two plant species that belong to the Cucumber family. In China, India, and Vietnam, Loofah is commonly cultivated as a vegetable, which can grow in various shapes and sizes. When harvested before reaching full maturity, Loofah is edible. When ripened and dried, what remains of the fruit is a sponge-like, slightly coarse, unscented, textured substance. The fibrous makeup of the dried Loofah allows it to resist wear, making it an ideal scrubbing object that is traditionally used in kitchen, bathroom, and cosmetic applications. For use in skincare cosmetics, the ideal form of Loofah is the powdered variety.

Read on to discover the various types of products to which ground Loofah can be added as well as the kind of effect Loofah has on the skin when added to these products.

 

LOOFAH BENEFITS, PROPERTIES, AND SOLUBILITY

The appearance of NDA’S all-natural, untreated, beige to tan-colored, ground Loofah bears a resemblance to saw dust. The small grain size of this product reduces the likelihood of harming sensitive skin. Although Loofah’s mesh size (30/100 mesh) makes it insoluble in water, which causes it to float, its absorbent property makes it receptive to water and soap, which helps to enhance foaming capacity and thereby encourage a substantial amount of lather. Fine and soft, Loofah powder gently exfoliates skin by polishing away dirt, pollutants, excess oil, and dead cells to enhance the look of the skin. Furthermore, it helps to calm inflammation and to stimulate or improve skin blood flow.

 

HOW TO USE GROUND LOOFAH IN SOAP

To incorporate ground Loofah in soap bars, the recommended amount of ground Loofah is 1 teaspoon per pound of soap to begin. If the soap is Cold Process, the recommended amount of ground Loofah is 1 tablespoon (0.50 oz.) per pound of soap.

Add Loofah to soap during the production phase in which all other additives are mixed, stirring slowly to ensure that it is thoroughly combined and that clumps do not form. To keep the ground Loofah on the inside of the soap, fill only half of the mold with soap, then allow it to set and harden before filling the rest of the mold with a second layer (a Loofah-free batch) of soap.

For more information about soap-making, have a look at our articles A Step-By-Step Guide to Soap-Making for Beginners and All About Melt and Pour Soap Bases.

PRODUCT TYPE

When added to these kinds of formulations…
EFFECTS

Loofah functions as a(n):
BENEFITS

It helps to:

The recommended maximum dosage is 10% 


 

LOOFAH SIDE EFFECTS

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Loofah is for external use only. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. It is highly recommended that the use of Loofah be avoided on areas of skin with reduced sensation, due to its mildly abrasive quality.

IMPORTANT: All New Directions Aromatics (NDA) products are for external use only unless otherwise indicated. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or under the care of a medical practitioner. Please refer to our policies for further details, and our disclaimer below.

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    Disclaimer

    The information in this document is obtained from current and reliable sources but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. Information posted on this website may not always have undergone verification/validation by New Directions Aromatics Inc (NDA). Nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Aromatics Inc. as to the fitness for any use. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, NDA shall not be liable for any errors in these postings or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. New Directions Aromatics Inc. shall not be responsible for any damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information.


    The user of the product is solely responsible for compliance with all laws and regulations applying to the use of the product, including the intellectual property rights of third parties. Customers may use the information from NDA only with the clear understanding that all products must be used at their own discretion and only after referring to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and all other relevant technical information specific to the product. New Directions Aromatics Inc. shall not be responsible for any damages, adverse reactions, negative effects, or consequences resulting from use of or reliance upon this information.


    Desired results might not always be achieved due to variations in ingredients, temperatures, errors, omissions, or individual ability to follow instructions. As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of this product is outside the control of NDA, no representation or warranty – expressed or implied – is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s) (including damage or injury) or the results obtained. The liability of New Directions Aromatics Inc. is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential loss. Further, New Directions Aromatics Inc. is not responsible for the comments made in the customer reviews, nor when products are used in ways not suitable to their purpose (for example, fragrance oils in toothpaste; bath salts in metal containers; additives used in larger amounts than recommended).


    Please note, the International Federation of Aromatherapists do not recommend that Essential Oils be taken internally, unless under the supervision of a Medical Doctor, who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy. In addition, Essential Oils must be properly diluted before use, in order to avoid any damages to property or adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm).


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