The Andean grain is sought after by the international cosmetic world as a sustainable and powerful ingredient.
For the past few years, quinoa has enjoyed a steady popularity as one of the superfoods that proved to be more than a trend. Packed with animal-free protein and an ease to prepare and combine with flavor-rich foods, quinoa has been a sure way to have a piece of Peru appear on dinner plates across the world.
But are you ready to rub it all over your face and through your hair?
According to an article published on Gestion, the thin shell or layer that separates from the grain when cooked has finally found its purpose. Rosario Pajuelo, an international consultant to the European Union (EU) and expert on Peruvian biodiversity, told the national news source that this delicate ‘skin’ of the quinoa, known as Saponin (Saponina, in Spanish), has an ability to create foam. Shampoos, soaps, and detergents have found a sustainable and chic way to get those suds going.
Because the husk is not healthy for human consumption, most of it continues to go to waste. According to a quoted source from Puno, Gestion reports that at the moment, saponin residue can be purchased for just S/ 10 a kilo. Some companies use it to fan the fire in their furnaces. Pajuelo stresses that it provides a greater economic opportunity that should be taken advantage of, such as by greater use for beauty products.
Of course, the inclusion of trendy and of-the-moment ingredients to beauty products is nothing new (hey, acai). In 2015, beauty magazine Allure published an article name dropping a few products that included quinoa for the purpose of adding shine, luster, and strength.
For the DIY fiends, here’s the recipe for a Quinoa Body Scrub by gogoquinoa.com:
½ cup of quinoa
1 cup of almond or coconut milk
¼ cup of arrowroot powder
1 tsp of agave syrup
Directions: cook the quinoa as directed, let cool and add the milk, arrowroot and agave. Massage the mixture all over your body!
Find more Quinoa-based beauty recipes here.
Cover photo: Philipp Alexander/Flickr
This article has been updated from its original publication on January 2, 2017.
Now that you're here:
We're asking you, our reader, to make a contribution in support of our digital guide in order to keep informing, updating and inspiring people to visit Peru. Why now? In our near 20-year journey as the leading English-language source on travel in Peru, we've had our fair share of ups and downs-but nothing quite like the challenges brought forth in the first quarter of 2020.
By adapting to the changing face of the tourism and travel industry (on both local and international levels), we have no doubt we will come out stronger-especially with the support of our community. Because you will travel again, and we will be ready to show you the best of Peru.
Your financial support means we can keep sharing the best of Peru through high-quality stories, videos and insights provided by our dedicated team of contributors and editors based in Peru. And of course, We are here to answer your questions and help whenever you need us.
As well, it makes possible our commitment to support local and small businesses that make your visit an unforgettable one. Your support will help the people working in these industries get back on their feet once the world allows us to make our dream of enjoying everything Peru has to offer a reality again-from its mouthwatering gastronomy, thriving Amazon and archaeological wonders such as Machu Picchu.
Together, we will find a way through this. As a member of our community, your contribution, however big or small, is valuable.
Support Traveling & Living in Peru from as little as $1 - and it only takes a minute. Thank you!
