Japanese pearl powder comes from Akoya saltwater oysters. Akoyas are rare because they are sensitive to water quality and do not survive in polluted environments. In contrast, freshwater pearls are more abundant, because they come from easier-to-breed mussels rather than oysters.
Pure Akoya pearl powder is among the safest cosmetics. It is made by fine-powdering the hand-polished nacre, without hydrolyzing, nano-sizing or any chemical processing. Akoya pearl powder is inert and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores). The average size of the powder is 2-3 microns in diameter, as fine as top-quality cosmetic powders.
Japanese Akoyas produce a pearl with superior luster, iridescence and overall quality, a fact well-known to all gemologists. They account for less than 2% of the world market, with production coming from one of three ecologically sensitive seaside bays in Japan: Ago in Mie prefecture, Omura in Nagasaki, and Uwajima in south Shikoku island.
Benefits for Skin
Pearl powder's benefits come from its abundance of calcium, magnesium, and iron, plus conchiolin, a remarkable protein composed of 17 skin-loving amino acids.
Conchiolin hydrates the skin, rebuilds collagen and increases skin’s barrier action for retaining moisture. It also tones skin and inhibits melanin production.
Below is a brief list of pearl powder's benefits for skin:
- Increases skin's collagen production
- Helps repair skin's damaged cells
- Lightens skin's tone and improves blemishes
- Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
- Controls oil and shine
- Reduces pores and promotes smoother skin
How to Use
Akoya pearl powder is versatile. You can also use as a facial mask, or apply it with a brush as a subtle highlighter or translucent mineral setting/finish powder. It also mixes well with almost all powders, oils, creams, lotions and other cosmetics.
Apply Pearl Powder as Facial Mask
You can mix pearl powder into your favorite recipe. Below is a sample:
- Take 2 grams of pearl powder.
- Add 2 tsp of wheat powder or rice bran powder (if you like gluten-free).
- Add 3 tsp of water, milk or soy milk.
- Add honey, or moisturizing oil as you prefer.
- Mix well. Apply to face for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Apply Pearl Powder as Highlighter
Enhance your favorite features. Pearl powder, though it looks white, is not just white-colored powder. It has soft hues which shift subtly from direct to side views.
- Apply a small amount of powder with a highlighter brush or a Q-tip.
- Go slow and keep layering till you get the effect you like.
Apply Pearl Powder as Setting/Finish Powder
Match the tint of your makeup, blur fine lines, and control oil and shine. Akoya pearl powder is super-fine (2-3 microns), which gives you the ability to apply it translucent.
- Brush on a small amount over foundation as a setting powder
- Apply over makeup as a finishing powder
Mix Pearl Powder with Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, or Cosmetics
Take one scoop of pearl powder (about 0.1 grams)- Place onto your palm
- Add your favorite cosmetic
- Mix well and apply to face, neck, hands, and body
If using with soap or cleanser, wash and rinse as usual.