MEN’S GROOMING 41


From the Australian Outback: a grooming oil for men


n Penny Hatzis - Down Under Enterprises, Australia Phillip Prather - Down Under Enterprises, US


The resinous Buddha Wood (Eremophila mitchellii) tree is found growing in arid regions of south-eastern Australia and boasts a woody oak aroma as well as unique skin soothing properties. This oil embodies the minimal fuss Australian approach to skin care – now known as “A- beauty” – multifunctional, simple formulations that do the job well. This aromatic scent captures the earthy essence of the Australian outback and provides a calming and grounding effect for the psyche. Studies favor applications in men’s grooming, particularly addressing Shaving Rash and Sweat Rash.


Plant overview and chemical constituents Australian Buddha Wood is a desert-loving tree, pervasively found throughout the arid regions of tropical and sub- tropical Australia primarily found in native scrub ranging from Northern Queensland to Northern NSW. The name Eremophila is derived from the


Greek words Eremos meaning ‘desert’ and phileo ‘love’, suggesting that this species thrives in the harsh conditions of deserts and semi-arid environments. Buddha Wood is also known as Australian


Desert Rose, by its botanical name Eremophila mitchellii, and also as False Sandalwood. The heartwood appearance and aromatic odor could be easily mistaken for sandalwood. This species however does not contain any of the sandalwood sesquiterpenes, instead this wood oil possesses a unique class of sesquiterpenes.


Table 1


Components -selinene -selinene -selinene


neo-intermediol eremophilone


hydroxyl dihydro eremophilone hydroxyl eremophilone


October 2020


GC_FID (%) 0.23 1.41 0.35 1.21


36.64 13.98 23.53


Sesquiterpenes have antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and anti-infective properties.1 The wood oil is composed predominantly


of eremophilanes and eremophilones, a rare class of biologically active bicyclic sesquiterpenoids, first discovered in the Australian Eremophila genus. These compounds are known for their calming properties and they can also be supportive to the immune system by acting as antioxidants and assisting in cellular repair.2


Fragrance Buddha wood is a unique multifaceted essential oil. This desert wood has a rugged dry woody aroma which carries a sweet rosy undernote. It diffuses with a smoky hue and gradually transitions into an earthy back note. This oil demonstrates perfect harmony between dry, smoky, and earthy notes. Successful applications within perfumery


include: l Use as a base note and perfume fixative l Oud extender l Sandalwood extender l Balances, rounds out, and blends well without dominating


l Alternative to Sandalwood Oil, given the more attractive price point


l Australian origin, sustainability, and traceability offer strong marketing potential Singab et al. of Ain Shams University


(Cairo, Egypt) and Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnoogy, Heidelberg University (Heidelberg, Germany) published a thorough review of the biochemical


properties of the Eremophila genus. Notably, Buddha Wood (Eremophila mitchellii) was one of the very first species in this genus to be characterized. The authors noted Buddha Wood’s function in the perfumery industry. Although perfumery was the only application discussed in this 2013 paper, we now know it has so much more potential – antibacterial, antifungal, and anti- inflammatory. With these advantageous properties, the opportunity for the essential oil of this species in men’s personal care products is immensely appealing.


Buddha Wood for men Men often look to a more natural environment for headspace and escapism. The earthy tones of this fragrance evoke images of a vast and rugged landscape, providing an antidote to the confines of modern living. The aromatic qualities of Buddha Wood are said to provide a sense of calm, strength and grounding.


Skin soothing As well as providing a fragrance for men, Buddha Wood also helps to alleviate two common skin complaints than men can encounter: shaving rash and sweat rash.


Shaving rash (folliculitis) Shaving rash is an infection of the hair follicles exacerbated by shaving, and traditionally impacting the beard area and more commonly the upper lip. This type of infection is known as folliculitis


and occurs when the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus penetrates the hair follicles. The condition presents as small red bumps which may develop a white puss-filled tip. The condition generally resolves on its own, especially if the irritating factor is removed. However, occasionally oral antibiotics may be prescribed in persistent cases. Although it is a relatively harmless


condition, folliculitis can be uncomfortable and look unsightly. In men, folliculitis can also affect the arms, legs, buttocks, genitals, chest, back, head, and face. Below the waist grooming, known as


PERSONAL CARE NORTH AMERICA


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