Introduction of Ingredients Part 1: Soybean Extract

Various ingredients can be found in Suzuki Herb Laboratory’s Pineapple Soy Milk Series. We want to elaborately explain where each ingredient derives from and what significant effects they have on the skin.

In this article, we would like to introduce something called the soybean (seed) extract.

Soybean Cultivation

Where are soybeans cultivated? Roughly 300 million metric tons of soybeans are produced around the world. Of this amount, over 80% are provided by the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. 

Moreover, 90% of the soybeans cultivated in the world are used to extract oil or to produce soybean meals after oil extraction.

The soybean extract found in cosmetics by Suzuki Herb Laboratory is made using 3 types of soybeans cultivated in Japan. The country’s soybeans are well-known for their high quality and are mostly used for food.

Soybeans as an essential part of the Japanese diet

In Japan, soybeans are processed into various foods and condiments, such as tofu, natto, miso, soy sauce, and nimame. They have been used for hundreds of years and are an essential part of the Japanese diet. (This is discussed in more details in another article.)

Effects on the Skin

Soybean extract contains constituents such as isoflavones, saponins, and amino acids. Since it has effects like moisture retention, brightening, and skin cell activation, it prevents skin problems caused by aging, such as wrinkles and dullness, and gives the skin much-needed moisture. 

These effects are believed to be caused by the soy isoflavone functions similar to female hormones, which also control unwanted hair, which is caused by male hormones.

The Pineapple Soy Milk Series contains plenty of soybean extract. It makes unwanted hair stand out less, as it takes care of the skin and provides moisture.

References

“The Situation Surrounding Soybeans” April 2017 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries