A little bit of a geeky story about ingredients
I was drawn to Herbivore Botanicals Emerald Deep Moisture Oil because of its emerald green color. I would recommend it as a base oil that will change the texture of your skin, and is a great addition to any skincare routine.
The most distinctive feature of this oil is that it contains ingredients that contain "adaptogens."
"Adaptogen"?!?!?!
Although it has been said to be popular for the past few years, it has not yet become a big trend in Japan, so there may be many people who have never heard of it before. When I ask, "Do you know what an adaptogen is?", I get a variety of responses, even from my beauty-loving friends: "Is it the name of a plant? Is it a suspicious remedy? Is it a Gundam-like character? Is it a superfood or something? Is it delicious?"
It's the perfect topic for a column about niche ingredients. 
Adaptogens are natural substances found in plants (herbs, medicinal plants, and natural medicines) and mushrooms that increase resistance to stress and immunity and normalize bodily functions. They have many health benefits, such as relieving stress from trauma, anxiety, and physical fatigue.
Stress, for example, can increase your heart rate, quicken your breathing, and disrupt your immune system, supposedly to conserve energy and prepare you to face the source of your stress. Adaptogens strengthen your resistance to stress by regulating stress hormones such as cortisol, supporting cellular energy transmission, and protecting against fatigue. In this way, adaptogens help you "stay in balance" when you experience physical, environmental, or emotional stress.
Adaptogens are still not well known in Japan, and it is rare to see products containing them, but they have been popular in the United States for several years. Many products can be seen at Whole Foods Market and many people seem to incorporate them into their daily lives. I bought a few out of the ones I was interested in, and this is the one I bought again and again that was delicious. 
This adaptogen powder contains ashwagandha, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, all made from organic ingredients. Mix it with milk or soy milk to make chai, a great relaxing drink. Since it's in powder form, you can also dissolve it in water or mix it into cereal or smoothies.
Taste aside, these are the ones I felt were most effective! 
Ashwagandha root extract soaked in vodka. It's bitter. It's bitter like training. It's supposed to be good to dissolve it in water and drink a little every day. (I say "apparently" because it was so bitter that I couldn't keep it up...)
Such adaptogens are also excellent for skin care.
In skin care, adaptogens are hidden beauty specialists that are said to suppress rough skin and ease problems such as dull skin and sensitive skin. They help develop strong skin that can resist both external stimuli such as ultraviolet rays and cold, and internal stimuli such as hormonal imbalance.
In other words, adaptogens work by resolving current skin problems, strengthening the skin to prevent future skin problems from becoming too serious, making the skin less prone to roughness and making it easier to feel the effects of other beauty serums. The role of adaptogens is to prepare the foundation for skin that will be like cultivating a field to create good soil.
Finally, we take a deeper look at the adaptogens used in Herbivore Botanicals Emerald Deep Moisture Oil.
● Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera root extract)
Herbs have been used in Ayurveda for 3,000 years to help heal and restore the body. As for beauty benefits, they have the power to improve skin from irritation and stress. They also have antioxidant properties, preventing damage to the skin, and research has shown that they can even suppress inflammation. It's great to know that they can prevent inflammation and oxidation, which are believed to be the causes of aging!
Ashwagandha also promotes the production of hyaluronic acid, elastin, and collagen in the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture, elastin keeps skin supple and soft, and collagen promotes cell turnover, helping skin retain vitality and youthfulness. 
Turmeric Root Extract Turmeric root and stem are important plants in Ayurveda. They protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution, UV rays, and lack of sleep. Turmeric root enhances the skin's natural radiance and aids in the absorption of Vitamin D. Turmeric also has powerful wound healing properties against cuts, burns, rashes, scrapes and inflammation. It gives the skin a vibrant glow while soothing the skin exposed to the elements. It also helps to soothe eczema, breakouts and blemishes.
●Mushrooms Did you know that mushrooms are great for your skin? Shiitake mushroom extract contains kojic acid, which reduces age spots, improves sagging skin, and creates a naturally youthful complexion. It is highly nutritious, contains immune-boosting ingredients, and improves the quality of your skin by regulating the structure and function of your skin.
I thought it would be a bit of a nerdy story, but it turned out to be quite nerdy...
Adaptogens help keep our bodies and minds in optimal condition. I think they will gradually be commercialized as cosmetics and food products in Japan, so if you come across them, try incorporating them into your life.
BUYER: Naoko
