Arrow Root

Botanical Name: Maranta arundinacea

Botanical Description: Arrowroot is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Marantaceae family, native to tropical regions of South America.

Cosmetic Benefits: Arrowroot powder is a natural, gluten-free alternative to cornstarch and talc in skincare products. It has absorbent properties that help absorb excess oil and moisture from the skin, making it beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin types. Arrowroot powder also has soothing and softening properties that can help calm irritation and improve skin texture.

Scientific Overview: Arrowroot produces large, starchy rhizomes that are harvested and processed to produce arrowroot powder, a fine white powder with thickening and absorbent properties.

Cultivation and Harvest: Arrowroot plants are cultivated in tropical regions worldwide for their rhizomes. The rhizomes are harvested when mature and then washed, peeled, and dried before grinding into powder.

Plant Morphology: Arrowroot plants have large, broad leaves and produce small, white flowers with three petals. The rhizomes are thick, tuberous structures that grow underground and store starch for the plant's energy needs.