Pearl powder is a well-known component in contemporary skincare, but its use is far from recent. It has featured in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions for millennia. Legend has it that Wu Zetian, a Chinese empress, used pearl powder to enhance her complexion.
In traditional Chinese medicine, pearl powder is believed to have detoxifying properties and is used as an anti-inflammatory and a calming agent. In Ayurveda, pearl has been regarded as an antidote to toxins and was occasionally included in love potions.
Pearl powder supplies amino acids, calcium, and trace elements and is attributed with numerous claimed advantages for both skin and overall health. Continue reading to discover how it’s produced and applied, along with its benefits and possible adverse effects.
What is pearl powder?
Pearl powder is produced by sterilizing freshwater or saltwater pearls (typically by boiling) and then grinding them into a fine, soft powder similar in consistency to flour or cornstarch.
Pearl powder contains:
- Amino acids. These fundamental units of protein are vital for bodily processes. They encourage skin cells to make collagen, support cellular repair and hydration, and shield skin from pollutants and external stressors.
- Trace minerals. Pearl powder includes more than 30 trace minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, which contribute to various physiological functions.
- High calcium levels. Calcium aids skin renewal and moisture retention. It also helps regulate sebum and cell turnover. When consumed, calcium supports bone strength and may help prevent osteoporosis.
- Antioxidant enhancers. Pearl powder is reported to elevate two abundant antioxidants in the body: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione. These antioxidants help combat disease and could potentially promote longevity.
Benefits of pearl powder
Pearl powder offers both internal and topical benefits for the body and skin. It is said to diminish tyrosinase activity, an enzyme involved in melanin production. Reduced activity can result in a brighter complexion — reminiscent of a pearl’s sheen.
It may also activate fibroblasts, speeding wound repair. This effect can support collagen regeneration, possibly making fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
In Chinese medicine, pearl powder was used for its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and calming effects, which may partly be due to its mineral content.
Magnesium can raise levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which may help ease depression, anxiety, and some sleep disturbances.
How pearl powder is used
Pearl powder is available in various formats and can be applied topically or taken internally. Common forms include:
- finishing powders
- face masks
- skin lotions
- oral supplements
- toothpaste
Finishing powders
Because pearl is a mineral, it can serve as a mineral makeup powder. Many users appreciate the gentle radiance achieved when pearl powder is used as a natural finishing dust. It can also help set makeup.
Pearl powder is sold at most beauty retailers and online.
Face masks
Pearl powder capsules can be purchased online and at select beauty shops. Make sure the label specifies 100 percent pearl powder.
To prepare a face mask, open a capsule and combine the powder with a few drops of water (or rosewater if desired). Mix into a thick paste, apply to the face for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and follow with moisturizer.
Pre-made pearl powder masks are also available online.
Skin lotion
Creams containing pearl powder are said to encourage collagen synthesis and protect against free radicals that contribute to skin aging. Pearl-infused lotions can be found in many beauty stores or online.
Oral supplements
When consumed, pearl powder may promote relaxation and support bone health. You can take pearl in capsule form or buy pure pearl powder online and stir it into beverages like smoothies, water, coffee, or tea.
Pearl powder is reported to contain eight essential amino acids that must be obtained through diet (meaning the body cannot synthesize them).
Pearl powder is edible and can be blended into drinks such as smoothies, water, coffee, or tea.
Toothpaste
There is limited scientific evidence about pearl powder’s effectiveness for dental care. Anecdotally, its calcium may help strengthen teeth, while its mineral content could support gum health and brighten teeth without traditional bleaching agents.
Does it work?
Research on pearl powder’s benefits is limited, and like many supplements, it is not regulated or tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that oral pearl powder may help the body produce antioxidants and reduce free radical damage.
Research also suggests pearl powder can promote cell turnover and accelerate wound healing, according to a 2010 study. Other findings indicate that topical application can temporarily reduce pore size, lessen redness, and improve skin texture.
Precautions
Pearl powder is generally viewed as safe, but some individuals may experience allergic reactions to calcium, which is present in pearls.
It’s wise to perform a patch test before ingesting the powder or applying it to your face. Apply a small amount to your forearm and observe for signs of a reaction, such as redness, itching, or swelling.
The takeaway
Pearl powder has been used since at least 320 A.D. Both research and anecdotal reports suggest it may support bone health, wound healing, and skin quality.
As with most supplements, pearl powder is not FDA-tested, but early research points to potential internal and topical benefits.
You can take it orally as capsules or loose powder—follow manufacturer instructions since concentrations vary. Alternatively, you can create a face mask from the powder or purchase skincare products that contain pearl powder.
Pearl powder is typically safe, although it contains substantial calcium, which can trigger allergies in some people. Always patch-test on a small skin area before ingesting or applying it to your face.
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