At Aveda, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of plant-science to power our 100% vegan hair care products. Innovation and integrity go hand-in-hand in our research and development process, with our Botanical Research Lab consistently pioneering new discoveries in plant-powered hair care. Sand ginger, a naturally-derived UV filter found in our ultra-hydrating nutriplenish™ leave-in conditioner and nutriplenish™ daily moisturizing treatment, is a perfect example of our dedication to uncovering plant ingenuity. Below, we explain the science behind this naturally derived UV filter.
Meet Sand Ginger
Sand ginger (Kaempferia galanga) is a grass flowering plant indigeneous to India and found throughout Southeast Asia. “We tested numerous sun filters and found that sand ginger is a super-effective ingredient to protect hair from the drying effects of the sun.” noted Cindy Angerhofer, Aveda’s Executive Director of Botanical Research.
HOW SAND GINGER SHIELDS HAIR FROM THE SUN
The sun’s UV rays can penetrate the hair shaft and dry out hair. In order to maintain visibly healthy hair, shielding strands from the sun is essential year-round, but particularly during the summer months. Luckily, sand ginger helps to shield hair from the drying effects of the sun by working to absorb UV rays. And a little goes a long way—it’s potent even in small amounts.
WHERE TO FIND SAND GINGER
Find this plant-powered sun filter in two ultra-nourishing nutriplenish™ products:
A lightweight, nourishing mist that detangles strands and treats dry hair with 72 hours of moisture. Ideal for fine-to-medium hair that needs an instant boost of hydration.
To use: Shake well before spritzing this replenishing spray onto clean, damp hair or apply on as needed to dry strands for a boost of nutrient-dense hydration. Do not rinse. Pro-tip: It can also be used as a pre-shampoo treatment.
A rich cream formula that melts into sun damaged, dry hair, infusing strands with 4x the hydration of untreated hair. Formulated with 8x the amount of superfoods,* this dry hair treatment is ideal for medium-to-thick hair that craves intense hydration.
Soak up summer with our no-rinse, protective formulas and see for yourself why UV protection** is dry hair prevention.
