The most promising ingredients extracted from extremophiles, as these living-on-the-edge organisms are called, include antifreeze proteins and DNA-repairing enzymes, which are just beginning to be developed for cosmetic use and are still relatively expensive. But there are other extreme flora with the innate ability to sustain the environmental pressures our skin and hair contend with every day. Here’s where they’re sourced. Arctic Organisms that can withstand freezing temperatures sometimes develop special proteins and high levels of amino acids and antioxidants. Pseudoalteromonas antarctica Scientists discovered this bacterial strain growing at the bottom of a glacier in Antarctica and refined it to produce Antarcticine, a patented glycoprotein that prevents dryness and protects the skin from extreme cold. Find it in: Skyn Iceland Arctic Hydrating Balm ($35; skyniceland.com). Wintered Red Algae This algae’s extracts have antioxidants that may help prevent hair damage, such as color fade and dehydration. Find it in: Sachajuan Intensive Repair Conditioner ($32; woodleyandbunny.com). Cloudberry This herb found in the arctic tundra produces a berry with seeds that have almost twice as much vitamin C as oranges. Find it in: Lumene Excellent Future Age-Defying and Repairing Night Cream ($30; CVS). Mountains Subjected to intense solar radiation and low oxygen levels, many of the plants that grow atop mountains develop fruits or flowers that are high in protective antioxidants. “They neutralize free radicals that damage and age skin and hair,” says dermatologist Mitchell Chasin, MD, medical director of Reflections Center, in Martinsville, NJ. The high-altitude plants below are known as skin saviors. Himalayan Raspberry Root Used in local herbal remedies in Nepal, this ingredient has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that benefit skin. Find it in: Ahava Extreme Day Cream ($68; ahavaus.com). Sea Buckthorn This shrub has polyphenols to protect the plant from UV radiation and extreme temperatures. Many varieties also contain essential fatty acids, which bind moisture to skin so it doesn’t dry out. Find it in: Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Hydrating Serum ($40; sibubeauty.com). Rose Hip Taken from wild rose shrubs that grow in the Andes, this fruit contains trans-retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, which is well known for its wrinkle-reducing powers. Find it in: Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion ($28; Whole Foods). And don’t forget about your hair, here’s How To Prevent Breakage And Keep Hair Healthy. Desert Plants grown in the desert have evolved to withstand heat and drought, so it’s no surprise many of them are rich in water-binding, hydrating ingredients and protective antioxidants. But not every desert plant has beautifying powers. “It depends on the specific plant you’re talking about,” says Ni’Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist. These three desert dwellers are proven to be especially effective. Argan Oil For centuries, the women of Morocco have used this 8 oil as a moisturizer. “It has a high concentration of fatty acids, which can help make hair and skin smooth and soft,” says Zoe Draelos, MD, a dermatologist in High Point, NC. Find it in: Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil ($38; moroccanoil.com) and Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil ($6; drugstores). Prickly Pear Both the juice and the seed extracts from this desert cactus are intensely hydrating and rich in betalains, a type of antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and speed cellular turnover. Find it in: MyChelle Dermaceuticals Hydrating Cactus Mask ($32; mychelle.com) and Sia Botanics Prickly Pear Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($19; siabotanics.com). Rose of Jericho During drought, this plant looks like dead twigs, but after rainfall, it unfurls into a lush green plant. The secret is trehalose, a sugar that helps slow the plant’s metabolic systems to conserve energy. The ingredient works differently on skin (it binds moisture) but still has a reviving effect. Find it in: Origins Make a Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment ($20; origins.com).
