New — The Accelerator Discovery Kit. Pick 2 stock-formula samples, credited toward your project.
New — The Accelerator Discovery Kit
Not ready for a full project? Pick up to two stock-formula samples to trial first — $89, shipped worldwide, and credited toward your Accelerator project.
C&T Allē Awards 2026 — The INCI Lab named Double Winner. Second year!
C&T Allē Awards 2026 — Double Winner
The INCI Lab won two categories at the 2026 C&T Allē Awards in New York, both powered by our proprietary mānuka complex ECMT-154:
Winner — Finished Indie Formula: Acne/Compromised Skin Care The Mānuka Ritual Blemish Kit (Rejencia)
Winner — Prototype Product/Chassis: Hair/Scalp Treatments Scalp Oil by The INCI Lab Ltd.
The C&T Allē Awards are run by Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine and recognise breakthroughs in cosmetic R&D worldwide. The 2026 winners were announced on May 18, 2026 in New York City.
A botanical active derived from the fruit of a sacred Ayurvedic tree known for its rejuvenating and toning effects. Naturally rich in antioxidants and tannins, it helps tighten pores, smooth texture, and protect the skin from oxidative stress. Gentle yet effective, it restores balance, clarity, and radiance to the complexion.
Terminalia bellerica—better known as beleric or bibhitaki—the quiet achiever in glow-and-balance formulas. Long used in traditional wellness (it’s one-third of the famed Triphala blend), the fruit brings a tidy mix of tannins (think gallic and ellagic acid derivatives), polyphenols, and minor sugars that translate beautifully into modern skincare and scalp care. In practice: it helps keep skin looking fresh, refined and less easily frazzled by daily life.
Where it fits in your routine
Beleric fruit extract shines in:
Daily hydrators: toners/essences that de-shine without dryness
Gel serums & light lotions: for combination or breakout-prone skin
Clay or gel masks: to reset after heat, sweat or city days
Micellar shampoos & scalp tonics: for a balanced, fresh-root feel
It pairs neatly with niacinamide (tone, barrier), panthenol/allantoin (comfort), zinc PCA (oil look), green tea or Centella (extra calm), and lightweight humectants (glycerin, betaine, propanediol).
Skin types & suitability
Best for: normal, combination and oily skin; also handy as a “T-zone tuner” for otherwise dry types.
Sensitive-friendly: Generally well tolerated when the whole formula is gentle and fragrance kept low.
Ethics:Vegan and cruelty-free by nature of the plant origin (confirm with your supplier’s policy and certifications).
Key Benefits Include:
Scalp Vitality: Famous for promoting hair growth and preventing premature graying by stimulating the hair follicles.
Intense Astringency: Naturally tightens pores and refines skin texture without the harshness of alcohol.
Potent Antimicrobial: Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, making it excellent for acne-prone or congested skin.
Photo-Protection: Helps the skin recover from UV damage and reduces the appearance of sunspots.
How to use (simple, everyday)
AM: Sweep on a beleric toner after cleansing, then layer a niacinamide gel and your SPF. PM: Reach for a light serum or lotion focused on hydration + balance. Weekly: Add a gel-clay mask with beleric for a quick reset; follow with a calming moisturiser.
It is a concentrated extract derived from the dried fruit of the Terminalia bellerica tree, native to Southeast Asia. In traditional medicine, it is prized for its "Rasayana" (rejuvenating) properties.
How does it benefit hair health?
It is one of the best natural ingredients for strengthening hair roots. It helps reduce hair fall and is traditionally used to maintain natural hair pigment, slowing down the appearance of grays.
Is it good for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes. Due to its high tannin content, it acts as a natural astringent. It helps regulate excess sebum and has antimicrobial properties that target the bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne.
Can it help with dark spots and hyperpigmentation?
Absolutely. It is rich in Gallic Acid and Ellagic Acid, both of which are known to inhibit melanin synthesis. This helps brighten the complexion and fade post-acne marks.
How does it compare to Vitamin C?
While Vitamin C is a powerful brightener, Terminalia bellerica offers a more stable antioxidant profile. It doesn't oxidize as quickly as L-ascorbic acid and provides additional antimicrobial benefits that Vitamin C lacks.
Does it have anti-aging properties?
Yes. Its antioxidants neutralize free radicals that break down collagen. By protecting the skin’s structural proteins, it helps maintain elasticity and reduces the formation of fine lines.
Can I use it on a sensitive scalp?
Yes, it is often used to soothe itchy, flaky scalp conditions (like seborrheic dermatitis) because it balances the scalp’s microbiome while reducing inflammation.
What should I look for on the ingredient label?
It is usually listed as Terminalia Bellerica Fruit Extract. You will often find it in high-end hair oils, clarifying toners, and Ayurvedic-inspired facial serums.
Is it safe for daily use?
When used topically in skincare or haircare formulations, it is safe for daily use. It is a gentle yet effective botanical that works best with consistent application.
Work with our chemists
Turning this into an actual product?
The INCI Lab is an award-winning cosmetic formulation studio in Auckland. We formulate for indie beauty brands across New Zealand and Australia — low MOQs, full regulatory support, and 100% IP ownership stays with you.
