Be honest! Have you ever heard of mastic? If you read this blog and buy 48grams products, then this ingredient might not be entirely unfamiliar to you. But because we keep getting inquiries, and sometimes because mastic has a distinctive scent – somewhere between hay and the sea – we've decided to take a closer look at our favorite ingredient. And in doing so, introduce it to a wider audience. So, without further ado, let's hear it for… mastic!
Mastic – the all-rounder for creams
First, the most important question: What actually makes mastic in creams so special? The resin active ingredient contains a whole range of so-called bioactive substances. They have anti-inflammatory properties, but are also antimicrobial and antioxidant. Mastic is therefore a true all-rounder. It can be described as a real boon, especially for sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin. The active ingredient not only soothes the skin, but also supports the tissue's natural self-healing processes.
A resin that acts as a barrier
Dermatologists view the ingredients of mastic as a natural barrier against bacteria and germs; they protect skin cells from environmental influences. More precisely, mastic makes the skin stronger and more resilient. Its effects are particularly pronounced when incorporated into creams containing hyaluronic acid or shea butter. Therefore, these formulations are also suitable for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
The “Tears of Chios”
But the way, before mastic in jars and dispensers The journey to harvest the resin is long and arduous. This is because the resin is a rare natural product that can only be harvested on the Greek island of Chios. Only there does the mastic tree find the climate it needs: hot summers, just the right amount of water in winter – and calcareous soil. Between June and September, the farmers of Chios carefully score the bark of the trees; the resin drips in small tears onto the ground dusted with white lime. There it hardens and is collected by hand. A centuries-old tradition. And a guarantee that no impurities enter the natural product.
A true all-rounder: Mastic in cosmetics, cooking and medicine
Mastic is more than just a skincare product! This ground resin has been valued as an effective remedy for centuries. In Greek (and also Arabic) traditional medicine, it is used for gastrointestinal issues and to strengthen the immune system. It's often used proactively – before problems even arise. Even dentists rely on mastic as a secret weapon in oral hygiene: natural chewing gum with added resin helps clean teeth and freshens breath. All without any chemical additives! Mastic is also a popular ingredient in the food industry – in traditional Greek sweets and liqueurs.
A look at history
That mastic is experiencing a renaissance today is easy to understand: even the ancient Greeks and Romans were enthusiastic about its healing properties. The name "mastic" is derived from the Greek "mastichán," which means something like "to grind with the teeth." And that's precisely what it's about. Even the soldiers of antiquity chewed the resin between their teeth. The positive effects of this natural product were already highly valued back then. This later made it a valuable commodity. Mastic was a real export hit, especially during the Ottoman era, and it was also used as a remedy in monastery pharmacies across Europe during the Middle Ages.
