Bamboo is an incredible green plant - undoubtedly so. It's as strong as steel, more sturdy than concrete and grows to timber size in a year - making it a renewable junkie's fantasy. But I bet you never looked at these stronger-than-thou stalks and thought they might be beneficial to your beauty regimen. Think again. Add to bamboo's roster: versatility.

Bamboo is making its way into cosmetics and beauty products worldwide, and while we'll certainly be scanning the labels for harmful unbeautiful ingredients, bamboo's eco-gorgeous properties are on our radar. Here's how its sprouting up:

• Bamboo Milk is extracted from bamboo leaves and stems with claims to be both a stimulant and an aphrodisiac. Look for a body wash near you that capitalizes on this creamily moisturizing, uplifting (euphemism?) ingredient. 
• Bamboo Powder has been long revered in Asia and is making its way around the world as an invaluable component in soaps, and even in spa treatments. It has antiseptic and astringent qualities, which prove awesome for oily and blemish-prone skin, and is rich in minerals. The finely milled powder can be mixed into masks and scrubs to work as a gentle exfoliant. 
• Bamboo Charcoal is another way that bamboo brings both incredible detoxifying abilities and gentle sloughing to soaps and facial cleansers. For anyone looking to remove impurities without irritating your skin, look for bamboo charcoal in your natural beauty products. 
• Bamboo Extract takes on your hair, including those lashes of yours. The extract is a rich source of natural silica which promotes hair growth and helps make existing hair stronger.  Look for bamboo shampoos and conditioners that promote fullness and body, and mascara that - of course - plumps up those lashes.

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