What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a golden-yellow spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, prized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-calming properties.[1][3]

  • Origin: Sourced from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, native to South Asia and widely cultivated in India and Southeast Asia.[4]
  • History: Used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for healing wounds, soothing skin, and reducing inflammation.[2][4]
  • Composition: Rich in curcuminoids (especially curcumin), essential oils, and natural antioxidants.[1][5]
  • Why We Love It: Calms irritation, supports skin repair, and helps keep feet healthy, comfortable, and resilient - all naturally.[1][2][6]

What is turmeric made up of?

  • 2-5%
    Curcumin

    → anti-inflammatory power
    Curcumin is the main active compound, reducing inflammation and supporting skin repair.[5][11]
  • 0.5-1%
    Demethoxycurcumin

    → antioxidant support
    Works alongside curcumin to neutralise free radicals and protect skin from stress.[5][11]
  • 0.2-0.5%
    Bisdemethoxycurcumin

    → skin healing
    Supports skin regeneration and helps calm irritation.[5][11]
  • 2-7%
    Essential oils

    → soothing, aromatic
    Turmeric’s essential oils provide additional anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.[5][11]
  • 3-7%
    Polysaccharides

    → skin resilience
    Help retain moisture and support skin’s natural barrier.[5][11]
  • traces
    minerals

    → skin health support
    Natural minerals nourish and maintain healthy skin.[5][11]

Ancient healer, modern essential

History of Turmeric

Turmeric has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for over 4,000 years, valued for its ability to heal wounds, soothe skin, and fight inflammation. Its golden colour and powerful benefits have made it a staple in both ancient rituals and modern wellness routines.[2][4][7]

Soothe and restore, naturally

Why We Use It

We use turmeric for its amazing ability to calm irritation, reduce redness, and support skin healing. Its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it ideal for active feet, helping to keep them comfortable, healthy, and protected.[1][2][6]

pure, sustainable sourcing

Where We Get It

Our turmeric is sourced from responsible growers in India and Southeast Asia who use sustainable farming and gentle processing methods to ensure purity and potency.[8][9]

safe for you, safe for the planet

Why It Matters

Choosing turmeric means choosing a renewable, biodegradable ingredient that’s gentle on your skin and the environment. It helps us create products that are effective, non-toxic, and free from harsh chemicals - so you can feel good with every use.[1][9][10]

Turmeric FAQs

Why do The Feats products include turmeric?

We use turmeric for its ability to soothe, protect, and revitalise skin - it naturally supports healthy, comfortable feet.[1][6]

What does turmeric do for my skin?

Turmeric calms irritation, reduces redness, and supports skin repair with its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties - ideal for active feet.[1][2][6]

Is turmeric suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, turmeric is gentle and effective for most skin types, including sensitive skin, when used in proper concentrations (like we do).[1][2]

How is your turmeric sourced?

Our turmeric is sourced from responsible growers using sustainable farming and gentle processing methods for purity and environmental care.[8][9]

Does turmeric have a scent or colour in your products?

Turmeric has a mild, earthy scent and imparts a golden hue, but is balanced with other ingredients for a pleasant, non-staining experience - so no yellow in your socks![1][5]

Collapsible content

Scientific sources

  1. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-for-skin
  2. Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318405
  3. Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/turmeric
  4. Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/turmeric
  5. PubChem (NIH): https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Turmeric
  6. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-662/turmeric
  7. Prasad, S., et al. (2014). "Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine." Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
  8. Supplier transparency reports
  9. Ethical Consumer: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/health-beauty/shopping-guide/spices
  10. Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/706561-TURMERIC/
  11. Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). "Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health." Foods, 6(10), 92. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/6/10/92

Key Scientific Papers Supporting Turmeric Use

  • Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). "Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health." Foods, 6(10), 92. Reviews the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-healing properties of curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric. Link
  • Prasad, S., et al. (2014). "Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine." Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Explores the traditional and modern uses of turmeric, including its role in wound healing and skin care. Link
  • PubChem (NIH): Turmeric Compound Summary. Provides a comprehensive overview of turmeric’s chemical constituents and their biological activities. Link
  • Chainani-Wu, N. (2003). "Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa)." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 9(1), 161-168. Confirms the safety and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin for topical and internal use. Link