Ingredient

Date Syrup

Phoenix Dactylifera

Sugary and sticky date syrup is a sweet-scented delight for the skin and hair. 

Where do we get it?

Lush UK purchases this ingredient from a Belgium syrup producer who transforms dates grown in North Africa.

With seven manufacturing sites across the globe, this information may vary depending on where your Lush products were made.

What are the benefits of date syrup for the skin and hair?

• As a humectant, it makes the skin and hair retain moisture. 
• It helps products have a smooth and appealing consistency.

Unique stories

There are several kinds of dates, ranging from cylindrical to finger-shaped and varying in sweetness, colour, and texture. Dates are generally around 50% sugar and contain fibre, as well as some protein, vitamins, and minerals. The trees begin to bear fruit at around 4-5 years and are at their most fruitful at around 10-15 years of age, producing up to 80kg of dates each per year.

The date palm probably originated in the Persian Gulf and was a particularly important food source for the ancient African and Middle Eastern civilisations. Nomads used to carry dates on their travels through the deserts and planted the pits at oases they passed. It was also the main fruit-based sweetener before refined sugar was developed.

The ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations treasured it too. Cakes and pastries were made using date flour, pastes, and syrups. In Greek and Roman theatres, dates wrapped in gold leaf were sold as snacks. The tree was also an important source of wood, fibre, and sap, and the palm has inspired a great deal of symbolism in many cultures and religions.