What is Camellia Sinensis Flower Water?
Camellia Sinensis Flower Water, also known as Green Tea Flower Water, is an aqueous solution derived from the steam distillate of the flowers of the Camellia sinensis plant, a member of the Theaceae family. This plant is more commonly known for its leaves, which are used to produce the popular beverage, green tea. However, its flowers also possess beneficial properties that have found their way into the world of cosmetics.
The use of Camellia Sinensis Flower Water in cosmetics can be traced back to ancient times, particularly in East Asia, where the Camellia sinensis plant is native. The plant’s flowers were recognized for their potent properties and were often used in traditional beauty treatments. With the advancement of technology, the beneficial properties of these flowers have been harnessed through steam distillation, a process that involves heating the flowers to produce steam, which is then cooled to form a liquid distillate.
Camellia Sinensis Flower Water is often compared to other floral waters like Rose Water or Lavender Water, which are also used for their beneficial properties in cosmetics. However, what sets Camellia Sinensis Flower Water apart is its unique function as an Anti-Sebum. This means it has the ability to control the production of sebum, the oily substance produced by our skin, making it a valuable ingredient in products designed for oily or acne-prone skin.
Typically, you’ll find Camellia Sinensis Flower Water in a variety of cosmetic products, including moisturizers, serums, and toners. Its anti-sebum properties make it particularly beneficial in products designed for oily or acne-prone skin, but it can also be found in products aimed at soothing the skin or providing antioxidant benefits.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Camellia Sinensis Flower Water:
Anti-Sebum
Camellia Sinensis Flower Water is officially recognized for its anti-sebum function. But what does this mean? In layman’s terms, sebum is the natural oil produced by your skin’s sebaceous glands. While it’s essential for keeping your skin moisturized and healthy, excessive sebum production can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne. The anti-sebum properties of Camellia Sinensis Flower Water can help regulate this oil production, thereby reducing the likelihood of these skin issues. This makes it a beneficial ingredient in skincare products, particularly those aimed at individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.
It’s important to note that the benefits listed here are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Camellia Sinensis Flower Water. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of these official functions. However, these additional benefits are not officially recognized and therefore, should be considered with caution to avoid being misled by brands and manufacturers.
Safety Profile
Camellia Sinensis Flower Water is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare and cosmetic products. However, as with any ingredient, individual reactions can vary and it is always recommended to do a patch test before using a product containing this ingredient widely.
While Camellia Sinensis Flower Water is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects of topical application may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently insufficient data on the safety of topical usage of Camellia Sinensis Flower Water during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to Camellia Sinensis Flower Water are not common, but it is always recommended to conduct a patch test before widespread usage to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant whose sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as well as other various publicly available sources.
