What is Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract?
Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract is a cosmetic ingredient derived from the plant cell culture suspension of the Coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea angustifolia. This plant is a member of the Asteraceae family, and is also commonly referred to as Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower. The extract is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and caffeic acid derivatives, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
The use of Echinacea angustifolia in skincare and health remedies dates back to the Native Americans, who used it for its healing properties. Over time, the benefits of this plant have been recognized in the cosmetic industry, leading to its use in various skincare products. The extract is obtained through a process known as plant cell culture technology. This involves growing plant cells or tissues in an artificial environment where conditions can be controlled to maximize the production of the desired compounds.
While there are other plant extracts used in cosmetics for their antioxidant and skin-protecting properties, Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract stands out due to its unique composition. It contains a higher concentration of beneficial compounds compared to other extracts, making it more potent in its effects. However, like other plant extracts, its efficacy can vary depending on the extraction method and the conditions under which the plant was grown.
Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract is typically used in a variety of skincare products due to its beneficial properties. These include moisturizers, serums, and anti-aging products. Its antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, while its skin-protecting function helps to improve the skin’s resilience and overall health.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract:
Antioxidant Properties
Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract is known for its potent antioxidant properties. In the context of cosmetics, antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the skin from harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the skin cells, leading to premature aging and other skin issues. The antioxidant properties of this extract help neutralize these free radicals, thereby preventing them from causing harm to the skin. This means that products containing this ingredient can help maintain the skin’s youthful appearance and overall health.
Skin Protecting
Another significant benefit of Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract is its skin-protecting capabilities. This extract helps form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, shielding it from environmental stressors such as pollution, harsh weather conditions, and harmful UV rays. This protective barrier also helps lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness and flakiness. Therefore, cosmetics with this ingredient can help keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and protected from external damage.
It’s important to note that the benefits listed above are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract. There may be other potential benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of its official functions. However, these are the direct benefits that you can expect when using products containing this ingredient.
Safety Profile
Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare and cosmetic products. However, like any ingredient, it may not be suitable for all skin types and there is always a potential for allergic reactions.
Potential side effects of topical application of Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract 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 use of Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using products containing this ingredient.
While adverse reactions to Echinacea Angustifolia Cell Culture Extract are not common, individual responses can vary. It is always recommended to conduct a patch test before using any new product widely on your skin.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The information provided here is based on the expertise of a TiS-appointed industry consultant, whose sources include the 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.